assault was taking place. Such as had no horses she ordered
to take them from those in her own stables. Walter was mounted on one of
the best of the count's chargers. Immediately the force was collected,
the gate was opened and the countess rode forth at their head. Making a
considerable detour, the party rode without being observed into the rear
of the French camp. Here only a few servants and horse-boys were found,
these were at once killed or driven out; then all dismounting, set fire
to the tents and stores; and ere the French were aware of what was going
on, the whole of their camp was in flames. As soon as the conflagration
was perceived, the French commanders drew off their men from the attack,
and all ran at full speed towards the camp.

"We cannot regain the town," the countess said; "we will ride to Auray
at full speed, and re-enter the castle when best we may."

Don Louis of Spain, who with a considerable following was fighting
in the French ranks, hearing from the flying camp followers that the
countess herself was at the head of the party which had destroyed the
camp, instantly mounted, and with a large number of horsemen set off in
hot pursuit. A few of the countess's party who were badly mounted were
overtaken and slain, but the rest arrived safely at Auray, when the
gates were shut in the face of their pursuers.

The blow was a heavy one for the besiegers, but they at once proceeded
to build huts, showing that they had no intention of relinquishing the
siege. Spies were sent from Auray, and these reported that the new
camp was established on the site of the old one, and that the French
evidently intended to renew the attack upon the side on which they had
first commenced, leaving the other side almost unwatched.

Accordingly, on the fifth day after leaving the town, the countess
prepared to return. Except Walter, none were informed of her intention,
as she feared that news might be taken to the French camp by friends of
Charles of Blois; but as soon as it was nightfall, and the gates were
shut, the trumpet sounded to horse. In a few minutes the troop assembled
in the market-place, and the countess, accompanied by Walter, placing
herself at their head, rode out from the town. The strictest silence was
observed. On nearing the town all were directed to dismount, to tear
up the horse-cloths, and to muffle the feet of their horses. Then the
journey was resumed, and so careless was the watch kept by the Fre