“When Gerson Brandt hath explained what became of the Bible the cause of all the trouble will be removed,” said Karl Weisel, turning away from the intense gaze of the girl.
“Thou knowest the Good Book is lost. Thou knowest that Gerson Brandt never told aught but the truth. How darest thou impute evil to him? He hath been always one of the most faithful men in all Zanah.”
“Ah, Gerson Brandt, I have prayed much about the Bible. Disturb not thyself. I have faith that it will be found. I would that it could be brought to thee to-day.”
In the back of the school-room, Hans Peter, who had been sitting cross-legged in the doorway, pulled himself to his feet.
“I could find the Bible; it is not far away,” he said.
“What dost thou know of it?” asked the Herr Doktor.
“I know that it lieth in the earth beneath a great stone. It is safe. Have no fears for it.” Hans Peter balanced himself first on one bare foot, and then on the other, and in his face was such a stupid look that Karl Weisel said:
“Look at the fool! He would shield the school-master, to whom he shows a dog’s devotion.”
“Dost thou really know where the Bible is, Hans Peter?” asked Walda, laying her hand upon the simple one’s shoulder.
“I have not said I knew. I said I knew I could get it,” answered the fool.
“Nay, dissemble not,” pleaded Walda. “I know now it was thou that didst hide the Bible from the elders.”
“Yea, I did take the Bible so that the stranger in Zanah could not buy it with his silver. It was for thy sake and for Gerson Brandt’s that I took it.”
“Listen not to the fool,” said Karl Weisel. “I tell thee he would shield Gerson Brandt.”
“There is a likelihood of truth in his words,” declared the Herr Doktor. Then, in a thundering tone, he commanded: “Bring the Bible to me.”
“It may not be easily found,” Hans Peter answered, still keeping his eyes on the floor.
“Dare not try to put me off,” thundered Adolph Schneider, shaking his cane at the simple one. “Without more ado, fetch it to me.”
All this time Gerson Brandt had been standing silent and sad. He now waited expectantly for the last answer. He knew that his precious book was, indeed, in jeopardy.
Hans Peter gently took Walda’s hand from his shoulder, and, backing to the door, said, rolling his great head from side to side: