For a moment the men drew together to consider the offer. But the very mention of "gold pieces" aroused their base passions and cupidity; perhaps they thought that fear dictated the generous offer. Then the leader cried out—
"We will have your gold and your horses too; dismount and we promise you your lives."
Geoffrey turned rapidly to his men.
"Two abreast," he cried; "are you ready? Charge!"
Then they dug their spurs into their horses' flanks and, like a thunderbolt, they hurled themselves into the midst of the seething mob, with a wild British cheer! Cutting, slashing, hewing, stabbing, the six trained and disciplined soldiers passed through their foes as if they had been but wax dolls or stuffed effigies. In less than a minute they had won their way, and the path through which they had passed was strewn with the dead and dying.
Then Geoffrey cried "Halt!"
The gueux were a hundred yards behind them, and they showed no inclination to pursue.
"Is any man hurt?" cried Geoffrey to his party.
Two lads answered—
"Only a little blood-letting, sir."