The hostility of Philip had dispelled their dread of isolated action; many indeed had even promised aid to the French king on his landing.

John found himself in the midst of hidden enemies; and nothing could have saved him but the haste--whether of panic or quick decision--with which he disbanded his army and took refuge in Nottingham Castle.

The arrest of some of the barons showed how true were his fears, for the heads of the French conspiracy, Robert Fitzwalter and Eustace de Vesci, at once fled over sea to Philip.

His daring self-confidence, the skill of his diplomacy, could no longer hide from John the utter loneliness of his position.

At war with Rome, with France, with Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, at war with the Church, he saw himself disarmed by this sudden revelation of treason in the one force left at his disposal.