He
rang the little bell which was used to call the page, but no page
answered.
"I wonder what can have happened to the boy," he said; and he opened
the door and looked out. There, sitting in his chair, was Carl, fast
asleep. The poor child was so tired after his night's work that he
could not keep awake.
The king was about to waken him roughly, when he saw a piece of paper
on the floor beside him. He picked it up and read it.
It was a letter from the page's mother:--
_Dearest Carl; You are a good boy to send me all your wages, for now
I can pay the rent and buy some warm clothing for your little sister.
I thank you for it, and pray that God will bless you. Be faithful to
the king and do your duty._
The king went back to the room on tiptoe. He took ten gold pieces from
his table and wrapped them in the little letter. Then he went out
again, very quietly, and slipped them all into the boy's pocket.
After a while he rang the bell again, very loudly.
Carl awoke with a start, and came quickly to answer the call.
"I think you have been asleep," said the king.
The boy stammered and did not know what to say. He was frightened and
ready to cry.
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