"A thousand, your Excellency."

"No, only one. When you were getting ready to shoot at the apple you
placed an arrow in the string and a second arrow in your belt."

"A second arrow!" Tell pretended to be very much astonished, but the
pretence did not deceive the Governor.

"Yes, a second arrow. Why was that? What did you intend to do with that
arrow, Tell?"

Tell looked down uneasily, and twisted his bow about in his hands.

"My lord," he said at last, "it is a bowman's custom. All archers place
a second arrow in their belt."

"No, Tell," said Gessler, "I cannot take that answer as the truth. I
know there was some other meaning in what you did. Tell me the reason
without concealment. Why was it? Your life is safe, whatever it was, so
speak out. Why did you take out that second arrow?"

Tell stopped fidgeting with his bow, and met the Governor's eye with a
steady gaze.

"Since you promise me my life, your Excellency," he replied, drawing
himself up, "I will tell you."

He drew the arrow from his belt and held it up.