I.N.R.I Part 38

There was silence. Suddenly the old man cried out: "It is well.

Thou art merciful, Holy G.o.d!"

Later, the Franciscan pa.s.sed through the long pa.s.sages thanking G.o.d sadly for the blessed miracle of the misunderstanding. At the gate he met the governor. Heavily, supporting each step by his stick, he came along. When he saw the monk he went up to him: "My dear father," he said hoa.r.s.ely. "I am sorry; you will have a heavy night of it.

Ferleitner, the criminal, will need a priest. To-morrow morning at six o'clock all will be over."

A short silence. Then the father answered: "Your Excellency, the criminal, Ferleitner, needs neither priest nor judge. He has been pardoned."