“I have seen them, and I bring you, sire, the head of the monster as an evidence of my victory.” Allegrignac stooped down to take the bag, which he had placed beside him at the beginning of his story, when Mitaine entered and announced that the Baron of Mont-Rognon desired an audience. “By my beard! I am curious to see and hear him. Allegrignac, withdraw, and let the Knight of Bourglastic speak. Bid the baron enter.” Mont-Rognon stepped in proudly; he paused at a few paces from Charlemagne, bowed, placed beside him the bag about which we know, and waited to be interrogated. “I have often reproached myself for having sent you on so formidable an adventure, my brave baron; only the remembrance of your past feats of valour could make my mind easy about you. However, you have returned.” “I know not how to express to my Sovereign all my gratitude for the honour he does me. I always believed that the joy of victory is the greatest in the world, and the beating of my heart assures me that I was not mistaken.” “The joy of victory, do you say? Of what victory do you speak?” “Of that which I have just won over the Knight of Fear.” A murmur of surprise was heard on all sides. “Come forward, Allegrignac,” said the Emperor, in a severe voice. “What does this mean, and which of you is the impostor?” The consciences of the two pretended victors were not so clear that they could listen without alarm to the infuriated voice of Charlemagne. They felt that impudence alone could assist them; and Allegrignac coming forward, pointed to the Knight of Bourglastic, and said-- “If, sire, this man pretends that he has vanquished the Knight of Fear, I declare that he lies.” “Lies!” cried Mont-Rognon, blinded with rage. “Who dares utter the word?” “I, Allegrignac, Count of Salençon.” “Traitor and perjurer! you shall not quit this place alive. A disgraceful death shall be your fate, and the fate of all belonging to you.” And he drew his sword. “Yes, you have lied, baron of the realm though you be, and I will teach you to change your note, perjured coward! I shall slay you and yours before the humblest lacquey in my service is the worse by a hair, for all your bravery.” “These two cocks,” said Oliver, “seem to me to crow too long before they begin fighting. It would be mockery to separate them.” Charlemagne raised his voice, and silence was at once restored. “I find you daring enough,” said he, “to deafen me with your clamour. This insolence is insufferable. The first who speaks without being questioned shall be punished; understand that, one and all!” and then he added, after a moment, “What proof have you of the victory you say you have won? Speak, Allegrignac.” “I have the head of the monster in this bag.” “And you, Mont-Rognon, what have you to say?”