They knew that treachery must have been at work, to have enabled the enemy to surprise the camp, and, as they could not tell how far that treachery extended, they abstained from all action.
Captain Davenant's troop had shared in the disaster inflicted by the night attack upon the cavalry camp.

All were asleep when the English cavalry burst upon them.

Taken utterly by surprise, and ignorant as to the strength of the force by which they were attacked, there was no thought of resistance.

Officers and men leapt from the piles of rushes, which served as beds, and rushed to their horses.

The English troopers were cutting and hewing in all directions, and, cutting the picket ropes, each man sprang on his horse and rode for his life.
Captain Davenant had, at first, shouted to his men to keep steady; but his words were lost in the din which prevailed, and, seeing that nothing was to be done, he said to Walter: "It is all over, Walter.