m the heavy losses which
an assault would entail upon them, at once embraced his offers, and
promised him a large recompense if he would bring over the other
commanders and nobles. The wily bishop set to work, and the consequences
were soon visible. Open grumbling broke forth at the hardships which
were endured, and at the prospect of the wholesale slaughter which would
attend a storm when all hope of a successful resistance was at an end.

"I fear, Walter," Sir John said one morning, "that the end is at hand.
On all sides submission is spoken of, and all that I can say to keep up
their spirits is useless. Upon our own little band we can rely, but
I doubt if outside them a single determined man is to be found in the
town. In vain do I speak of the arrival of Sir Walter Manny. Nearly
ninety days have elapsed since we sailed, and all hope of his coming
is gone. I point out to them that contrary winds have been blowing, and
that at any moment he may arrive; but they will not hear me. The bishop
has gained over the whole of them by his promises that none shall be
molested in property or estate should they surrender."

"It is sad to see the countess," Walter replied; "she who has shown
such high spirit throughout the siege now does nothing but weep, for she
knows that with her and her child in the hands of the French the cause
of the count is lost. If she could carry off the child by sea she would
not so much care for the fall of the town, but the French ships lie
thick round the port, and there is no hope of breaking through."

Two days later the conspiracy came to a head, and the people, assembling
round the countess's house, clamoured for surrender. The breaches were
open, and the enemy might pour in at any time and put all to the
sword. The countess begged for a little further delay, but in vain, and
withdrew to the turret where she had for so many weary weeks watched the
horizon, in hopes of seeing the sails of the approaching fleet. Walter
was at the time with Sir John Powis on the walls.

Presently a large body of French were seen approaching headed by Henry
de Leon, who summoned the town to surrender. Many standing on the walls
shouted that the gates should be thrown open; but Sir John returned for
answer that he must consult the countess, and that upon her answer must
depend whether he and his men would defend the breach until the last.

"Come with me, Walter," he said, "we must fain persuade the countess. If
sh