was escorted to the spot by one of his associates, his rifle
was put in his hand. He pressed it to his breast as if it were a long
lost friend, examined it carefully to see that it had not been tampered
with, then said, 'I am ready. Shall I shoot?'

"The burgomaster nodded and Hans took aim at the weather-vane and fired.

"Stillness reigned in the great multitude, then hunters and marksmen
shouted and cheered, for there was a bullet hole in the weather-vane,
plainly visible to the spectators. Hans loaded the rifle, took aim, a
second bullet whizzed through the air, and a second hole appeared in the
weather-vane close to the first.

"'He is in league with satan,' cried a voice in the crowd. 'No mortal
being could do that without the evil one's help.'

"'He is satan himself,' cried another, 'and could shoot a hole through
the moon if his rifle would reach that far.'

"Shot after shot followed, each one leaving a bullet hole in the vase,
until the whole nine were there, and anyone having good eyes can see
them to-day."

"Fritz, Franz, I see them!" cried Paul. "Oh, he was a wonderful
marksman. I wonder if anyone is living now who could do it?"

"But," suggested Franz, "how easily the maker of the weather-vane could
make the nine holes before it was placed on the top of the tower."

"You boys can settle that question among yourselves," replied Uncle
Braun, "but listen to the rest of the story. The burgomaster and
councilmen were glad to have the chance to spare the life of the
stalwart and expert marksman, and told him that he was free to go,
providing he would no longer molest travelers in the forest.

"He made no reply, and the councilmen held a consultation and one of
them went to him with another offer.

"'The head-master of hunting died lately, and his place must be
filled,' he said. 'You have given such an exhibition of your skill as a
marksman that we offer the place to you. You can then live in the city
of Frankfort and have all the rights and privileges of a citizen,
together with the compensation that goes with the office, and our good
wishes.'

"All expected Winkelsee to accept this offer with gratitude, but he
waved his hand in refusal.

"'I do not wish the place,' he said. 'All my life I have been free and
free I will be. My imprisonment let me see what it is to be buried
alive. I would feel if enclosed by the walls of a city as a chaffinch
would feel in the craw of a hawk. No matter if your city