inking Abbe Bastiani; and it
appears to me, it lies in our blood to love and pay homage to the great
and intellectual King of Prussia. I will, therefore, listen to and
follow the voice of my blood and of my heart, and forget a little that
I am a priest of the only church in which salvation can be found. As
far as it lies in my power, I will promote your object. I will give
you letters to Turin, not only to my brother Giovanni, but to Father
Tomaseo, the king's confessor. He is my most faithful friend, and
sympathizes fully with me. If you can win him and my brother Giovanni,
you have won the king, and he will lend a willing ear to your proposals.
Your plans are bold, but my brother and Father Tomaseo are daring,
undaunted men; the progress of Italy and the greatness of their king
lies nearest their hearts. They are both influenced by my judgment,
and when you hand them my letters, you will at least be a most welcome
guest."

He gave the baron his hand, and listened with a kindly smile to the
enthusiastic thanks of the over-happy soldier, whose first diplomatic
mission seemed to promise so favorably.

"Be, however, always prudent and discreet, signor," said the prior,
laughing. "Play your role as merchant; do not lay it aside for one
moment while in Turin. Leave Venice as quickly as possible; no doubt the
brother guardian, who was sent from Rome as a spy, who watches not
only all my actions, but my words and thoughts, has remarked our long
interview, and is already suspicious. As he has a fine nose, he may soon
discover a part of your secret! Do not return to the cloister. During
the day I will send you the promised letters by a faithful brother.
As soon as you receive them, be off! My best wishes and my prayers
accompany you. Without doubt, you are, like your great king, a heretic.
I cannot, therefore commend you to Mary Mother, and the saints, but I
will pray to God to watch over you."

The prior stopped suddenly and listened! Loud cries of wild alarm forced
themselves upon his ear; the sounds appeared to come from directly under
his feet, and waxed louder and fiercer every moment.

"It is in the dining-room," said the prior, "follow me, sir, I beg you,
we may need your help--some one is murdering my monks!" They hastened
from the room with flying feet; they passed through the long corridors
and down the steps; the cries and roars and howls and curses became ever
clearer.

"I was not mistaken," said the prior, "t