"Yes, your majesty; he is my father's brother's son," said the young man, proudly.
"Ah! I see you have a clear conscience," said the king, laying his hand smilingly upon the youth's shoulder. "But, tell me, worthy abbot, do you know any way to rescue us from this mouse-trap?"
Tobias did not reply immediately; he stood thoughtfully with his arms folded, then raised his head quickly, as if he had come to some bold conclusion; energy and purpose were written in his face. "Will your majesty make use of the means which I dare to offer you?"
"Yes, if they are not unworthy. I owe it to my people not to lay upon them the burden of my ransom."
"Then I hope, with God's help, to serve your majesty." He turned to the monk, and said, with a proud, commanding tone: "Brother Anastasius, listen to my commands. Go immediately to Messner, order him in my name to call all the brothers to high mass in the choir of the church; threaten him with my wrath and the severest punishment, if he dares to speak to one of the brethren. I will prove my monks, and see if they recognize that obedience is the first duty in a cloister."
"While Messner assembles the priests, shall the bell sound for mass?"
"Hasten, Brother Anastasius; in ten minutes we must be all in the church."
"And you expect to save me by celebrating high mass?" said
Frederick, shrugging his shoulders.
"Yes, sire, I expect it. Will your majesty graciously accompany me to my dressing-room?"