noon
`` At any rate , '' Walter said to Ralph , `` we have gained a respite ; but even now I fear that if the Black Prince comes not until tomorrow he will arrive too late . '' The French , apparently as well aware as the garrison of the necessity for haste , laboured at the repair of the machine . Bodies of men started to cut down trees to supply the place of the beams which had been rendered useless . Scarcely had the assault ceased when horsemen were despatched in various directions to seek for fresh ropes , and by dint of the greatest exertions the machine was placed in position to renew its attack shortly after noon . By two o'clock several large portions of the damaged wall had fallen , and the debris formed a slope by which an assaulting column could rush to the bridge . As soon as this was manifest the French force formed for the assault and rushed forward in solid column . Walter had made the best preparation possible for the defence .