nearly midnight
Everything was now in readiness and , as the hour of ten was sounded by the clock of the Castle of St. Angelo , the troops headed by Captain Morrel and the Count filed out of the court-yard and began their march . When the open country was reached the guide took up a position a trifle in advance of the detachment and led the way . Complete silence was maintained and the utmost care taken to muffle the tramp of the soldiers ' feet . After marching until nearly midnight , the guide in a low , cautious whisper informed the Count and Maximilian that the bandits ' fastness was close at hand . A brief halt for rest and recuperation was immediately ordered ; then the advance was resumed , followed by a struggle with the brigands ' sentinel , who was seized and overpowered before he could give even the slightest alarm . `` Now , men , '' said Captain Morrel , in a firm , commanding tone , `` for a prompt dash and we shall trap all the wolves in their subterranean den ! '' The cave had two entrances .