The citizens, hemmed in on all sides by marauders, were in want of many necessaries of life, among other things, of salt.

Martin had, from time to time, sent some of his soldiers into the place, disguised as boors from the neighbourhood, and carrying bags of that article.

A pacific trading intercourse had thus been established between the burghers within and the banditti without the gates.

Agreeable relations were formed within the walls, and a party of townsmen had agreed to cooperate with the followers of Schenk.

One morning a train of waggons laden with soldiers neatly covered with salt, made their appearance at the gate.