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.