Parties of horsemen were seen leaving the village to forage and plunder the surrounding country, but the main body remained quietly there.

The next day there was still no renewal of the attack, but as the enemy remained in occupation of the village Malcolm guessed that they must be waiting for the arrival of reinforcements.
The following afternoon a cloud of dust was seen upon the plain, and presently a column of infantry some four hundred strong, with three cannon, could be made out.

The townspeople now wavered in their determination.

A few were still for resistance, but the majority held that they could not attempt to withstand an assault by so strong a force, and that it was better to make the best terms they could with the enemy.
A parlementaire was accordingly despatched to the Imperialists asking what terms would be granted should the place surrender.
"We will grant no terms whatever," the colonel in command of the Imperialists said.

"The town is at our mercy, and we will do as we will with it and all within it; but tell Count Mansfeld that if he will surrender the castle as well as the town at once, and without striking another blow, his case shall receive favourable consideration." "That will not do," the count said.