s
hated him. It happened that he once suspected a certain Greek called
Pythias, and his anger was so terrible that he sentenced the unfortunate
man to death. Pythias begged to be allowed to go and bid his relations
in the country farewell, promising to return at a given time to suffer
the death to which he had been condemned. Dionysius laughed his request
to scorn, saying that once he was safely out of Syracuse it was not
likely he would ever return to die. Pythias replied that he had a
friend, named Damon, who would be answerable for his return at the
given time. Damon then came forward and swore that if Pythias did not
keep his word, he himself would suffer death in his stead. Dionysius
consented to let Pythias go.

Time went on and the day fixed for his return drew near, but still he
did not come. The Syracusans told Damon that he would have to die for
his faithless friend, but Damon showed no anxiety. At length the very
day and hour upon which the condemned man was to die came round. But a
few minutes before the fatal time Pythias rushed in, and having warmly
embraced his friend, he went forward to take his place. Dionysius was so
struck by the conduct of the two men that he pardoned Pythias, and
calling him and Damon to his side he entreated them to allow him to be a
third in their friendship.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CHARLEMAGNE AND THE CHARCOAL BURNER]

Charlemagne and the Charcoal-burner

Once the noble Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was riding across a
lonely moor with some of his courtiers, when they were overtaken by a
terrific storm. It became so dark that the party lost sight of one
another, and the King found himself alone in the tempest of wind and
rain. As he struggled on he met a poor man leading a horse with two
great baskets upon its back.

"What is your name, friend?" enquired Charlemagne.

"I am Ralph, the charcoal-burner," replied the man.

"Can you tell me where I can find shelter for my horse and myself?"
asked the King.

"If you care to come with me to my cottage you will be very welcome,"
answered Ralph.

The King was only too glad to accompany the man to his house in the
forest. When they reached the door the charcoal-burner called to his
wife to hasten to let them in. Ralph stood aside for his companion to
pass in first, but Charlemagne hung back behind. Seeing this the man
took him by the neck and pushed him in the house, saying, "It is only
right that my guest