Many years ago there was a king of Prussia, whose name was Frederick; and because he was very wise and very brave, people called him Frederick the Great. Like other kings, he lived in a beautiful palace and had many officers and servants to wait upon him.
Among the servants there was a little page whose name was Carl. It was Carl's duty to sit outside of the king's bedroom and be ready to serve him at any time.
One night the king sat up very late, writing letters and sending messages; and the little page was kept busy running on errands until past midnight.
The next morning the king wished to send him on another errand. 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.
He put his hand in his pocket, and was surprised to find the gold pieces wrapped in his mother's letter. Then his eyes overflowed with tears, and he fell on his knees before the king.
"What is the matter?" asked Frederick.
"Oh, your Majesty!" cried Carl. "Have mercy on me. It is true that I have been asleep, but I know nothing about this money. Some one is trying to ruin me."
"Have courage, my boy," said the king. "I know how you must have been overwearied with long hours of watching. And people say that fortune comes to us in our sleep. You may send the gold pieces to your mother with my compliments; and tell her that the king will take care of both her and you."