From the city a sortie would ensue; sometimes the two bodies only threatened each other at a distance, the first retiring as the second advanced.

Sometimes only a few arrows were discharged; occasionally they came to blows, but the casualties were rarely heavy.
One such party, while returning, was followed by a squadron of horsemen from the town towards the stream to within three hundred yards of the king's quarters.

Incensed at this assurance, several knights mounted their horses and rode out to reinforce the returning detachment, which was loaded with booty.

Finding themselves about to be supported, they threw down their spoils, faced about, and Felix saw for the first time a real and desperate _melee_.

It was over in five minutes.