As part of his research he had cautiously raised the possibility of just such a proposed move with the monastery gardener, a noted and devoted follower of St. Hugh ever since the Saint had helped him with his lumbago. The response had been emphatic, no move would be tolerated by the faithful. So the needed miracle would have to be a powerful and persuasive one. But what? Well aware that good ideas arrive unexpectedly when the mind is relaxed and focused on other topics, Brother Timothy was sitting in the library going over the accounts of the Realshule. Long rows of numbers helped him to think. The room was quiet and almost empty. Brother Matthew was mercifully absent and the only other occupant was snoring in the corner. Column after column of guilders added up perfectly and Brother Timothy was beginning to feel at rest, when he heard the sounds of Brother Gregory and Brother Joseph in the corridor. He groaned.
"It was most unexpected," he heard Brother Gregory telling his friend. "The last time I saw those gypsies was over ten years ago in Heinzendorf." Brother Timothy pricked up his ears; gypsies!
"They would pass though our village at least twice a year, mostly begging and stealing chickens, but one group specialized in miracles, and they were most entertaining." Now he definitely had Brother Timothy's attention.
Mendel went on to explain to Brother Joseph the essentials of the gypsy performance as they entertained the villagers of Heinzendorf.
"They called themselves the Salamanders," he ended, "and their act was most enjoyable. But it seems that they have broken up and don't do that sort of thing any more. The one I met in Brno said he was now in the herbalist trade, but if you meet him, keep you hand over your pocket. If he doesn't get your coins by stealth, he will talk you out of them."
"I would have liked to see them perform," Brother Joseph said, turning into the library and looking around for Brother Matthew. All he saw was Brother Timothy staring into space, with a rapt expression on his face.
"Have you seen Brother Matthew?" Brother Joseph asked, but all he got was a vague shake of the head. Brother Timothy was somewhere else, his eyes were unfocused and his mind was racing. Without realizing it, Brother Gregory had just solved his problem, he now knew where he was going to get his miracle!