If you have debts, pay them." "I have no money to pay them, your majesty," sighed Kretzschmar.
The king stepped to the iron coffer, of which no one possessed the key but himself, and looking within said: "You cannot have much money to-day, as the drawer which contains the money for the gossips and spies is quite empty, and you have had a good share of it.

Five guldens remain for you." "Alas! your majesty, it is too little; twenty-five guldens would not pay my debts." The king closed the drawer, saying: "Judas only received twenty shillings for betraying his Master.

Twenty-five is quite enough for Kretzschmar for betraying his comrade." Kretzschmar slunk away.

The king fixed his great eyes upon him until the door closed.

"Man is a miserable race; for gold he would sell his own brother--would sell his own soul, if there could be found a purchaser," he murmured.