The poor king bowed his head in the deepest dejection, the act he was asked to commit revolted him, and there was going on within him a bitter struggle between his self-interest and his duty to the sons D’Aymon; then, too, he thought of the suffering of his sister. For a moment the better nature was in the ascendancy. The wily abbé studied his face and read there the struggle going on within; too crafty to descend to lying, it only remained for the base Godefroy to complete the work. Said he: “In good sooth, sire; thou wouldst not hold thy oath to this sorcerer and his brothers so heavy a burden on thy conscience didst thou but know that they now conspire to rob thee of thy throne. This, I can assure thee, I have from one who is in their counsel.” “Art sure?” queried the king, arousing. “I can prove this beyond a doubt,” replied the lying Godefroy. “Enough!” cried King Yon, “let it be so, I will contend against thee no longer.” Then it was, the dishonored king, at the dead of night, conspired with the enemies of Maugis to deliver him into the hands of Charlemagne, which being complete, the king retired, at last easy in mind over the prospect that he would be allowed undisturbed possession of his kingdom. CHAPTER XI. On the next day King Yon went to Montaubon, and said to Maugis: “At last, dear brother, am I able to apprise thee that it will be possible for thee and thy brothers to conclude peace with Charlemagne. This has come about through my good offices, and I have come to felicitate thee that thy struggles are over.” Yon then made up a tissue of lies, cunningly devised for him by the abbé, giving color to the statement that he came to Maugis in behalf of the emperor to offer to the brothers D’Aymon terms of peace. He stipulated they should go the next day, all four, armed only with their swords, to meet Charlemagne on the plain of Vancoleurs. “I will give you,” said the hypocritical king, “a few knights of my court to accompany you. To show your humility you will go mounted upon mules, and you will carry in your hands branches of roses and olives as a sign of reconciliation. The emperor will await you there with the Duke de Naimes, Oger, and twelve peers. You will throw yourselves on your knees at his feet and he will then pardon you and allow you to retain full possession of all your rights.” At this happy news the face of Maugis lighted with joy, but it was soon clouded with doubt; although he feared no treachery from his brother-in-law, he had no confidence in Charlemagne. “’Tis indeed good news,” said he, “that thou dost bring me, good brother, but canst thou assure me there is no treachery behind all these fair promises?”