“What has happened?” exclaimed the holy father; “when I was coming hither I passed freely in and no one stopped me; all thy lords and knights were sleeping, and there was no guard before thy tent.” “It is the work of that sorcerer Maugis. Come hither and break the chains which hold me prisoner.” The pretended pilgrim approached, and after some efforts succeeded in freeing the discomfited emperor, who, being grateful, gave him gold; this the pilgrim did not hesitate to quickly put in his pockets. Then the emperor discovered a small bottle containing a very clear liquid lying upon his couch. The pilgrim would have picked it up, when Charlemagne shouted: “Have a care, holy father! that bottle belongs to Maugis, and without doubt contains some death-dealing liquid, with which he intended my destruction.” Following these words, he dashed the vial into pieces upon the ground. It then happened the liquid gave forth a subtle odor, which penetrated everywhere and everyone was awakened; barons and knights, chiefs and soldiers, all awoke and rubbed their eyes with astonishment to see the pilgrim with the emperor, the entry of whom had aroused no one. The emperor then recounted to his peers and courtiers what had happened, and gave hasty orders for the immediate pursuit of the fugitive. It chanced at this time that when the peers put their hands down to their sides they perceived that their swords were missing, and at this moment the guardian of the treasury rushed in, almost breathless with excitement, and told the emperor that crown, jewels, precious stones, and money, all had disappeared. The emperor and the entire court were astounded, and gazed upon each other in dismay. They were appalled by the awful power that had been wielded against them. The emperor was the first to recover his senses. “I will go myself in pursuit,” he shouted. “It will not be long before we capture him; has any one seen him leave the camp, and what road hath he taken?” “Sire!” said the supposed pilgrim, “I can be thy guide. Coming hither, a figure hurried by me, bearing swords and other objects in his arms, and I know the road by which he left the camp, but thou must give me a horse to lead thee with. I am too feeble to walk.” A horse was secured immediately, and escorted by Charlemagne and several knights, he started forth upon the road in pursuit of Maugis. In the meantime, the soldiers had been aroused, and taking up their arms followed in the rear. The pilgrim being once more on horseback felt at his ease. “I am not now very skillful,” said he. “I am not strong, but if you will give me a sword, I feel I could use it once more, possibly well if required, because in other days I used to manage a sword like a master.” He was given a sword as he requested, and they continued upon the road. Our pilgrim, followed by the imperial troops, now entered into a deep gorge, a narrow passage formed on either side by inaccessible rocks.