the
standard price, and even more severe penalties inflicted upon those who
should consent to pay higher wages. It was, however, many years before
England recovered from the terrible blow which had been dealt her from
the pestilence.

While Europe had been ravaged by pestilence the adherents of France and
England had continued their struggle in Brittany in spite of the terms
of the truce, and this time King Edward was the first open aggressor,
granting money and assistance to the free companies, who pillaged and
plundered in the name of England. The truce expired at the end of 1348,
but was continued for short periods. It was, however, evident that both
parties were determined ere long to recommence hostilities. The French
collected large forces in Artois and Picardy, and Edward himself
proceeded to Sandwich to organize there another army for the invasion of
France.

Phillip determined to strike the first blow, and, before the conclusion
of the truce, to regain possession of Calais. This town was commanded by
a Lombard officer named Almeric of Pavia. Free communication existed,
in consequence of the truce, between Calais and the surrounding
country, and Jeffrey de Charny, the governor of St. Omer, and one of
the commissioners especially appointed to maintain the truce, opened
communications with the Lombard captain. Deeming that like most
mercenaries he would be willing to change sides should his interest to
do so be made clear, he offered him a large sum of money to deliver the
castle to the French.

The Lombard at once agreed to the project. Jeffrey de Charny arranged
to be within a certain distance of the town on the night of the 1st of
January, bringing with him sufficient forces to master all opposition
if the way was once opened to the interior of the town. It was further
agreed that the money was to be paid over by a small party of French
who were to be sent forward for the purpose of examining the castle, in
order to ensure the main body against treachery. As a hostage for the
security of the detachment, the son of the governor was to remain in
the hands of the French without, until the safe return of the scouting
party.

Several weeks elapsed between the conclusion of the agreement and the
date fixed for its execution, and in the meantime the Lombard, either
from remorse or from a fear of the consequences which might arise from
a detection of the plot before its execution, or from the subsequent
vengeanc