第41章 THE SIEGE OF HENNEBON(1)
The besiegers of Hennebon were greatly discouraged at the success of the enterprise of the countess.They had already attempted several desperate assaults, but had each time been repulsed with very heavy loss.They now sent to Rennes for twelve of the immense machines used in battering walls, which had been left behind there on a false report of the weakness of Hennebon.Pending the arrival of these, Charles of Blois, with one division of the army, marched away to attack Auray, leaving Don Louis to carry on the siege with a force considered amply sufficient to compel its surrender after the arrival of the battering machines.
In a few days these arrived and were speedily set to work, and immense masses of stone were hurled at the walls.
Walter continued to act as the countess's especial squire.She had informed Sir William Caddoudal and Sir John Powis that it was at his suggestion that she had made the sudden attack upon the French camp, and he had gained great credit thereby.
The effect of the new machines was speedily visible.The walls crumbled under the tremendous blows, and although the archers harassed by their arrows the men working them, the French speedily erected screens which sheltered them from their fire.The spirits of the defenders began to sink rapidly, as they saw that in a very short time great breaches would be made in the walls, and that all the horrors and disasters of a city taken by assault awaited them.The Bishop of Quimper who was within the walls, entered into secret negotiations with his nephew, Henry de Leon, who had gone over to the enemy after the surrender of Nantes, and was now with the besieging army.The besiegers, delighted to find an ally within the walls who might save them from the heavy losses which an assault would entail upon them, at once embraced his offers, and promised him a large recompense if he would bring over the other commanders and nobles.The wily bishop set to work, and the consequences were soon visible.Open grumbling broke forth at the hardships which were endured, and at the prospect of the wholesale slaughter which would attend a storm when all hope of a successful resistance was at an end.
"I fear, Walter," Sir John said one morning, "that the end is at hand.On all sides submission is spoken of, and all that I can say to keep up their spirits is useless.Upon our own little band we can rely, but I doubt if outside them a single determined man is to be found in the town.In vain do I speak of the arrival of Sir Walter Manny.Nearly ninety days have elapsed since we sailed, and all hope of his coming is gone.I point out to them that contrary winds have been blowing, and that at any moment he may arrive; but they will not hear me.The bishop has gained over the whole of them by his promises that none shall be molested in property or estate should they surrender.""It is sad to see the countess," Walter replied; "she who has shown such high spirit throughout the siege now does nothing but weep, for she knows that with her and her child in the hands of the French the cause of the count is lost.If she could carry off the child by sea she would not so much care for the fall of the town, but the French ships lie thick round the port, and there is no hope of breaking through."Two days later the conspiracy came to a head, and the people, assembling round the countess's house, clamoured for surrender.The breaches were open, and the enemy might pour in at any time and put all to the sword.The countess begged for a little further delay, but in vain, and withdrew to the turret where she had for so many weary weeks watched the horizon, in hopes of seeing the sails of the approaching fleet.Walter was at the time with Sir John Powis on the walls.
Presently a large body of French were seen approaching headed by Henry de Leon, who summoned the town to surrender.Many standing on the walls shouted that the gates should be thrown open; but Sir John returned for answer that he must consult the countess, and that upon her answer must depend whether he and his men would defend the breach until the last.
"Come with me, Walter," he said, "we must fain persuade the countess.If she says no, we Englishmen will die in the breach; but though ready to give my life for so brave a lady, I own that it is useless to fight longer.Save our own little band not one in the town will lift a sword again.Such resistance as we can offer will but inflame them to fury, and all the horrors of a sack will be inflicted upon the inhabitants.There she is, poor lady, on the turret, gazing, as usual, seaward."Suddenly they saw her throw up her arms, and then, turning towards the city, she cried, as she perceived the English knight: "I see them! I see them! The English fleet are coming!""Run up, Walter," Sir John exclaimed, "maybe the countess is distraught with her sorrows.
Walter dashed up to the turret, and looking seaward beheld rising over the horizon a number of masts.
"Hurrah ! Sir John," he shouted, "we are saved, the English fleet is in sight."Many others heard the shout, and the tidings ran like lightning through the town.In wild excitement the people ran to the battlements and roofs, and with cheering and clapping of hands hailed the appearance of the still far-distant fleet.The church bells rang out joyfully and the whole town was wild with excitement.
The Bishop of Quimper, finding that his plans were frustrated, gathered around him some of those who had taken a leading part in the intrigue.