s hands tied, and his
head uncovered. When the Emperor saw Ogier approach he took Charlot by
the arm, led him towards Ogier, and said these words: "I surrender the
criminal; do with him as you think fit." Ogier, without replying,
seized Charlot by the hair, forced him on his knees, and lifted with
the other hand his irresistible sword. Charlemagne, who expected to see
the head of his son rolling at his feet, shut his eyes and uttered a
cry of horror.

Ogier had done enough. The next moment he raised Charlot, cut his
bonds, kissed him on the mouth, and hastened to throw himself at the
feet of the Emperor.

Nothing can exceed the surprise and joy of Charlemagne at seeing his
son unharmed and Ogier kneeling at his feet. He folded him in his arms,
bathed him with tears, and exclaimed to his barons, "I feel at this
moment that Ogier is greater than I." As for Charlot, his base soul
felt nothing but the joy of having escaped death; he remained such as
he had been, and it was not till some years afterwards he received the
punishment he deserved, from the hands of Huon of Bordeaux, as we have
seen in a former chapter.

OGIER, THE DANE (Continued)

WHEN Charlemagne had somewhat recovered his composure he was surprised
to observe that Ogier appeared in good case, and had a healthy color in
his cheeks. He turned to the Archbishop, who could not help blushing as
he met his eye. "By the head of Bertha, my queen," said Charlemagne,
"Ogier has had good quarters in your castle, my Lord Archbishop; but so
much the more am I indebted to you." All the barons laughed and jested
with Turpin, who only said, "Laugh as much as you please, my lords; but
for my part I am not sorry to see the arm in full vigor that is to
avenge us on the proud Saracen."

Charlemagne immediately despatched his herald, accepting the challenge,
and appointing the next day but one for the encounter. The proud and
crafty Bruhier laughed scornfully when he heard the reply accepting his
challenge, for he had a reliance on certain resources besides his
natural strength and skill. However, he swore by Mahomet to observe the
conditions as proposed and agreed upon.

Ogier now demanded his armor, and it was brought to him in excellent
condition, for the good Turpin had kept it faithfully; but it was not
easy to provide a horse for the occasion. Charlemagne had the best
horses of his stables brought out, except Blanchard, his own charger;
but all in vain, the weig