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Many years ago, Switzerland was ruled by a cruel tyrant by the name of Gessler. His wickedness and pride made him hated and feared throughout the land.

One day, Gessler had his hat placed on top of a pole. He gave orders that every one who passed the pole should bow down. The people were afraid of the tyrant, so most of them obeyed. But there was one man, a brave and good man named william Tell, who defied the wiced Gressler. He walked past Gessler’s hat and laughed with scorn when Gessler’s soldiers ordered him to bow down.

When Gessler heard William Tell’s disobedience, he went into a towering rage. He ordered his soldiers to seize Tell and bring him before him.

Now Gessler knew that William Tell was famous the country over as a hunter. He was said to be the best shot with bow and arrow for miles and miles around. So Gessler thought of a cruel way to punish him.

He had his soldiers seize the little son of William Tell and stand the boy under a tree. An apple was placed on the boy’s head. Then Gessler turned to Tell and said, “I hear you are the best shot in all Switzerland. If you can shoot the apple off your boy’s head, you can go free.” “I am a good shot,” said William Tell, “but no man alive can be sure to hit so small a target from so great a distance. And if my arrow misses the apple by so much as a hair, it will kill my son. I am in your hands. Punish me if you will, but spare my boy!”

The cruel tyrant sneered, “You had the courage to disobey me. Where is your courage now? If you do not do as I say, both you and your son will be killed!”

Then Tell’s son called out, “Never fear, father, I will not stir an inch. I’m not afraid!” Without another word, William Tell placed an arrow in his bow. He took long and careful aim. The boy stood up straight and stalwart. All hearts stood still as the arrow whizzed from the bow. The next instant the apple was split in two. With a cry of joy, the boy ran to his father’s arms.

A cheer broke from the townsfolk gathered around. Even the soldiers could not help applauding the marvelous courage and skill which they had witnessed.

As William Tell embraced his son, a second arrow fell out of his quiver.

“Ho!” cried Gressler. “What is that arrow I see?”

“That arrow,” said Tell, “was for you, if I had killled my boy!”

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