Two or three then hurried away at full speed to give the alarm, while the others strove to repel the assault.

Their efforts were in vain.

The planks were flung across the moat, the ladders placed in position, and led by Walter the assailants sprang up and gained a footing on the wall before the alarm was fairly given.

A thundering cheer from the spectators greeted the success of the assailants.
Springing along the wall they drove before them the few who strove to oppose them, gained the central tower, and Walter, springing up to the top, pulled down the banner of the defenders and placed that of the city in its place.

At this moment the defenders, awakened too late to the ruse which had been played upon them, came swarming back along the wall and strove to regain the central tower.