Page:William Tell Told Again.djvu/156

88 What did you intend to do with that arrow, Tell?”

Tell looked down uneasily, and twisted his bow about in his hands.

“My lord,” he said at last, “it is a bowman’s custom. All archers place a second arrow in their belt.”

“No, Tell,” said Gessler, “I cannot take that answer as the truth. I know there was some other meaning in what you did. Tell me the reason without concealment. Why was it? Your life is safe, whatever it was, so speak out. Why did you take out that second arrow?"

Tell stopped ﬁdgeting with his bow, and met the Governor’s eye with a steady gaze.

“Since you promise me my life, your Excellency,” he replied, drawing himself up, “I will tell you.”

He drew the arrow from his belt and held it up.