, Sir Walter, for mercy's sake order that some food be placed before
us, or we shall have escaped from the French only to die of hunger here.
We have tasted nought since the attack on Vannes began. Have any beside
us escaped?"

"Lord Stafford contrived, with two or three others, to cut their way
out by a postern-gate, bringing with them Robert of Artois, who is
grievously wounded. None others, save you and your man-at-arms, have
made their way here."

In a few minutes a cold capon, several manchets of bread, and a stoop
of wine were placed before Walter, while Ralph's wants were attended to
below. When he had satisfied his hunger the young esquire related his
adventures to Sir Walter and several other knights and nobles, who had
by this time gathered in the room.

"In faith, Master Somers, you have got well out of your scrape," Sir
Walter exclaimed. "Had I been in your place I should assuredly have
perished, for I would a thousand times rather meet death sword in hand,
than drop down into the deep hole of that well. And your brains served
you shrewdly in devising a method of escape. What say you, gentlemen?"

All present joined in expressions of praise at the lad's coolness and
presence of mind.

"You are doing well, young sir," the English leader went on, "and have
distinguished yourself on each occasion on which we have been engaged.
I shall be proud when the time comes to bestow upon you myself the order
of knighthood if our king does not take the matter off my hands."

A little later Robert of Artois died of his wounds and disappointment at
the failure of his hopes.

In October King Edward himself set sail with a great army, and landing
in Brittany early in November marched forward through the country and
soon reduced Ploermel, Malestrail, Redon, and the rest of the province
in the vicinity of Vannes, and then laid siege to that town. As his
force was far more than sufficient for the siege, the Earls of Norfolk
and Warwick were despatched in the direction of Nantes to reconnoitre
the country and clear it of any small bodies of the enemy they might
encounter. In the meantime Edward opened negotiations with many of the
Breton lords, who, seeing that such powerful aid had arrived for the
cause of the Countess of Montford, were easily persuaded to change
sides. Among them were the lords of Clisson, Moheac, Machecoul, Retz,
and many others of less importance.

The Count of Valentinois, who commanded the garrison