"No; but they have sent a courier, who commands us immediately to open all the doors and give entrance to the soldiers of Maria Theresa." "Have they given a reason for this command?" "Yes; they say they know assuredly that the King of Prussia is concealed here, and they come to search the cloister." "Have you not said to them, that we are not only the servants of God, but the servants of the King of Prussia? Have you not said to them that the doors of our cloister can only open to Prussian troops?" "Yes, your excellency. I told the soldier all this, but he laughed, and said the pandours of Colonel von Trenck knew how to obtain an entrance." "Ah! it is Trenck, with his pandours," cried the king, casting a searching glance at Frederick von Trenck, who stood opposite, with pale and tightly-compressed lips; he met the eye of the king boldly, however, and looked him steadily in the face. "Is Colonel Trenck your relation?" said the king, hastily. "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?" CHAPTER XII THE UNKNOWN ABBOT