pole, and he was surprised to see such a large crowd gathered in the
meadow. He bowed to the crowd in his polite way, and the crowd gave
three cheers and one more, and he bowed again.

   "Hullo!" said Walter suddenly; "look at that hat up there, father. On
the pole."

   "What is the hat to us?" said Tell; and he began to walk across the
meadow with an air of great dignity, and Walter walked by his side,
trying to look just like him.

   "Here! hi!" shouted the soldiers. "Stop! You haven't bowed down to the
cap."

   [Illustration: PLATE IV]

   Tell looked scornful, but said nothing. Walter looked still more
scornful.

   "Ho, there!" shouted Friesshardt, standing in front of him. "I bid you
stand in the Emperor's name."

   "My good fellow," said Tell, "please do not bother me. I am in a hurry.

   I really have nothing for you."

   "My orders is," said Friesshardt, "to stand in this 'ere meadow and to
see as how all them what passes through it does obeisance to that there
hat. Them's Governor's orders, them is. So now."

   "My good fellow," said Tell, "let me pass. I shall get cross, I know I
shall."

   Shouts of encouragement from the crowd, who were waiting patiently for
the trouble to begin.

   "Go it, Tell!" they cried. "Don't stand talking to him. Hit him a
kick!"

   Friesshardt became angrier every minute.

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