Throwing the Hatchet.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 41, 15 March 1884, Page 4

Throwing the Hatchet.

In the fourteenth century the situation of public executioner of the city of Florence became vacant ; and as it was a place of considerable emolument, there were three candidates. The first candidate, with a knife, cleverly separated the head of the victim from his shoulders. He was outdone by the rapid stroke of the second, whose glittering broadsword struck terror m the hearts of the surrounding multitude. The third, and least promising, held m his hand a short hatchet, and when the victim was extended with his head on the fatal block, approached him, and m a low whisper inquired if he was a swift runner, and if he could swim well. On being answered m the affirmative, he desired him to spring On his feet and cross the river. The executioner then, putting on a fierce look, swung his weapon round his head, but instead of making it descend on the devoted creature's neck, struck it with great force into the block ! Shouts of execration rose from the crowd, and the trembling wretch, astonished at his wonderful escape, had nearly gained the opposite bank of the river before any steps were taken to pursue him. He had, however, scarcely gone ten yards on dry land when the executioner, taking steady aim, threw his hatchet with such effect that the body continued running some time after the head was off ! From this rather improbable incident the common phrase of throwing the hatchet is said to be derived.