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days after this, Hedwig gave Tell a good talking to on the subject of his love for adventure. He was sitting at the door of his house mending an axe. Hedwig, as usual, was washing up. Walter and William were playing with a little cross–bow not far off.

“Father," said Walter.

“Yes, my boy?”

“My bow–string has bust.” (“Bust” was what all Swiss boys said when they meant “broken.’)

“You must mend it yourself, my boy,” said Tell. “A sportsman always helps himself.”

“What I say,” said Hedwig, bustling out of