Some knights were going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land by boat. One evening, the devil came to them disguised as a woman. He gave them a jar full of oil and said: “When you reach the Holy Land please pour this wonderfully scented oil into the lamps round the tomb of Christ for me.” Then he vanished.
The knights were worried and wondered what to do. They called on Nicholas to advise them and he told them: “Quick! Throw that oil in the sea.” They did. A great jet of flame shot up and huge waves rocked the boat. The knights realised that they had been deceived by the devil.