pen the letter and convince yourselves of the contents!" commanded
Cagliostro.

"It is unnecessary," cried Bischofswerder, with enthusiasm. "We
recognize in you truth and knowledge; you have revealed to us the
contents."

"Nay, there is a lingering doubt in the mind of brother Chrysophorus!"
said Cagliostro, regarding Woellner fixedly, who stood with downcast
eyes before him.

"My ruler and master," stammered Woellner, in confusion, "I dare not
doubt, only--"

"You would only be convinced, open then the letter," interrupted
Cagliostro, sarcastically.

With a sharp knife, Bischofswerder cut the end of the envelope, and
handed the letter to him.

"Give it to Chrysophorus," commanded the count. "He shall read it, and
may the incredulous become a believer!"

Woellner perused the epistle with a slightly tremulous voice, stopping
now and then, at an illegible word, which his master quickly supplied
to him, finishing the sentence as correctly as if he held the writing in
his hand.

The contents were exactly as Cagliostro had given them, and the
farther Wollner read, the more his voice quivered and Bischofswerder's
enthusiasm increased.

As the reading was finished, the former sank, with uplifted hands,
before his master, as if imploring mercy from a mighty, crushing power.

"I have been unbelieving as Tobias, doubting as Paul; have mercy on
me, O master! for in this hour the divine light of belief and knowledge
banishes doubt from my sinful heart. I acknowledge thy supernatural
power and heavenly wisdom! My whole being bows in humility before you
and your sublimity, and henceforth I will only be your humble scholar
and servant, the tool of your will. Forgive me, all-knowing one, if
my heart doubted. Breathe upon me the breath of knowledge, and lay
thy august right hand upon my head, and penetrate me with thy heavenly
power."

"Have mercy upon me also," cried Bischofswerder, as he kneeled beside
Woellner, and, like him, raised his hands imploringly to Cagliostro.
"Breathe upon me the breath of thy grace, and regard me, the repentant
and unworthy, with thy heavenly glance!"

Cagliostro looked to heaven, and from his lips there fell disconnected
words of exhortation; suddenly he drew forth his hands, which he had
pushed into his gown and crossed upon his breast, stretching them out
with wide-spread fingers.

"Come to me, ye spirits!" he cried, in a loud, thundering voice. "Ye
spirits of fire and air, come to me