Cnut encouraged his followers by his shouts, and armed with a heavy ax, did good service upon the assailants.

But four of his party had fallen, and the rest were giving way, when a shout was heard, and over the drawbridge poured Cuthbert and one hundred and fifty of the outlaws of the forest.

Struck with terror at this attack, the garrison drew back, and the foresters poured into the yard.

For a few minutes there was a fierce fight; but the defenders of the castle, disheartened and taken by surprise, were either cut down or, throwing down their arms, cried for quarter.
Ten minutes after the wagon had crossed the drawbridge the castle was safely in possession of Sir Cuthbert.

The bridge was raised, the wagon removed, the portcullis lowered, and to the external eye all remained as before.
Cuthbert at once made his way to the chamber where the Lady Margaret was confined, and her joy at her deliverance was great indeed.