m . would not hear them : he made them leave his pre-fence, when they mounted their horfes and returned to Ghent, and there related what they had done, and how well they had managed the bufinefs ; that they had fucceeded in obtaining an amicable fe&-tlement with the earl, when the unfortunate event of the caftle being burnt came to his ears. After this, the earl threatened them greatly, and declared he would never confent to any peace until fuch of the townfmen as he fhould choofc were given up to htm. The well-meaning inhabitants faw things were taking a bad turn, and that the white hoods had ruined alii but there were none bold enough to fpeak out. ' . - The earl of Flanders fet off with his attendants from Male, and came to his hôtel at Lille, whither . he fummoned all the knights of Flanders, and every gentleman dependant on him, to have their advice how he fhould - aft on this occafion, and by what means he fhould reVenge himfelf on the inhabitants of Ghent for the* contempt they had fhewn. All the gentlemen of Flanders fwore to be true and * loyal to him, as every one ought to be towards their lord. The earl was much pleafed at this, and fent reinforcements to the garrifons in all his caftles at Dcndremonde, Ruffelmonde, Aloft, at Courtray and Audenardc, CHAP.