Lier, Breda, as well as Alost, were likewise ready to throw their reinforcements into the citadel at a moment's warning.

At the signal of their chief, the united bands might sweep from their impregnable castle with a single impulse.
The city cried aloud for help, for it had become obvious that an attack might be hourly expected.

Meantime an attempt, made by Don Sancho d'Avila to tamper with the German troops stationed within the walls, was more than partially, successful.

The forces were commanded by Colonel Van Ende and Count Oberatein.

Van Ende, a crafty traitor to his country, desired no better than to join the mutiny on so promising an occasion, and his soldiers, shared his sentiments.