Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-01-21


bowling, who in the act of homage received
kicks and blows from the brutal soldiery. The
blood of the patriot boiled at the sight. Sar-
nenI soon perceived man standing aloof, lean.
ing upon his bow, and gazing upon the scene
with ill-restrained Indignation. He flew to-
wards him, and glancing upon him, eyes in
famed with rage, sWhoever thou art said he,
stremble, lest punish thy slowness in obeying
the orders of Gesler. Dost thou not know
that law is published to oblige every citizen
of Altorff TO bow with reverence to this sign
of his power p
81 knew no such law,'' replied Tell, ssnor
could l ever have believed to what an excess
of tyranny and madness, the possession of un-
bounded power would lead. But when see
the base submission of this people, L could al
most excuse, nay approve OF Gesier's 1oily.
Well may he call US slaves! He can never
sufficiently deSpise those who will thus de-
grade themselves. As for me, bow to God
alone ="
Crash man! ~ replied Sarnem, sssoon wilt
thou repent for thy nsolence. Fall instantly
on thy knees, if thou would'st prevent this
arm from chastising thee"
81 Will not obey,'' rejoined Tell.
In an instant score of soldiers flung them
selves upon him, and dragged him to the pres
ence of Gesler.
Calm in the midst of the soldiers, deaf TO
their rude threats, and folding his arms across
his breast, William stood before the tyrant.
He regarded him disdaintully, and allowed his
eager accusers to speak without interruption.
waiting in proud silence till Gcsler should
think fit to question him.
And when in reply to the tyrantS interroga-
tions, he manifested so undaunted a spirit, and
so lofty soul, that Gesler became convinced
| that the boy arrested by him, could be no 9th
er than the son of Tell. The boy was secretly
| ordered to be brought before him land no soon
! er did he enter than Tell sprung forward to
/ embrace his son. The tyrant's suspicionS be-
/ ing confit med, he resolved on a refined cruelty
as punishment for his enemy. He had heard
! of Tells matchless skill with his bow and ar
! row. and he resolved to put it TO test. He or
dered that an apple should be put on
the youthful Gemmi's head, while Tell should
/ be compelled TO shoot it off, Did he consent
| he TO bc free, but TO refuse, the boy was to
be put to death before his sight. Tell, with
horror the fearful alternative. at first rcfus
ed the trial ,beggingGe to let his vengeance
! fall on him and spare his son. But the brave
boy would not hear OF his fathers proposition,
and begged of him to make the trial, assuring
his father that he did not fear the result AT
| last Tell yielded. The trial was ordered to
take place at once. The ground was nleasllr-
ed out. and the young boy placed on his knees
with his back to his fithcr, and the bow and
arrow placed in the hands of Tell. ellis bow
was given TO him with an arrow only, the point
of which he tried, it broke, and he THEW IL
away, demanding his quiver. 1t was brought
to him as il lay at his feet, he stopped down,
and appeared to be making choice OF an ar
row but when lie had a favorable opportunity,
he hid one in his clothes, and seized another
with which he meant to shoot. Then grasping
his bow and arrow, and turning his eyes to-
wards the beloved mark To which he must di-
rect his aim, twice he endeavored to shoot,
but in vain. The bow fell from his hands. At
last, rOusing all his Skill his strength, his cou
rage, and wipIng away the tears which had
diplmpl his Sipu~ he iDynt< ed that lII-pOWer-
full Being, who beholds from the highest Hea-
ven parental anguish then nerving his trem-
bling arm, he forced, he accustomed his
eye only TO look at the apple. Seizing the
moment, as rapid as thought. in which he could
forget his sons danger, he took his aim h..
drew his bow, and struck the apple, which the
arrow carried with il as il few. The market
place echoed with shouts of JOY Gemmi ran
to his fathers arms, who, pale and motionlesS,
exhausted by his amazing effort, could not re-
turn his embrace. He looked wildly about
him; he could not stand, and wonld have ial-
len but for Gemmi. who supported him. The
arrow concealed in his clothes fell to the
ground. and was perceived by Gesler, who was
instantly by his side. Tell.who was beginning
to recover his senses, turned away his head at
the sight of tie tyrant.
s.Incomparable archer - said Gesler to him,
s'I shall keep my promise, and pay thee the
price OF thy matchleSs skill. But, first, let
this arrow which thOu hadst concealed One
only suffccd for thee, why then didst thou
hide this i''-ssTyrant." said Tell, s'this arrow
was to have pierced thy heart, if my Inflated
hand had been the cause of my sons death -
At these words, wrnng from fathers agony,
the terrified Gesler Ietreated in the midst Of
his guard.
'.Revoling his promise, he ordered Sarnem
instantly to load Tell with chains, and conduct
him to the tort He was obeyed. They tore
him from Gcmmi's embrace, who vainy de-
manded TO accompany his father. The guards
drove him away. The people murmured, and
appeared moved Gesler FASTENED to his pa
lace, and ordered all his soldiers TO arms. Vast
bodies of Austrian troops marched in all p rts
of the city, and obliged the terrified people to
hide themselves in their habitations. Terror
reigned in every street and the soldiers We're
ready to glut themselves with the blood of new
victims.
"Meanwhile Gemmi alarmed for the fate of
his father, sped to the mountains to convey
the news to Melctal, while Clara, Melctals
daughter, who was in the town, fastened TO
Tells cottage to apprise Edmea of her hus-
bands situation. The sad news pierced the
heart of Edmea with anguish, and fired the
blind old Melctal with new vigor. He propos-
ed that they should set ont at once for Altortf
where he had friends, and where he hoped to
excite the citizens to revolt. while his son,
apprised of Tells situation by Gemmi. he felt
assured would be fastening TO the town with
his friends. Edmea, unknown TO her husband,
had become aware of the signal to be used ny
him to acauaint his friends Of the appointed
time for the rising, and therefore proposed
that they should fire her cottage, as there was
not time to raise pile of combustibie mate
rials, and BY that means arouse the friends OF
freedom through the three Gantons- This plan
was speedily put Ia execution. and as they de-
scended the mountain, the fire spread rapidly
.broupb tho huildjnp and soon il was in a