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But Elbegast, fearing the gallows, would not consent to this; so his companion promised to do it in his stead and meet him afterward in the forest. With that they parted, the Emperor returning to his palace, where he found all as he had left it. In the morning he hastily summoned his council, told them of his dream and subsequent adventures, and of the plot against his life.
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 Emperors treasury. I think I could show you the way.
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!
Thou hast had many evil dreams of late, Eggerich; methinks there is something lies heavily on thy mind. Wilt thou not tell thy wife? Elbegast listened intently while with soft words and caresses the lady strove to win her husbands secret.
Charlemagnes sister, the widow of Eggerich, he gave to Sir Elbegast in marriage, and with her the broad lands which had belonged to the vanquished traitor. Thenceforward the erstwhile robber and his sovereign were fast friends. The place where these strange happenings befell was called Ingelheim, in memory of the celestial visitor, and Ingelheim it remains to this day.
The issue, however, was never in doubt: Sir Elbegast was victorious, the false Eggerich was slain, and his body hanged on a gibbet fifty feet high. The emperor now revealed himself to the black knight both as his companion-robber and as the messenger who had brought him the summons to attend his Emperor.
A messenger rode to summon Elbegast, but he had much difficulty in convincing the black knight that it was not a plot to secure his undoing. And what would the Emperor with me? he demanded of the messenger, as at length they rode toward Ingelheim. To do battle to the death with a deadly foe of our lord the Emperor Eggerich von Eggermond.
When they arrived at the castle Elbegast seemed anxious to see the ploughshare at work, for he begged Charlemagne to begin operations. I know not how to find entrance, said the latter. Let us make a hole in the wall, the robber-knight suggested, producing a boring instrument of great strength.
Without a sound Elbegast reached the bedchamber of his victim, and was about to raise the caparison when he suddenly stumbled and all the bells rang out clearly. My sword, my sword! cried Eggerich, springing up, while Elbegast sank back into the shadows. Nay, said the lady, trying to calm her husband. You did but hear the wind, or perhaps it was an evil dream.
Let us get away, said the Emperor. We can carry no more. Nay, said Elbegast, but I would return, with your permission. In the chamber occupied by Eggerich and his wife there is a wonderful caparison, made of gold and covered with little bells. I want to prove my skill by carrying it off. As you will, was Charlemagnes laughing response.
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