“Bind this villain hand and foot and bear him to the camp of the twelve peers. Tell them,” he commanded, “that I deliver into their hands the traitorous coward who has, by his perfidious councils, tried to sow discord between us, and who, actuated by a mean jealousy of the brave Maugis, has kept me always excited against the sons of Aymon. Tell them to do with him what they will, I abandon him to their resentment. Tell them that I hope they will take into account this tardy act of loyalty on my part, and that they will return to my camp and continue to aid me by their good counsels.” CHAPTER XVI. The twelve peers, who really loved and admired the emperor, could not but accept his overtures. After a consultation they decided to return to the camp. Before doing so, however, they sent to Dordogne, under a strong escort, the cowardly Pinabel, with a message to Maugis that it was this man, with Ganelon, the latter having unfortunately escaped with the Abbé Gorieux, who had been the cause of all the trouble that had occurred, even to that very day, and they desired that Maugis should deal with him as he deemed best. In due time, Pinabel, with his escort, arrived at Dordogne, and the traitor was cast into a dungeon until further orders. When the twelve peers had arrived at the camp Charlemagne assembled them, and said: “Noble lords! it is true I am too severe, nevertheless the sons of Aymon have been guilty of revolt against me, with their cousin Renaud. They certainly merit punishment. I have felt that I must have the satisfaction to have one at least expiate the fault of all. I feel that my position is just and right, therefore go thou,” said he to the Duke de Naimes and say to them, “that if one of them will yield his life in expiation of the faults of all, the rest shall receive full pardon and safety from dishonor, and be allowed to retain full possession of all their rights.” The Duke de Naimes duly arrived at Dordogne and acquitted him of his message. The family were plunged into a stupor of consternation. Maugis alone retained his coolness. “The demand of the emperor is just,” said he, “and for the sake of all must be acceded to.” Then turning calmly to the Duke de Naimes, he said: “Go to Charlemagne and say to him that I will offer myself as a sacrifice for the good of mine. Tell him that to-morrow I will deliver myself up, and that I will release Richard de Normandie safe and sound.” Yolande, grief-stricken, threw herself upon her husband’s neck, crying: “Canst thou be so cruel, dear one? think, thy sons will be fatherless and my life a living death without thee.” Maugis disengaged her arms and putting her aside, said gently: “It is duty that calls me, I must obey.” “Thou shalt not go, Maugis. I am the one to be sacrificed. Thou hast a wife and sons. I am alone!” cried Richard. “Not so,” here interposed Alard. “It is I who will go.”