While this was in progress a mine was commenced close to the northern gate of the town. Working day and night, the sappers plied mattock and spade so diligently that on the third day of the siege the tunnel had all but reached the base of one of the flanking towers of the gate.
To protect these underground toilers a strong force of men-at-arms was stationed in the subterranean gallery under the orders of the Constable of Portchester, who directed his two squires Richard Ratclyffe and Geoffrey, to take alternate duty in the mine.
"And mark ye well," he exclaimed. "Ever and anon ye must bid the diggers cease. Then listen attentively. If ye hear the sound of the Frenchmen's spades speed and bring me word, or our labour is undone. They of the city are not a mere rabble of townsfolk to be despised, for both the Lord of Gaucourt and Sir Jean d'Estrelle are past masters in the art of war. If they have not already commenced a countermine, may I never again break bread."
Just before midnight Geoffrey descended the shaft leading to the tunnel. The sullen glare of the torches threw a weird light upon the naked backs of the diggers, the tarnished armour of the men-at-arms, and the timber props of the long, narrow gallery that reeked vilely of an unwholesome smoke-laden atmosphere.
"Hast heard aught?" asked he of Ratclyffe, who had hastened to meet him with evident relief.
"I did but bid the men cease a short while ago," replied the elder squire. "All is quiet as the grave."
Left to himself, Geoffrey slowly paced the tunnel betwixt the bottom of the shaft and the part occupied by the guard of men-at-arms. The heat soon became so oppressive that he removed his bascinet, placing it on a convenient baulk of timber, then wrapping a scarf round his head he continued his measured pace to and fro till he had completed twelve lengths of the tunnel.
Then bidding the toilers desist, he placed his ear to the damp ground and listened intently.
"Methinks Sir John will have to forswear his bread," he exclaimed to himself, as the diggers resumed their operations.
Thrice did the squire call a halt, but on each occasion there were no signs or sounds of the counter-miners' work.