His prisoners screamed with joy
and clapped their hands as they pushed him back with their feet
until the armor was too hot for them to touch. Then at last he
lay still and glowed darkly red, whilst the naked men danced in a
wild half-circle round the fire.
But now at last the supports had come. Lights flashed and armor
gleamed down the tunnel. The cellar filled with armed men, while
from above came the cries and turmoil of the feigned assault upon
the gate. Led by Knolles and Nigel, the storming party rushed
upward and seized the courtyard. The guard of the gate taken in
the rear threw down their weapons and cried for mercy. The gate
was thrown open and the assailants rushed in, with hundreds of
furious peasants at their heels. Some of the robbers died in hot
blood, many in cold; but all died, for Knolles had vowed to give
no quarter. Day was just breaking when the last fugitive had been
hunted out and slain. From all sides came the yells and whoops of
the soldiers with the rending and riving of doors as they burst
into the store-rooms and treasure-chambers. There was a joyous
scramble amongst them, for the plunder of eleven years, gold and
jewels, satins and velvets, rich plate and noble hangings were all
to be had for the taking.
The rescued prisoners, their hunger appeased and their clothes
restored, led the search for booty.
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