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ever and anon left them to take an observation on the edge of the wood,
but the guards watched steadily by the glare of the torches, and a dim
light crept through the windows of the pagoda.
They waited till
midnight; but no change took place among the guards, and it became
apparent that their yielding to sleep could not be counted on. The other
plan must be carried out; an opening in the walls of the pagoda must be
made. It remained to ascertain whether the priests were watching by the
side of their victim as assiduously as were the soldiers at the
door.
After a last consultation, the guide announced that he
was ready for the attempt, and advanced, followed by the others. They took
a roundabout way, so as to get at the pagoda on the rear. They reached the
walls about half-past twelve, without having met anyone; here there was no
guard, nor were there either windows or doors.
The night was
dark. The moon, on the wane, scarcely left the horizon, and was covered
with heavy clouds; the height of the trees deepened the darkness.
accomplished, and to attain this purpose the party only had their
pocket-knives. Happily the temple walls were built of brick and wood,
which could be penetrated with little difficulty; after one brick had been
taken out, the rest would yield easily.