It was a letter from the page's mother:—
Dearest Carl; You are a good boy to send me all your wages, for now I can pay the rent and buy some warm clothing for your little sister. I thank you for it, and pray that God will bless you. Be faithful to the king and do your duty.
The king went back to the room on tiptoe. He took ten gold pieces from his table and wrapped them in the little letter. Then he went out again, very quietly, and slipped them all into the boy's pocket.
After a while he rang the bell again, very loudly.
Carl awoke with a start, and came quickly to answer the call.
"I think you have been asleep," said the king.
The boy stammered and did not know what to say. He was frightened and ready to cry.
He put his hand in his pocket, and was surprised to find the gold pieces wrapped in his mother's letter. Then his eyes overflowed with tears, and he fell on his knees before the king.
"What is the matter?" asked Frederick.
"Oh, your Majesty!" cried Carl. "Have mercy on me. It is true that I have been asleep, but I know nothing about this money. Some one is trying to ruin me."