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52
WILLIAM TELL
“Here! hi!” shouted the soldiers. “Stop! You haven’t bowed down to the cap.”
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.
