He had received intelligence that the band led by Laporte was just about to pass through the valley of Croix, below Barre, near Temelague.

In consequence of this information, he lay in ambush at a favourable spot on the route.

As soon as the Reformers who were without suspicion, were well within the narrow pass in which Poul awaited them, he issued forth at the head of his soldiers, and charged the rebels with such courage and impetuosity that they, taken by surprise, made no attempt at resistance, but, thoroughly demoralised, spread over the mountain-side, putting a greater and greater distance at, every instant between themselves and the enemy, despite the efforts of Laporte to make them stand their ground.

At last, seeing himself deserted, Laporte began to think of his own safety.

But it was already too late, for he was surrounded by dragoons, and the only way of retreat open to him lay over a large rock.