‘Here, take this to hang the Prussian from that old cherry tree opposite the priest’s garden.’ He turned to Thibassou and ordered, ‘Thibassou, you’re quick and agile, go and help Jean.’ And so amid shouts of ‘Prussian bastard!’ Alain was seized and bound. Thibassou, the very boy Alain had paid to look after his horse, scaled the old cherry tree as nimbly as a squirrel. The gnarled trunk of the centuries-old tree was S-shaped and a long, thick branch overhung the collapsed wall. Thibassou was thrilled that this execution would give him the chance to do a man’s job, and set to work with zeal. He attached a rope to the branch while Jean Campot fashioned a noose around Alain’s neck. He then clambered higher and balanced on a branch, looking out at the crowd. ‘Anna Mondout, Anna! Look, I’m helping hang the Prussian!’ he called. Thibassou bounced up and down to test the tree’s strength, but the branch snapped, falling on several people below and taking him with it.
What do You think about Eat Him If You Like (2011)?
