ise at least half of these vast possessions
to his own town and near of kin, he had bequeathed to the alms-coffers
of his Holiness the Pope, to be dealt with at the pleasure of his
Eminence Cardinal Bernliardi, with this sole condition: that every
year, on his name-day, mass should be said by some high Prelate for his
miserable soul, which sorely needed such grace. Moreover he had provided
that the document, duly attested by the notary and witnesses, should be
sent to Rome on the morrow by a specially appointed messenger; thus it
was long since far away and out of reach when my grand-uncle had learnt
that all his remaining possessions were not enough to release Herdegen.
And this, as I have already said, had fallen heavy on his soul.

Verily there hath been no lack of fervent prayers for his soul on our
part; and at a later time, when I came to know to how many hapless
wretches his testament had brought a blessing, little by little I
forgave this strange bestowal of his wealth, and could pronounce over
his grave a clear "Requiescat in pace!" May he rest in peace!

When we had presently duly weighed and reckoned with Master Holzschuher
what we had indeed inherited from our rich kinsman, and how much we
might ere long hope to collect of our own and from Cousin Maud, we had
it before our eyes in plain writing that a large portion of the ransom
was yet lacking. The trade of the Im Hoffs' was to be sure of great
money value; but by my grand-uncle's will we might not touch it for
twenty years. Likewise Master Holzschuher pointed out to us by many an
example how wrong it would be, and in especial at this very time, to
sell landed estate at any price, that is to say at about one-third of
its real worth. And finally he told us that the Chancery guardians
were not at that present time suffered to pay down one farthing of our
inheritance from our father. Thus we were heavy at heart, while Doctor
Holzschuher was discoursing in a low voice with Uncle Christian and
Master Pernhart, and noting certain matters on paper.

Then those gentlemen rose up; and whereas I looked in the face of the
worthy notary meseemed it was as withered grass well bedewed with rain;
and glad assurance beamed on me from his goodly and noble features.
And I read the same promise in the looks of Uncle Christian and Master
Pernhart, and where three such men led the fray methought the victory
was certain.

And now we were told what was the matter of their disc