The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-11-29

"Riotl Rebellionl To arms
Squirting his horse, Gesier hurried his
men to the scene. Wilhelm Tell, his cross
low hanging over his shoulder, and his
little son Walther by his side, was in the
hands of the guard. Since the hat had
been hung there not a Swiss had come
near the place. The entire population had
made a long detour rather than bow to
the hated symbol. Nobody had approached
1t except women and children, who had
stopped at a little distance TO mock the
guards.
Therefore when Tell passed that way in
a moment of forgetfulness, the soldiers
made sure that he had failed to give the
demanded salute. Walther Fuerst, Stauf-
facher and others had tried to rescue
him, but Tell had begged them to be
calm and was moving away quietly with
the guards when Gesler arrived
To his angry inquiry Tell answered, with
dignity but respectfully. that he had
passed the hat by chance and not with
forethought.
IT beg for pardon said he, land will
not offend again"
Gesler looked at him silently for some
little time. Then he spoke.
"They say that you are master OF the
cross bow Tell, and that you can easily
outshoot all of your country's archers."
THAT is true. my lord" eagerly cried
young Walther. Father can hit apple
from the tree at hundred PAGES"
as that your boy, Tell?" asked Gesler.
'How many more have your
Zone other son. my lord, replied the
archer.
And which do you love most?' asked
Gesler, with covert smile. This one?
Well, Tell, since you can cut the apple
from the tree at a hundred PAGES, you
- .cIl -
an apple from the boys head. But, Tell,
let me counsel you to hit 1t at the first
attempt, for If you fail you shall lose
your life"
A cry of horror burst from the crowd.
MY lord, my lord" exclaimed TELL
what frightful deed do you think I am
capable of? No, no, you cannot mean it,
gracious sir!'
''You shall shoot the apple from your
sons head" repeated Gesler. II will it,"
"Aim with my cross-bow at the beloved
head of my sonv Tell held out his hands
81 will die first"
you will shoot, or you will die. and
your son shall die with your
Bertha Won Bruneck dismounted and
stepped before Geser. ooh, gracious sir"
she implored, II beg of you not to carry
this cruel Jest further. See these poor
people standing before you pale and trem-
blingl'
"Who says l jest?" demanded Geser.
Reaching up, he tore an apple from the
tree that arched itself over him. Here
here is the apple. Make room! Make rooml
l give him so PAGES. fairly measured.
Now, marksman, shoot-and do not fail
thy marki'
Even Rudolph der Harras could bear 1t
no longer. Down, boy; down on your
kneesW said he to Walther. Down, and
beg vour life of the prefecfi"
Walther Fuerst broke through the ring
of pikemen and threw himself on his
knees.
Lord Prefect," said he his white hair
hanging over his majestic brow, I'VE ac
knowledge your authority We beg you
to grant mercy. Take the half of my es-
tate-take all! But force not the father to
this fearful deedr'
"Do not kneel to the wicked man,
grandfather cried little Walther Say
where 1 shall stand. Father will not miss
the mark"
bind him to yonder linden tree" COM
manded Gesler.
mo, nor said Walther; IT will not be
bound. / will stand as quietly as lamb,
and will not even breathe. But will not
be bound"
"At least" whispered Rudolph der Har-
ras, 'let me bindfold you.''
81 do not fear the arrow from my
fathers hand" said Walther. II will not
move an eyelash Hasten, father, and
show what marksman you are! Shoot
and hit the mark, and disappoint the cruel
lord"
He stepped to the tree and the pikemen
placed the apple on his head.
ITO work. said Gesler. You bear
arms. Now shall you pay for 1t. The
proud rights that you peasants assume Of
tends the masters of your land. Only he
who commands should carry weapons.
You choose to bear cross-bows and ar
rows We'll. then, 1t shall be for me to
give your weapons the mark!'
"Give me room!' exclaimed Tell He
drew his bow, laid the dart and lifted the
weapon
stop! Stop! TELL you tremblel"
screamed Stauffacher.
Tell, allowing the cross-bow to sink,
groaned: f'T
my eyes are swimming 4,-ffr
"God In heaven!' walled a woman in the
huddled crowd. 49,
Tell dropped his weapon, tore open his
leather jerlkin to expose his breast and
said to the prefect:
Release me from the test! Here is my
heart. Call your mercenaries and let
them strike me dead!' s.,
'Tell," said Gesler, serenely, II do not
wish your life. wish the shot Why.