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72
WILLIAM TELL
am sure you have every right to be very proud of such a feat. Friesshardt!”
“Your Excellency?”
“Bring me an apple.”
Friesshardt picked one up. Some apples had been thrown at him and Leuthold earlier in the day, and there were several lying about.
“Which I’m afraid as how it’s a little bruised, your Excellency,” he said, “having hit me on the helmet.”
“Thank you. I do not require it for eating purposes,” said Gessler. “Now, Tell, I have here an apple—a simple apple, not over - ripe. I should like to test that feat of yours. So take your bow—I see you have it in your hand—and get ready to shoot. I am going to put this apple on your son’s head. He will be placed a hundred yards away from you, and if you do not hit
