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268 the bridge that joined the rampart to the doorway opening into the keep, first setting fire to it and then drawing out the heavy iron bolts that supported the bridge, and letting it fall into the courtyard. They were thus deprived of all communication with any part of the castle, and their only hope now was in the strong walls of the great keep itself. The whole base of this enormous square tower was almost solid rock, and all the openings to it were narrow, and at worst would give entrance only to narrow and crooked passages, almost as defensible as the doors themselves.

Fully aware that the last stronghold could not be taken by a sudden rush, and satisfied with what they had already accomplished, the Count and Luke resolved to make no further advance that night, and gave orders that the men, after posting guards, should make themselves comfortable for the night. The wearied soldiers were glad to obey, and wrapping themselves in their cloaks lay down wherever they could find a convenient space. Before deciding to remain in the towers, however, Luke caused a thorough search to be made, for fear the garrison had undermined the towers or set fire to them. Nothing to excite alarm being found, the Count and Luke, attended by their especial followers, rode back to their camp near the edge of the woods. They were in high spirits