“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?”

“This man is an impostor. I have here what will prove him so.” The Knight of Bourglastic seized his bag, and opened it; the Count of Salençon did the same, and then each held up a gory head for Charlemagne’s inspection.


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At this sight the Emperor turned pale.

He rose, and seemed anxious to speak, but could only utter the one word, “Murderers!”