The young men, however, defended themselves bravely, secured their father instead, and sent him in chains to Charlemagne.

Unfortunately the monarch was much nearer Pierlepont at the time than the young men supposed.

Hastening onward, he entered the castle before they had even become aware of his approach, and secured three of them.

The fourth, Renaud, aided by his mother, escaped in pilgrim's garb, and returned to Montauban.

Here he found Bayard, and without pausing to rest, he rode straight to Paris to deliver his brothers from the emperor's hands.
Overcome by fatigue after this hasty journey, Renaud dismounted shortly before reaching Paris, and fell asleep.