[Illustration: PLATE III]

A deafening cheer went up.

"Hurrah!" cried the mob; "here comes good old Tell! _Now_ there's
going to be a jolly row!"




CHAPTER VIII


Tell came striding along, Walter by his side, and his cross-bow over
his shoulder. He knew nothing about the hat having been placed on the
pole, and he was surprised to see such a large crowd gathered in the
meadow. He bowed to the crowd in his polite way, and the crowd gave
three cheers and one more, and he bowed again.

"Hullo!" said Walter suddenly; "look at that hat up there, father. On
the pole."

"What is the hat to us?" said Tell; and he began to walk across the
meadow with an air of great dignity, and Walter walked by his side,
trying to look just like him.

"Here! hi!" shouted the soldiers. "Stop! You haven't bowed down to the
cap."

[Illustration: PLATE IV]