"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.
The crowd pressed forward, hanging on his words.
"Had my first arrow," said Tell slowly, "pierced my child and not the apple, this would have pierced you, my lord. Had I missed with my first shot, be sure, my lord, that my second would have found its mark."
A murmur of approval broke from the crowd as Tell thrust the arrow back into the quiver and faced the Governor with folded arms and burning eyes. Gessler turned white with fury.
"Seize that man!" he shouted.
"My lord, bethink you," whispered Rudolph der Harras; "you promised him his life. Tell, fly!" he cried.
Tell did not move.