ABSTRACT
LEGENDS OF THE MIDDLE AGES inhabitant of the woods answered him fluently! Startled at this fact, Huon was yet more surprised when he discovered, after a few rapid questions, that the man was Sherasmin, or Gerasmes, who had once been a servant to his father. Taken prisoner by a band of Saracens, the old man had escaped from the hands of his captors, and had taken refuge in these woods, where he had already dwelt many years. His delight at meeting with one belonging to his old country knew no bounds, and he eagerly begged Huon to stay and tell him of all that had been happening. Anxious to go on his journey, yet loth to leave the old man's curiosity unsatisfied, Huon lingered for a while in the cave, telling stories of the court of Charlemagne and the brave deeds that were being done in the world. To all this Sherasmin listened with evident delight. After which Huon begged him in return to point out the road to Bagdad. To his surprise he learned that there were two roads, one very long and comparatively safe, even for an inexperienced traveller, and the other far shorter, but leading through an enchanted forest, where countless dangers awaited the venturesome intruder.
