These offered a more stubborn resistance, but threw down their arms and surrendered, when another of the Huguenot parties rode into the square.
At the sound of the conflict the upper windows of the houses were opened, and the citizens looked out in alarm at the struggle.

But the Catholics, having neither orders nor plan, dared not venture out; while the Huguenots mustered rapidly, with arms in their hands; and rendered valuable assistance to the horsemen, in attacking and putting to flight the parties of Catholic horse and foot, as they came hurriedly up.
In an hour all resistance had ceased and Orleans was taken.

The Count at once issued a proclamation to the citizens, assuring all peaceable persons of protection; and guaranteeing to the citizens immunity from all interference with personal property, and the right of full exercise of their religion.

The charge of the gates was given over to the Huguenot citizens.

Parties of horse were told off to patrol the streets, to see that order was preserved, and to arrest any using threats or violence to the citizens; and in a very few hours the town resumed its usual appearance.
Now that all fear of persecution was at an end, large numbers of the citizens, who had hitherto concealed their leanings towards the new religion, openly avowed them; and La Noue saw with satisfaction that the town could be safely left to the keeping of the Huguenot adherents, with the assistance only of a few men to act as leaders.
These he selected from the gentlemen of the province who had come with him and, as soon as these had entered upon their duties, he felt free to turn his attention elsewhere.
Two days were spent in appointing a council of the leading citizens, the Huguenots of course being in the majority.