One of the results of the examination was that Geoffrey was discovered in the house where Gaston had taken up his abode. But for Philippe's dulness of mind the young squire might have been regarded as one of the wounded defenders of the town, but instead the squire was seized and carried before the Governor of Harfleur.
Closely questioned by the Lord of Gaucourt, Geoffrey admitted that he was a squire to the Constable of Portchester, and had been taken prisoner at the destruction of the mine, but he steadfastly refused to give the name of his captor; and as Gaston had hidden himself on the news of the apprehension of his prisoner, and Philippe had retained sufficient sense to pretend to be unable to throw light upon the matter, the culprit who had broken the orders relating to the refusal of quarter remained undiscovered.
"Away with him," thundered Gaucourt at the conclusion of the interrogation. "To the tower at the North Gate. Bid the men-at-arms erect a gallows on the battlements and send a herald to the enemy. Tell them that an English squire is in our hands, and should they execute our spy this squire's life shall pay forfeit."
It was a strange sight that met Geoffrey's gaze as he found himself on the lofty battlements with the shadow of a rough gallows falling athwart the shattered masonry.
Around him stood Gaucourt and the chief men of the garrison and town, while in the background were the men-at-arms and cross-bowmen to whom the defence of the tower was entrusted.
Below the outlines of the besiegers' trenches were spread out like a gigantic map, while upon the earthworks English archers and men-at-arms swarmed like ants, shaking their fists and shouting in impotent rage at the men who were about to take vengeance upon their prisoner.
Yet not an arrow nor a bolt was discharged from either party, for an hour's truce had been agreed upon, so that the French herald could place his master's proposals for the life of the spy before King Henry.
At a safe distance in the rear of the trenches clustered the tents of the English host, the largest flying the banner of the lion and leopards quartered with the fleur-de-lys that denoted the royal pavilion.
Massed in close columns were bodies of the English men-at-arms, accompanied by a swarm of lightly-clad men bearing long scaling ladders. Amongst the banners of the knights who were to lead the desperate attack Geoffrey recognized the star and crescent of Sir Thomas Carberry's company as the Hampshire men stood to their arms, ready at the termination of the truce to rush towards the walls to rescue or avenge their young squire.
At length, escorted by a guard of mounted archers, the French herald left the royal pavilion and rode slowly towards the town. Hardly had he reached the innermost of the triple line of trenches when there was a commotion amidst the tents, and, accompanied by a brilliant train of knights, Henry himself advanced to direct the threatened assault.