To render the matter yet more plausible he even dispatched a messenger to Charlemagne. The emperor, however, who had several times condemned the conduct of the duke to his sons, tacitly approved their conduct in this case. In the meantime, the brothers continued their march onward, not having quite decided upon their course. It was Maugis’ wish to get to Paris and rescue Yolande, if possible; but unless strategy could be used, it could not be accomplished with any means short of a large army. Still the disquietude and anxiety of Maugis was so great as to nearly overcome his prudence, and he was almost ready to march on Paris with his small force. So they continued onward; one day De Baudelot, having ridden ahead to reconnoiter the road, was joined by the brothers. All at once the quick eye of Maugis discerned the glint of arms on the road over a neighboring hilltop in the morning sunshine, indicating that a large force was approaching. Scouts were at once sent out, and soon the joyful news was brought to them that Renaud, their cousin, son of the unfortunate Duke d’Aigremont, was at the head of the approaching army. When they met they were all much affected. After the first moments of joy, Renaud explained to them that he had learned that Charlemagne had raised a large army. For what purpose he knew not, but he, supposing that a breach between the Duke d’Aymon and Charlemagne had been followed by a reconciliation between the duke and his sons, and that the consequences would be an attack from Charlemagne, had, on his part, taken his father’s army and was on his way to offer his services to the duke. Maugis soon apprised Renaud of the real state of affairs, and Renaud then swore he would accompany him wherever he might go, and that his army and his sword would be at the disposal of his cousins. Renaud then told Maugis that there was accompanying him a messenger from the kingdom of Yon, whom he had overtaken, footsore and weary, journeying on his way to the Château d’Aymon, bearing a message for Maugis. The traveler, immediately summoned, placed in the hands of Maugis a silken-bound packet, which he opened with trembling hand, knowing well it was news from Yolande. The packet contained the ring and these words: