But that was not his greatest achievement; for, although he had left but few men in each place, he had by that means rid himself on the march of that portion of his army which had already shown itself ready to drop away.[506] [Footnote 506: _Geste des Nobles_, p.204._Chronique de la Pucelle_, p.256.Letter from Salisbury to the Commons of London, in Delpit, _Collection de documents francais qui se trouvent en Angleterre_, pp.
236, 237.

Jarry, _Le compte de l'armee anglaise_, pp.

79-89.] From Janville he sent two heralds to Orleans to summon the inhabitants to surrender.

The magistrates lodged these heralds honourably in the faubourg Bannier, at the Hotel de la Pomme and confided to them a present of wine for the Earl of Salisbury; they knew their duty to so great a prince.

But they refused to open their gates to the English garrison, alleging, doubtless, as was the custom of citizens in those days, that they were not able to open them, having those within who were stronger than they.[507] [Footnote 507: Abbe Dubois, _Histoire du siege_, p.11.Jarry, _Le compte de l'armee anglaise_, p.82.Boucher de Molandon, _Les comptes de ville d'Orleans des quatorzieme et quinzieme siecles_, Orleans, 1880, in 8vo, pp.