Every day the progress of the army became more difficult, as the country people everywhere rose against them, and several times attempted to make a stand but were defeated with great loss.

The principal towns were found deserted, and even Poix, which offered great capabilities of defence, had been left unguarded.

Upon the English entering, the burghers offered to pay a large ransom to save the town from plunder.

The money was to be delivered as soon as the English force had withdrawn, and Walter Somers was ordered by the king to remain behind with a few men-at-arms to receive the ransom.
No sooner had the army departed than the burghers, knowing that the French army was close behind, changed their minds, refused to pay the ransom, and fell upon the little body of men-at-arms.

Although taken quite by surprise by the act of treachery Walter instantly rallied his men although several had been killed at the first onslaught.