Then over all the noise of the shouting there sounded the tramp of horses' hoofs and the clang and jangle of swords and armor.
"Room for the governor. Room, I say," cried a herald.
The shouting ceased and the crowd silently parted, as Gessler, richly dressed, haughty and gloomy, rode through it, followed by a gay company of his friends and soldiers. He checked his horse and, gazing angrily round the crowd, "What is this rioting?" he asked.
"My lord," said Heinz, stepping forward, "this scoundrel here will not bow to the cap, according to your lordship's command."
"Eh, what?" said Gessler, his dark face growing more dark and angry still. "Who dares to disobey my orders?"
"'Tis William Tell of Bürglen, my lord."
"Tell?" said Gessler, turning in his saddle and looking at Tell as he stood among the people, holding little Walter by the hand.
There was silence for a few minutes while Gessler gazed at Tell in anger.
"I hear you are a great shot, Tell," said Gessler at last, laughing scornfully, "they say you never miss."
"That is quite true," said little Walter eagerly, for he was very proud of his father's shooting. "He can hit an apple on a tree a hundred yards off."