Charlemagne continued to meditate upon the dangers and misfortunes of a robber’s life.
“There is Elbegast,” said he to himself; “for a small offence I have deprived him of land and fee, and have hunted him like an animal. He and his knights risk their lives for every meal. He respects not the cloth of the Church, it is true, yet methinks he is a noble fellow, for he robs not the poor or the pilgrim, but rather enriches them with part of his plunder. Would he were with me now!”
His reflections were suddenly stopped, for he now observed the black knight riding by his side.
“It may be the Fiend,” said Charlemagne to himself, spurring his steed.
But though he rode faster and faster, his strange companion kept pace with him. At length the Emperor reined in his steed, and demanded to know who the stranger might be. The black knight refused to answer his questions, and the two thereupon engaged in furious combat. Again and again the onslaught was renewed, till at last Charlemagne succeeded in cleaving his opponent’s blade.
“My life is yours,” said the black knight.
“Nay,” replied the monarch, “what would I with your life? Tell me who you are, for you have fought gallantly this night.”
The stranger drew himself up and replied with simple dignity, “I am Elbegast.”
Charlemagne was delighted at thus having his wish fulfilled. He refused to divulge his name, but intimated that he, too, was a robber, and proposed that they should join forces for the night.
“I have it,” said he. “We will rob the Emperor’s treasury. I think I could show you the way.”