"I must travel it," Franz told him. "I go to the Hospice of St. Bernard, where I am to become a maronnier."
"A maronnier, eh?" Father Benjamin asked. "And what inspired you to become such?"
"I am too stupid to be anything else," Franz answered.
Father Benjamin's laughter rang out, free as summer thunder and warm as a June rain. Puzzled, Franz could only stare. After a bit, the monk stopped laughing.
"I do crave your pardon!" he said. "But it is rare to receive such an honest answer to a well-intended question. Nor do I think you are stupid, young Franz Halle. Those who are never say so. Surely you are clever in some ways?"
"I can cut wood, climb mountains, get about on snow and work with Caesar," said Franz.
Father Benjamin said gravely, "Then you are surely coming to the right place."