themselves into a court of justice, and as he had been taken red-handed,
and did not condescend to defend himself, the trial was not a long
affair. He was unanimously sentenced to be hung, and the execution was
then and there carried out, at the request of the criminal himself, who
wanted the game to be properly played to the end, and who actually
selected a suitable tree for his own execution.

"But, Pierre," said one of the judges, "how can you be held up there?"

"How stupid you are!" returned the captive. "I shall only pretend to be
hung, of course. See here!" and he fastened together several pieces
strong string which had tied some of the other boys' books, piled the
latter together, and standing on tiptoe on this very insecure basis,
fastened one end of the cord to a horizontal bough, and put his neck into
a running knot at the other end, endeavouring to imitate the contortions
of an actual sufferer. Shouts of laughter greeted him, and the victim
laughed loudest of all. Three archers went to call the rest to behold
this amusing spectacle; one, tired out, remained with the prisoner.

"Ah, Hangman," said Pierre, putting out his tongue at him, "are the books
firm? I thought I felt them give way."

"No," replied Antoine; it was he who remained. "Don't be afraid,
Pierre."

"It is a good thing; for if they fell I don't think the cord is long
enough."

"Don't you really think so?"