“A deputation was sent to tell him of the decision.

“‘I am not afraid of the gallows,’ he said, ’but am willing to have a chance for my life on condition that I have my own rifle and one of my comrades accompany me to the spot where I take my stand.  Can you agree to this?’

“They assured him that both requests should be granted, and hoped that the trial would be a success.

“’I have no fear in regard to it.  I know what I can do.  Now you can leave me to myself, and to-morrow I will leave this martyr cage and be as free as the birds of the air.’

“’Winkelsee, I advise you not to take the affair so lightly.  If you fail, your last chance for life fails with it.’

“The news of the trial of his skill spread through the city and the next day at twelve a great crowd assembled to witness the test of skill.

“When Hans 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.’