Walter was mounted on one of the best of the count's chargers.

Immediately the force was collected, the gate was opened and the countess rode forth at their head.

Making a considerable detour, the party rode without being observed into the rear of the French camp.

Here only a few servants and horse-boys were found, these were at once killed or driven out; then all dismounting, set fire to the tents and stores; and ere the French were aware of what was going on, the whole of their camp was in flames.

As soon as the conflagration was perceived, the French commanders drew off their men from the attack, and all ran at full speed towards the camp.
"We cannot regain the town," the countess said; "we will ride to Auray at full speed, and re-enter the castle when best we may." Don Louis of Spain, who with a considerable following was fighting in the French ranks, hearing from the flying camp followers that the countess herself was at the head of the party which had destroyed the camp, instantly mounted, and with a large number of horsemen set off in hot pursuit.