I await a reply." Alexander broke open the letter, and, as was his wont, looked first of all at the signature.

A cry of astonishment burst from his lips.

There stood two names written one beneath the other which every Hungarian, who accounted himself a good patriot and a man of honour and enlightenment, held in the highest veneration--Rudolf and Michael.
What could such as they have to write to a poor orphan like him, they the great men, the idols of the nation, the popular heroes of the day, to a poor unknown artisan like him?
The letter said-- "You worthy young man, you have acted quite rightly.

In your place any one of us would have done the same thing.

If you will accept our assistance, for old acquaintance sake, we are ready to place our service as gentlemen at your disposal." Alexander folded up the letter with great satisfaction.