Sir Rudolph and his knights leading the way, they entered the forest and gradually pressed their invisible foe backward through the trees.

The dogs did good service, going on ahead and attacking the archers; but, one by one, they were soon shot, and the assailants left to their own devices.

Several attempts were made to fire the wood.

But these failed, the fire burning but a short time and then dying out of itself.

In addition to the fighting men, Sir Rudolph had impressed into the service all the serfs of his domain, and these, armed with axes, were directed to cut down the trees as the force proceeded, Sir Rudolph declaring that he would not cease until he had leveled the whole forest, though it might take him months to do so.
The assailants gained ground steadily, the resistance being less severe than Sir Rudolph had anticipated.