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74 you. And what does it matter where the apple is—whether it is on a tree or on a boy's head? It is an apple just the same. Proceed, Tell.”

The crowd, seeing a discussion going on, had left the edge of the meadow and clustered round to listen. A groan of dismay went up at the Governor's words.

“Down on your knees, boy,” whispered Rudolph der Harras to Walter—“down on your knees, and beg his Excellency for your life."

“I won't!" said Walter stoutly.

“Come,” said Gessler, “clear a path there—clear a path! Hurry yourselves. I won't have this loitering. Look you, Tell: attend to me for a moment. I find you in the middle of this meadow deliberately defying my authority and making sport of my orders. I find you in the act of stirring up discontent