three in the morning
Methinks that if we could get out in the dark unobserved , and form close to the walls , so that their pickets lying around might not suspect us of purposing to issue forth , we might , when daylight dawned , make an attack upon their guns , and if we could spike these the assault would probably cease . '' The attempt was determined upon . The Roundhead infantry were disposed behind as well as in front of the castle , so as to prevent the escape of the besieged ; but the camp was at a distance of some four hundred yards . The chains of the drawbridge across the moat were oiled , as were the bolts of the doors , and at three in the morning the gate was opened , and the drawbridge lowered across the moat . A thick layer of sacks was then placed upon the drawbridge . The horses ' hoofs were also muffled with sacking , and then , one by one , the horses were led out , the drawbridge was drawn up again , and all was quiet . No sound or motion in the Puritan camp betrayed that their exit was observed , and they could hear the challenges of the circuit of sentries passed from man to man .