"Then bring it in, and mind you don't spill any."

   Enter Robert, in a suit of armour and a black mask, carrying a large
caldron, from which the steam rose in great clouds.

   "Now, sir, if you please," said the executioner politely to Arnold of

   Melchthal.

   Arnold looked at the caldron.

   "Why, it's hot," he said.

   "Warmish," admitted the executioner.

   "It's against the law to threaten a man with hot oil."

   [Illustration: PLATE I]

   "You may bring an action against me," said the executioner. "Now, sir,
if

    you

   please. We are wasting time. The forefinger of your left
hand, if I may trouble you. Thank you. I am obliged."

   He took Arnold's left hand, and dipped the tip of the first finger into
the oil.

   "Ow!" cried Arnold, jumping.

   "Don't let him see he's hurting you," whispered Werner Stauffacher.

   "Pretend you don't notice it."

   Gessler leaned forward again.

   "Have your views on taxes changed at all?" he asked. "Do you see my

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