initial commit of ebook 832HEADmain

2 files changed, 8209 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/old/1rbnh10.txt b/old/1rbnh10.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afee06a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/1rbnh10.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8209 @@
+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Robin Hood by J. Walker McSpadden
+
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world, be sure to check
+the copyright laws for your country before posting these files!!
+
+Please take a look at the important information in this header.
+We encourage you to keep this file on your own disk, keeping an
+electronic path open for the next readers.  Do not remove this.
+
+
+**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**
+
+**Etexts Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**
+
+*These Etexts Prepared By Hundreds of Volunteers and Donations*
+
+Information on contacting Project Gutenberg to get Etexts, and
+further information is included below.  We need your donations.
+
+
+Robin Hood, by J. Walker McSpadden
+
+February, 1997  [Etext #832]
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Robin Hood by J. Walker McSpadden
+*****This file should be named 1rbnh10.txt or 1rbnh10.zip******
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our etexts get a new NUMBER, 1rbnh11.txt.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 1rbnh10a.txt.
+
+
+This etext was prepared by Joseph S. Miller, Pensacola, FL and
+Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Library, Prescott, AZ.
+
+
+We are now trying to release all our books one month in advance
+of the official release dates, for time for better editing.
+
+Please note:  neither this list nor its contents are final till
+midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement.
+The official release date of all Project Gutenberg Etexts is at
+Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month.  A
+preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment
+and editing by those who wish to do so.  To be sure you have an
+up to date first edition [xxxxx10x.xxx] please check file sizes
+in the first week of the next month.  Since our ftp program has
+a bug in it that scrambles the date [tried to fix and failed] a
+look at the file size will have to do, but we will try to see a
+new copy has at least one byte more or less.
+
+
+Information about Project Gutenberg (one page)
+
+We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work.  The
+fifty hours is one conservative estimate for how long it we take
+to get any etext selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright
+searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc.  This
+projected audience is one hundred million readers.  If our value
+per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2
+million dollars per hour this year as we release thirty-two text
+files per month:  or 400 more Etexts in 1996 for a total of 800.
+If these reach just 10% of the computerized population, then the
+total should reach 80 billion Etexts.
+
+The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away One Trillion Etext
+Files by the December 31, 2001.  [10,000 x 100,000,000=Trillion]
+This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers,
+which is only 10% of the present number of computer users.  2001
+should have at least twice as many computer users as that, so it
+will require us reaching less than 5% of the users in 2001.
+
+
+We need your donations more than ever!
+
+
+All donations should be made to "Project Gutenberg/CMU": and are
+tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.  (CMU = Carnegie-
+Mellon University).
+
+For these and other matters, please mail to:
+
+Project Gutenberg
+P. O. Box  2782
+Champaign, IL 61825
+
+When all other email fails try our Executive Director:
+Michael S. Hart <hart@pobox.com>
+
+We would prefer to send you this information by email
+(Internet, Bitnet, Compuserve, ATTMAIL or MCImail).
+
+******
+If you have an FTP program (or emulator), please
+FTP directly to the Project Gutenberg archives:
+[Mac users, do NOT point and click. . .type]
+
+ftp uiarchive.cso.uiuc.edu
+login:  anonymous
+password:  your@login
+cd etext/etext90 through /etext96
+or cd etext/articles [get suggest gut for more information]
+dir [to see files]
+get or mget [to get files. . .set bin for zip files]
+GET INDEX?00.GUT
+for a list of books
+and
+GET NEW GUT for general information
+and
+MGET GUT* for newsletters.
+
+**Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor**
+(Three Pages)
+
+
+***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS**START***
+Why is this "Small Print!" statement here?  You know: lawyers.
+They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with
+your copy of this etext, even if you got it for free from
+someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our
+fault.  So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement
+disclaims most of our liability to you.  It also tells you how
+you can distribute copies of this etext if you want to.
+
+*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS ETEXT
+By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
+etext, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept
+this "Small Print!" statement.  If you do not, you can receive
+a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this etext by
+sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person
+you got it from.  If you received this etext on a physical
+medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request.
+
+ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM ETEXTS
+This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm etext, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-
+tm etexts, is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor
+Michael S. Hart through the Project Gutenberg Association at
+Carnegie-Mellon University (the "Project").  Among other
+things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright
+on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and
+distribute it in the United States without permission and
+without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules, set forth
+below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this etext
+under the Project's "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark.
+
+To create these etexts, the Project expends considerable
+efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain
+works.  Despite these efforts, the Project's etexts and any
+medium they may be on may contain "Defects".  Among other
+things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged
+disk or other etext medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES
+But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below,
+[1] the Project (and any other party you may receive this
+etext from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm etext) disclaims all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including
+legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR
+UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT,
+INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
+OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE
+POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
+
+If you discover a Defect in this etext within 90 days of
+receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any)
+you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that
+time to the person you received it from.  If you received it
+on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and
+such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement
+copy.  If you received it electronically, such person may
+choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to
+receive it electronically.
+
+THIS ETEXT IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS".  NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS
+TO THE ETEXT OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
+PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
+
+Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or
+the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the
+above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you
+may have other legal rights.
+
+INDEMNITY
+You will indemnify and hold the Project, its directors,
+officers, members and agents harmless from all liability, cost
+and expense, including legal fees, that arise directly or
+indirectly from any of the following that you do or cause:
+[1] distribution of this etext, [2] alteration, modification,
+or addition to the etext, or [3] any Defect.
+
+DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm"
+You may distribute copies of this etext electronically, or by
+disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this
+"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg,
+or:
+
+[1]  Only give exact copies of it.  Among other things, this
+     requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the
+     etext or this "small print!" statement.  You may however,
+     if you wish, distribute this etext in machine readable
+     binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form,
+     including any form resulting from conversion by word pro-
+     cessing or hypertext software, but only so long as
+     *EITHER*:
+
+     [*]  The etext, when displayed, is clearly readable, and
+          does *not* contain characters other than those
+          intended by the author of the work, although tilde
+          (~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may
+          be used to convey punctuation intended by the
+          author, and additional characters may be used to
+          indicate hypertext links; OR
+
+     [*]  The etext may be readily converted by the reader at
+          no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent
+          form by the program that displays the etext (as is
+          the case, for instance, with most word processors);
+          OR
+
+     [*]  You provide, or agree to also provide on request at
+          no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the
+          etext in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC
+          or other equivalent proprietary form).
+
+[2]  Honor the etext refund and replacement provisions of this
+     "Small Print!" statement.
+
+[3]  Pay a trademark license fee to the Project of 20% of the
+     net profits you derive calculated using the method you
+     already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  If you
+     don't derive profits, no royalty is due.  Royalties are
+     payable to "Project Gutenberg Association/Carnegie-Mellon
+     University" within the 60 days following each
+     date you prepare (or were legally required to prepare)
+     your annual (or equivalent periodic) tax return.
+
+WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
+The Project gratefully accepts contributions in money, time,
+scanning machines, OCR software, public domain etexts, royalty
+free copyright licenses, and every other sort of contribution
+you can think of.  Money should be paid to "Project Gutenberg
+Association / Carnegie-Mellon University".
+
+*END*THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END*
+
+
+
+
+
+This etext was prepared by Joseph S. Miller, Pensacola, FL and
+Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Library, Prescott, AZ.
+
+
+Robin Hood by J. Walker McSpadden
+
+CHAPTER    I       How Robin Hood Became an Outlaw
+
+CHAPTER    II      How Robin Hood Met Little John
+
+CHAPTER    III     How Robin Hood Turned Butcher, and Entered the
+
+                   Sheriff's Service
+
+CHAPTER    IV      How Little John Entered the Sheriff's Service
+
+CHAPTER    V       How the Sheriff Lost Three Good Servants, and 
+
+                   Found Them Again
+
+CHAPTER    VI      How Robin Hood Met Will Scarlett
+
+CHAPTER    VII     How Robin Hood Met Friar Tuck
+
+CHAPTER    VIII    How Allan-a-Dale's Wooing Was Prospered
+
+CHAPTER    IX      How the Widow's Three Sons Were Rescued
+
+CHAPTER    X       How a Beggar Filled the Public Eye
+
+CHAPTER    XI      How Robin Hood Fought Guy of Gisbourne
+
+CHAPTER    XII     How Maid Marion Came Back to Sherwood Forest; 
+
+                   Also, How Robin Hood Came Before Queen Eleanor
+
+CHAPTER    XIII    How the Outlaws Shot in King Harry's Tourney
+
+CHAPTER    XIV     How Robin Hood Was Sought of the Tinker
+
+CHAPTER    XV      How Robin Hood Was Tanned of the Tanner
+
+CHAPTER    XVI     How Robin Hood Met Sir Richard of the Lea
+
+CHAPTER    XVII    How the Bishop Was Dined
+
+CHAPTER    XVIII   How the Bishop Went Outlaw-Hunting
+
+CHAPTER    XIX     How the Sheriff Held Another Shooting Match
+
+CHAPTER    XX      How Will Stutely Was Rescued
+
+CHAPTER    XXI     How Sir Richard of the Lea Repaid His Debt
+
+CHAPTER    XXII    How King Richard Came to Sherwood Forest
+
+CHAPTER    XXIII   How Robin Hood and Maid Marion Were Wed
+
+CHAPTER    XXIV    How Robin Hood Met His Death
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD BECAME AN OUTLAW
+
+List and hearken, gentlemen,
+That be of free-born blood,
+I shall you tell of a good yeoman,
+His name was Robin Hood.
+
+Robin was a proud outlaw,
+While as he walked on the ground.
+So courteous an outlaw as he was one
+Was never none else found.
+
+
+In the days of good King Harry the Second of England--he of the
+warring sons--there were certain forests in the north country set
+aside for the King's hunting, and no man might shoot deer therein
+under penalty of death.  These forests were guarded by the King's
+Foresters, the chief of whom, in each wood, was no mean man but
+equal in authority to the Sheriff in his walled town, or even to
+my lord Bishop in his abbey.
+
+One of the greatest of royal preserves was Sherwood and
+Barnesdale forests near the two towns of Nottingham and
+Barnesdale.  Here for some years dwelt one Hugh Fitzooth as Head
+Forester, with his good wife and son Robert.  The boy had been
+born in Lockesley town--in the year 1160, stern records say--and
+was often called Lockesley, or Rob of Lockesley.  He was a
+comely, well-knit stripling, and as soon as he was strong enough
+to walk his chief delight was to go with his father into the
+forest.  As soon as his right arm received thew and sinew he
+learned to draw the long bow and speed a true arrow.  While on
+winter evenings his greatest joy was to hear his father tell of
+bold Will o' the Green, the outlaw, who for many summers defied
+the King's Foresters and feasted with his men upon King's deer. 
+And on other stormy days the boy learned to whittle out a
+straight shaft for the long bow, and tip it with gray goose
+feathers.
+
+The fond mother sighed when she saw the boy's face light up at
+these woodland tales.  She was of gentle birth, and had hoped to
+see her son famous at court or abbey.  She taught him to read and
+to write, to doff his cap without awkwardness and to answer
+directly and truthfully both lord and peasant.  But the boy,
+although he took kindly to these lessons of breeding, was yet
+happiest when he had his beloved bow in hand and strolled at
+will, listening to the murmur of the trees.
+
+Two playmates had Rob in these gladsome early days.  One was Will
+Gamewell, his father's brother's son, who lived at Gamewell
+Lodge, hard by Nottingham town.  The other was Marian Fitzwalter,
+only child of the Earl of Huntingdon.  The castle of Huntingdon
+could be seen from the top of one of the tall trees in Sherwood;
+and on more than one bright day Rob's white signal from this tree
+told Marian that he awaited her there: for you must know that Rob
+did not visit her at the castle.  His father and her father were
+enemies. Some people whispered that Hugh Fitzooth was the
+rightful Earl of Huntingdon, but that he had been defrauded out
+of his lands by Fitzwalter, who had won the King's favor by a
+crusade to the Holy Land.  But little cared Rob or Marian for
+this enmity, however it had arisen.  They knew that the great
+green--wood was open to them, and that the wide, wide world was
+full of the scent of flowers and the song of birds.
+
+Days of youth speed all too swiftly, and troubled skies come all
+too soon.  Rob's father had two other enemies besides Fitzwalter,
+in the persons of the lean Sheriff of Nottingham and the fat
+Bishop of Hereford.  These three enemies one day got possession
+of the King's ear and whispered therein to such good--or
+evil--purpose that Hugh Fitzooth was removed from his post of
+King's Forester.  He and his wife and Rob, then a youth of
+nineteen, were descended upon, during a cold winter's evening,
+and dispossessed without warning.  The Sheriff arrested the
+Forester for treason--of which, poor man, he was as guiltless as
+you or I--and carried him to Nottingham jail.  Rob and his mother
+were sheltered over night in the jail, also, but next morning
+were roughly bade to go about their business.  Thereupon they
+turned for succor to their only kinsman, Squire George of
+Gamewell, who sheltered them in all kindness.
+
+But the shock, and the winter night's journey, proved too much
+for Dame Fitzooth.  She had not been strong for some time before
+leaving the forest.  In less than two months she was no more. 
+Rob felt as though his heart was broken at this loss.  But
+scarcely had the first spring flowers begun to blossom upon her
+grave, when he met another crushing blow in the loss of his
+father.  That stern man had died in prison before his accusers
+could agree upon the charges by which he was to be brought to
+trial.
+
+Two years passed by.  Rob's cousin Will was away at school; and
+Marian's father, who had learned of her friendship with Rob, had
+sent his daughter to the court of Queen Eleanor.  So these years
+were lonely ones to the orphaned lad.  The bluff old Squire was
+kind to him, but secretly could make nothing of one who went
+about brooding and as though seeking for something he had lost. 
+The truth is that Rob missed his old life in the forest no less
+than his mother's gentleness, and his father's companionship. 
+Every time he twanged the string of the long bow against his
+shoulder and heard the gray goose shaft sing, it told him of
+happy days that he could not recall.
+
+One morning as Rob came in to breakfast, his uncle greeted him
+with, "I have news for you, Rob, my lad!"  and the hearty old
+Squire finished his draught of ale and set his pewter tankard
+down with a crash.
+
+"What may that be, Uncle Gamewell?" asked the young man.
+
+"Here is a chance to exercise your good long bow and win a pretty
+prize.  The Fair is on at Nottingham, and the Sheriff proclaims
+an archer's tournament.  The best fellows are to have places with
+the King's Foresters, and the one who shoots straightest of all
+will win for prize a olden arrow--a useless bauble enough, but
+just the thing for your lady love, eh, Rob my boy?" Here the
+Squire laughed and whacked the table again with his tankard.
+
+Rob's eyes sparkled.  "'Twere indeed worth shooting for, uncle
+mine," he said.  "I should dearly love to let arrow fly alongside
+another man.  And a place among the Foresters is what I have long
+desired.  Will you let me try?"
+
+"To be sure," rejoined his uncle. "Well I know that your good
+mother would have had me make a clerk of you; but well I see that
+the greenwood is where you will pass your days.  So, here's luck
+to you in the bout!" And the huge tankard came a third time into
+play.
+
+The young man thanked his uncle for his good wishes, and set
+about making preparations for the journey.  He traveled lightly;
+but his yew bow must needs have a new string, and his cloth-yard
+arrows must be of the straightest and soundest.
+
+One fine morning, a few days after, Rob might have been seen
+passing by way of Lockesley through Sherwood Forest to Nottingham
+town.  Briskly walked he and gaily, for his hopes were high and
+never an enemy had he in the wide world.  But 'twas the very last
+morning in all his life when he was to lack an enemy!  For, as he
+went his way through Sherwood, whistling a blithe tune, he came
+suddenly upon a group of Foresters, making merry beneath the
+spreading branches of an oak-tree.  They had a huge meat pie
+before them and were washing down prodigious slices of it with
+nut brown ale.
+
+One glance at the leader and Rob knew at once that he had found
+an enemy.  'Twas the man who had usurped his father's place as
+Head Forester, and who had roughly turned his mother out in the
+snow.  But never a word said he for good or bad, and would have
+passed on his way, had not this man, clearing his throat with a
+huge gulp, bellowed out: "By my troth, here is a pretty little
+archer!  Where go you, my lad, with that tupenny bow and toy
+arrows?  Belike he would shoot at Nottingham Fair! Ho!  Ho!"
+
+A roar of laughter greeted this sally.  Rob flushed, for he was
+mightily proud of his shooting.
+
+"My bow is as good as yours," he retorted, "and my shafts will
+carry as straight and as far.  So I'll not take lessons of any of
+ye"'
+
+They laughed again loudly at this, and the leader said with
+frown:
+
+"Show us some of your skill, and if you can hit the mark here's
+twenty silver pennies for you.  But if you hit it not you are in
+for a sound drubbing for your pertness."
+
+"Pick your own target," quoth Rob in a fine rage.  "I'll lay my
+head against that purse that I can hit it."
+
+"It shall be as you say," retorted the Forester angrily, "your
+head for your sauciness that you hit not my target."
+
+Now at a little rise in the wood a herd of deer came grazing by,
+distant full fivescore yards.  They were King's deer, but at that
+distance seemed safe from any harm.  The Head Forester pointed to
+them.
+
+"If your young arm could speed a shaft for half that distance,
+I'd shoot with you."
+
+"Done!" cried Rob.  "My head against twenty pennies I'll cause
+yon fine fellow in the lead of them to breathe his last."
+
+And without more ado he tried the string of his long bow, placed
+a shaft thereon, and drew it to his ear.  A moment, and the
+quivering string sang death as the shaft whistled across the
+glade.  Another moment and the leader of the herd leaped high in
+his tracks and fell prone, dyeing the sward with his heart's
+blood.
+
+A murmur of amazement swept through the Foresters, and then a
+growl of rage.  He that had wagered was angriest of all.
+
+"Know you what you have done, rash youth?" he said.  "You have
+killed a King's deer, and by the laws of King Harry your head
+remains forfeit.  Talk not to me of pennies but get ye gone
+straight, and let me not look upon your face again."
+
+Rob's blood boiled within him, and he uttered a rash speech.  "I
+have looked upon your face once too often already, my fine
+Forester.  'Tis you who wear my father's shoes."
+
+And with this he turned upon his heel and strode away.
+
+The Forester heard his parting thrust with an oath.  Red with
+rage he seized his bow, strung an arrow, and without warning
+launched it full af' Rob. Well was it for the latter that the
+Forester's foot turned on a twig at the critical instant, for as
+it was the arrow whizzed by his ear so close as to take a stray
+strand of his hair with it. Rob turned upon his assailant, now
+twoscore yards away.
+
+"Ha!" said he. "You shoot not so straight as I, for all your
+bravado. Take this from the tupenny bow!"
+
+Straight flew his answering shaft.  The Head Forester gave one
+cry, then fell face downward and lay still.  His life had avenged
+Rob's father, but the son was outlawed.  Forward he ran through
+the forest, before the band could gather their scattered
+wits--still forward into the great greenwood.  The swaying trees
+seemed to open their arms to the wanderer, and to welcome him
+home.
+
+Toward the close of the same day, Rob paused hungry and weary at
+the cottage of a poor widow who dwelt upon the outskirts of the
+forest. Now this widow had often greeted him kindly in his
+boyhood days, giving him to eat and drink.  So he boldly entered
+her door.  The old dame was right glad to see him, and baked him
+cakes in the ashes, and had him rest and tell her his story. Then
+she shook her head.
+
+"'Tis an evil wind that blows through Sherwood," she said.  "The
+poor are despoiled and the rich ride over their bodies.  My three
+sons have been outlawed for shooting King's deer to keep us from
+starving, and now hide in the wood.  And they tell me that
+twoscore of as good men as ever drew bow are in hiding with
+them."
+
+"Where are they, good mother?" cried Rob.  "By my faith, I will
+join them."
+
+"Nay, nay," replied the old woman at first.  But when she saw
+that there was no other way, she said: "My sons will visit me
+to-night.  Stay you here and see them if you must."
+
+So Rob stayed willingly to see the widow's sons that night, for
+they were men after his own heart.  And when they found that his
+mood was with them, they made him swear an oath of fealty, and
+told him the haunt of the band--a place he knew right well. 
+Finally one of them said:
+
+"But the band lacks a leader--one who can use his head as well as
+his hand.  So we have agreed that he who has skill enough to go
+to Nottingham, an outlaw, and win the prize at archery, shall be
+our chief."
+
+Rob sprang to his feet.  "Said in good time!" cried he, "for I
+had started to that self-same Fair, and all the Foresters, and
+all the Sheriff's men in Christendom shall not stand between me
+and the center of their target!"
+
+And though he was but barely grown he stood so straight and his
+eye flashed with such fire that the three brothers seized his
+hand and shouted:
+
+"A Lockesley! a Lockesley! if you win the golden arrow you shall
+be chief of outlaws in Sherwood Forest!"
+
+So Rob fell to planning how he could disguise himself to go to
+Nottingham town; for he knew that the Foresters had even then set
+a price on his head in the market-place.
+
+It was even as Rob had surmised.  The Sheriff of Nottingham
+posted a reward of two hundred pounds for the capture, dead or
+alive, of one Robert Fitzooth, outlaw.  And the crowds thronging
+the streets upon that busy Fair day often paused to read the
+notice and talk together about the death of the Head Forester.
+
+But what with wrestling bouts and bouts with quarter-staves, and
+wandering minstrels, there came up so many other things to talk
+about, that the reward was forgotten for the nonce, and only the
+Foresters and Sheriff's men watched the gates with diligence, the
+Sheriff indeed spurring them to effort by offers of largess.  His
+hatred of the father had descended to the son.
+
+The great event of the day came in the afternoon.  It was the
+archer's contest for the golden arrow, and twenty men stepped
+forth to shoot.  Among them was a beggar-man, a sorry looking
+fellow with leggings of different colors, and brown scratched
+face and hands.  Over a tawny shock of hair he had a hood drawn,
+much like that of a monk.  Slowly he limped to his place in the
+line, while the mob shouted in derision.  But the contest was
+open to all comers, so no man said him nay.
+
+Side by side with Rob--for it was he--stood a muscular fellow of
+swarthy visage and with one eye hid by a green bandage.  Him also
+the crowd jeered, but he passed them by with indifference while
+he tried his bow with practiced hand.
+
+A great crowd had assembled in the amphitheater enclosing the
+lists.  All the gentry and populace of the surrounding country
+were gathered there in eager expectancy.  The central box
+contained the lean but pompous Sheriff, his bejeweled wife, and
+their daughter, a supercilious young woman enough, who, it was
+openly hinted, was hoping to receive the golden arrow from the
+victor and thus be crowned queen of the day.
+
+Next to the Sheriff's box was one occupied by the fat Bishop of
+Hereford; while in the other side was a box wherein sat a girl
+whose dark hair, dark eyes, and fair features caused Rob's heart
+to leap.  'Twas Maid Marian!  She had come up for a visit from
+the Queen's court at London town, and now sat demurely by her
+father the Earl of Huntingdon.  If Rob had been grimly resolved
+to win the arrow before, the sight of her sweet face multiplied
+his determination an hundredfold.  He felt his muscles tightening
+into bands of steel, tense and true.  Yet withal his heart would
+throb, making him quake in a most unaccountable way.
+
+Then the trumpet sounded, and the crowd became silent while the
+herald announced the terms of the contest.  The lists were open
+to all comers.  The first target was to be placed at thirty ells
+distance, and all those who hit its center were allowed to shoot
+at the second target, placed ten ells farther off. The third
+target was to be removed yet farther, until the winner was
+proved. The winner was to receive the golden arrow, and a place
+with the King's Foresters.  He it was also who crowned the queen
+of the day.
+
+The trumpet sounded again, and the archers prepared to shoot. 
+Rob looked to his string, while the crowd smiled and whispered at
+the odd figure he cut, with his vari-colored legs and little
+cape.  But as the first man shot, they grew silent.
+  
+The target was not so far but that twelve out of the twenty 
+contestants reached its inner circle.  Rob shot sixth in the line
+and landed fairly, being rewarded by an approving grunt from the
+man with the green blinder, who shot seventh, and with apparent
+carelessness, yet true to the bull's-eye.
+
+The mob cheered and yelled themselves hoarse at this even
+marksmanship.  The trumpet sounded again, and a new target was
+set up at forty ells.
+
+The first three archers again struck true, amid the loud applause
+of the onlookers; for they were general favorites and expected to
+win.  Indeed 'twas whispered that each was backed by one of the
+three dignitaries of the day.  The fourth and fifth archers
+barely grazed the center.  Rob fitted his arrow quietly and with
+some confidence sped it unerringly toward the shining circle.
+
+"The beggar! the beggar!" yelled the crowd; "another bull for the
+beggar!" In truth his shaft was nearer the center than any of the
+others. But it was not so near that "Blinder," as the mob had
+promptly christened his neighbor, did not place his shaft just
+within the mark.  Again the crowd cheered wildly. Such shooting
+as this was not seen every day in Nottingham town.
+
+The other archers in this round were disconcerted by the
+preceding shots, or unable to keep the pace.  They missed one
+after another and dropped moodily back, while the trumpet sounded
+for the third round, and the target was set up fifty ells
+distant.
+
+"By my halidom you draw a good bow, young master," said Rob's
+queer comrade to him in the interval allowed for rest.  "Do you
+wish me to shoot first on this trial?"
+
+"Nay," said Rob, "but you are a good fellow by this token, and if
+I win not, I hope you may keep the prize from yon strutters." And
+he nodded scornfully to the three other archers who were
+surrounded by their admirers, and were being made much of by
+retainers of the Sheriff, the Bishop, and the Earl. From them his
+eye wandered toward Maid Marian's booth.  She had been watching
+him, it seemed, for their eyes met; then hers were hastily
+averted.
+
+"Blinder's" quick eye followed those of Rob.  "A fair maid,
+that," he said smilingly, "and one more worthy the golden arrow
+than the Sheriff's haughty miss."
+
+Rob looked at him swiftly, and saw naught but kindliness in his
+glance.
+
+"You are a shrewd fellow and I like you well," was his only
+comment.
+
+Now the archers prepared to shoot again, each with some little
+care. The target seemed hardly larger than the inner ring had
+looked, at the first trial.  The first three sped their shafts,
+and while they were fair shots they did not more than graze the
+inner circle.
+
+Rob took his stand with some misgiving.  Some flecking clouds
+overhead made the light uncertain, and a handful of wind
+frolicked across the range in a way quite disturbing to a
+bowman's nerves.  His eyes wandered for a brief moment to the box
+wherein sat the dark-eyed girl.  His heart leaped! she met his
+glance and smiled at him reassuringly.  And in that moment he
+felt that she knew him despite his disguise and looked to him to
+keep the honor of old Sherwood.  He drew his bow firmly and,
+taking advantage of a momentary lull in the breeze, launched the
+arrow straight and true-singing across the range to the center of
+the target.
+
+"The beggar! the beggar! a bull! a bull!" yelled the fickle mob,
+who from jeering him were now his warm friends.  "Can you beat
+that, Blinder?"
+
+The last archer smiled scornfully and made ready.  He drew his
+bow with ease and grace and, without seeming to study the course,
+released the winged arrow.  Forward it leaped toward the target,
+and all eyes followed its flight.  A loud uproar broke forth when
+it alighted, just without the center and grazing the shaft sent
+by Rob.  The stranger made a gesture of surprise when his own
+eyes announced the result to him, but saw his error.  He had not
+allowed for the fickle gust of wind which seized the arrow and
+carried it to one side.  But for all that he was the first to
+congratulate the victor.
+
+"I hope we may shoot again," quoth he.  "In truth I care not for
+the golden bauble and wished to win it in despite of the Sheriff
+for whom I have no love. Now crown the lady of your choice." And
+turning suddenly he was lost in the crowd, before Rob could utter
+what it was upon his lips to say, that he would shoot again with
+him.
+
+And now the herald summoned Rob to the Sheriff's box to receive
+the prize.
+
+"You are a curious fellow enough," said the Sheriff, biting his
+lip coldly; "yet you shoot well. What name go you by?"
+
+Marian sat near and was listening intently.
+
+"I am called Rob the Stroller, my Lord Sheriff," said the archer.
+
+Marian leaned back and smiled.
+
+"Well, Rob the Stroller, with a little attention to your skin and
+clothes you would not be so bad a man," said the Sheriff.  "How
+like you the idea of entering my service.
+
+"Rob the Stroller has ever been a free man, my Lord, and desires
+no service."
+
+The Sheriff's brow darkened, yet for the sake of his daughter and
+the golden arrow, he dissembled.
+
+"Rob the Stroller," said he, "here is the golden arrow which has
+been offered to the best of archers this day.  You are awarded
+the prize.  See that you bestow it worthily."
+
+At this point the herald nudged Rob and half inclined his head
+toward the Sheriff's daughter, who sat with a thin smile upon her
+lips.  But Rob heeded him not.  He took the arrow and strode to
+the next box where sat Maid Marian.
+
+"Lady," he said, "pray accept this little pledge from a poor
+stroller who would devote the best shafts in his quiver to serve
+you."
+
+"My thanks to you, Rob in the Hood," replied she with a roguish
+twinkle in her eye; and she placed the gleaming arrow in her
+hair, while the people shouted, "The Queen! the Queen!"
+
+The Sheriff glowered furiously upon this ragged archer who had
+refused his service, taken his prize without a word of thanks,
+and snubbed his daughter.  He would have spoken, but his proud
+daughter restrained him.  He called to his guard and bade them
+watch the beggar.  But Rob had already turned swiftly, lost
+himself in the throng, and headed straight for the town gate.
+
+That same evening within a forest glade a group of men--some
+twoscore clad in Lincoln green--sat round a fire roasting venison
+and making merry. Suddenly a twig crackled and they sprang to
+their feet and seized their weapons.
+
+"I look for the widow's sons," a clear voice said, "and I come
+alone."
+
+Instantly the three men stepped forward.
+
+"Tis Rob!" they cried; "welcome to Sherwood Forest, Rob!" And all
+the men came and greeted him; for they had heard his story.
+
+Then one of the widow's sons, Stout Will, stepped forth and said:
+
+"Comrades all, ye know that our band has sadly lacked a
+leader--one of birth, breeding, and skill.  Belike we have found
+that leader in this young man. And I and my brothers have told
+him that the band would choose that one who should bring the
+Sheriff to shame this day and capture his golden arrow.  Is it
+not so?"
+
+The band gave assent.
+
+Will turned to Rob.  "What news bring you from Nottingham town?"
+asked he.
+
+Rob laughed.  "In truth I brought the Sheriff to shame for mine
+own pleasure, and won his golden arrow to boot. But as to the
+prize ye must e'en take my word, for I bestowed it upon a maid."
+
+And seeing the men stood in doubt at this, he continued: "But
+I'll gladly join your band, and you take me, as a common archer. 
+For there are others older and mayhap more skilled than I."
+
+Then stepped one forward from the rest, a tall swarthy man.  And
+Rob recognized him as the man with the green blinder; only this
+was now removed, and his freed eye gleamed as stoutly as the
+other one.
+
+"Rob in the Hood--for such the lady called you," said he, "I can
+vouch for your tale.  You shamed the Sheriff e'en as I had hoped
+to do; and we can forego the golden arrow since it is in such
+fair hands.  As to your shooting and mine, we must let future
+days decide.  But here I, Will Stutely, declare that I will serve
+none other chief save only you."
+
+Then good Will Stutely told the outlaws of Rob's deeds, and gave
+him his hand of fealty.  And the widow's sons did likewise, and
+the other members every one, right gladly; because Will Stutely
+had heretofore been the truest bow in all the company.  And they
+toasted him in nut brown ale, and hailed him as their leader, by
+the name of Robin Hood.  And he accepted that name because Maid
+Marian had said it.
+
+By the light of the camp-fire the band exchanged signs and
+passwords. They gave Robin Hood a horn upon which he was to blow
+to summon them. They swore, also, that while they might take
+money and goods from the unjust rich, they would aid and befriend
+the poor and the helpless; and that they would harm no woman, be
+she maid, wife, or widow.  They swore all this with solemn oaths,
+while they feasted about the ruddy blaze, under the greenwood
+tree.
+
+And that is how Robin Hood became an outlaw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD MET LITTLE JOHN
+
+"O here is my hand," the stranger reply'd,
+"I'll serve you with all my whole heart.
+My name is John Little, a man of good mettle,
+Ne'er doubt me for I'll play my part."
+
+"His name shall be altered," quoth William Stutely,
+"And I will his godfather be:
+Prepare then a feast, and none of the least,
+For we will be merry," quoth he.
+
+
+All that summer Robin Hood and his merry men roamed in Sherwood
+Forest, and the fame of their deeds ran abroad in the land.  The
+Sheriff of Nottingham waxed wroth at the report, but all his
+traps and excursions failed to catch the outlaws.  The poor
+people began by fearing them, but when they found that the men in
+Lincoln green who answered Robin Hood's horn meant them no harm,
+but despoiled the oppressor to relieve the oppressed, they 'gan
+to have great liking for them.  And the band increased by other
+stout hearts till by the end of the summer fourscore good men and
+true had sworn fealty.
+
+But the days of quiet which came on grew irksome to Robin's
+adventurous spirit.  Up rose he, one gay morn, and slung his
+quiver over his shoulders.
+
+"This fresh breeze stirs the blood, my lads," quoth he, "and I
+would be seeing what the gay world looks like in the direction of
+Nottingham town.  But tarry ye behind in the borders of the
+forest, within earshot of my bugle call."
+
+Thus saying he strode merrily forward to the edge of the wood,
+and paused there a moment, his agile form erect, his brown locks
+flowing and his brown eyes watching the road; and a goodly sight
+he made, as the wind blew the ruddy color into his cheeks.
+
+The highway led clear in the direction of the town, and thither
+he boldly directed his steps.  But at a bend in the road he knew
+of a by-path leading across a brook which made the way nearer
+and less open, into which he turned.  As he approached the stream
+he saw that it had become swollen by recent rains into quite a
+pretty torrent.  The log foot-bridge was still there, but at this
+end of it a puddle intervened which could be crossed only with a
+leap, if you would not get your feet wet.
+
+But Robin cared little for such a handicap.  Taking a running
+start, his nimble legs carried him easily over and balanced
+neatly upon the end of the broad log.  But he was no sooner
+started across than he saw a tall stranger coming from the other
+side.  Thereupon Robin quickened his pace, and the stranger did
+likewise, each thinking to cross first.  Midway they met, and
+neither would yield an inch.
+
+"Give way, fellow!" roared Robin, whose leadership of a band, I
+am afraid, had not tended to mend his manners.
+
+The stranger smiled.  He was almost a head taller than the other.
+
+"Nay," he retorted, "fair and softly!  I give way only to a
+better man than myself."
+
+"Give way, I say", repeated Robin, "or I shall have to show you a
+better man."
+
+His opponent budged not an inch, but laughed loudly.  "Now by my
+halidom!" he said good-naturedly, "I would not move after hearing
+that speech, even if minded to it before; for this better man I
+have sought my life long. Therefore show him to me, an it please
+you."
+
+"That will I right soon," quoth Robin.  "Stay you here a little
+while, till I cut me a cudgel like unto that you have been
+twiddling in your fingers." So saying he sought his own bank
+again with a leap, laid aside his long bow and arrows, and cut
+him a stout staff of oak, straight, knotless, and a good six feet
+in length.  But still it was a full foot shorter than his
+opponent's.  Then back came he boldly.
+
+"I mind not telling you, fellow," said he, "that a bout with
+archery would have been an easier way with me.  But there are
+other tunes in England besides that the arrow sings." Here he
+whirred the staff about his head by way of practice.  "So make
+you ready for the tune I am about to play upon your ribs.  Have
+at you!  One, two--"
+
+"Three!" roared the giant smiting at him instantly.
+
+Well was it for Robin that he was quick and nimble of foot; for
+the blow that grazed a hair's breadth from his shoulder would
+have felled an ox.  Nevertheless while swerving to avoid this
+stroke, Robin was poising for his own, and back came he
+forthwith--whack!
+
+Whack! parried the other.
+
+Whack! whack! whack! whack!
+
+The fight waxed fast and furious.  It was strength pitted against
+subtlety, and the match was a merry one.  The mighty blows of the
+stranger went whistling around Robin's ducking head, while his
+own swift undercuts were fain to give the other an attack of
+indigestion.  Yet each stood firmly in his place not moving
+backward or forward a foot for a good half hour, nor thinking of
+crying "Enough!" though some chance blow seemed likely to knock
+one or the other off the narrow foot-bridge.  The giant's face
+was getting red, and his breath came snorting forth like a
+bull's.  He stepped forward with a furious onslaught to finish
+this audacious fellow.  Robin dodged his blows lightly, then
+sprang in swiftly and unexpectedly and dealt the stranger such a
+blow upon the short ribs that you would have sworn the tanner was
+trimming down his hides for market.
+
+The stranger reeled and came within an ace of falling, but
+regained his footing right quickly.
+
+"By my life, you can hit hard!" he gasped forth, giving back a
+blow almost while he was yet staggering.
+
+This blow was a lucky one.  It caught Robin off his guard.  His
+stick had rested a moment while he looked to see the giant topple
+into the water, when down came the other upon his head, whack! 
+Robin saw more stars in that one moment than all the astronomers
+have since discovered, and forthwith he dropped neatly into the
+stream.
+
+The cool rushing current quickly brought him to his senses,
+howbeit he was still so dazed that he groped blindly for the
+swaying reeds to pull himself up on the bank.  His assailant
+could not forbear laughing heartily at his plight, but was also
+quick to lend his aid.  He thrust down his long staff to Robin
+crying, "Lay hold of that, an your fists whirl not so much as
+your head!"
+
+Robin laid hold and was hauled to dry land for all the world like
+a fish, except that the fish would never have come forth so wet
+and dripping.  He lay upon the warm bank for a space to regain
+his senses.  Then he sat up and gravely rubbed his pate.
+
+"By all the saints!" said he, "you hit full stoutly.  My head
+hums like a hive of bees on a summer morning."
+
+Then he seized his horn, which lay near, and blew thereon three
+shrill notes that echoed against the trees.  A moment of silence
+ensued, and then was heard the rustling of leaves and crackling
+of twigs like the coming of many men; and forth from the glade
+burst a score or two of stalwart yeomen, all clad in Lincoln
+green, like Robin, with good Will Stutely and the widow's three
+sons at their head.
+
+"Good master," cried Will Stutely, "how is this?  In sooth there
+is not a dry thread on your body."
+
+"Why, marry," replied Robin, "this fellow would not let me pass
+the footbridge, and when I tickled him in the ribs, he must needs
+answer by a pat on the head which landed me overboard."
+
+"Then shall he taste some of his own porridge," quoth Will. 
+"Seize him, lads!"
+
+"Nay, let him go free," said Robin.  "The fight was a fair one
+and I abide by it.  I surmise you also are quits?" he continued,
+turning to the stranger with a twinkling eye.
+
+"I am content," said the other, "for verily you now have the best
+end of the cudgel.  Wherefore, I like you well, and would fain
+know your name."
+
+"Why," said Robin, "my men and even the Sheriff of Nottingham
+know me as Robin Hood, the outlaw."
+
+"Then am I right sorry that I beat you," exclaimed the man, "for
+I was on my way to seek you and to try to join your merry
+company.  But after my unmannerly use of the cudgel, I fear we
+are still strangers."
+
+"Nay, never say it!" cried Robin, "I am glad I fell in with you;
+though, "sooth to say, I did all the falling!"
+
+And amid a general laugh the two men clasped hands, and in that
+clasp the strong friendship of a lifetime was begun.
+
+"But you have not yet told us your name," said Robin, bethinking
+himself.
+
+"Whence I came, men call me John Little."
+
+"Enter our company then, John Little; enter and welcome.  The
+rites are few, the fee is large.  We ask your whole mind and body
+and heart even unto death."
+
+"I give the bond, upon my life," said the tall man.
+
+Thereupon Will Stutely, who loved a good jest, spoke up and said:
+"The infant in our household must be christened, and I'll stand
+godfather.  This fair little stranger is so small of bone and
+sinew, that his old name is not to the purpose." Here he paused
+long enough to fill a horn in the stream.  "Hark ye, my
+son,"--standing on tiptoe to splash the water on the giant--"take
+your new name on entering the forest.  I christen you Little
+John."
+
+At this jest the men roared long and loud.
+
+"Give him a bow, and find a full sheath of arrows for Little
+John," said Robin joyfully.  "Can you shoot as well as fence with
+the staff, my friend?"
+
+"I have hit an ash twig at forty yards," said Little John.
+
+Thus chatting pleasantly the band turned back into the woodland
+and sought their secluded dell, where the trees were the
+thickest, the moss was the softest, and a secret path led to a
+cave, at once a retreat and a stronghold. Here under a mighty oak
+they found the rest of the band, some of whom had come in with a
+brace of fat does.  And here they built a ruddy fire and sat down
+to the meat and ale, Robin Hood in the center with Will Stutely
+on the one hand and Little John on the other.  And Robin was
+right well pleased with the day's adventure, even though he had
+got a drubbing; for sore ribs and heads will heal, and 'tis not
+every day that one can find a recruit as stout of bone and true
+of soul as Little John.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD TURNED BUTCHER, AND ENTERED THE SHERIFF'S SERVICE
+
+The butcher he answered jolly Robin,
+"No matter where I do dwell,
+For a butcher am I, and to Nottingham
+Am I going, my flesh to sell."
+
+
+The next morning the weather had turned ill, and Robin Hood's
+band stayed close to their dry and friendly cave.  The third day
+brought a diversion in the shape of a trap by a roving party of
+the Sheriff's men.  A fine stag had been struck down by one Of
+Will Stutely's fellows, and he and others had stepped forth from
+the covert to seize it, when twenty bowmen from Nottingham
+appeared at the end of the glade.  Down dropped Will's men on all
+fours, barely in time to hear a shower of arrows whistle above
+their heads.  Then from behind the friendly trees they sent back
+such a welcome that the Sheriff's men deemed it prudent not to
+tarry in their steps.  Two of them, in sooth, bore back
+unpleasant wounds in their shoulders, from the encounter.
+
+When they returned to town the Sheriff waxed red with rage.
+
+"What," he gasped, "do my men fear to fight this Robin Hood, face
+to face?  Would that I could get him within my reach, once.  We
+should see then; we should see!"
+
+What it was the Sheriff would see, he did not state.  But he was
+to have his wish granted in short space, and you and I will see
+how he profited by it.
+
+The fourth day and the one following this friendly bout, Little
+John was missing.  One of his men said that he saw him talking
+with a beggar, but did not know whither they had gone.  Two more
+days passed.  Robin grew uneasy.  He did not doubt the faith of
+Little John, but he was fearful lest a roving band of Foresters
+had captured him.
+
+At last Robin could not remain quiet.  Up sprang he, with bow and
+arrows, and a short sword at his side.
+
+"I must away to Nottingham town, my men," he cried.  "The goodly
+Sheriff has long desired to see me; and mayhap he can tell me
+tidings of the best quarter-staff in the shire"--meaning Little
+John.
+
+Others of the band besought him to let them go with him, but he
+would not.
+
+"Nay," he said smilingly, "the Sheriff and I are too good friends
+to put doubt upon our meeting.  But tarry ye in the edge of the
+wood opposite the west gate of the town, and ye may be of service
+ere to-morrow night."
+
+So saying he strode forward to the road leading to Nottingham,
+and stood as before looking up and down to see if the way was
+clear.  Back at a bend in the road he heard a rumbling and a
+lumbering, when up drove a stout butcher, whistling gaily, and
+driving a mare that sped slowly enough because of the weight of
+meat with which the cart was loaded.
+
+"A good morrow to you, friend," hailed Robin.  "Whence come you
+and where go you with your load of meat?"
+
+"A good morrow to you," returned the butcher, civilly enough. 
+"No matter where I dwell.  I am but a simple butcher, and to
+Nottingham am I going, my flesh to sell.  'Tis Fair week, and my
+beef and mutton should fetch a fair penny," and he laughed loudly
+at his jest.  "But whence come you?"
+
+"A yeoman am I, from Lockesley town.  Men call me Robin Hood."
+
+"The saints forefend that you should treat me ill!" said the
+butcher in terror.  "Oft have I heard of you, and how you lighten
+the purses of the fat priests and knights.  But I am naught but a
+poor butcher, selling this load of meat, perchance, for enough to
+pay my quarter's rent."
+
+"Rest you, my friend, rest you," quoth Robin, "not so much as a
+silver penny would I take from you, for I love an honest Saxon
+face and a fair name with my neighbors.  But I would strike a
+bargain with you."
+
+Here he took from his girdle a well-filled purse, and continued,
+"I would fain be a butcher, this day, and sell meat at Nottingham
+town.  Could you sell me your meat, your cart, your mare, and
+your good-will, without loss, for five marks?"
+
+"Heaven bless ye, good Robin," cried the butcher right joyfully,
+"that can I!" And he leaped down forthwith from the cart, and
+handed Robin the reins in exchange for the purse.
+
+"One moment more," laughed Robin, "we must e'en change garments
+for the nonce.  Take mine and scurry home quickly lest the King's
+Foresters try to put a hole through this Lincoln green."
+
+So saying he donned the butcher's blouse and apron, and, climbing
+into the cart, drove merrily down the road to the town.
+
+When he came to Nottingham he greeted the scowling gate-keeper
+blithely and proceeded to the market-place.  Boldly he led his
+shuffling horse to the place where the butchers had their stalls.
+
+He had no notion of the price to ask for his meat, but put on a
+foolish and simple air as he called aloud his wares:
+
+"Hark ye, lasses and dames, hark ye,
+Good meat come buy, come buy,
+Three pen'orths go for one penny,
+And a kiss is good, say I!"
+
+Now when the folk found what a simple butcher he was, they
+crowded around his cart; for he really did sell three times as
+much for one penny as was sold by the other butchers.  And one or
+two serving-lasses with twinkling eyes liked his comely face so
+well that they willingly gave boot of a kiss.
+
+But the other butchers were wroth when they found how he was
+taking their trade; and they accordingly put their heads
+together.
+
+One said, "He is a prodigal and has sold his father's land, and
+this is his first venture in trading."
+
+Another said, "He is a thief who has murdered a butcher, and
+stolen his horse and meat."
+
+Robin heard these sayings, but only laughed merrily and sang his
+song the louder.  His good-humor made the people laugh also and
+crowd round his cart closely, shouting uproariously when some
+buxom lass submitted to be kissed.
+
+Then the butchers saw that they must meet craft with craft; and
+they said to him, "Come, brother butcher, if you would sell meat
+with us, you must e'en join our guild and stand by the rules of
+our trade."
+
+"We dine at the Sheriff's mansion to-day," said another, "and you
+must take one of our party."
+
+'Accurst of his heart," said jolly Robin,
+"That a butcher will deny.
+I'll go with you, my brethren true,
+And as fast as I can hie."
+
+Whereupon, having sold all his meat, he left his horse and cart
+in charge of a friendly hostler and prepared to follow his mates
+to the Mansion House.
+
+It was the Sheriff's custom to dine various guilds of the trade,
+from time to time, on Fair days, for he got a pretty profit out
+of the fees they paid him for the right to trade in the
+market-place.  The Sheriff was already come with great pomp into
+the banqueting room, when Robin Hood and three or four butchers
+entered, and he greeted them all with great condescension; and
+presently the whole of a large company was seated at a table
+groaning beneath the good cheer of the feast.
+
+Now the Sheriff bade Robin sit by his right hand, at the head of
+the board; for one or two butchers had whispered to the official,
+"That fellow is a right mad blade, who yet made us much sport
+to-day.  He sold more meat for one penny than we could sell for
+three; and he gave extra weight to whatsoever lass would buss
+him." And others said, "He is some prodigal who knows not the
+value of goods, and may be plucked by a shrewd man right
+closely."
+
+The Sheriff was will to pluck a prodigal with the next man, and
+he was moreover glad to have a guest who promised to enliven the
+feast.  So, as I have told you, he placed Robin by his side, and
+he made much of him and laughed boisterously at his jests; though
+sooth to say, the laugh were come by easily, for Robin had never
+been in merrier mood, and his quips and jests soon put the whole
+table at a roar.
+
+Then my lord Bishop of Hereford came in, last of all, to say a
+ponderous grace and take his seat on the other side of the
+Sheriff--the prelate's fat body showing up in goodly contrast to
+the other's lean bones.
+
+After grace was said, and while the servants clattered in with
+the meat platters, Robin stood up and said:
+
+"An amen say I to my lord Bishop's thanks!  How, now, my fine
+fellows, be merry and drink deep; for the shot I'll pay ere I go
+my way, though it cost me five pounds and more.  So my lords and
+gentlemen all, spare not the wine, but fall to lustily."
+
+"Hear! hear!" shouted the butchers.
+
+"Now are you a right jolly soul," quoth the Sheriff, "but this
+feast is mine own.  Howbeit you must have many a head of horned
+beasts, and many an acre of broad land, to spend from your purse
+so freely."
+
+"Aye, that have I," returned Robin, his eyes all a twinkle, "five
+hundred horned beasts have I and my brothers, and none of them
+have we been able to sell.  That is why I have turned butcher. 
+But I know not the trade, and would gladly sell the whole herd,
+an I could find a buyer."
+
+At this, the Sheriff's greed 'gan to rise.  Since this fool WOULD
+be plucked, thought he, why should not he do the plucking?
+
+"Five hundred beasts, say you?" he queried sharply.
+
+"Five hundred and ten fat beasts by actual count, that I would
+sell for a just figure.  Aye, to him who will pay me in right
+money, would I sell them for twenty pieces of gold.  Is that too
+much to ask, lording?"
+
+Was there ever such an idiot butcher? thought the Sheriff; and he
+so far forgot his dignity as to nudge the Bishop in his fat ribs.
+
+"Nay, good fellow," quoth he chuckling, "I am always ready to
+help any in my shire.  An you cannot find a buyer for your herd
+at this just figure, I will e'en buy them myself."
+
+At this generosity Robin was quite overcome, and fell to praising
+the Sheriff to the skies, and telling him that he should not have
+cause to forget the kindness.
+
+"Tut, tut," said the Sheriff, "'tis naught but a trade.  Drive in
+your herd tomorrow to the market-place and you shall have money
+down."
+
+"Nay, excellence," said Robin, "that can I not easily do, for
+they are grazing in scattered fashion.  But they are over near
+Gamewell, not more than a mile therefrom at most.  Will you not
+come and choose your own beasts tomorrow?"
+
+"Aye, that I will," said the Sheriff, his cupidity casting his
+caution to the winds.  "Tarry with me over night, and I will go
+with you in the morning."
+
+This was a poser for Robin, since he liked not the idea of
+staying over night at the Sheriff's house.  He had hoped to
+appoint a meeting-place for the other, but now saw that this
+might excite doubt.  He looked around at the company.  By this
+time, you must know, the feast had progressed far, and the
+butchers were deep in their cups.  The Sheriff and Robin had
+talked in a low voice, and my lord Bishop was almost asleep.
+
+"Agreed," said Robin presently, and the words were no sooner out
+of his mouth than the door opened and a serving-man entered
+bearing tray of mulled wine.  At sight of the fellow's face,
+Robin gave an involuntary start of surprise which was instantly
+checked.  The other also saw him, stood still a moment, and as if
+forgetting something turned about and left the hall.
+
+It was Little John.
+
+A dozen questions flashed across Robin's mind, and he could find
+answer for none of them.  What was Little John doing in the
+Sheriff's house?  Why had he not told the band?  Was he true to
+them?  Would he betray him?
+
+But these questions of distrust were dismissed from Robin's open
+mind as soon as they had entered.  He knew that Little John was
+faithful and true.
+
+He recovered his spirits and began again upon a vein of foolish
+banter, for the amusement of the Sheriff and his guests, all
+being now merry with wine.
+
+"A song!" one of them shouted, and the cry was taken up round the
+table.  Robin mounted his chair and trolled forth:
+
+"A lass and a butcher of Nottingham
+Agreed 'twixt them for to wed.
+Says he, 'I'll give ye the meat, fair dame,
+And ye will give me the bread."
+
+Then they joined in the chorus amid a pounding of cups upon the
+board:
+
+"With a hey and a ho
+And a hey nonny no,
+A butcher of Nottingham!"
+
+While the song was at its height, Little John reappeared, with
+other servants, and refilled the cups.  He came up to Robin and,
+as if asking him if he would have more wine, said softly, "Meet
+me in the pantry to-night."
+
+Robin nodded, and sang loudly.  The day was already far spent,
+and presently the company broke up with many hiccupy bows of the
+Sheriff and little notice of the drowsy Bishop.
+
+When the company was dispersed, the Sheriff bade a servant show
+Robin to his room, and promised to see him at breakfast the next
+day.
+
+Robin kept his word and met Little John that night, and the
+sheriff next day; but Little John has been doing so much in the
+meantime that he must be allowed a chapter to himself.
+
+So let us turn to another story that was sung of, in the ballads
+of olden time, and find out how Little John entered the Sheriff's
+service.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+HOW LITTLE JOHN ENTERED THE SHERIFF'S SERVICE
+
+List and hearken, gentlemen,
+All ye that now be here,
+Of Little John, that was Knight's-man,
+Good mirth ye now shall hear.
+
+
+It had come around another Fair day at Nottingham town, and folk
+crowded there by all the gates.  Goods of many kinds were
+displayed in gaily colored booths, and at every cross-street a
+free show was in progress.  Here and there, stages had been
+erected for the play at quarter-staff, a highly popular sport.
+
+There was a fellow, one Eric of Lincoln, who was thought to be
+the finest man with the staff for miles around.  His feats were
+sung about in ballads through all the shire.  A great boaster was
+he withal, and to-day he strutted about on one of these corner
+stages, and vaunted of his prowess, and offered to crack any
+man's crown for a shilling.  Several had tried their skill with
+Eric, but he had soon sent them spinning in no gentle manner,
+amid the jeers and laughter of the onlookers.
+
+A beggar-man sat over against Eric's stage and grinned every time
+a pate was cracked.  He was an uncouth fellow, ragged and dirty
+and unshaven.  Eric caught sight of his leering face at one of
+his boasts--for there was a lull in the game, because no man else
+wanted to come within reach of Eric's blows.  Eric, I say,
+noticed the beggar-man grinning at him rather impudently, and
+turned toward him sharply.
+
+"How now, you dirty villain!" quoth he, "mend your manners to
+your betters, or, by our Lady, I'll dust your rags for you."
+
+The beggar-man still grinned.  "I am always ready to mend my
+manners to my betters," said he, "but I am afraid you cannot
+teach me any better than you can dust my jacket."
+
+"Come up!  Come up!" roared the other, flourishing his staff.
+
+"That will I," said the beggar, getting up slowly and with
+difficulty.  "It will pleasure me hugely to take a braggart down
+a notch, an some good man will lend me a stout quarter-staff."
+
+At this a score of idlers reached him their staves--being ready
+enough to see another man have his head cracked, even if they
+wished to save their own--and he took the stoutest and heaviest
+of all.  He made a sorry enough figure as he climbed awkwardly
+upon the stage, but when he had gained it, he towered full half a
+head above the other, for all his awkwardness.  Nathless, he held
+his stick so clumsily that the crowd laughed in great glee.
+
+Now each man took his place and looked the other up and down,
+watching warily for an opening.  Only a moment stood they thus,
+for Eric, intent on teaching this rash beggar a lesson and
+sweeping him speedily off the stage, launched forth boldly and
+gave the other a sounding crack on the shoulder.  The beggar
+danced about, and made as though he would drop his staff from
+very pain, while the crowd roared and Eric raised himself for
+another crushing blow.  But just then the awkward beggar came to
+life.  Straightening himself like a flash, he dealt Eric a
+back-handed blow, the like of which he had never before seen. 
+Down went the boaster to the floor with a sounding thump, and the
+fickle people yelled and laughed themselves purple; for it was a
+new sight to see Eric of Lincoln eating dust.
+
+But he was up again almost as soon as he had fallen, and right
+quickly retreated to his own ringside to gather his wits and
+watch for an opening.  He saw instantly that he had no easy
+antagonist, and he came in cautiously this time.
+
+And now those who stood around saw the merriest game of
+quarter-staff that was ever played inside the walls of Nottingham
+town.  Both men were on their guard and fenced with fine skill,
+being well matched in prowess.  Again and again did Eric seek to
+force an opening under the other's guard, and just as often were
+his blows parried.  The beggar stood sturdily in his tracks
+contenting himself with beating off the attack.  For a long time
+their blows met like the steady crackling of some huge forest
+fire, and Eric strove to be wary, for he now knew that the other
+had no mean wits or mettle.  But he grew right mad at last, and
+began to send down blows so fierce and fast that you would have
+sworn a great hail-storm was pounding on the shingles over your
+head.  Yet he never so much as entered the tall beggar's guard.
+
+Then at last the stranger saw his chance and changed his tune of
+fighting.  With one upward stroke he sent Eric's staff whirling
+through the air.  With another he tapped Eric on the head; and,
+with a third broad swing, ere the other could recover himself, he
+swept him clear off the stage, much as you would brush a fly off
+the window pane.
+
+Now the people danced and shouted and made so much ado that the
+shop-keepers left their stalls and others came running from every
+direction. The victory of the queer beggar made him immensely
+popular.  Eric had been a great bully, and many had suffered
+defeat and insult at his hands.  So the ragged stranger found
+money and food and drink everywhere at his disposal, and he
+feasted right comfortably till the afternoon.
+
+Then a long bow contest came on, and to it the beggar went with
+some of his new friends.  It was held in the same arena that
+Robin had formerly entered; and again the Sheriff and lords and
+ladies graced the scene with their presence, while the people
+crowded to their places.
+
+When the archers had stepped forward, the herald rose and
+proclaimed the rules of the game: how that each man should shoot
+three shots, and to him who shot best the prize of a yoke of fat
+steers should belong.  A dozen keen-eyed bowmen were there, and
+among them some of the best fellows in the Forester's and
+Sheriff's companies.  Down at the end of the line towered the
+tall beggar-man, who must needs twang a bow-string with the best
+of them.
+
+The Sheriff noted his queer figure and asked: "Who is that ragged
+fellow?"
+
+"'Tis he that hath but now so soundly cracked the crown of Eric
+of Lincoln," was the reply.
+
+The shooting presently began, and the targets soon showed a fine
+reckoning.  Last of all came the beggar's turn.
+
+"By your leave," he said loudly, "I'd like it well to shoot with
+any other man here present at a mark of my own placing." And he
+strode down the lists with a slender peeled sapling which he
+stuck upright in the ground.  "There," said he, "is a right good
+mark.  Will any man try it?"
+
+But not an archer would risk his reputation on so small a target.
+
+Whereupon the beggar drew his bow with seeming carelessness and
+split the wand with his shaft.
+
+"Long live the beggar!" yelled the bystanders.
+
+The Sheriff swore a full great oath, and said: "This man is the
+best archer that ever yet I saw." And he beckoned to him, and
+asked him: "How now, good fellow, what is your name, and in what
+country were you born?"
+
+"In Holderness I was born," the man replied; "men call me Reynold
+Greenleaf."
+
+"You are a sturdy fellow, Reynold Greenleaf, and deserve better
+apparel than that you wear at present.  Will you enter my
+service?  I will give you twenty marks a year, above your living,
+and three good suits of clothes."
+
+"Three good suits, say you?  Then right gladly will I enter your
+service, for my back has been bare this many a long day."
+
+Then Reynold turned him about to the crowd and shouted: "Hark ye,
+good people, I have entered the Sheriff's service, and need not
+the yoke of steers for prize.  So take them for yourselves, to
+feast withal."
+
+At this the crowd shouted more merrily than ever, and threw their
+caps high into the air.  And none so popular a man had come to
+Nottingham town in many a long day as this same Reynold
+Greenleaf.
+
+Now you may have guessed, by this time, who Reynold Greenleaf
+really was; so I shall tell you that he was none other than
+Little John.  And forth went he to the Sheriff's house, and
+entered his service.  But it was a sorry day for the Sheriff when
+he got his new man.  For Little John winked his shrewd eye and
+said softly to himself: "By my faith, I shall be the worst
+servant to him that ever yet had he!"
+
+Two days passed by.  Little John, it must be confessed, did not
+make a good servant.  He insisted upon eating the Sheriff's best
+bread and drinking his best wine, so that the steward waxed
+wroth.  Nathless the Sheriff held him in high esteem, and made
+great talk of taking him along on the next hunting trip.
+
+It was now the day of the banquet to the butchers, about which we
+have already heard.  The banquet hall, you must know, was not in
+the main house, but connected with it by a corridor.  All the
+servants were bustling about making preparations for the feast,
+save only Little John, who must needs lie abed the greater part
+of the day.  But he presented himself at last, when the dinner
+was half over; and being desirous of seeing the guests for
+himself he went into the hall with the other servants to pass the
+wine.  First, however, I am afraid that some of the wine passed
+his own lips while he went down the corridor.  When he entered
+the banqueting hall, whom should he see but Robin Hood himself. 
+We can imagine the start of surprise felt by each of these bold
+fellows upon seeing the other in such strange company.  But they
+kept their secrets, as we have seen, and arranged to meet each
+other that same night. Meanwhile, the proud Sheriff little knew
+that he harbored the two chief outlaws of the whole countryside
+beneath his roof.
+
+After the feast was over and night was beginning to advance,
+Little John felt faint of stomach and remembered him that he had
+eaten nothing all that day.  Back went he to the pantry to see
+what eatables were laid by.  But there, locking up the stores for
+the night, stood the fat steward.
+
+"Good Sir Steward," said Little John, "give me to dine, for it is
+long for Greenleaf to be fasting."
+
+The steward looked grimly at him and rattled the keys at his
+girdle.
+
+"Sirrah lie-abed," quoth he, "'tis late in the day to be talking
+of eating. Since you have waited thus long to be hungry, you can
+e'en take your appetite back to bed again."
+
+"Now by mine appetite, that will I not do," cried Little John. 
+"Your own paunch of fat would be enough for any bear to sleep on
+through the winter. But my stomach craves food, and food it shall
+have!"
+
+Saying this he brushed past the steward and tried the door, but
+it was locked fast; whereat the fat steward chuckled and jangled
+his keys again.
+
+Then was Little John right mad, and he brought down his huge fist
+on the door-panel with a sledge-hammer blow that shivered an
+opening you could thrust your hand into.  Little John stooped and
+peered through the hole to see what food lay within reach, when
+crack! went the steward's keys upon his crown, and the worthy
+danced around him playing a tattoo that made Little John's ears
+ring.  At this he turned upon the steward and gave him such a rap
+that his back went nigh in two, and over went the fat fellow
+rolling on the floor.
+
+"Lie there," quoth Little John, "till ye find strength to go to
+bed.  Meanwhile, I must be about my dinner." And he kicked open
+the buttery door without ceremony and brought to light a venison
+pasty and cold roast pheasant--goodly sights to a hungry man. 
+Placing these down on a convenient shelf he fell to with right
+good will.  So Little John ate and drank as much as he would.
+
+Now the Sheriff had in his kitchen a cook, a stout man and bold,
+who heard the rumpus and came in to see how the land lay.  There
+sat Little John eating away for dear life, while the fat steward
+was rolled under the table like a bundle of rags.
+
+"I make my vow!" said the cook, "you are a shrewd hind to dwell
+thus in a household, and ask thus to dine." So saying he laid
+aside his spit and drew a good sword that hung at his side.
+
+"I make my vow!" said Little John, "you are a bold man and hardy
+to come thus between me and my meat.  So defend yourself and see
+that you prove the better man." And he drew his own sword and
+crossed weapons with the cook.
+
+Then back and forth they clashed with sullen sound.  The old
+ballad which tells of their fight says that they thought nothing
+for to flee, but stiffly for to stand.  There they fought sore
+together, two miles away and more, but neither might the other
+harm for the space of a full hour.
+
+"I make my vow!" cried Little John, "you are the best swordsman
+that ever yet I saw.  What say you to resting a space and eating
+and drinking good health with me.  Then we may fall to again with
+the swords."
+
+"Agreed!" said the cook, who loved good fare as well as a good
+fight; and they both laid by their swords and fell to the food
+with hearty will.  The venison pasty soon disappeared, and the
+roast pheasant flew at as lively a rate as ever the bird itself
+had sped.  Then the warriors rested a space and patted their
+stomachs, and smiled across at each other like bosom friends; for
+a man when he as dined looks out pleasantly upon the world.
+
+"And now good Reynold Greenleaf," said the cook, "we may as well
+settle this brave fight we have in hand."
+
+"A true saying," rejoined the other, "but first tell me,
+friend--for I protest you are my friend henceforth--what is the
+score we have to settle?"
+
+"Naught save who can handle the sword best," said the cook.  "By
+my troth I had thought to carve you like a capon ere now."
+
+"And I had long since thought to shave your ears," replied Little
+John. "This bout we can settle in right good time.  But just now
+I and my master have need of you, and you can turn your stout
+blade to better service than that of the Sheriff."
+
+"Whose service would that be?" asked the cook.
+
+"Mine," answered a would-be butcher entering the room, "and I am
+Robin Hood."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HOW THE SHERIFF LOST THREE GOOD SERVANTS AND FOUND THEM AGAIN
+
+"Make good cheer," said Robin Hood.
+"Sheriff! for charity!
+And for the love of Little John
+Thy life is granted thee!"
+
+
+The cook gasped in amazement.  This Robin Hood! and under the
+Sheriff's very roof!
+
+"Now by my troth you are a brave fellow," he said.  "I have heard
+great tales of your prowess, and the half has not been told.  But
+who might this tall slasher be?"
+
+"Men do call me Little John, good fellow."
+
+"Then Little John, or Reynold Greenleaf, I like you well, on my
+honor as Much the miller's son; and you too, bold Robin Hood.  An
+you take me, I will enter your service right gladly."
+
+"Spoken like a stout man!" said Robin, seizing him by the hand. 
+"But I must back to my own bed, lest some sleepy warden stumble
+upon me, and I be forced to run him through.  Lucky for you twain
+that wine flowed so freely in the house to-day; else the noise of
+your combat would have brought other onlookers besides Robin
+Hood.  Now if ye would flee the house to-night, I will join you
+in the good greenwood to-morrow."
+
+"But, good master," said the cook, "you would not stay here over
+night! Verily, it is running your head into a noose.  Come with
+us.  The Sheriff has set strict watch on all the gates, since
+'tis Fair week, but I know the warden at the west gate and could
+bring us through safely.  To-morrow you will be stayed." "Nay,
+that will I not," laughed Robin, "for I shall go through with no
+less escort than the Sheriff himself.  Now do you, Little John,
+and do you, Much the miller's son, go right speedily.  In the
+borders of the wood you will find my merry men.  Tell them to
+kill two fine harts against to-morrow eve, for we shall have
+great company and lordly sport."
+
+And Robin left them as suddenly as he had come.
+
+"Comrade," then said Little John, "we may as well bid the
+Sheriff's roof farewell.  But ere we go, it would seem a true
+pity to fail to take such of the Sheriff's silver plate as will
+cause us to remember him, and also grace our special feasts."
+
+"'Tis well said indeed," quoth the cook.
+
+Thereupon they got a great sack and filled it with silver plate
+from the shelves where it would not at once be missed, and they
+swung the sack between them, and away they went, out of the
+house, out of the town, and into the friendly shelter of Sherwood
+Forest.
+
+The next morning the servants were late astir in the Sheriff's
+house.  The steward awoke from a heavy sleep, but his cracked
+head was still in such a whirl that he could not have sworn
+whether the Sheriff had ever owned so much as one silver
+dish.  So the theft went undiscovered for the nonce.
+
+Robin Hood met the Sheriff at breakfast, when his host soon spoke
+of what was uppermost in his heart--the purchase of the fine herd
+of cattle near Gamewell.  'Twas clear that a vision of them,
+purchased for twenty paltry gold pieces, had been with him all
+through the night, in his dreams.  And Robin again appeared such
+a silly fellow that the Sheriff saw no need of dissembling, but
+said that he was ready to start at once to look at the herd.
+
+Accordingly they set forth, Robin in his little butcher's cart,
+behind the lean mare, and the Sheriff mounted on a horse.  Out of
+Nottingham town, through gates open wide, they proceeded, and
+took the hill road leading through Sherwood Forest.  And as they
+went on and plunged deeper among the trees, Robin whistled
+blithely and sang snatches of tunes.
+
+"Why are you so gay, fellow?" said the Sheriff, for, sooth to
+say, the silence of the woods was making him uneasy.
+
+"I am whistling to keep my courage up," replied Robin.
+
+"What is there to fear, when you have the Sheriff of Nottingham
+beside you?" quoth the other pompously.
+
+Robin scratched his head.
+
+"They do say that Robin Hood and his men care little for the
+Sheriff," he said.
+
+"Pooh!" said the Sheriff.  "I would not give THAT for their
+lives, if I could once lay hands upon them." And he snapped his
+fingers angrily.  "But Robin Hood himself was on this very road
+the last time I came to town," said the other.
+
+The Sheriff started at the crackling of a twig under his horse's
+feet, and looked around.
+
+"Did you see him?" he asked.
+
+"Aye, that did I! He wanted the use of this mare and cart to
+drive to Nottingham.  He said he would fain turn butcher.  But
+see!"
+
+As he spoke he came to a turn in the road, and there before them
+stood a herd of the King's deer, feeding.  Robin pointed to them
+and continued:
+
+"There is my herd of cattle, good Master Sheriff!  How do you
+like them? Are they not fat and fair to see?"
+
+The Sheriff drew rein quickly.  "Now fellow," quoth he, "I would
+I were well out of this forest, for I care not to see such herds
+as these, or such faces as yours.  Choose your own way,
+therefore, whoever you be, and let me go mine."
+
+"Nay," laughed Robin, seizing the Sheriff's bridle, "I have been
+at too much pains to cultivate your company to forego it now so
+easily.  Besides I wish you to meet some of my friends and dine
+with me, since you have so lately entertained me at your board."
+
+So saying he clapped a horn on his lips and winded three merry
+notes.  The deer bounded away; and before the last of them was
+seen, there came a running and a rustling, and out from behind
+covert and tree came full twoscore of men, clad in Lincoln green,
+and bearing good yew bows in their hands and short swords at
+their sides.  Up they ran to Robin Hood and doffed their caps to
+him respectfully, while the Sheriff sat still from very
+amazement.
+
+"Welcome to the greenwood!" said one of the leaders, bending the
+knee with mock reverence before the Sheriff.
+
+The Sheriff glared.  It was Little John.
+
+"Woe the worth, Reynold Greenleaf," he said, "you have betrayed
+me!"
+
+"I make my vow," said Little John, "that you are to blame,
+master.  I was misserved of my dinner, when I was at your house. 
+But we shall set you down to a feast we hope you will enjoy."
+
+"Well spoken, Little John," said Robin Hood.  "Take you his
+bridle and let us do honor to the guest who has come to feast
+with us."
+
+Then turning abruptly the whole company plunged into the heart of
+the forest.
+
+After twisting and turning till the Sheriff's bewildered head sat
+dizzily upon his shoulders, the greenwood men passed through a
+narrow alley amid the trees which led to a goodly open space
+flanked by wide-spreading oaks.  Under the largest of these a
+pleasant fire was crackling, and near it two fine harts lay ready
+for cooking.  Around the blaze were gathered another company of
+yeomen quite as large as that which came with Robin Hood.  Up
+sprang they as the latter advanced and saluted their leader with
+deference, but with hearty gladness to see him back again.
+
+That merry wag Will Stutely was in command; and when he saw the
+palefaced Sheriff being led in like any culprit, he took his
+cloak and laid it humbly upon the ground and besought the Sheriff
+to alight upon it, as the ground of Sherwood was unused to such
+dignitaries.
+
+"Bestir yourselves, good fellows!" cried Robin Hood; "and while
+our new cook, whom I see with us, is preparing a feast worthy of
+our high guest, let us have a few games to do him honor!"
+
+Then while the whole glade was filled with the savory smell of
+roasting venison and fat capons, and brown pasties warmed beside
+the blaze, and mulled wine sent forth a cordial fragrance, Robin
+Hood placed the Sheriff upon a knoll beneath the largest oak and
+sat himself down by him.
+
+First stepped forward several pairs of men armed with the
+quarter-staff, the widow's sons among them, and so skilfully did
+they thrust and parry and beat down guards, that the Sheriff, who
+loved a good game as well as any man, clapped his hands,
+forgetting where he was, and shouted, "Well struck! well struck! 
+Never have I seen such blows at all the Fairs of Nottingham!"
+
+Then the best archers of the band set up a small wand at
+eightscore paces distant, and thereon they affixed a wreath of
+green.  And the archers began to shoot; and he who shot not
+through the garland without disturbing its leaves and tendrils
+was fain to submit to a good sound buffet from Little John.  But
+right cunning was the shooting, for the men had spent a certain
+time in daily practice, and many were the shafts which sped
+daintily through the circle.  Nathless now and again some
+luckless fellow would shoot awry and would be sent winding from a
+long arm blow from the tall lieutenant while the glade roared
+with laughter.  And none more hearty a guffaw was given than came
+from the Sheriff's own throat, for the spirit of the greenwood
+was upon him.
+
+But presently his high mood was dashed.  The company sat down to
+meat, and the guest was treated to two more disturbing surprise. 
+The cook came forward to serve the food, when the Sheriff beheld
+in him his own former servant, and one whom he supposed was at
+the moment in the scullery at Nottingham.
+
+Much the miller's son grinned by way of answer to the Sheriff's
+amazement, and served the plates, and placed them before the
+party.  Then did the Sheriff gasp and fairly choke with rage. 
+The service was his own silverware from the Mansion House!
+
+"You rascals! you rogues!" he spluttered.  "Was it not enough to
+defraud me out of three of my servants, that you must also rob me
+of my best silver service?  Nay, by my life, but I will not touch
+your food!"
+
+But Robin Hood bade him pause.
+
+"Gramercy!" quoth he, "servants come and go, in merry England,
+and so does service.  The platters are but used to do your
+worship honor.  And as for your life, it is forfeit to your
+eagerness to buy my herd of cattle so cheaply.  Now sit you down
+again and make good cheer, Sheriff, for charity!  And for the
+love of Little John your life is granted you!"
+
+So the Sheriff sat him down again, with the best face he could
+assume, and soon the cook's viands were disappearing down his
+gullet as rapidly as the next man's.  And they feasted royally
+and clinked each other's cups until the sun had ceased to print
+the pattern of the leaves upon the forest carpet.
+
+Then the Sheriff arose and said: "I thank you, Robin Hood,
+one-time butcher, and you, Little John, one-time beggar, and you,
+Much, one-time cook, and all you good men who have entertained me
+in Sherwood so well.  Promises I make not as to how I shall
+requite you when next you come to Nottingham, for I am in the
+King's service.  So for the present the score rests with you. 
+But the shadows grow long and I must away, if you will be pleased
+to pilot me to the road."
+
+Then Robin Hood and all his men arose and drank the Sheriff's
+health, and Robin said: "If you must needs go at once we will not
+detain you--except that you have forgotten two things."
+
+"What may they be?" asked the Sheriff, while his heart sank
+within him.
+
+"You forget that you came with me to-day to buy a herd of horned
+beasts; likewise that he who dines at the Greenwood Inn must pay
+the landlord."
+
+The Sheriff fidgeted like a small boy who has forgotten his
+lesson.
+
+"Nay, I have but a small sum with me," he began apologetically.
+
+"What is that sum, gossip?" questioned Little John, "for my own
+wage should also come out of it!"
+
+"And mine!" said Much.
+
+"And mine!" smiled Robin.
+
+The Sheriff caught his breath.  "By my troth, are all these
+silver dishes worth anything?"
+
+The outlaws roared heartily at this.
+
+"I'll tell you what it is, worship," said Robin, "we three
+rascally servants will compound our back wages for those plates. 
+And we will keep the herd of cattle free for our own use--and the
+King's.  But this little tavern bill should be settled!  Now,
+what sum have you about you?"
+
+"I have only those twenty pieces of gold, and twenty others,"
+said the Sheriff: and well it was that he told the truth for
+once, for Robin said:
+
+"Count it, Little John."
+
+Little John turned the Sheriff's wallet inside out.  "'Tis true
+enough," he said.
+
+"Then you shall pay no more than twenty pieces for your
+entertainment, excellence," decreed Robin.  "Speak I soothly, men
+of greenwood?"
+
+"Good!" echoed the others.
+
+"The Sheriff should swear by his patron saint that he will not
+molest us," said Will Stutely; and his addition was carried
+unanimously.
+
+"So be it, then," cried Little John, approaching the sheriff. 
+"Now swear by your life and your patron saint--"
+
+"I will swear it by St. George, who is patron of us all," said
+the Sheriff vigorously, "that I will never disturb or distress
+the outlaws in Sherwood."
+
+"But let me catch any of you OUT of Sherwood!" thought he to
+himself.
+
+Then the twenty pieces of gold were paid over, and the Sheriff
+once more prepared to depart.
+
+"Never had we so worshipful a guest before," said Robin; "and as
+the new moon is beginning to silver the leaves, I shall bear you
+company myself for part of the way.  'Twas I who brought you into
+the wood."
+
+"Nay, I protest against your going needlessly far," said Sheriff.
+
+"But I protest that I am loath to lose your company," replied
+Robin.  "The next time I may not be so pleased."
+
+And he took the Sheriff's horse by the bridle rein, and led him
+through the lane and by many a thicket till the main road was
+reached.
+
+"Now fare you well, good Sheriff," he said, "and when next you
+think to despoil a poor prodigal, remember the herd you would
+have bought over against Gamewell.  And when next you employ a
+servant, make certain that he is not employing you."
+
+So saying he smote the nag's haunch, and off went the Sheriff
+upon the road to Nottingham.
+
+And that is how--you will find from many ballads that came to be
+sung at the Sheriff's expense, and which are known even to the
+present day--that, I say, is how the Sheriff lost three good
+servants and found them again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD MET WILL SCARLET
+
+The youngster was clothed in scarlet red
+In scarlet fine and gay;
+And he did frisk it o'er the plain,
+And chanted a roundelay.
+
+
+One fine morning, soon after the proud Sheriff had been brought
+to grief, Robin Hood and Little John went strolling down a path
+through the wood.  It was not far from the foot--bridge where
+they had fought their memorable battle; and by common impulse
+they directed their steps to the brook to quench their thirst and
+rest them in the cool bushes.  The morning gave promise of a hot
+day.  The road even by the brook was dusty.  So the cooling
+stream was very pleasing and grateful to their senses.
+
+On each side of them, beyond the dusty highway, stretched out
+broad fields of tender young corn.  On the yon side of the fields
+uprose the sturdy oaks and beeches and ashes of the forest; while
+at their feet modest violets peeped out shyly and greeted the
+loiterers with an odor which made the heart glad.  Over on the
+far side of the brook in a tiny bay floated three lily-pads; and
+from amid some clover blossoms on the bank an industrious bee
+rose with the hum of busy contentment.  It was a day so brimful
+of quiet joy that the two friends lay flat on their backs gazing
+up at the scurrying clouds, and neither caring to break the
+silence.
+
+Presently they heard some one coming up the road whistling gaily,
+as though he owned the whole world and 'twas but made to whistle
+in.  Anon he chanted a roundelay with a merry note.
+
+"By my troth, a gay bird!" quoth Robin, raising up on his elbow. 
+"Let us lie still, and trust that his purse is not as light as
+his heart."
+
+So they lay still, and in a minute more up came a smart stranger
+dressed in scarlet and silk and wearing a jaunty hat with a
+curling cock feather in it.  His whole costume was of scarlet,
+from the feather to the silk hosen on his legs.  A goodly sword
+hung at his side, its scabbard all embossed with tilting knights
+and weeping ladies.  His hair was long and yellow and hung
+clustering about his shoulders, for all the world like a
+schoolgirl's; and he bore himself with as mincing a gait as the
+pertest of them.
+
+Little John clucked his teeth drolly at this sight.  "By my
+troth, a gay bird!" he said echoing the other's words--then
+added, "But not so bad a build for all his prettiness.  Look you,
+those calves and thighs are well rounded and straight.  The arms,
+for all that gold-wrought cloak, hang stoutly from full
+shoulders.  I warrant you the fop can use his dainty sword right
+well on occasion."
+
+"Nay," retorted Robin, "he is naught but a ladies' man from
+court.  My long-bow 'gainst a plugged shilling that he would run
+and bellow lustily at sight of a quarter-staff.  Stay you behind
+this bush and I will soon get some rare sport out of him.  Belike
+his silk purse may contain more pennies than the law allows to
+one man in Sherwood or Barnesdale."
+
+So saying Robin Hood stepped forth briskly from the covert and
+planted himself in the way of the scarlet stranger.  The latter
+had walked so slowly that he was scarce come to their
+resting-place; and now on beholding Robin he neither slackened
+nor quickened his pace but sauntered idly straight ahead, looking
+to the right and to the left, with the finest air in the world,
+but never once at Robin.
+
+"Hold!" quoth the outlaw. "What mean ye by running thus over a
+wayfarer, rough shod?"
+
+"Wherefore should I hold, good fellow?" said the stranger in a
+smooth voice, and looking at Robin for the first time.
+
+"Because I bid you to," replied Robin.
+
+"And who may you be?" asked the other as coolly as you please.
+
+"What my name is matters not," said Robin; "but know that I am a
+public tax-gatherer and equalizer of shillings. If your purse
+have more than a just number of shillings or pence, I must e'en
+lighten it somewhat; for there are many worthy people round about
+these borders who have less than the just amount.  Wherefore,
+sweet gentleman, I pray you hand over your purse without more
+ado, that I may judge of its weight in proper fashion."
+
+The other smiled as sweetly as though a lady were paying him a
+compliment.
+
+"You are a droll fellow," he said calmly.  "Your speech amuses me
+mightily.  Pray continue, if you have not done, for I am in no
+hurry this morning."
+
+"I have said all with my tongue that is needful," retorted Robin,
+beginning to grow red under the collar.  "Nathless, I have other
+arguments which may not be so pleasing to your dainty skin. 
+Prithee, stand and deliver.  I promise to deal fairly with the
+purse."
+
+"Alack-a-day!" said the stranger with a little shrug of his
+shoulders; "I am deeply sorrowful that I cannot show my purse to
+every rough lout that asks to see it.  But I really could not, as
+I have further need of it myself and every farthing it contains. 
+Wherefore, pray stand aside."
+
+"Nay that will I not! and 'twill go the harder with you if you do
+not yield at once."
+
+"Good fellow," said the other gently, "have I not heard all your
+speech with patience?  Now that is all I promised to do.  My
+conscience is salved and I must go on my way. 
+To-rol-o-rol-e-loo!" he caroled, making as though to depart.
+
+"Hold, I say!" quoth Robin hotly; for he knew how Little John
+must be chuckling at this from behind the bushes.  "Hold I say,
+else I shall have to bloody those fair locks of yours!" And he
+swung his quarter-staff threateningly.
+
+"Alas!" moaned the stranger shaking his head.  "The pity of it
+all!  Now I shall have to run this fellow through with my sword! 
+And I hoped to be a peaceable man henceforth!" And sighing deeply
+he drew his shining blade and stood on guard.
+
+"Put by your weapon," said Robin.  "It is too pretty a piece of
+steel to get cracked with common oak cudgel; and that is what
+would happen on the first pass I made at you.  Get you a stick
+like mine out of yon undergrowth, and we will fight fairly, man
+to man."
+
+The stranger thought a moment with his usual slowness, and eyed
+Robin from head to foot.  Then he unbuckled his scabbard, laid it
+and the sword aside, and walked deliberately over to the oak
+thicket.  Choosing from among the shoots and saplings he found a
+stout little tree to his liking, when he laid hold of it, without
+stopping to cut it, and gave a tug.  Up it came root and all, as
+though it were a stalk of corn, and the stranger walked back
+trimming it as quietly as though pulling up trees were the
+easiest thing in the world.
+
+Little John from his hiding-place saw the feat, and could hardly
+restrain a long whistle.  "By our Lady!" he muttered to himself,
+"I would not be in Master Robin's boots!"
+
+Whatever Robin thought upon seeing the stranger's strength, he
+uttered not a word and budged not an inch.  He only put his oak
+staff at parry as the other took his stand.
+
+There was a threefold surprise that day, by the brookside.  The
+stranger and Robin and Little John in the bushes all found a
+combat that upset all reckoning.  The stranger for all his easy
+strength and cool nerve found an antagonist who met his blows
+with the skill of a woodman.  Robin found the stranger as hard to
+hit as though fenced in by an oak hedge.  While Little John
+rolled over and over in silent joy.
+
+Back and forth swayed the fighters, their cudgels pounding this
+way and that, knocking off splinters and bark, and threatening
+direst damage to bone and muscle and skin.  Back and forth they
+pranced kicking up a cloud of dust and gasping for fresh air. 
+From a little way off you would have vowed that these two men
+were trying to put out a fire, so thickly hung the cloud of
+battle over them.  Thrice did Robin smite the scarlet man--with
+such blows that a less stout fellow must have bowled over.  Only
+twice did the scarlet man smite Robin, but the second blow was
+like to finish him.  The first had been delivered over the
+knuckles, and though 'twas a glancing stroke it well nigh broke
+Robin's fingers, so that he could not easily raise his staff
+again.  And while he was dancing about in pain and muttering a
+dust-covered oath, the other's staff came swinging through the
+cloud at one side--zip!--and struck him under the arm.  Down went
+Robin as though he were a nine-pin--flat down into the dust of
+the road.  But despite the pain he was bounding up again like an
+India rubber man to renew the attack, when Little John
+interfered.
+
+"Hold!" said he, bursting out of the bushes and seizing the
+stranger's weapon.  "Hold, I say!"
+
+"Nay," retorted the stranger quietly, "I was not offering to
+smite him while he was down.  But if there be a whole nest of you
+hatching here by the waterside, cluck out the other chicks and
+I'll make shift to fight them all."
+
+"Not for all the deer in Sherwood!" cried Robin.  "You are a good
+fellow and a gentleman.  I'll fight no more with you, for verily
+I feel sore in wrist and body.  Nor shall any of mine molest you
+henceforth."
+
+Sooth to say, Robin did not look in good fighting trim.  His
+clothes were coated with dirt, one of his hosen had slipped
+halfway down from his knee, the sleeve of his jerkin was split,
+and his face was streaked with sweat and dirt. Little John eyed
+him drolly.
+
+"How now, good master," quoth he, "the sport you were to kick up
+has left you in sorry plight.  Let me dust your coat for you."
+
+"Marry, it has been dusted enough already," replied Robin; "and I
+now believe the Scripture saying that all men are but dust, for
+it has sifted me through and through and lined my gullet an inch
+deep.  By your leave"--and he went to the brookside and drank
+deep and laved his face and hands.
+
+All this while the stranger had been eyeing Robin attentively and
+listening to his voice as though striving to recall it.
+
+"If I mistake not," he said slowly at last, "you are that famous
+outlaw, Robin Hood of Barnesdale."
+
+"You say right," replied Robin; "but my fame has been tumbling
+sadly about in the dust to-day."
+
+"Now why did I not know you at once?" continued the stranger. 
+"This battle need not have happened, for I came abroad to find
+you to-day, and thought to have remembered your face and speech. 
+Know you not me, Rob, my lad?  Hast ever been to Gamewell Lodge?"
+
+"Ha!  Will Gamewell! my dear old chum, Will Gamewell!" shouted
+Robin, throwing his arms about the other in sheer affection. 
+"What an ass I was not to recognize you!  But it has been years
+since we parted, and your gentle schooling has polished you off
+mightily."
+
+Will embraced his cousin no less heartily.
+
+"We are quits on not knowing kinsmen," he said, "for you have
+changed and strengthened much from the stripling with whom I used
+to run foot races in old Sherwood."
+
+"But why seek you me?" asked Robin.  "You know I am an outlaw and
+dangerous company.  And how left you mine uncle? and have you
+heard aught of late of--of Maid Marian?"
+
+"Your last question first," answered Will, laughing, "for I
+perceive that it lies nearest your heart.  I saw Maid Marian not
+many weeks after the great shooting at Nottingham, when you won
+her the golden arrow.  She prizes the bauble among her dearest
+possessions, though it has made her an enemy in the Sheriff's
+proud daughter.  Maid Marian bade me tell you, if I ever saw you,
+that she must return to Queen Eleanor's court, but she could
+never forget the happy days in the greenwood.  As for the old
+Squire, he is still hale and hearty, though rheumatic withal.  He
+speaks of you as a sad young dog, but for all that is secretly
+proud of your skill at the bow and of the way you are pestering
+the Sheriff, whom he likes not.  'Twas for my father's sake that
+I am now in the open, an outlaw like yourself.  He has had a
+steward, a surly fellow enough, who, while I was away at school,
+boot-licked his way to favor until he lorded it over the whole
+house.  Then he grew right saucy and impudent, but my father
+minded it not, deeming the fellow indispensable in managing the
+estate.  But when I came back it irked me sorely to see the
+fellow strut about as though he owned the place.  He was sly
+enough with me at first, and would brow-beat the Squire only
+while I was out of earshot.  It chanced one day, however, that I
+heard loud voices through an open window and paused to hearken. 
+That vile servant called my father 'a meddling old fool,' 'Fool
+and meddler art thou thyself, varlet,' I shouted, springing
+through the window, 'THAT for thy impudence!' and in my heat I
+smote him a blow mightier than I intended, for I have some
+strength in mine arm.  The fellow rolled over and never breathed
+afterwards, I think I broke his neck or something the like.  Then
+I knew that the Sheriff would use this as a pretext to hound my
+father, if I tarried.  So I bade the Squire farewell and told him
+I would seek you in Sherwood."
+
+"Now by my halidom!" said Robin Hood; "for a man escaping the
+law, you took it about as coolly as one could wish.  To see you
+come tripping along decked out in all your gay plumage and
+trolling forth a roundelay, one would think you had not a care in
+all the world.  Indeed I remarked to Little John here that I
+hoped your purse was not as light as your heart."
+
+"Belike you meant HEAD," laughed Will; "and is this Little John
+the Great? Shake hands with me, an you will, and promise me to
+cross a staff with me in friendly bout some day in the forest!"
+
+"That will I!" quoth Little John heartily.  "Here's my hand on
+it.  What is your last name again, say you?"
+
+"'Tis to be changed," interposed Robin; "then shall the men armed
+with warrants go hang for all of us.  Let me bethink myself. 
+Ah!--I have it!  In scarlet he came to us, and that shall be his
+name henceforth.  Welcome to the greenwood, Will Scarlet!"
+
+"Aye, welcome, Will Scarlet!" said Little John; and they all
+clasped hands again and swore to be true each to the other and to
+Robin Hood's men in Sherwood Forest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD MET FRIAR TUCK
+
+The friar took Robin Hood on his back,
+Deep water he did bestride,
+And spake neither good word nor bad,
+Till he came at the other side.
+
+
+In summer time when leaves grow green, and flowers are fresh and
+gay, Robin Hood and his merry men were all disposed to play. 
+Thus runs a quaint old ballad which begins the next adventure. 
+Then some would leap and some would run and some try archery and
+some ply the quarter-staff and some fall to with the good broad
+sword.  Some again would try a round at buffet and fisticuff; and
+thus by every variety of sport and exercise they perfected
+themselves in skill and made the band and its prowess well known
+throughout all England.
+
+It had been a custom of Robin Hood's to pick out the best men in
+all the countryside.  Whenever he heard of one more than usually
+skilled in any feat of arms he would seek the man and test him in
+personal encounter--which did not always end happily for Robin. 
+And when he had found a man to his liking he offered him service
+with the bold fellows of Sherwood Forest.
+
+Thus it came about that one day after a practice at shooting, in
+which Little John struck down a hart at five hundred feet
+distance, Robin Hood was fain to boast.
+
+"God's blessing on your heart!" he cried, clapping the burly
+fellow on the shoulder; "I would travel an hundred miles to find
+one who could match you!"
+
+At this Will Scarlet laughed full roundly.
+
+"There lives a curtall friar in Fountain's Abbey--Tuck, by
+name--who can beat both him and you," he said.
+
+Robin pricked up his ears at this free speech.
+
+"By our Lady," he said, "I'll neither eat nor drink till I see
+this same friar."
+
+And with his usual impetuosity he at once set about arming
+himself for the adventure.  On his head he placed a cap of steel. 
+Underneath his Lincoln green he wore a coat of chain metal.  Then
+with sword and buckler girded at his side he made a goodly show. 
+But he also took with him his stout yew bow and a sheaf of chosen
+arrows.
+
+So he set forth upon his way with blithe heart; for it was a day
+when the whole face of the earth seemed glad and rejoicing in
+pulsing life.  Steadily he pressed forward by winding ways till
+he came to a green broad pasture land at whose edge flowed a
+stream dipping in and out among the willows and rushes on the
+banks.  A pleasant stream it was, but it flowed calmly as though
+of some depth in the middle.  Robin did not fancy getting his
+feet wet, or his fine suit of mail rusted, so he paused on the
+hither bank to rest and take his bearings.
+
+As he sat down quietly under the shade of a drooping willow he
+heard snatches of a jovial song floating to him from the farther
+side; then came a sound of two men's voices arguing.  One was
+upholding the merits of hasty pudding and the other stood out
+stoutly for meat pie, "especially--quoth this one--"when flavored
+with young onions!"
+
+"Gramercy!" muttered Robin to himself, "that is a tantalizing
+speech to a hungry man!  But, odds bodikins! did ever two men
+talk more alike than those two fellows yonder!"
+
+In truth Robin could well marvel at the speech, for the voices
+were curiously alike.
+
+Presently the willows parted on the other bank, and Robin could
+hardly forebear laughing out right.  His mystery was explained. 
+It was not two men who had done all this singing and talking, but
+one--and that one a stout curtall friar who wore a long cloak
+over his portly frame, tied with a cord in the middle.  On his
+head was a knight's helmet, and in his hand was a no more warlike
+weapon than a huge pasty pie, with which he sat down by the
+water's edge.  His twofold argument was finished.  The meat pie
+had triumphed; and no wonder! for it was the present witness,
+soon to give its own testimony.
+
+But first the friar took off his helmet to cool his head, and a
+droll picture he made.  His head was as round as an apple, and
+eke as smooth in spots.  A fringe of close curling black hair
+grew round the base of his skull, but his crown was bare and
+shiny as an egg.  His cheeks also were smooth and red and shiny;
+and his little gray eyes danced about with the funniest air
+imaginable.  You would not have blamed Robin Hood for wanting to
+laugh, had you heard this serious two-faced talk and then seen
+this jovial one-faced man. Good humor and fat living stood out
+all over him; yet for all that he looked stout enough and able to
+take care of himself with any man.  His short neck was thick like
+that of a Berkshire bull; his shoulders were set far back, and
+his arms sprouted therefrom like two oak limbs.  As he sat him
+down, the cloak fell apart disclosing a sword and buckler as
+stout as Robin's own.
+
+Nathless, Robin was not dismayed at sight of the weapons. 
+Instead, his heart fell within him when he saw the meat pie which
+was now in fair way to be devoured before his very eyes; for the
+friar lost no time in thrusting one hand deep into the pie, while
+he crossed himself with the other.
+
+Thereupon Robin seized his bow and fitted a shaft.
+
+"Hey, friar!" he sang out, "carry me over the water, or else I
+cannot answer for your safety."
+
+The other started at the unexpected greeting, and laid his hand
+upon his sword.  Then he looked up and beheld Robin's arrow
+pointing full upon him.
+
+"Put down your bow, fellow," he shouted back, "and I will bring
+you over the brook.  'Tis our duty in life to help each other,
+and your keen shaft shows me that you are a man worthy of some
+attention."    So the friar knight got him up gravely, though his
+eyes twinkled with a cunning light, and laid aside his beloved
+pie and his cloak and his sword and his buckler, and waded across
+the stream with waddling dignity.  Then he took Robin Hood upon
+his back and spoke neither good word nor bad till he came to the
+other side.
+
+Lightly leaped Robin off his back, and said, "I am much beholden
+to you, good father."
+
+"Beholden, say you!" rejoined the other drawing his sword; "then
+by my faith you shall e'en repay your score.  Now mine own
+affairs, which are of a spiritual kind and much more important
+than yours which are carnal, lie on the other side of this
+stream.  I see that you are a likely man and one, moreover, who
+would not refuse to serve the church.  I must therefore pray of
+you that whatsoever I have done unto you, you will do also unto
+me.  In short, my son, you must e'en carry me back again."
+
+Courteously enough was this said; but so suddenly had the friar
+drawn his sword that Robin had no time to unsling his bow from
+his back, whither he had placed it to avoid getting it wet, or to
+unfasten his scabbard.  So he was fain to temporize.
+
+"Nay, good father, but I shall get my feet wet," he commenced.
+
+"Are your feet any better than mine?" retorted the other.  "I
+fear me now that I have already wetted myself so sadly as to lay
+in a store of rheumatic pains by way of penance."
+
+"I am not so strong as you," continued Robin; "that helmet and
+sword and buckler would be my undoing on the uncertain footing
+amidstream, to say nothing of your holy flesh and bones."
+
+"Then I will lighten up, somewhat," replied the other calmly. 
+"Promise to carry me across and I will lay aside my war gear."
+
+"Agreed," said Robin; and the friar thereupon stripped himself;
+and Robin bent his stout back and took him up even as he had
+promised.
+
+Now the stones at the bottom of the stream were round and
+slippery, and the current swept along strongly, waist-deep, in
+the middle.  More-over Robin had a heavier load than the other
+had borne, nor did he know the ford.  So he went stumbling along
+now stepping into a deep hole, now stumbling over a boulder in a
+manner that threatened to unseat his rider or plunge them both
+clear under current.  But the fat friar hung on and dug his heels
+into his steed's ribs in as gallant manner as if he were riding
+in a tournament; while as for poor Robin the sweat ran down him
+in torrents and he gasped like the winded horse he was.  But at
+last he managed to stagger out on the bank and deposit his
+unwieldy load.
+
+No sooner had he set the friar down than he seized his own sword.
+
+"Now, holy friar," quoth he, panting and wiping the sweat from
+his brow, "what say the Scriptures that you quote so glibly?--Be
+not weary of well doing. You must carry me back again or I swear
+that I will make a cheese-cloth out of your jacket!"
+
+The friar's gray eyes once more twinkled with a cunning gleam
+that boded no good to Robin; but his voice was as calm and
+courteous as ever.
+
+"Your wits are keen, my son," he said; "and I see that the waters
+of the stream have not quenched your spirit.  Once more will I
+bend my back to the oppressor and carry the weight of the
+haughty."
+
+So Robin mounted again in high glee, and carried his sword in his
+hand, and went prepared to tarry upon the other side.  But while
+he was bethinking himself what great words to use, when he should
+arrive thither, he felt himself slipping from the friar's broad
+back.  He clutched frantically to save himself but had too round
+a surface to grasp, besides being hampered by his weapon.  So
+down went he with a loud splash into the middle of the stream,
+where the crafty friar had conveyed him.
+
+"There!" quoth the holy man; "choose you, choose you, my fine
+fellow, whether you will sink or swim!" And he gained his own
+bank without more ado, while Robin thrashed and spluttered about
+until he made shift to grasp a willow wand and thus haul himself
+ashore on the other side.
+
+Then Robin's rage waxed furious, despite his wetting, and he took
+his bow and his arrows and let fly one shaft after another at the
+worthy friar.  But they rattled harmlessly off his steel buckler,
+while he laughed and minded them no more than if they had been
+hail-stones.
+
+"Shoot on, shoot on, good fellow," he sang out; "shoot as you
+have begun; if you shoot here a summer's day, your mark I will
+not shun!"
+
+So Robin shot, and passing well, till all his arrows were gone,
+when from very rage he began to revile him.
+
+"You bloody villain!" shouted he, "You psalm-singing hypocrite! 
+You reviler of good hasty pudding!  Come but within reach of my
+sword arm, and, friar or no friar, I'll shave your tonsure closer
+than ever bald-pated monk was shaven before!"
+
+"Soft you and fair!" said the friar unconcernedly; "hard words
+are cheap, and you may need your wind presently.  An you would
+like a bout with swords, meet me halfway i' the stream."
+
+And with this speech the friar waded into the brook, sword in
+hand, where he was met halfway by the impetuous outlaw.
+
+Thereupon began a fierce and mighty battle.  Up and down, in and
+out, back and forth they fought.  The swords flashed in the rays
+of the declining sun and then met with a clash that would have
+shivered less sturdy weapons or disarmed less sturdy wielders. 
+Many a smart blow was landed, but each perceived that the other
+wore an undercoat of linked mail which might not be pierced.
+Nathless, their ribs ached at the force of the blows.  Once and
+again they paused by mutual consent and caught breath and looked
+hard each at the other; for never had either met so stout a
+fellow.
+
+Finally in a furious onset of lunge and parry Robin's foot
+stepped on a rolling stone, and he went down upon his knees.  But
+his antagonist would not take this advantage: he paused until
+Robin should get upon his feet.
+
+"Now by our Lady!" cried the outlaw, using his favorite oath,
+"you are the fairest swordsman that I have met in many a long
+day.  I would beg a boon of you."
+
+"What is it?" said the other.
+
+"Give me leave to set my horn to my mouth and blow three blasts
+thereon."
+
+"That will I do," said the curtall friar, "blow till your breath
+fails, an it please you."
+
+Then, says the old ballad, Robin Hood set his horn to mouth and
+blew mighty blasts; and half a hundred yeomen, bows bent, came
+raking over the lee.
+
+"Whose men are these," said the friar, "that come so hastily?"
+
+"These men are mine," said Robin Hood, feeling that his time to
+laugh was come at last.
+
+Then said the friar in his turn, "A boon, a boon, the like I gave
+to you.  Give me leave to set my fist to my mouth and whistle
+three blasts thereon."
+
+"That will I do," said Robin, "or else I were lacking in
+courtesy."
+
+The friar set his fist to his mouth and put the horn to shame by
+the piercing whistles he blew; whereupon half a hundred great
+dogs came running and jumping so swiftly that they had reached
+their bank as soon as Robin Hood's men had reached his side.
+
+Then followed a rare foolish conflict.  Stutely, Much, Little
+John and the other outlaws began sending their arrows whizzing
+toward the opposite bank; but the dogs, which were taught of the
+friar, dodged the missiles cleverly and ran and fetched them back
+again, just as the dogs of to-day catch sticks.
+
+"I have never seen the like of this in my days!" cried Little
+John, amazed.
+
+"'Tis rank sorcery and witchcraft."
+
+"Take off your dogs, Friar Tuck!" shouted Will Scarlet, who had
+but then run up, and who now stood laughing heartily at the
+scene.
+
+"Friar Tuck!" exclaimed Robin, astounded.  "Are you Friar Tuck? 
+Then am I your friend, for you are he I came to seek."
+
+"I am but a poor anchorite, a curtall friar," said the other,
+whistling to his pack, "by name Friar Tuck of Fountain's Dale. 
+For seven years have I tended the Abbey here, preached o'
+Sundays, and married and christened and buried folk--and fought
+too, if need were; and if it smacks not too much of boasting, I
+have not yet met the knight or trooper or yeoman that I would
+yield before.  But yours is a stout blade.  I would fain know
+you."
+
+"'Tis Robin Hood, the outlaw, who has been assisting you at this
+christening," said Will Scarlet glancing roguishly at the two
+opponents' dripping garments.  And at this sally the whole bad
+burst into a shout of laughter, in which Robin and Friar Tuck
+joined.
+
+"Robin Hood!" cried the good friar presently, holding his sides;
+"are you indeed that famous yeoman?  Then I like you well; and
+had I known you earlier, would have both carried you across and
+shared my pasty pie with you."
+
+"To speak soothly," replied Robin gaily, "'twas that same pie
+that led me to be rude.  Now, therefore, bring it and your dogs
+and repair with us to the greenwood.  We have need of you--with
+this message came I to-day to seek you.  We will build you a
+hermitage in Sherwood Forest, and you shall keep us from evil
+ways.  Will you not join our band?"
+
+"Marry, that will I!" cried Friar Tuck jovially.  "Once more will
+I cross this much beforded stream, and go with you to the good
+greenwood!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+HOW ALLAN-A-DALE'S WOOING WAS PROSPERED
+
+"What is thy name?" then said Robin Hood,
+"Come tell me, without any fail"
+"By the faith o' my body," then said the young man,
+"My name it is Allan-a-Dale."
+
+
+Friar Tuck and Much the miller's son soon became right good
+friends over the steaming stew they jointly prepared for the
+merry men that evening.  Tuck was mightily pleased when he found
+a man in the forest who could make pasties and who had cooked for
+no less person than the High Sheriff himself.  While Much
+marveled at the friar's knowledge of herbs and simples and
+woodland things which savored a stew greatly.  So they gabbled
+together like two old gossips and, between them, made such a
+tasty mess that Robin Hood and his stout followers were like
+never to leave off eating.  And the friar said grace too, with
+great unction, over the food; and Robin said Amen! and that
+henceforth they were always to have mass of Sundays.
+
+So Robin walked forth into the wood that evening with his stomach
+full and his heart, therefore, in great contentment and love for
+other men.  He did not stop the first passer-by, as his manner
+often was, and desire a fight.  Instead, he stepped behind a
+tree, when he heard a man's voice in song, and waited to behold
+the singer.  Perhaps he remembered, also, the merry chanting of
+Will Scarlet, and how he had tried to give it pause a few days
+before.
+
+Like Will, this fellow was clad in scarlet, though he did not
+look quite as fine a gentleman.  Nathless, he was a sturdy yeoman
+of honest face and a voice far sweeter than Will's.  He seemed to
+be a strolling minstrel, for he bore a harp in his hand, which he
+thrummed, while his lusty tenor voice rang out with--
+
+"Hey down, and a down, and a down!
+I've a lassie back i' the town;
+Come day, come night, Come dark or light,
+She will wed me, back i' the town!"
+
+Robin let the singer pass, caroling on his way.
+
+"'Tis not in me to disturb a light-hearted lover, this night," he
+muttered, a memory of Marian coming back to him.  "Pray heaven
+she may be true to him and the wedding be a gay one 'back i' the
+town!"'
+
+So Robin went back to his camp, where he told of the minstrel.
+
+"If any of ye set on him after this," quoth he in ending, "bring
+him to me, for I would have speech with him."
+
+The very next day his wish was gratified.  Little John and Much
+the miller's son were out together on a foraging expedition when
+they espied the same young man; at least, they thought it must be
+he, for he was clad in scarlet and carried a harp in his hand. 
+But now he came drooping along the way; his scarlet was all in
+tatters; and at every step he fetched a sigh, "Alack and a
+well-a-day!"
+
+Then stepped forth Little John and Much the miller's son.
+
+"Ho! do not wet the earth with your weeping," said Little John,
+"else we shall all have lumbago."
+
+No sooner did the young man catch sight of them than he bent his
+bow, and held an arrow back to his ear.
+
+"Stand off! stand off!" he said; "what is your will with me?"
+
+"Put by your weapon," said Much, "we will not harm you.  But you
+must come before our master straight, under yon greenwood tree."
+
+So the minstrel put by his bow and suffered himself to be led
+before Robin Hood.
+
+"How now!" quoth Robin, when he beheld his sorry countenance,
+"are you not he whom I heard no longer ago than yesternight
+caroling so blithely about 'a lassie back i' the town'?"
+
+"The same in body, good sir," replied the other sadly; "but my
+spirit is grievously changed."
+
+"Tell me your tale," said Robin courteously.  "Belike I can help
+you."
+
+"That can no man on earth, I fear," said the stranger; "nathless,
+I'll tell you the tale.  Yesterday I stood pledged to a maid, and
+thought soon to wed her.  But she has been taken from me and is
+to become an old knight's bride this very day; and as for me, I
+care not what ending comes to my days, or how soon, without her."
+
+"Marry, come up!" said Robin; "how got the old knight so sudden
+vantage?"
+
+"Look you, worship, 'tis this way.  The Normans overrun us, and
+are in such great favor that none may say them nay.  This old
+returned Crusader coveted the land whereon my lady dwells.  The
+estate is not large, but all in her own right; whereupon her
+brother says she shall wed a title, and he and the old knight
+have fixed it up for to-day."
+
+"Nay, but surely--" began Robin.
+
+"Hear me out, worship," said the other.  "Belike you think me a
+sorry dog not to make fight of this.  But the old knight, look
+you, is not come-at-able.  I threw one of his varlets into a
+thorn hedge, and another into a water-butt, and a third landed
+head-first into a ditch. But I couldn't do any fighting at all."
+
+"'Tis a pity!" quoth Little John gravely.  He had been sitting
+cross-legged listening to this tale of woe.  "What think you,
+Friar Tuck, doth not a bit of fighting ease a man's mind?"
+
+"Blood-letting is ofttimes recommended of the leeches," replied
+Tuck.
+
+"Does the maid love you?" asked Robin Hood.
+
+"By our troth, she loved me right well," said the minstrel.  "I
+have a little ring of hers by me which I have kept for seven long
+years."
+
+"What is your name?" then said Robin Hood.
+
+"By the faith of my body," replied the young man, "my name is
+Allan-a-Dale."
+
+"What will you give me, Allan-a-Dale," said Robin Hood, "in ready
+gold or fee, to help you to your true love again, and deliver her
+back unto you?"
+
+"I have no money, save only five shillings," quoth Allan;
+"but--are you not Robin Hood?"
+
+Robin nodded.
+
+"Then you, if any one, can aid me!" said Allan-a-Dale eagerly. 
+"And if you give me back my love, I swear upon the Book that I
+will be your true servant forever after."
+
+"Where is this wedding to take place, and when?" asked Robin.
+
+"At Plympton Church, scarce five miles from here; and at three o'
+the afternoon."
+
+"Then to Plympton we will go!" cried Robin suddenly springing
+into action; and he gave out orders like a general: "Will
+Stutely, do you have four-and-twenty good men over against
+Plympton Church 'gainst three o' the afternoon. Much, good
+fellow, do you cook up some porridge for this youth, for he must
+have a good round stomach--aye, and a better gear!  Will Scarlet,
+you will see to decking him out bravely for the nonce.  And Friar
+Tuck, hold yourself in readiness, good book in hand, at the
+church.  Mayhap you had best go ahead of us all."
+
+The fat Bishop of Hereford was full of pomp and importance that
+day at Plympton Church.  He was to celebrate the marriage of an
+old knight--a returned Crusader--and a landed young woman; and
+all the gentry thereabout were to grace the occasion with their
+presence.  The church itself was gaily festooned with flowers for
+the ceremony, while out in the church-yard at one side brown ale
+flowed freely for all the servitors.
+
+Already were the guests beginning to assemble, when the Bishop,
+back in the vestry, saw a minstrel clad in green walk up boldly
+to the door and peer within.  It was Robin Hood, who had borrowed
+Allan's be-ribboned harp for the time.
+
+"Now who are you, fellow?" quoth the Bishop, "and what do you
+here at the church-door with you harp and saucy air?"
+
+"May it please your Reverence," returned Robin bowing very
+humbly, "I am but a strolling harper, yet likened the best in the
+whole North Countree. And I had hope that my thrumming might add
+zest to the wedding to-day."
+
+"What tune can you harp?" demanded the Bishop.
+
+"I can harp a tune so merry that a forlorn lover will forget he
+is jilted," said Robin.  "I can harp another tune that will make
+a bride forsake her lord at the altar.  I can harp another tune
+that will bring loving souls together though they were up hill
+and down dale five good miles away from each other."
+
+"Then welcome, good minstrel," said the Bishop, "music pleases me
+right well, and if you can play up to your prattle, 'twill indeed
+grace your ceremony.  Let us have a sample of your wares."
+
+"Nay, I must not put finger to string until the bride and groom
+have come.  Such a thing would ill fortune both us and them."
+
+"Have it as you will," said the Bishop, "but here comes the party
+now."
+
+Then up the lane to the church came the old knight, preceded by
+ten archers liveried in scarlet and gold.  A brave sight the
+archers made, but their master walked slowly leaning upon a cane
+and shaking as though in a palsy.
+
+And after them came a sweet lass leaning upon her brother's arm.
+Her hair did shine like glistering gold, and her eyes were like
+blue violets that peep out shyly at the sun.  The color came and
+went in her cheeks like that tinting of a sea-shell, and her face
+was flushed as though she had been weeping.  But now she walked
+with a proud air, as though she defied the world to crush her
+spirit.  She had but two maids with her, finikin lasses, with
+black eyes and broad bosoms, who set off their lady's more
+delicate beauty well.  One held up the bride's gown from the
+ground; the other carried flowers in plenty.
+
+"Now by all the wedding bells that ever were rung!" quoth Robin
+boldly, "this is the worst matched pair that ever mine eyes
+beheld!"
+
+"Silence, miscreant!" said a man who stood near.
+
+The Bishop had hurriedly donned his gown and now stood ready to
+meet the couple at the chancel.
+
+But Robin paid no heed to him.  He let the knight and his ten
+archers pass by, then he strode up to the bride, and placed
+himself on the other side from her brother.
+
+"Courage, lady!" he whispered, "there is another minstrel near,
+who mayhap may play more to your liking."
+
+The lady glanced at him with a frightened air, but read such
+honesty and kindness in his glance that she brightened and gave
+him a grateful look.
+
+"Stand aside, fool!" cried the brother wrathfully.
+
+"Nay, but I am to bring good fortune to the bride by accompanying
+her through the church-doors," said Robin laughing.
+
+Thereupon he was allowed to walk by her side unmolested, up to
+the chancel with the party.
+
+"Now strike up your music, fellow!" ordered the Bishop.
+
+"Right gladly will I," quoth Robin, "an you will let me choose my
+instrument.  For sometimes I like the harp, and other times I
+think the horn makes the merriest music in all the world."
+
+And he drew forth his bugle from underneath his green cloak and
+blew three winding notes that made the church--rafters ring
+again.
+
+"Seize him!" yelled the Bishop; "there's mischief afoot!  These
+are the tricks of Robin Hood!"
+
+The ten liveried archers rushed forward from the rear of the
+church, where they had been stationed.  But their rush was
+blocked by the onlookers who now rose from their pews in alarm
+and crowded the aisles.  Meanwhile Robin had leaped lightly over
+the chancel rail and stationed himself in a nook by the altar.
+
+"Stand where you are!" he shouted, drawing his bow, "the first
+man to pass the rail dies the death.  And all ye who have come to
+witness a wedding stay in your seats.  We shall e'en have one,
+since we are come into the church. But the bride shall choose her
+own swain!"
+
+Then up rose another great commotion at the door, and
+four-and-twenty good bowmen came marching in with Will Stutely at
+their head.  And they seized the ten liveried archers and the
+bride's scowling brother and the other men on guard and bound
+them prisoners.
+
+Then in came Allan-a-Dale, decked out gaily, with Will Scarlet
+for best man.  And they walked gravely down the aisle and stood
+over against the chancel.
+
+"Before a maiden weds she chooses--an the laws of good King Harry
+be just ones," said Robin.  "Now, maiden, before this wedding
+continues, whom will you have to husband?"
+
+The maiden answered not in words, but smiled with a glad light in
+her eyes, and walked over to Allan and clasped her arms about his
+neck.
+
+"That is her true love," said Robin.  "Young Allan instead of the
+gouty knight.  And the true lovers shall be married at this time
+before we depart away.  Now my lord Bishop, proceed with the
+ceremony!"
+
+"Nay, that shall not be," protested the Bishop; "the banns must
+be cried three times in the church.  Such is the law of our
+land."
+
+"Come here, Little John," called Robin impatiently; and plucked
+off the Bishop's frock from his back and put it on the yeoman.
+
+Now the Bishop was short and fat, and Little John was long and
+lean.  The gown hung loosely over Little John's shoulders and
+came only to his waist.  He was a fine comical sight, and the
+people began to laugh consumedly at him.
+
+"By the faith o' my body," said Robin, "this cloth makes you a
+man.  You're the finest Bishop that ever I saw in my life.  Now
+cry the banns."
+
+So Little John clambered awkwardly into the quire, his short gown
+fluttering gaily; and he called the banns for the marriage of the
+maid and Allan-a-Dale once, twice, and thrice.
+
+"That's not enough," said Robin; "your gown is so short that you
+must talk longer."
+
+Then Little John asked them in the church four, five, six, and
+seven times. 
+
+"Good enough!" said Robin. "Now belike I see a worthy friar in
+the back of this church who can say a better service than ever my
+lord Bishop of Hereford.  My lord Bishop shall be witness and
+seal the papers, but do you, good friar, bless this pair with
+book and candle."
+
+So Friar Tuck, who all along had been back in one corner of the
+church, came forward; and Allan and his maid kneeled before him,
+while the old knight, held an unwilling witness, gnashed his
+teeth in impotent rage; and the friar began with the ceremony.
+
+When he asked, "Who giveth this woman?" Robin stepped up and
+answered in a clear voice:
+
+"I do! I, Robin Hood of Barnesdale and Sherwood!  And he who
+takes her from Allan-a-Dale shall buy her full dearly."
+
+So the twain were declared man and wife and duly blessed; and the
+bride was kissed by each sturdy yeoman beginning with Robin Hood.
+
+Now I cannot end this jolly tale better than in the words of the
+ballad which came out of the happening and which has been sung in
+the villages and countryside ever since:
+
+"And thus having end of this merry wedding,
+The bride lookt like a queen;
+And so they returned to the merry greenwood
+Amongst the leaves so green."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+HOW THE WIDOW'S THREE SONS WERE RESCUED
+
+Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone,
+With a link a down and a down,
+And there he met with the proud Sheriff,
+Was walking along the town.
+
+
+The wedding-party was a merry one that left Plympton Church, I
+ween; but not so merry were the ones left behind.  My lord Bishop
+of Hereford was stuck up in the organ-loft and left, gownless and
+fuming.  The ten liveried archers were variously disposed about
+the church to keep him company; two of them being locked in a
+tiny crypt, three in the belfry, "to ring us a wedding peal," as
+Robin said; and the others under quire seats or in the vestry. 
+The bride's brother at her entreaty was released, but bidden not
+to return to the church that day or interfere with his sister
+again on pain of death.  While the rusty old knight was forced to
+climb a high tree, where he sat insecurely perched among the
+branches, feebly cursing the party as it departed.
+
+It was then approaching sundown, but none of the retainers or
+villagers dared rescue the imprisoned ones that night, for fear
+of Robin Hood's men.  So it was not until sunup the next day,
+that they were released.  The Bishop and the old knight, stiff as
+they were, did not delay longer than for breakfast, but so great
+was their rage and shame--made straight to Nottingham and levied
+the Sheriff's forces.  The Sheriff himself was not anxious to try
+conclusions again with Robin in the open.  Perhaps he had some
+slight scruples regarding his oath.  But the others swore that
+they would go straight to the King, if he did not help them, so
+he was fain to consent.
+
+A force of an hundred picked men from the Royal Foresters and
+swordsmen of the shire was gathered together and marched
+straightway into the greenwood.  There, as fortune would have it,
+they surprised some score of outlaws hunting, and instantly gave
+chase.  But they could not surround the outlaws, who kept well in
+the lead, ever and anon dropping behind a log or boulder to speed
+back a shaft which meant mischief to the pursuers.  One shaft
+indeed carried off the Sheriff's hat and caused that worthy man
+to fall forward upon his horse's neck from sheer terror; while
+five other arrows landed in the fleshy parts of Foresters' arms.
+
+But the attacking party was not wholly unsuccessful.  One outlaw
+in his flight stumbled and fell; when two others instantly
+stopped and helped to put him on his feet again.  They were the
+widow's three sons, Stout Will, and Lester, and John.  The pause
+was an unlucky one for them, as a party of Sheriff's men got
+above them and cut them off from their fellows.  Swordsmen came
+up in the rear, and they were soon hemmed in on every side.  But
+they gave good account of themselves, and before they had been
+overborne by force of numbers they had killed two and disabled
+three more.
+
+The infuriated attackers were almost on the point of hewing the
+stout outlaws to pieces, when the Sheriff cried:
+
+"Hold!  Bind the villains!  We will follow the law in this and
+take them to the town jail.  But I promise ye the biggest public
+hanging that has been seen in this shire for many changes of the
+moon!"
+
+So they bound the widow's three sons and carried them back
+speedily to Nottingham.
+
+Now Robin Hood had not chanced to be near the scene of the fight,
+or with his men; so for a time he heard nothing of the happening.
+
+But that evening while returning to the camp he was met by the
+widow herself, who came weeping along the way.
+
+"What news, what news, good woman?" said Robin hastily but
+courteously; for he liked her well.
+
+"God save ye, Master Robin!" said the dame wildly.  "God keep ye
+from the fate that has met my three sons!  The Sheriff has laid
+hands on them and they are condemned to die."
+
+"Now, by our Lady!  That cuts me to the heart!  Stout Will, and
+Lester, and merry John!  The earliest friends I had in the band,
+and still among the bravest! It must not be!  When is this
+hanging set?"
+
+"Middle the. tinker tells me that it is for tomorrow noon,"
+replied the dame.
+
+"By the truth o' my body," quoth Robin, "you could not tell me in
+better time.  The memory of the old days when you freely bade me
+sup and dine would spur me on, even if three of the bravest lads
+in all the shire were not imperiled.  Trust to me, good woman!"
+
+The old widow threw herself on the ground and embraced his knees.
+
+"'Tis dire danger I am asking ye to face," she said weeping; "and
+yet I knew your brave true heart would answer me.  Heaven help
+ye, good Master Robin, to answer a poor widow's prayers!"
+
+Then Robin Hood sped straightway to the forest-camp, where he
+heard the details of the skirmish--how that his men had been
+out-numbered five to one, but got off safely, as they thought,
+until a count of their members had shown the loss of the widow's
+three sons.
+
+"We must rescue them, my men!" quoth Robin, "even from out the
+shadow of the rope itself!"
+
+Whereupon the band set to work to devise ways and means.
+
+Robin walked apart a little way with his head leaned thoughtfully
+upon his breast--for he was sore troubled--when whom should he
+meet but an old begging palmer, one of a devout order which made
+pilgrimages and wandered from place to place, supported by
+charity.
+
+This old fellow walked boldly up to Robin and asked alms of him;
+since Robin had been wont to aid members of his order.
+
+"What news, what news, thou foolish old man?" said Robin, "what
+news, I do thee pray?"
+
+"Three squires in Nottingham town," quoth the palmer, "are
+condemned to die.  Belike that is greater news than the shire has
+had in some Sundays."
+
+Then Robin's long-sought idea came to him like a flash.
+
+"Come, change thine apparel with me, old man," he said, "and I'll
+give thee forty shillings in good silver to spend in beer or
+wine."
+
+"O, thine apparel is good," the palmer protested, "and mine is
+ragged and torn.  The holy church teaches that thou should'st
+ne'er laugh an old man to scorn."
+
+"I am in simple earnest, I say. Come, change thine apparel with
+mine. Here are twenty pieces of good broad gold to feast they
+brethren right royally."
+
+So the palmer was persuaded; and Robin put on the old man's hat,
+which stood full high in the crown; and his cloak, patched with
+black and blue and red, like Joseph's coat of many colors in its
+old age; and his breeches, which had been sewed over with so many
+patterns that the original was scarce discernible; and his
+tattered hose; and his shoes, cobbled above and below. And while
+as he made the change in dress he made so many whimsical comments
+also about a man's pride and the dress that makes a man, that the
+palmer was like to choke with cackling laughter.
+
+I warrant you, the two were comical sights when they parted
+company that day. Nathless, Robin's own mother would not have
+known him, had she been living.
+
+The next morning the whole town of Nottingham was early astir,
+and as soon as the gates were open country-folk began to pour in;
+for a triple hanging was not held there every day in the week,
+and the bustle almost equated a Fair day.
+
+Robin Hood in his palmer's disguise was one of the first ones to
+enter the gates, and he strolled up and down and around the town
+as though he had never been there before in all his life. 
+Presently he came to the market-place, and beheld thereon three
+gallows erected.
+
+"Who are these builded for, my son?" asked he of a rough soldier
+standing by.
+
+"For three of Robin Hood's men," answered the other.  "And it
+were Robin himself, 'twould be thrice as high I warrant ye.  But
+Robin is too smart to get within the Sheriff's clutches again."
+
+The palmer crossed himself.
+
+"They say that he is a bold fellow," he whined.
+
+"Ha!" said the soldier, "he may be bold enough out behind stumps
+i' the forest, but the open market-place is another matter."
+
+"Who is to hang these three poor wretches?" asked the palmer.
+
+"That hath the Sheriff not decided.  But here he comes now to
+answer his own questions." And the soldier came to stiff
+attention as the Sheriff and his body-guard stalked pompously up
+to inspect the gallows.
+
+"O, Heaven save you, worshipful Sheriff!" said the palmer.
+"Heaven protect you!  What will you give a silly old man to-day
+to be your hangman?"
+
+"Who are you, fellow?" asked the Sheriff sharply.
+
+"Naught save a poor old palmer.  But I can shrive their souls and
+hang their bodies most devoutly."
+
+"Very good," replied the other. "The fee to-day is thirteen
+pence; and I will add thereunto some suits of clothing for that
+ragged back of yours."
+
+"God bless ye!" said the palmer.  And he went with the soldier to
+the jail to prepare his three men for execution.
+
+Just before the stroke of noon the doors of the prison opened and
+the procession of the condemned came forth.  Down through the
+long lines of packed people they walked to the market-place, the
+palmer in the lead, and the widow's three sons marching firmly
+erect between soldiers.
+
+At the gallows foot they halted.  The palmer whispered to them,
+as though offering last words of consolation; and the three men,
+with arms bound tightly behind their backs, ascended the
+scaffold, followed by their confessor.
+
+Then Robin stepped to the edge of the scaffold, while the people
+grew still as death; for they desired to hear the last words
+uttered to the victims. But Robin's voice did not quaver forth
+weakly, as formerly, and his figure had stiffened bolt upright
+beneath the black robe that covered his rags.
+
+"Hark ye, proud Sheriff!" he cried.  "I was ne'er a hangman in
+all my life, nor do I now intend to begin that trade.  Accurst be
+he who first set the fashion of hanging!  I have but three more
+words to say.  Listen to them!"
+
+And forth from the robe he drew his horn and blew three loud
+blasts thereon.  Then his keen hunting-knife flew forth and in a
+trice, Stout Will, Lester, and merry John were free men and had
+sprung forward and seized the halberds from the nearest soldiers
+guarding the gallows.
+
+"Seize them!  'Tis Robin Hood!" screamed the Sheriff, "an hundred
+pounds if ye hold them, dead or alive!"
+
+"I make it two hundred!" roared the fat Bishop.
+
+But their voices were drowned in the uproar that ensued
+immediately after Robin blew his horn.  He himself had drawn his
+sword and leaped down the stairs from the scaffold, followed by
+his three men.  The guard had closed around them in vain effort
+to disarm them, when "A rescuer" shouted Will Stutely's clear
+voice on one side of them, and "A rescue!" bellowed Little John's
+on the other; and down through the terror-stricken crowd rushed
+fourscore men in Lincoln green, their force seeming twice that
+number in the confusion.  With swords drawn they fell upon the
+guard from every side at once.  There was a brief clash of hot
+weapons, then the guard scattered wildly, and Robin Hood's men
+formed in a compact mass around their leader and forced their way
+slowly down the market-place.
+
+"Seize them!  In the King's name!" shrieked the Sheriff.  "Close
+the gates!"
+
+In truth, the peril would have been even greater, had this last
+order been carried out.  But Will Scarlet and Allan-a-Dale had
+foreseen that event, and had already overpowered the two warders.
+
+So the gates stood wide open, and toward them the band of outlaws
+headed.
+
+The soldiers rallied a force of twice their number and tried
+resolutely to pierce their center.  But the retreating force
+turned thrice and sent such volleys of keen arrows from their
+good yew bows, that they kept a distance between the two forces.
+
+And thus the gate was reached, and the long road leading up the
+hill, and at last the protecting greenwood itself.  The soldiers
+dared come no farther.  And the widow's three sons, I warrant
+you, supped more heartily that night than ever before in their
+whole lives.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+HOW A BEGGAR FILLED THE PUBLIC EYE
+
+Good Robin accost him in his way,
+To see what he might be;
+If any beggar had money,
+He thought some part had he.
+
+
+One bright morning, soon after the stirring events told in the
+last chapter, Robin wandered forth alone down the road to
+Barnesdale, to see if aught had come of the Sheriff's pursuit. 
+But all was still and serene and peaceful.  No one was in sight
+save a solitary beggar who came sturdily along his way in Robin's
+direction.  The beggar caught sight of Robin, at the same moment,
+as he emerged from the trees, but gave no sign of having seen
+him.  He neither slackened nor quickened his pace, but jogged
+forward merrily, whistling as he came, and beating time by
+punching holes in the dusty road with the stout pike-staff in his
+hand.
+
+The curious look of the fellow arrested Robin's attention, and he
+decided to stop and talk with him.  The fellow was bare-legged
+and bare-armed, and wore a long shift of a shirt, fastened with a
+belt.  About his neck hung a stout, bulging bag, which was
+buckled by a good piece of leather thong.
+
+He had three hats upon his head,
+Together sticked fast,
+He cared neither for the wind nor wet,
+In lands where'er he past.
+
+The fellow looked so fat and hearty, and the wallet on his
+shoulder seemed so well filled, that Robin thought within
+himself,
+
+"Ha! this is a lucky beggar for me!  If any of them have money,
+this is the chap, and, marry, he should share it with us poorer
+bodies."
+
+So he flourished his own stick and planted himself in the
+traveler's path.
+
+"Sirrah, fellow!" quoth he; "whither away so fast?  Tarry, for I
+would have speech with ye!"
+
+The beggar made as though he heard him not, and kept straight on
+with his faring.
+
+"Tarry, I say, fellow!" said Robin again; "for there's a way to
+make folks obey!"
+
+"Nay, 'tis not so," answered the beggar, speaking for the first
+time; "I obey no man in all England, not even the King himself. 
+So let me pass on my way, for 'tis growing late, and I have still
+far to go before I can care for my stomach's good."
+
+"Now, by my troth," said Robin, once more getting in front of the
+other, "I see well by your fat countenance, that you lack not for
+good food, while I go hungry.  Therefore you must lend me of your
+means till we meet again, so that I may hie to the nearest
+tavern."
+
+"I have no money to lend," said the beggar crossly.  "Methinks
+you are as young a man as 1, and as well able to earn a supper. 
+So go your way, and I'll go mine.  If you fast till you get aught
+out of me, you'll go hungry for the next twelvemonth."
+
+"Not while I have a stout stick to thwack your saucy bones!"
+cried Robin. "Stand and deliver, I say, or I'll dust your shirt
+for you; and if that will not teach you manners, then we'll see
+what a broad arrow can do with a beggar's skin!"
+
+The beggar smiled, and answered boast with boast.  "Come on with
+your staff, fellow!  I care no more for it than for a pudding
+stick.  And as for your pretty bow--THAT for it!"
+
+And with amazing quickness, he swung his pike-staff around and
+knocked Robin's bow clean out of his hand, so that his fingers
+smarted with pain.  Robin danced and tried to bring his own staff
+into action; but the beggar never gave him a chance.  Biff!
+whack! came the pike-staff, smiting him soundly and beating down
+his guard.
+
+There were but two things to do; either stand there and take a
+sound drubbing, or beat a hasty retreat.  Robin chose the
+latter--as you or I would probably have done--and scurried back
+into the wood, blowing his horn as he went.
+
+"Fie, for shame, man!" jeered the bold beggar after him.  "What
+is your haste?  We had but just begun.  Stay and take your money,
+else you will never be able to pay your reckoning at the tavern!"
+
+But Robin answered him never a word.  He fled up hill and down
+dale till he met three of his men who were running up in answer
+to his summons.
+
+"What is wrong?" they asked.
+
+"'Tis a saucy beggar," said Robin, catching his breath.  "He is
+back there on the highroad with the hardest stick I've met in a
+good many days.  He gave me no chance to reason with him, the
+dirty scamp!"
+
+The men--Much and two of the widow's sons--could scarce conceal
+their mirth at the thought of Robin Hood running from a beggar. 
+Nathless, they kept grave faces, and asked their leader if he was
+hurt.
+
+"Nay," he replied, "but I shall speedily feel better if you will
+fetch me that same beggar and let me have a fair chance at him."
+
+So the three yeomen made haste and came out upon the highroad and
+followed after the beggar, who was going smoothly along his way
+again, as though he were at peace with all the world.
+
+"The easiest way to settle this beggar," said Much, "is to
+surprise him. Let us cut through yon neck of woods and come upon
+him before he is aware."
+
+The others agreed to this, and the three were soon close upon
+their prey.
+
+"Now!" quoth Much; and the other two sprang quickly upon the
+beggar's back and wrested his pike-staff from his hand.  At the
+same moment Much drew his dagger and flashed it before the
+fellow's breast.
+
+"Yield you, my man!" cried he; "for a friend of ours awaits you
+in the wood, to teach you how to fight properly."
+
+"Give me a fair chance," said the beggar valiantly, "and I'll
+fight you all at once."
+
+But they would not listen to him.  Instead, they turned him about
+and began to march him toward the forest.  Seeing that it was
+useless to struggle, the beggar began to parley.
+
+"Good my masters," quoth he, "why use this violence?  I will go
+with ye safe and quietly, if ye insist, but if ye will set me
+free I'll make it worth your while.  I've a hundred pounds in my
+bag here.  Let me go my way, and ye shall have all that's in the
+bag."
+
+The three outlaws took council together at this.
+
+"What say you?" asked Much of the others.  "Our master will be
+more glad to see this beggar's wallet than his sorry face."
+
+The other two agreed, and the little party came to a halt and
+loosed hold of the beggar.
+
+"Count out your gold speedily, friend," said Much. There was a
+brisk wind blowing, and the beggar turned about to face it,
+directly they had unhanded him.
+
+"It shall be done, gossips," said he.  "One of you lend me your
+cloak and we will spread it upon the ground and put the wealth
+upon it."
+
+The cloak was handed him, and he placed his wallet upon it as
+though it were very heavy indeed.  Then he crouched down and
+fumbled with the leather fastenings.  The outlaws also bent over
+and watched the proceeding closely, lest he should hide some of
+the money on his person.  Presently he got the bag unfastened and
+plunged his hands into it.  Forth from it he drew--not shining
+gold--but handfuls of fine meal which he dashed into the eager
+faces of the men around him.  The wind aided him in this, and
+soon there arose a blinding cloud which filled the eyes, noses,
+and mouths of the three outlaws till they could scarcely see or
+breathe.
+
+While they gasped and choked and sputtered and felt around wildly
+for that rogue of a beggar, he finished the job by picking up the
+cloak by its corners and shaking it vigorously in the faces of
+his suffering victims.  Then he seized a stick which lay
+conveniently near, and began to rain blows down upon their heads,
+shoulders, and sides, all the time dancing first on one leg, then
+on the other, and crying,
+
+"Villains! rascals! here are the hundred pounds I promised.  How
+do you like them?  I' faith, you'll get all that's in the bag."
+
+Whack! whack! whack! whack! went the stick, emphasizing each
+word. Howls of pain might have gone up from the sufferers, but
+they had too much meal in their throats for that.  Their one
+thought was to flee, and they stumbled off blindly down the road,
+the beggar following them a little way to give them a few parting
+love-taps.
+
+"Fare ye well, my masters," he said finally turning the other
+way; "and when next I come along the Barnesdale road, I hope you
+will be able to tell gold from meal dust!"
+
+With this he departed, an easy victor, and again went whistling
+on his way, while the three outlaws rubbed the meal out of their
+eyes and began to catch their breath again.
+
+As soon as they could look around them clearly, they beheld Robin
+Hood leaning against a tree trunk and surveying them smilingly. 
+He had recovered his own spirits in full measure, on seeing their
+plight.
+
+"God save ye, gossips!" he said, "ye must, in sooth, have gone
+the wrong way and been to the mill, from the looks of your
+clothes."
+
+Then when they looked shamefaced and answered never a word, he
+went on, in a soft voice,
+
+"Did ye see aught of that bold beggar I sent you for, lately?"
+
+"In sooth, master," responded Much the miller's son, "we heard
+more of him than we saw him.  He filled us so full of meal that I
+shall sweat meal for a week.  I was born in a mill, and had the
+smell of meal in my nostrils from my very birth, you might say,
+and yet never before did I see such a quantity of the stuff in so
+small space."
+
+And he sneezed violently.
+
+"How was that?" asked Robin demurely.
+
+"Why we laid hold of the beggar, as you did order, when he
+offered to pay for his release out of the bag he carried upon his
+back."
+
+"The same I coveted," quoth Robin as if to himself.
+
+"So we agreed to this," went on Much, "and spread a cloak down,
+and he opened his bag and shook it thereon.  Instantly a great
+cloud of meal filled the air, whereby we could neither see nor
+breathe; and in the midst of this cloud he vanished like a
+wizard."
+
+"But not before he left certain black and blue spots, to be
+remembered by, I see," commented Robin.
+
+"He was in league with the evil one," said one of the widow's
+sons, rubbing himself ruefully.
+
+Then Robin laughed outright, and sat him down upon the gnarled
+root of a tree, to finish his merriment.
+
+"Four bold outlaws, put to rout by a sorry beggar!" cried he.  "I
+can laugh at ye, my men, for I am in the same boat with ye.  But
+'twould never do to have this tale get abroad--even in the
+greenwood--how that we could not hold our own with the odds in
+our favor.  So let us have this little laugh all to ourselves,
+and no one else need be the wiser!"
+
+The others saw the point of this, and felt better directly,
+despite their itching desire to get hold of the beggar again. 
+And none of the four ever told of the adventure.
+
+But the beggar must have boasted of it at the next tavern; or a
+little bird perched among the branches of a neighboring oak must
+have sung of it.  For it got abroad, as such tales will, and was
+put into a right droll ballad which, I warrant you, the four
+outlaws did not like to hear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD FOUGHT GUY OF GISBORNE
+
+"I dwell by dale and down," quoth he,
+"And Robin to take I'm sworn;
+And when I am called by my right name,
+I am Guy of good Gisborne."
+
+
+Some weeks passed after the rescue of the widow's three sons;
+weeks spent by the Sheriff in the vain effort to entrap Robin
+Hood and his men.  For Robin's name and deeds had come to the
+King's ears, in London town, and he sent word to the Sheriff to
+capture the outlaw, under penalty of losing his office.  So the
+Sheriff tried every manner of means to surprise Robin Hood in the
+forest, but always without success.  And he increased the price
+put upon Robin's head, in the hope that the best men of the
+kingdom could be induced to try their skill at a capture.
+
+Now there was a certain Guy of Gisborne, a hireling knight of the
+King's army, who heard of Robin and of the price upon his head. 
+Sir Guy was one of the best men at the bow and the sword in all
+the King's service.  But his heart was black and treacherous.  He
+obtained the King's leave forthwith to seek out the forester; and
+armed with the King's scroll he came before the Sheriff at
+Nottingham.
+
+"I have come to capture Robin Hood," quoth he, "and mean to have
+him, dead or alive."
+
+"Right gladly would I aid you," answered the Sheriff, "even if
+the King's seal were not sufficient warrant.  How many men need
+you?"
+
+"None," replied Sir Guy, "for I am convinced that forces of men
+can never come at the bold robber.  I must needs go alone.  But
+do you hold your men in readiness at Barnesdale, and when you
+hear a blast from this silver bugle, come quickly, for I shall
+have the sly Robin within my clutches."
+
+"Very good," said the Sheriff.  "Marry, it shall be done." And he
+set about giving orders, while Guy of Gisborne sallied forth
+disguised.
+
+Now as luck would have it, Will Scarlet and Little John had gone
+to Barnesdale that very day to buy suits of Lincoln green for
+certain of the yeomen who had come out at the knees and elbows. 
+But not deeming it best for both of them to run their necks into
+a noose, together, they parted just outside the town, and Will
+went within the gates, while John tarried and watched at the brow
+of the hill on the outside.
+
+Presently whom should he see but this same Will flying madly
+forth from the gates again, closely pursued by the Sheriff and
+threescore men.  Over the moat Will sprang, through the bushes
+and briars, across the swamp, over stocks and stones, up the
+woodland roads in long leaps like a scared jack rabbit.  And
+after him puffed the Sheriff and his men, their force scattering
+out in the flight as one man would tumble head-first into a
+ditch, another mire up in the swamp, another trip over a rolling
+stone, and still others sit down on the roadside and gasp for
+wind like fish out of water.
+
+Little John could not forbear laughing heartily at the scene,
+though he knew that 'twould be anything but a laughing matter if
+Will should stumble.  And in truth one man was like to come upon
+him.  It was William-a-Trent, the best runner among the Sheriff's
+men.  He had come within twenty feet of Scarlet and was leaping
+upon him with long bounds like a greyhound, when John rose up
+quickly, drew his bow and let fly one of his fatal shafts.  It
+would have been better for William-a-Trent to have been abed with
+sorrow--says the ballad--than to be that day in the greenwood
+slade to meet with Little John's arrow.  He had run his last
+race.
+
+The others halted a moment in consternation, when the shaft came
+hurtling down from the hill; but looking up they beheld none save
+Little John, and with a cry of fierce joy they turned upon him. 
+Meanwhile Will Scarlet had reached the brow of the hill and sped
+down the other side.
+
+"I'll just send one more little message of regret to the
+Sheriff," said Little John, "before I join Will."
+
+But this foolhardy deed was his undoing, for just as the arrow
+left the string, the good yew bow that had never before failed
+him snapped in twain.
+
+"Woe worth, woe worth thee, wicked wood, that ere thou grew on a
+tree!" cursed Little John, and planted his feet resolutely in the
+earth resolved to sell the path dearly; for the soldiers were now
+so close upon him that he dared not turn.
+
+And a right good account of himself he gave that day, dealing
+with each man as he came up according to his merit.  And so
+winded were the pursuers when they reached the top of the hill
+that he laid out the first ten of them right and left with huge
+blows of his brawny fist.
+
+But if five men can do more than three, a score can overcome one.
+
+A body of archers stood off at a prudent distance and covered
+Little John with their arrows.
+
+"Now yield you!" panted the Sheriff.  "Yield you, Little John, or
+Reynold Greenleaf, or whatever else name you carry this day! 
+Yield you, or some few of these shafts will reach your heart!"
+
+"Marry, my heart has been touched by your words ere now," said
+Little John; "and I yield me."
+
+So the Sheriff's men laid hold of Little John and bound him fast
+with many cords, so fearful were they lest he should escape.  And
+the Sheriff laughed aloud in glee, and thought of how he should
+avenge his stolen plate, and determined to make a good day's work
+of it.
+
+"By the Saints!" he said, "you shall be drawn by dale and down,
+and hanged high on a hill in Barnesdale this very day."
+
+"Hang and be hanged!" retorted the prisoner.  "You may fail of
+your purpose if it be Heaven's will."
+
+Back down the hill and across the moor went the company speedily,
+for they feared a rescue.  And as they went the stragglers joined
+them.  Here a man got up feebly out of the ditch and rubbed his
+pate and fell in like a chicken with the pip going for its
+dinner.  Yonder came hobbling a man with a lame ankle, or another
+with his shins torn by the briars or another with his jacket all
+muddy from the marsh.  So in truth it was a tatterdemalion crew
+that limped and straggled and wandered back into Barnesdale that
+day.  Yet all were merry, for the Sheriff had promised them
+flagons of wine, and moreover they were to hang speedily the
+boldest outlaw in England, next to Robin Hood himself.
+
+The gallows was quickly put up and a new rope provided.
+
+"Now up with you!" commanded the Sheriff, "and let us see if your
+greenwood tricks will avail you to-morrow."
+
+"I would that I had bold Robin's horn," muttered poor John;
+"methinks 'tis all up with me even as the Sheriff hath spoken."
+
+In good sooth the time was dire and pressing.  The rope was
+placed around the prisoner's neck and the men prepared to haul
+away.
+
+"Are you ready?" called the Sheriff.  "One--two--"
+
+But before the "three" left his lips the faint sound of a silver
+bugle came floating over the hill.
+
+"By my troth, that is Sir Guy of Gisborne's horn," quoth the
+Sheriff; "and he bade me not to delay answering its summons.  He
+has caught Robin Hood."
+
+"Pardon, Excellency," said one of his men; "but if he has caught
+Robin Hood, this is a merry day indeed.  And let us save this
+fellow and build another gallows and hang them both together."
+
+"That's a brave thought!" said the Sheriff slapping his knee. 
+"Take the rascal down and bind him fast to the gallows-tree
+against our return."
+
+So Little John was made fast to the gallows-tree, while the
+Sheriff and all his men who could march or hobble went out to get
+Robin Hood and bring him in for the double hanging.
+
+Let us leave talking of Little John and the Sheriff, and see what
+has become of Robin Hood.
+
+In the first place, he and Little John had come near having a
+quarrel that self-same morning because both had seen a curious
+looking yeoman, and each wanted to challenge him singly.  But
+Robin would not give way to his lieutenant, and that is why John,
+in a huff, had gone with Will to Barnesdale.
+
+Meanwhile Robin approached the curious looking stranger.  He
+seemed to be a three-legged creature at first sight, but on
+coming nearer you would have seen that 'twas really naught but a
+poorly clad man, who for a freak had covered up his rags with a
+capul-hide, nothing more nor less than the sun-dried skin of a
+horse, complete with head, tail, and mane.  The skin of the head
+made a helmet; while the tail gave the curious three-legged
+appearance.
+
+"Good-morrow, good fellow," said Robin cheerily, "methinks by the
+bow you bear in your hand that you should be a good archer."
+
+"Indifferent good," said the other returning his greeting; "but
+'tis not of archery that I am thinking this morning, for I have
+lost my way and would fain find it again."
+
+"By my faith, I could have believed 'twas your wits you'd lost!"
+thought Robin smiling.  Then aloud: "I'll lead you through the
+wood," quoth he, "an you will tell me your business.  For belike
+your speech is much gentler than your attire."
+
+"Who are you to ask me my business?" asked the other roughly.
+
+"I am one of the King's Rangers," replied Robin, "set here to
+guard his deer against curious looking strollers."
+
+"Curious looking I may be," returned the other, "but no stroller. 
+Hark ye, since you are a Ranger, I must e'en demand your service. 
+I am on the King's business and seek an outlaw.  Men call him
+Robin Hood.  Are you one of his men?"--eyeing him keenly.
+
+"Nay, God forbid!" said Robin; "but what want you with him?"
+
+"That is another tale.  But I'd rather meet with that proud
+outlaw than forty good pounds of the King's money."
+
+Robin now saw how the land lay.
+
+"Come with me, good yeoman," said he, "and belike, a little later
+in the day, I can show you Robin's haunts when he is at home. 
+Meanwhile let us have some pastime under the greenwood tree.  Let
+us first try the mastery at shooting arrows."
+
+The other agreed, and they cut down two willow wands of a
+summer's growth that grew beneath a brier, and set them up at a
+distance of threescore yards.
+
+"Lead on, good fellow," quoth Robin. "The first shot to you."
+
+"Nay, by my faith," said the other, "I will follow your lead."
+
+So Robin stepped forth and bent his bow carelessly and sent his
+shaft whizzing toward the wand, missing it by a scant inch.  He
+of the horse-hide followed with more care yet was a good
+three-fingers' breadth away.  On the second round, the stranger
+led off and landed cleverly within the small garland at the top
+of the wand; but Robin shot far better and clave the wand itself,
+clean at the middle.
+
+"A blessing on your heart!" shouted Capul-Hide; "never saw I such
+shooting as that!  Belike you are better than Robin Hood himself. 
+But you have not yet told me your name."
+
+"Nay, by my faith,"quoth Robin, "I must keep it secret till you
+have told me your own."
+
+"I do not disdain to tell it," said the other.  "I dwell by dale
+and down, and to take bold Robin am I sworn.  This would I tell
+him to his face, were he not so great a craven.  When I am called
+by my right name, I am Guy of Gisborne."
+
+This he said with a great show of pride, and he strutted back and
+forth, forgetful that he had just been beaten at archery.
+
+Robin eyed him quietly.  "Methinks I have heard of you elsewhere. 
+Do you not bring men to the gallows for a living?"
+
+"Aye, but only outlaws such as Robin Hood."
+
+"But pray what harm has Robin Hood done you?"
+
+"He is a highway robber," said Sir Guy, evading the question.
+
+"Has he ever taken from the rich that he did not give again to
+the poor? Does he not protect the women and children and side
+with weak and helpless?  Is not his greatest crime the shooting
+of a few King's deer?"
+
+"Have done with your sophistry," said Sir Guy impatiently.  "I am
+more than ever of opinion that you are one of Robin's men
+yourself."
+
+"I have told you I am not," quoth Robin briefly.  "But if I am to
+help you catch him, what is your plan?"
+
+"Do you see this silver bugle?" said the other.  "A long blast
+upon it will summon the Sheriff and all his men, when once I have
+Robin within my grasp. And if you show him to me, I'll give you
+the half of my forty pounds reward."
+
+"I would not help hang a man for ten times forty pounds," said
+the outlaw. "Yet will I point out Robin to you for the reward I
+find at my sword's point.  I myself am Robin Hood of Sherwood and
+Barnesdale."
+
+"Then have at you!" cried the other springing swiftly into
+action.  His sword leaped forth from beneath the horse's hide
+with the speed born of long practice, and before Robin had come
+to guard, the other had smitten at him full and foul.  Robin
+eluded the lunge and drew his own weapon.
+
+"A scurvy trick!" quoth he grimly, "to strike at a man
+unprepared."
+
+Then neither spoke more, but fell sternly to work--lunge and
+thrust and ward and parry--for two full hours the weapons smote
+together sullenly, and neither Robin Hood nor Sir Guy would yield
+an inch.  I promise you that if you could have looked forth on
+the fight from behind the trunk of some friendly tree, you would
+have seen deadly sport such as few men beheld in Sherwood Forest.
+For the fighters glared sullenly at each other, the fires of
+hatred burning in their eyes.  One was fighting for his life; the
+other for a reward and the King's favor.
+
+Still circled the bright blades swiftly in the air--now gleaming
+in the peaceful sunlight--again hissing like maddened serpents. 
+Neither had yet touched the other, until Robin, in an unlucky
+moment, stumbled over the projecting root of a tree; when Sir
+Guy, instead of giving him the chance to recover himself, as any
+courteous knight would have done, struck quickly at the falling
+man and wounded him in the left side.
+
+"Ah, dear Lady in Heaven," gasped Robin uttering his favorite
+prayer, "shield me now!  'Twas never a man's destiny to die
+before his day."
+
+And adroitly he sprang up again, and came straight at the other
+with an awkward but unexpected stroke.  The knight had raised his
+weapon high to give a final blow, when Robin reached beneath and
+across his guard.  One swift lunge, and Sir Guy of Gisborne
+staggered backward with a deep groan, Robin's sword through his
+throat.
+
+Robin looked at the slain man regretfully.
+
+"You did bring it upon yourself," said he; "and traitor and
+hireling though you were, I would not willingly have killed you."
+
+He looked to his own wound.  It was not serious, and he soon
+staunched the blood and bound up the cut.  Then he dragged the
+dead body into the bushes, and took off the horse's hide and put
+it upon himself.  He placed his own cloak upon Sir Guy, and
+marked his face so none might tell who had been slain.  Robin's
+own figure and face were not unlike the other's.
+
+Pulling the capul-hide well over himself, so that the helmet hid
+most of his face, Robin seized the silver bugle and blew a long
+blast.  It was the blast that saved the life of Little John, over
+in Barnesdale, for you and I have already seen how it caused the
+fond Sheriff to prick up his ears and stay the hanging, and go
+scurrying up over the hill and into the wood with his men in
+search of another victim.
+
+In five-and-twenty minutes up came running a score of the
+Sheriff's best archers.
+
+"Did you signal us, lording?" they asked, approaching Robin.
+
+"Aye," said he, going to meet the puffing Sheriff.
+
+"What news, what news, Sir Guy?" said that officer.
+
+"Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne had a fight; and he that wears
+Robin's cloak lies under the covert yonder."
+
+"The best news I have heard in all my life!" exclaimed the
+Sheriff rubbing his hands.  "I would that we could have saved him
+for the hanging--though I cannot now complain."
+
+"The hanging?" repeated Robin.
+
+"Yes.  This is our lucky day on the calendar.  After you left me
+we narrowly missed running one of the fellows--I believe 'twas
+Will Scarlet--to earth; and another who came to his relief we
+were just about to hang, when your horn blew."
+
+"Who was the other?" asked the disguised outlaw.
+
+"Whom do you suppose?" laughed the Sheriff.  "The best man in the
+greenwood, next to Robin Hood himself--Little John, Reynold
+Greenleaf!"  For the Sheriff could not forget the name Little
+John had borne under his own roof at Nottingham.
+
+"Little John!" thought Robin with a start.  Verily that was a
+lucky blast of the bugle!  "But I see you have not escaped
+without a scratch," continued the Sheriff, becoming talkative
+through pure glee.  "Here, one of you men!  Give Sir Guy of
+Gisborne your horse; while others of you bury that dog of an
+outlaw where he lies.  And let us hasten back to Barnesdale and
+finish hanging the other."
+
+So they put spurs to their horses, and as they rode Robin forced
+himself to talk merrily, while all the time he as planning the
+best way to succor Little John.
+
+"A boon, Sheriff," he said as they reached the gates of the town.
+
+"What is it, worthy sir?  You have but to speak."
+
+"I do not want any of your gold, for I have had a brave fight. 
+But now that I have slain the master, let me put an end to the
+man; so it shall be said that Guy of Gisborne despatched the two
+greatest outlaws of England in one day."
+
+"Have it as you will," said the Sheriff, "but you should have
+asked a knight's fee and double your reward, and it would have
+been yours.  It isn't every man that can take Robin Hood."
+"No, Excellency," answered Robin.  "I say it without boasting,
+that no man took Robin Hood yesterday and none shall take him
+to-morrow."
+
+Then he approached Little John, who was still tied to the
+gallows-tree; and he said to the Sheriff's men, "Now stand you
+back here till I see if the prisoner has been shrived."  And he
+stooped swiftly, and cut Little John's bonds, and thrust into his
+hands Sir Guy's bow and arrows, which he had been careful to
+take.
+
+"'Tis I, Robin!" he whispered. But in truth, Little John knew it
+already, and had decided there was to be no hanging that day.
+
+Then Robin blew three loud blasts upon his own horn, and drew
+forth his own bow; and before the astonished Sheriff and his men
+could come to arms the arrows were whistling in their midst in no
+uncertain fashion.
+
+And look!  Through the gates and over the walls came pouring
+another flight of arrows!  Will Scarlet and Will Stutely had
+watched and planned a rescue ever since the Sheriff and Robin
+rode back down the hill.  Now in good time they came; and the
+Sheriff's demoralized force turned tail and ran, while Robin and
+Little John stood under the harmless gallows, and sped swift
+arrows after them, and laughed to see them go.
+
+Then they joined their comrades and hasted back to the good
+greenwood, and there rested.  They had got enough sport for one
+day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+HOW MAID MARIAN CAME BACK TO SHERWOOD FOREST; ALSO, HOW ROBIN
+HOOD CAME BEFORE QUEEN ELEANOR
+
+But Robin Hood, he himself had disguis'd,
+And Marian was strangely attir'd,
+That they proved foes, and so fell to blows,
+Whose valor bold Robin admir'd.
+
+And when he came at London's court,
+He fell down on his knee.
+"Thou art welcome, Lockesley," said the Queen,
+"And all thy good yeomandree."
+
+
+Now it fell out that one day not long thereafter, Robin was
+minded to try his skill at hunting.  And not knowing whom he
+might meet in his rambles, he stained his face and put on a
+sorry-looking jacket and a long cloak before he sallied forth. 
+As he walked, the peacefulness of the morning came upon him, and
+brought back to his memory the early days so long ago when he had
+roamed these same glades with Marian.  How sweet they seemed to
+him now, and how far away!  Marian, too, the dainty friend of his
+youth--would he ever see her again?  He had thought of her very
+often of late, and each time with increasing desire to hear her
+clear voice and musical laugh, and see her eyes light up at his
+coming.
+
+Perhaps the happiness of Allen-a-Dale and his lady had caused
+Robin's heart-strings to vibrate more strongly; perhaps, too, the
+coming of Will Scarlet. But, certes, Robin was anything but a
+hunter this bright morning as he walked along with head drooping
+in a most love-lorn way.
+
+Presently a hart entered the glade in full view of him, grazing
+peacefully, and instantly the man of action awoke.  His bow was
+drawn and a shaft all but loosed, when the beast fell suddenly,
+pierced by a clever arrow from the far side of the glade.
+
+Then a handsome little page sprang gleefully from the covert and
+ran toward the dying animal.  This was plainly the archer, for he
+flourished his bow aloft, and likewise bore a sword at his side,
+though for all that he looked a mere lad.
+
+Robin approached the hart from the other side.
+
+"How dare you shoot the King's beasts, stripling?" he asked
+severely.
+
+"I have as much right to shoot them as the King himself,"
+answered the page haughtily.  "How dare you question me?"
+
+The voice stirred Robin strongly.  It seemed to chime into his
+memories of the old days.  He looked at the page sharply, and the
+other returned the glance, straight and unafraid.
+
+"Who are you, my lad?" Robin said more civilly.
+
+"No lad of yours, and my name's my own," retorted the other with
+spirit.
+
+"Softly!  Fair and softly, sweet page, or we of the forest will
+have to teach you manners!" said Robin.
+
+"Not if YOU stand for the forest!" cried the page, whipping out
+his sword. "Come, draw, and defend yourself!"
+
+He swung his blade valiantly; and Robin saw nothing for it but to
+draw likewise.  The page thereupon engaged him quite fiercely,
+and Robin found that he had many pretty little tricks at fencing.
+
+Nathless, Robin contented himself with parrying, and was loth to
+exert all his superior strength upon the lad.  So the fight
+lasted for above a quarter of an hour, at the end of which time
+the page was almost spent and the hot blood flushed his cheeks in
+a most charming manner.
+
+The outlaw saw his distress, and to end the fight allowed himself
+to be pricked slightly on the wrist.
+
+"Are you satisfied, fellow?" asked the page, wincing a little at
+sight of the blood.
+
+"Aye, honestly," replied Robin; "and now perhaps you will grant
+me the honor of knowing to whom I owe this scratch?"
+
+"I am Richard Partington, page to Her Majesty, Queen Eleanor,"
+answered the lad with dignity; and again the sound of his voice
+troubled Robin sorely.
+
+"Why come you to the greenwood alone, Master Partington?"
+
+The lad considered his answer while wiping his sword with a small
+lace kerchief.  The action brought a dim confused memory to
+Robin.  The lad finally looked him again in the eye.
+
+"Forester, whether or no you be a King's man, know that I seek
+one Robin Hood, an outlaw, to whom I bring amnesty from the
+Queen.  Can you tell me aught of him?"  And while awaiting his
+answer, he replaced the kerchief in his shirt.  As he did so, the
+gleam of a golden trophy caught the outlaw's eye.
+
+Robin started forward with a joyful cry.
+
+"Ah!  I know you now!  By the sight of yon golden arrow won at
+the Sheriff's tourney, you are she on whom I bestowed it, and
+none other than Maid Marian!"
+
+"You--are--?" gasped Marian, for it was she; "not Robin!"
+
+"Robin's self!" said he gaily; and forthwith, clad as he was in
+rags, and stained of face, he clasped the dainty page close to
+his breast, and she forsooth yielded right willingly.
+
+"But Robin!" she exclaimed presently, "I knew you not, and was
+rude, and wounded you!"
+
+"'Twas nothing," he replied laughingly, "so long as it brought me
+you."
+
+But she made more ado over the sore wrist than Robin had received
+for all his former hurts put together.  And she bound it with the
+little kerchief, and said, "Now 'twill get well!" and Robin was
+convinced she spoke the truth, for he never felt better in all
+his life.  The whole woods seemed tinged with a roseate hue,
+since Marian had come again.
+
+But she, while happy also, was ill at ease; and Robin with a
+man's slow discernment at last saw that it was because of her
+boy's attire.  He thought bluntly that there was naught to be
+ashamed of, yet smilingly handed her his tattered long cloak,
+which she blushingly put on, and forthwith recovered her spirits
+directly.
+
+Then they began to talk of each other's varied fortunes, and of
+the many things which had parted them; and so much did they find
+to tell that the sun had begun to decline well into the afternoon
+before they realized how the hours sped.
+
+"I am but a sorry host!" exclaimed Robin, springing to his feet. 
+"I have not once invited you to my wild roof."
+
+"And I am but a sorry page," replied Marian; "for I had clean
+forgot that I was Richard Partington, and really did bring you a
+message from Queen Eleanor!"
+
+"Tell me on our way home, and there you shall be entrusted to
+Mistress Dale.  While the first of my men we meet will I send
+back for your deer."
+
+So she told him, as they walked back through the glade, how that
+the fame of his prowess had reached Queen Eleanor's ears, in
+London town.  And the Queen had said, "Fain would I see this bold
+yeoman, and behold his skill at the long-bow."  And the Queen had
+promised him amnesty if he and four of his archers would repair
+to London against the next tournament the week following, there
+to shoot against King Henry's picked men, of whom the King was
+right vain.  All this Marian told in detail, and added:
+
+"When I heard Her Majesty say she desired to see you, I asked
+leave to go in search of you, saying I had known you once.  And
+the Queen was right glad, and bade me go, and sent this gold ring
+to you from off her finger, in token of her faith."
+
+Then Robin took the ring and bowed his head and kissed it
+loyally.  "By this token will I go to London town," quoth he,
+"and ere I part with the Queen's pledge, may the hand that bears
+it be stricken off at the wrist!"  By this time they were come to
+the grove before the cave, and Robin presented Maid Marian to the
+band, who treated her with the greatest respect. Will Scarlet was
+especially delighted to greet again his old time friend, while
+Allan-a-Dale and his good wife bustled about to make her welcome
+in their tiny thatched cottage.
+
+That evening after they had supped royally upon the very hart
+that Marian had slain, Allan sang sweet songs of Northern
+minstrelsy to the fair guest as she sat by Robin's side, the
+golden arrow gleaming in her dark hair. The others all joined in
+the chorus, from Will Scarlet's baritone to Friar Tuck's heavy
+bass.  Even Little John essayed to sing, although looked at
+threateningly by Much the miller's son.
+
+Then Robin bade Marian repeat her message from the Queen, which
+Marian did in a way befitting the dignity of her royal mistress. 
+After which the yeomen gave three cheers for the Queen and three
+more for her page, and drank toasts to them both, rising to their
+feet.
+
+"Ye have heard," quoth Robin standing forth, "how that Her
+Majesty--whom God preserve!--wishes but four men to go with me. 
+Wherefore, I choose Little John and Will Stutely, my two
+lieutenants, Will Scarlet, my cousin, and Allan-a-Dale, my
+minstrel.  Mistress Dale, also, can go with her husband and be
+company for the Queen's page.  We will depart with early morning,
+decked in our finest.  So stir ye, my lads! and see that not only
+your tunics are fresh, but your swords bright and your bows and
+arrows fit.  For we must be a credit to the Queen as well as the
+good greenwood.  You, Much, with Stout Will, Lester, and John,
+the widow's three sons, shall have command of the band while we
+are away; and Friar Tuck shall preside over the needs of your
+souls and stomachs."
+
+The orders were received with shouts of approval, and toasts all
+around were drunk again in nut-brown ale, ere the company
+dispersed to rest after making ready for the journey.
+
+The next morning was as fine a summer's day as ever you want to
+see, and the green leaves of the forest made a pleasing
+background for the gay picture of the yeomen setting forth.  Says
+the old ballad--it was a seemly sight to see how Robin Hood
+himself had dressed, and all his yeomanry.  He clothed his men in
+Lincoln green, and himself in scarlet red, with hats of black and
+feathers white to bravely deck each head.  Nor were the two
+ladies behind-hand, I ween, at the bedecking.
+
+Thus the chosen party of seven sallied forth being accompanied to
+the edge of the wood by the whole band, who gave them a merry
+parting and Godspeed!
+
+The journey to London town was made without incident.  The party
+proceeded boldly along the King's highroad, and no man met them
+who was disposed to say them nay.  Besides, the good Queen's
+warrant and ring would have answered for them, as indeed it did
+at the gates of London.  So on they sped and in due course came
+to the palace itself and awaited audience with the Queen.
+
+Now the King had gone that day to Finsbury Field, where the
+tourney was soon to be held, in order to look over the lists and
+see some of his picked men whom he expected to win against all
+comers.  So much had he boasted of these men, that the Queen had
+secretly resolved to win a wager of him.  She had heard of the
+fame of Robin Hood and his yeomen, as Marian had said; and Marian
+on her part had been overjoyed to be able to add a word in their
+favor and to set out in search of them.
+
+To-day the Queen sat in her private audience-room chatting
+pleasantly with her ladies, when in came Mistress Marian
+Fitzwalter attired again as befitted her rank of lady-in-waiting. 
+She courtesied low to the Queen and awaited permission to speak.
+
+"How now!" said the Queen smiling; "is this my lady Marian, or
+the page, Richard Partington?"
+
+"Both, an it please Your Majesty.  Richard found the man you
+sought, while Marian brought him to you."
+
+"Where is he?" asked Queen Eleanor eagerly.
+
+"Awaiting your audience--he and four of his men, likewise a lady
+of whose wooing and wedding I can tell you a pretty story at
+another time."
+
+"Have them admitted."
+
+So Marian gave orders to a herald, and presently Robin Hood and
+his little party entered the room.
+
+Now the Queen had half-expected the men to be rude and uncouth in
+appearance, because of their wild life in the forest; but she was
+delightfully disappointed.  Indeed she started back in surprise
+and almost clapped her hands. For, sooth to say, the yeomen made
+a brave sight, and in all the court no more gallant men could be
+found.  Marian felt her cheeks glow with pride, at sight of the
+half-hidden looks of admiration sent forth by the other
+ladies-in-waiting.
+
+Robin had not forgot the gentle arts taught by his mother, and he
+wore his fine red velvet tunic and breeches with the grace of a
+courtier.  We have seen, before, what a dandified gentleman Will
+Scarlet was; and Allan-a-Dale, the minstrel, was scarcely less
+goodly to look upon.  While the giant Little John and
+broad-shouldered Will Stutely made up in stature what little they
+lacked in outward polish.  Mistress Dale, on her part, looked
+even more charming, if possible, than on the momentous day when
+she went to Plympton Church to marry one man and found another.
+
+Thus came the people of the greenwood before Queen Eleanor, in
+her own private audience room.  And Robin advanced and knelt down
+before her, and said:
+
+"Here I am, Robin Hood--I and my chosen men!  At Your Majesty's
+bidding am I come, bearing the ring of amnesty which I will
+protect--as I would protect Your Majesty's honor--with my life!"
+
+"Thou art welcome, Lockesley," said the Queen smiling graciously.
+
+"Thou art come in good time, thou and all thy brave yeomanry."
+
+Then Robin presented each of his men in turn, and each fell on
+his knee and was greeted with most kindly words.  And the Queen
+kissed fair Mistress Dale upon the cheek, and bade her remain in
+the palace with her ladies while she was in the city.  And she
+made all the party be seated to rest themselves after their long
+journey.  Fine wines were brought, and cake, and rich food, for
+their refreshment.  And as they ate and drank, the Queen told
+them further of the tourney to be held at Finsbury Field, and of
+how she desired them to wear her colors and shoot for her. 
+Meantime, she concluded, they were to lie by quietly and be known
+of no man.
+
+To do all this, Robin and his men pledged themselves full
+heartily.  Then at the Queen's request, they related to her and
+her ladies some of their merry adventures; whereat the listeners
+were vastly entertained, and laughed heartily.  Then Marian, who
+had heard of the wedding at Plympton Church, told it so drolly
+that tears stood in the Queen's eyes from merriment.
+
+"My lord Bishop of Hereford!" she said, "'Twas indeed a comical
+business for him!  I shall keep that to twit his bones, I promise
+you!  So this is our minstrel?" she added presently, turning to
+Allan-a-Dale.  "Methinks I have already heard of him.  Will he
+not harp awhile for us to-day?"
+
+Allan bowed low, and took a harp which was brought to him, and he
+thrummed the strings and sang full sweetly the border songs of
+the North Countree.  And the Queen and all her ladies listened in
+rapt silence till all the songs were ended.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HOW THE OUTLAWS SHOT IN KING HARRY'S TOURNEY
+
+The King is into Finsbury Field
+Marching in battle 'ray,
+And after follows bold Robin Hood,
+And all his yeomen gay.
+
+
+The morning of the great archery contest dawned fair and bright,
+bringing with it a fever of impatience to every citizen of London
+town, from the proudest courtier to the lowest kitchen wench.
+Aye, and all the surrounding country was early awake, too, and
+began to wend their way to Finsbury Field, a fine broad stretch
+of practice ground near Moorfields.  Around three sides of the
+Field were erected tier upon tier of seats, for the spectators,
+with the royal boxes and booths for the nobility and gentry in
+the center.  Down along one end were pitched gaily colored tents
+for the different bands of King's archers.  There were ten of
+these bands, each containing a score of men headed by a captain
+of great renown; so to-day there were ten of the pavilions, each
+bearing aloft the Royal Arms and vari-colored pennants which
+fluttered lightly in the fresh morning breeze.
+
+Each captain's flag was of peculiar color and device.  First came
+the royal purple streamer of Tepus, own bow-bearer to the King,
+and esteemed the finest archer in all the land.  Then came the
+yellow of Clifton of Buckinghamshire; and the blue of Gilbert of
+the White Hand--he who was renowned in Nottinghamshire; and the
+green of Elwyn the Welshman; and the White of Robert of
+Cloudesdale; and, after them, five other captains of bands, each
+a man of proved prowess.  As the Queen had said aforetime, the
+King was mightily proud of his archers, and now held this tourney
+to show their skill and, mayhap, to recruit their forces.
+
+The uprising tiers of seats filled early, upon this summer
+morning, and the merry chatter of the people went abroad like the
+hum of bees in a hive. The royal party had not yet put in an
+appearance, nor were any of the King's archers visible.  So the
+crowd was content to hide its impatience by laughing jibes passed
+from one section to another, and crying the colors of their
+favorite archers.  In and out among the seats went hawkers, their
+arms laden with small pennants to correspond with the rival
+tents.  Other vendors of pie and small cakes and cider also did a
+thrifty business, for so eager had some of the people been to get
+good seats, that they had rushed away from home without their
+breakfast.
+
+Suddenly the gates at the far end, next the tents, opened wide,
+and a courier in scarlet and gold, mounted upon a white horse,
+rode in blowing lustily upon the trumpet at his lips; and behind
+him came six standard-bearers riding abreast.  The populace arose
+with a mighty cheer.  King Harry had entered the arena.  He
+bestrode a fine white charger and was clad in a rich dark suit of
+slashed velvet with satin and gold facings.  His hat bore a long
+curling ostrich plume of pure white and he doffed it graciously
+in answer to the shouts of the people.  By his side rode Queen
+Eleanor, looking regal and charming in her long brocade
+riding-habit; while immediately behind them came Prince Richard
+and Prince John, each attired in knightly coats of mail and
+helmets. Lords and ladies of the realm followed; and finally, the
+ten companies of archers, whose progress round the field was
+greeted with hardly less applause than that given the King
+himself.
+
+The King and Queen dismounted from their steeds, ascended the
+steps of the royal box, and seated themselves upon two thrones,
+decked with purple and gold trapping, upon a dais sheltered by
+striped canvas.  In the booths at each side the members of the
+Court took their places; while comely pages ran hither and
+thither bearing the royal commands.  'Twas a lordly sight, I
+ween, this shifting of proud courtiers, flashing of jeweled fans,
+and commingling of bright colors with costly gems!
+
+Now the herald arose to command peace, and soon the clear note of
+his bugle rose above the roar of the crowd and hushed it to
+silence.  The tenscore archers ranged themselves in two long rows
+on each side of the lists--a gallant array--while their captains,
+as a special mark of favor, stood near the royal box.
+
+"Come hither, Tepus," said the King to his bow-bearer.  "Come,
+measure me out this line, how long our mark must be."
+
+"What is the reward?" then asked the Queen.
+
+"That will the herald presently proclaim," answered the King. 
+"For first prize we have offered a purse containing twoscore
+golden pounds; for second, a purse containing twoscore silver
+pennies; and for third a silver bugle, inlaid with gold. 
+Moreover, if the King's companies keep these prizes, the winning
+companies shall have, first, two tuns of Rhenish wine; second,
+two tuns of English beer; and, third, five of the fattest harts
+that run on Dallom Lea.  Methinks that is a princely wager,"
+added King Harry laughingly.
+
+Up spake bold Clifton, secure in the King's favor.  "Measure no
+marks for us, most sovereign liege," quoth he; "for such largess
+as that, we'll shoot at the sun and the moon."
+
+"'Twill not be so far as that," said the King.  "But get a line
+of good length, Tepus, and set up the targets at tenscore paces."
+
+Forthwith, Tepus bowed low, and set up ten targets, each bearing
+the pennant of a different company, while the herald stood forth
+again and proclaimed the rules and prizes.  The entries were open
+to all comers.  Each man, also, of the King's archers should
+shoot three arrows at the target bearing the colors of his band,
+until the best bowman in each band should be chosen.  These ten
+chosen archers should then enter a contest for an open
+target--three shots apiece--and here any other bowman whatsoever
+was asked to try his skill.  The result at the open targets
+should decide the tourney.
+
+Then all the people shouted again, in token that the terms of the
+contest pleased them; and the archers waved their bows aloft, and
+wheeled into position facing their respective targets.
+
+The shooting now began, upon all the targets at once, and the
+multitude had so much ado to watch them, that they forgot to
+shout.  Besides, silence was commanded during the shooting.  Of
+all the fine shooting that morning, I have not now space to tell
+you.  The full score of men shot three times at each target, and
+then three times again to decide a tie.  For, more than once, the
+arrow shot by one man would be split wide open by his successor. 
+Every man's shaft bore his number to ease the counting; and so
+close would they stick at the end of a round, that the target
+looked like a big bristle hairbrush. Then must the spectators
+relieve their tense spirits by great cheering; while the King
+looked mighty proud of his skilled bowmen.
+
+At last the company targets were decided, and Tepus, as was
+expected, led the score, having made six exact centers in
+succession.  Gilbert of the White Hand followed with five, and
+Clifton with four.  Two other captains had touched their center
+four times, but not roundly.  While in the other companies it so
+chanced that the captains had been out-shot by some of the men
+under them.
+
+The winners then saluted the King and Queen, and withdrew for a
+space to rest and renew their bow-strings for the keenest contest
+of all; while the lists were cleared and a new target--the open
+one--was set up at twelvescore paces.  At the bidding of the
+King, the herald announced that the open target was to be shot
+at, to decide the title of the best archer in all England; and
+any man there present was privileged to try for it.  But so keen
+had been the previous shooting, that many yeomen who had come to
+enter the lists now would not do so; and only a dozen men stepped
+forth to give in their names.
+
+"By my halidom!" said the King, "these must be hardy men to pit
+themselves against my archers!"
+
+"Think you that your ten chosen fellows are the best bowmen in
+all England?" asked the Queen.
+
+"Aye, and in all the world beside," answered the King; "and
+thereunto I would stake five hundred pounds."
+
+"I am minded to take your wager," said the Queen musingly, "and
+will e'en do so if you grant me a boon."
+
+"What is it?" asked the King.
+
+"If I produce five archers who can out-shoot your ten, will you
+grant my men full grace and amnesty?"
+
+"Assuredly!" quoth the King in right good humor.  "Nathless, I
+tell you now, your wager is in jeopardy, for there never were
+such bowmen as Tepus and Clifton and Gilbert!"
+
+"Hum!" said the Queen puckering her brow, still as though lost in
+thought. "I must see if there be none present to aid me in my
+wager.  Boy, call hither Sir Richard of the Lea and my lord
+Bishop of Hereford!"
+
+The two summoned ones, who had been witnessing the sport, came
+forward.
+
+"Sir Richard," said she, "thou art a full knight and good. 
+Would'st advise me to meet a wager of the King's, that I can
+produce other archers as good as Tepus and Gilbert and Clifton?"
+
+"Nay, Your Majesty," he said, bending his knee.  "There be none
+present that can match them.  Howbeit,"--he added dropping his
+voice--'I have heard of some who lie hid in Sherwood Forest who
+could show them strange targets."
+
+The Queen smiled and dismissed him.
+
+"Come hither, my lord Bishop of Hereford," quoth she, "would'st
+thou advance a sum to support my wager 'gainst the King?"
+
+"Nay, Your Majesty," said the fat Bishop, "an you pardon me, I'd
+not lay down a penny on such a bet.  For by my silver mitre, the
+King's archers are men who have no peers."
+
+"But suppose I found men whom THOU KNEWEST to be masters at the
+bow," she insisted roguishly, "would'st thou not back them? 
+Belike, I have heard that there be men round about Nottingham and
+Plympton who carry such matters with a high hand!"
+
+The Bishop glanced nervously around, as if half expecting to see
+Robin Hood's men standing near; then turned to find the Queen
+looking at him with much amusement lurking in her eyes.
+
+"Odds bodikins!  The story of my misadventure must have preceded
+me!" he thought, ruefully.  Aloud he said, resolved to face it
+out,
+
+"Your Majesty, such tales are idle and exaggerated.  An you
+pardon me, I would add to the King's wager that his men are
+invincible."
+
+"As it pleases thee," replied the Queen imperturbably.  "How
+much?"
+
+"Here is my purse," said the Bishop uneasily.  "It contains
+fifteen score nobles, or near a hundred pounds."
+
+"I'll take it at even money," she said, dismissing him; "and Your
+Majesty"--turning to the King who had been conversing with the
+two princes and certain of the nobles--"I accept your wager of
+five hundred pounds."
+
+"Very good," said the King, laughing as though it were a great
+jest.  "But what had minded you to take such interest in the
+sport, of a sudden?"
+
+"It is as I have said.  I have found five men whom I will pit
+against any you may produce."
+
+"Then we will try their skill speedily," quoth the King.  "How
+say you, if first we decide this open target and then match the
+five best thereat against your unknown champions?"
+
+"Agreed," said the Queen.  Thereupon she signed to Maid Marian to
+step forward, from a near-by booth where she sat with other
+ladies-in-waiting, and whispered something in her ear.  Marian
+courtesied and withdrew.
+
+Now the ten chosen archers from the King's bands came forth again
+and took their stand; and with them stood forth the twelve
+untried men from the open lists.  Again the crowd was stilled,
+and every eye hung upon the speeding of the shafts.  Slowly but
+skilfully each man shot, and as his shaft struck within the inner
+ring a deep breath broke from the multitude like the sound of the
+wind upon the seashore.  And now Gilbert of the White Hand led
+the shooting, and 'twas only by the space of a hairsbreadth upon
+the line that Tepus tied his score.  Stout Elwyn, the Welshman,
+took third place; one of the private archers, named Geoffrey,
+come fourth; while Clifton must needs content himself with fifth.
+
+The men from the open lists shot fairly true, but nervousness and
+fear of ridicule wrought their undoing.
+
+The herald then came forward again, and, instead of announcing
+the prize-winners, proclaimed that there was to be a final
+contest.  Two men had tied for first place, declared His Majesty
+the King, and three others were entitled to honors.  Now all
+these five were to shoot again, and they were to be pitted
+against five other of the Queen's choosing--men who had not yet
+shot upon that day.
+
+A thrill of astonishment and excitement swept around the arena. 
+"Who were these men of the Queen's choosing?" was upon every lip. 
+The hubbub of eager voices grew intense; and in the midst of it
+all, the gate at the far end of the field opened and five men
+entered and escorted a lady upon horseback across the arena to
+the royal box.  The lady was instantly recognized as Mistress
+Marian of the Queen's household, but no one seemed to know the
+faces of her escort.  Four were clad in Lincoln green, while the
+fifth, who seemed to be the leader, was dressed in a brave suit
+of scarlet red.  Each man wore a close fitting cap of black,
+decked with a curling white feather.  For arms, they carried
+simply a stout bow, a sheaf of new arrows, and a short
+hunting-knife.
+
+When the little party came before the dais on which the King and
+Queen sat, the yeomen doffed their caps humbly, while Maid Marian
+was assisted to dismount.
+
+"Your Gracious Majesty," she said, addressing the Queen, "these
+be the men for whom you sent me, and who are now come to wear
+your colors and service you in the tourney."
+
+The Queen leaned forward and handed them each a scarf of green
+and gold.
+
+"Lockesley," she said in a clear voice, "I thank thee and thy men
+for this service.  Know that I have laid a wager with the King
+that ye can outshoot the best five whom he has found in all his
+bowmen." The five men pressed the scarfs to their lips in token
+of fealty.
+
+The King turned to the Queen inquiringly.
+
+"Who are these men you have brought before us?" asked he.
+
+Up came the worthy Bishop of Hereford, growing red and pale by
+turns.
+
+"Your pardon, my liege lord!" cried he; "But I must denounce
+these fellows as outlaws.  Yon man in scarlet is none other than
+Robin Hood himself. The others are Little John and Will Stutely
+and Will Scarlet and Allan-a-Dale--all famous in the North
+Countree for their deeds of violence."
+
+"As my lord Bishop personally knows!" added the Queen
+significantly.
+
+The King's brows grew dark.  The name of Robin Hood was well
+known to him, as to every man there present.
+
+"Is this true?" he demanded sternly.
+
+"Aye, my lord," responded the Queen demurely.  "But, bethink
+you--I have your royal promise of grace and amnesty."
+
+"That will I keep," said the King, holding in check his ire by a
+mighty effort.  "But, look you!  Only forty days do I grant of
+respite.  When this time has elapsed, let these bold outlaws look
+to their safety!"
+
+Then turning to his five victorious archers, who had drawn near,
+he added, "Ye have heard, my men, how that I have a wager with
+the Queen upon your prowess.  Now here be men of her
+choosing--certain free shafts of Sherwood and Barnesdale. 
+Wherefore look well to it, Gilbert and Tepus and Geoffrey and
+Elwyn and Clifton!  If ye outshoot these knaves, I will fill your
+caps with silver pennies--aye, and knight the man who stands
+first.  But if ye lose, I give the prizes, for which ye have just
+striven, to Robin Hood and his men, according to my royal word."
+
+"Robin Hood and his men!" the saying flew round the arena with
+the speed of wild-fire, and every neck craned forward to see the
+famous fellows who had dared to brave the King's anger, because
+of the Queen.
+
+Another target was now set up, at the same distance as the last,
+and it was decided that the ten archers should shoot three arrows
+in turn.  Gilbert and Robin tossed up a penny for the lead, and
+it fell to the King's men.  So Clifton was bidden to shoot first.
+
+Forth he stood, planting his feet firmly, and wetting his fingers
+before plucking the string.  For he was resolved to better his
+losing score of that day.  And in truth he did so, for the shaft
+he loosed sped true, and landed on the black bull's-eye, though
+not in the exact center.  Again he shot, and again he hit the
+black, on the opposite rim.  The third shaft swerved downward and
+came within the second ring, some two fingers' breadths away. 
+Nathless, a general cry went up, as this was the best shooting
+Clifton had done that day.
+
+Will Scarlet was chosen to follow him, and now took his place and
+carefully chose three round and full-feathered arrows.
+
+"Careful, my sweet coz!" quoth Robin in a low tone.  "The knave
+has left wide space at the center for all of your darts."
+
+But Robin gave Will the wrong caution, for over-much care spoiled
+his aim.  His first shaft flew wide and lodged in the second ring
+even further away than the worst shot of Clifton.
+
+"Your pardon, coz!" quoth Robin hastily.  "Bid care go to the
+bottom of the sea, and do you loose your string before it sticks
+to your fingers!"
+
+And Will profited by this hint, and loosed his next two shafts as
+freely as though they flew along a Sherwood glade.  Each struck
+upon the bull's-eye, and one even nearer the center than his
+rival's mark.  Yet the total score was adjudged in favor of
+Clifton.  At this Will Scarlet bit his lip, but said no word,
+while the crowd shouted and waved yellow flags for very joy that
+the King's man had overcome the outlaw.  They knew, also, that
+this demonstration would please the King.
+
+The target was now cleared for the next two contestants--Geoffrey
+and Allan-a-Dale.  Whereat, it was noticed that many ladies in
+the Queen's booths boldly flaunted Allan's colors, much to the
+honest pride which glowed in the cheeks of one who sat in their
+midst.
+
+"In good truth," said more than one lady to Mistress Dale, "if
+thy husband can handle the longbow as skilfully as the harp, his
+rival has little show of winning!"
+
+The saying augured well.  Geoffrey had shot many good shafts that
+day; and indeed had risen from the ranks by virtue of them.  But
+now each of his three shots, though well placed in triangular
+fashion around the rim of the bull's-eye, yet allowed an easy
+space for Allan to graze within.  His shooting, moreover, was so
+prettily done, that he was right heartily applauded--the ladies
+and their gallants leading in the hand-clapping.
+
+Now you must know that there had long been a friendly rivalry in
+Robin Hood's band as to who was the best shot, next after Robin
+himself.  He and Will Stutely had lately decided their
+marksmanship, and Will had found that Robin's skill was now so
+great as to place the leader at the head of all good bowmen in
+the forest.  But the second place lay between Little John and
+Stutely, and neither wished to yield to the other.  So to-day
+they looked narrowly at their leader to see who should shoot
+third.  Robin read their faces at a glance, and laughing merrily,
+broke off two straws and held them out.
+
+"The long straw goes next!" he decided; and it fell to Stutely.
+
+Elwyn the Welshman was to precede him; and his score was no whit
+better than Geoffrey's.  But Stutely failed to profit by it.  His
+besetting sin at archery had ever been an undue haste and
+carelessness.  To-day these were increased by a certain
+moodiness, that Little John had outranked him.  So his first two
+shafts flew swiftly, one after the other, to lodging places
+outside the Welshman's mark.
+
+"Man! man!" cried Robin entreatingly, "you do forget the honor of
+the Queen, and the credit of Sherwood!"
+
+"I ask your pardon, master!" quoth Will humbly enough, and
+loosing as he spoke his last shaft.  It whistled down the course
+unerringly and struck in the exact center--the best shot yet
+made.
+
+Now some shouted for Stutely and some shouted for Elwyn; but
+Elwyn's total mark was declared the better.  Whereupon the King
+turned to the Queen.  "What say you now?" quoth he in some
+triumph.  "Two out of the three first rounds have gone to my men. 
+Your outlaws will have to shoot better than that in order to save
+your wager!"
+
+The Queen smiled gently.
+
+"Yea, my lord," she said.  "But the twain who are left are able
+to do the shooting.  You forget that I still have Little John and
+Robin Hood."
+
+"And you forget, my lady, that I still have Tepus and Gilbert."
+
+So each turned again to the lists and awaited the next rounds in
+silent eagerness.  I ween that King Harry had never watched the
+invasion of an enemy with more anxiety than he now felt.
+
+Tepus was chosen to go next and he fell into the same error with
+Will Scarlet.  He held the string a moment too long, and both his
+first and second arrows came to grief.  One of them, however,
+came within the black rim, and he followed it up by placing his
+third in the full center, just as Stutely had done in his last. 
+These two centers were the fairest shots that had been made that
+day; and loud was the applause which greeted this second one. 
+But the shouting was as nothing to the uproar which followed
+Little John's shooting.  That good-natured giant seemed
+determined to outdo Tepus by a tiny margin in each separate shot;
+for the first and the second shafts grazed his rival's on the
+inner side, while for the third Little John did the old trick of
+the forest: he shot his own arrow in a graceful curve which
+descended from above upon Tepus's final center shaft with a
+glancing blow that drove the other out and left the outlaw's in
+its place.
+
+The King could scarce believe his eyes.  "By my halidom!" quoth
+he, "that fellow deserves either a dukedom or a hanging! He must
+be in league with Satan himself!  Never saw I such shooting."
+
+The score is tied, my lord," said the Queen; "we have still to
+see Gilbert and Robin Hood."
+
+Gilbert now took his stand and slowly shot his arrows, one after
+another, into the bull's-eye.  'Twas the best shooting he had yet
+done, but there was still the smallest of spaces left--if you
+looked closely--at the very center.
+
+"Well done, Gilbert!" spoke up Robin Hood.  "You are a foeman
+worthy of being shot against." He took his own place as he spoke. 
+"Now if you had placed one of your shafts THERE"--loosing one of
+his own--"and another THERE"--out sped the second--"and another
+THERE"--the third was launched--"mayhap the King would have
+declared you the best bowman in all England!"
+
+But the last part of his merry speech was drowned in the wild
+tumult of applause which followed his exploit.  His first two
+shafts had packed themselves into the small space left at the
+bull's-eye; while his third had split down between them, taking
+half of each, and making all three appear from a distance, as one
+immense arrow.
+
+Up rose the King in amazement and anger.
+
+"Gilbert is not yet beaten!" he cried.  "Did he not shoot within
+the mark thrice?  And that is allowed a best in all the rules of
+archery."
+
+Robin bowed low.
+
+"As it please Your Majesty!" quoth he.  "But may I be allowed to
+place the mark for the second shooting?"
+
+The King waved his hand sullenly.. Thereupon Robin prepared
+another old trick of the greenwood, and got him a light, peeled
+willow wand which he set in the ground in place of the target.
+
+"There, friend Gilbert," called he gaily; "belike you can hit
+that!"
+
+"I can scarce see it from here," said Gilbert, "much less hit it.
+Nathless, for the King's honor, I will try."
+
+But this final shot proved his undoing, and his shaft flew
+harmlessly by the thin white streak.  Then came Robin to his
+stand again, and picked his arrow with exceeding care, and tried
+his string.  Amid a breathless pause he drew the good yew bow
+back to his ear, glanced along the shaft, and let the feathered
+missile fly.  Straight it sped, singing a keen note of triumph as
+it went. The willow wand was split in twain, as though it had met
+a hunter's knife.
+
+"Verily, I think your bow is armed with witchcraft!" cried
+Gilbert.  "For I did not believe such shooting possible."
+
+"You should come to see our merry lads in the greenwood,"
+retorted Robin lightly.  "For willow wands do not grow upon the
+cobblestones of London town."
+
+Meanwhile the King in great wrath had risen to depart, first
+signing the judges to distribute the prizes.  Never a word said
+he, of good or ill, to the Queen, but mounted his horse and,
+followed by his sons and knights, rode off the field.  The
+archers dropped upon one knee as he passed, but he gave them a
+single baleful look and was gone.
+
+Then the Queen beckoned the outlaws to approach, and they did so
+and knelt at her feet.
+
+"Right well have ye served me," she said, "and sorry am I that
+the King's anger is aroused thereby.  But fear ye not.  His word
+and grace hold true.  As to these prizes ye have gained, I add
+others of mine own--the wagers I have won from His Majesty the
+King and from the lord Bishop of Hereford.  Buy with some of
+these moneys the best swords ye can find in London, for all your
+band, and call them the swords of the Queen.  And swear with them
+to protect all the poor and the helpless and the women--kind who
+come your way."
+
+"We swear," said the five yeomen solemnly.
+
+Then the Queen gave each of them her hand to kiss, and arose and
+departed with all her ladies.  And after they were gone, the
+King's archers came crowding around Robin and his men, eager to
+get a glimpse of the fellows about whom they had heard so much. 
+And back of them came a great crowd of the spectators pushing and
+jostling in their efforts to come nearer.
+
+"Verily!" laughed Little John, "they must take us for a Merry
+Andrew show!"
+
+Now the judges came up, and announced each man his prize,
+according to the King's command.  To Robin was give the purse
+containing twoscore golden pounds; to Little John the twoscore
+silver pennies; and to Allan-a-Dale the fine inlaid bugle, much
+to his delight, for he was skilled at blowing sweet tunes upon
+the horn hardly less than handling the harp strings.  But when
+the Rhenish wine and English beer and harts of Dallom Lea were
+spoken of, Robin said:
+
+"Nay, what need we of wine or beer, so far from the greenwood?
+And 'twould be like carrying coals to Newcastle, to drive those
+harts to Sherwood! Now Gilbert and Tepus and their men have shot
+passing well.  Wherefore, the meat and drink must go to them, an
+they will accept it of us."
+
+"Right gladly," replied Gilbert grasping his hand.  "Ye are good
+men all, and we will toast you every one, in memory of the
+greatest day at archery that England has ever seen, or ever will
+see!"
+
+Thus said all the King's archers, and the hand of good-fellowship
+was given amid much shouting and clapping on the shoulder-blades.
+
+And so ended King Harry's tourney, whose story has been handed
+down from sire to son, even unto the present day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD WAS SOUGHT OF THE TINKER
+
+And while the tinker fell asleep,
+Robin made haste away,
+And left the tinker in the lurch,
+For the great shot to pay.
+
+
+King Henry was as good as his word. Robin Hood and his party were
+suffered to depart from London--the parting bringing keen sorrow
+to Marian--and for forty days no hand was raised against them.
+But at the end of that time, the royal word was sent to the
+worthy Sheriff at Nottingham that he must lay hold upon the
+outlaws without further delay, as he valued his office.
+
+Indeed, the exploits of Robin and his band, ending with the great
+tourney in Finsbury Field, had made a mighty stir through all
+England, and many there were to laugh boldly at the Nottingham
+official for his failures to capture the outlaws.
+
+The Sheriff thereupon planned three new expeditions into the
+greenwood, and was even brave enough to lead them, since he had
+fifteen-score men at his beck and call each time.  But never the
+shadow of an outlaw did he see, for Robin's men lay close, and
+the Sheriff's men knew not how to come at their chief
+hiding-place in the cove before the cavern.
+
+Now the Sheriff's daughter had hated Robin Hood bitterly in her
+heart ever since the day he refused to bestow upon her the golden
+arrow, and shamed her before all the company.  His tricks, also,
+upon her father were not calculated to lessen her hatred, and so
+she sought about for means to aid the Sheriff in catching the
+enemy.
+
+"There is no need to go against this man with force of arms," she
+said. "We must meet his tricks with other tricks of our own."
+
+"Would that we could!" groaned the Sheriff.  "The fellow is
+becoming a nightmare unto me."
+
+"Let me plan a while," she replied.  "Belike I can cook up some
+scheme for his undoing."
+
+"Agreed," said the Sheriff, "and if anything comes of your
+planning, I will e'en give you an hundred silver pennies for a
+new gown, and a double reward to the man who catches the
+outlaws."
+
+Now upon that same day, while the Sheriff's daughter was racking
+her brains for a scheme, there came to the Mansion House a
+strolling tinker named Middle, a great gossip and braggart.  And
+as he pounded away upon some pots and pans in the scullery, he
+talked loudly about what HE would do, if he once came within
+reach of that rascal Robin Hood.
+
+"It might be that this simple fellow could do something through
+his very simplicity," mused the Sheriff's daughter, overhearing
+his prattle.  "Odds bodikins!  'twill do no harm to try his
+service, while I bethink myself of some better plan."
+
+And she called him to her, and looked him over--a big brawny
+fellow enough, with an honest look about the eye, and a
+countenance so open that when he smiled his mouth seemed the only
+country on the map.
+
+"I am minded to try your skill at outlaw catching," she said,
+"and will add goodly measure to the stated reward if you succeed. 
+Do you wish to make good your boasted prowess?"
+
+The tinker grinned broadly.
+
+"Yes, your ladyship," he said.
+
+"Then here is a warrant made out this morning by the Sheriff
+himself. See that you keep it safely and use it to good
+advantage."
+
+And she dismissed him.
+
+Middle departed from the house mightily pleased with himself, and
+proud of his commission.  He swung his crab-tree-staff recklessly
+in his glee--so recklessly that he imperiled the shins of more
+than one angry passer-by--and vowed he'd crack the ribs of Robin
+Hood with it, though he was surrounded by every outlaw in the
+whole greenwood.
+
+Spurred on by the thoughts of his own coming bravery, he left the
+town and proceeded toward Barnesdale.  The day was hot and dusty,
+and at noontime he paused at a wayside inn to refresh himself. 
+He began by eating and drinking and dozing, in turn, then sought
+to do all at once.
+
+Mine host of the "Seven Does" stood by, discussing the eternal
+Robin with a drover.
+
+"Folk do say that my lord Sheriff has sent into Lincoln for more
+men-at-arms and horses, and that when he has these behind him,
+he'll soon rid the forest of these fellows."
+
+"Of whom speak you?" asked the tinker sitting up.
+
+"Of Robin Hood and his men," said the host; "but go to sleep
+again.  You will never get the reward!"
+
+"And why not?" asked the tinker, rising with great show of
+dignity.
+
+"Where our Sheriff has failed, and the stout Guy of Gisborne, and
+many more beside, it behoves not a mere tinker to succeed."
+
+The tinker laid a heavy hand upon the innkeeper's fat shoulder,
+and tried to look impressive.
+
+"There is your reckoning, host, upon the table.  I must e'en go
+upon my way, because I have more important business than to stand
+here gossiping with you.  But be not surprised, if, the next time
+you see me, I shall have with me no less person than Robin Hood
+himself!"
+
+And he strode loftily out the door and walked up the hot white
+road toward Barnesdale.
+
+He had not gone above a quarter of a mile when he met a young man
+with curling brown hair and merry eyes.  The young man carried
+his light cloak over his arm, because of the heat, and was
+unarmed save for a light sword at his side.  The newcomer eyed
+the perspiring tinker in a friendly way, and seeing he was a
+stout fellow accosted him.
+
+"Good-day to you!" said he.
+
+"Good-day to you!" said the tinker; "and a morrow less heating."
+
+"Aye," laughed the other.  "Whence come you?  And know you the
+news?"
+
+"What is the news?" said the gossipy tinker, pricking up his ear;
+"I am a tinker by trade, Middle by name, and come from over
+against Banbury."
+
+"Why as for the news," laughed the stranger, "I hear that two
+tinkers were set i' the stocks for drinking too much ale and
+beer."
+
+"If that be all your news," retorted Middle, "I can beat you
+clear to the end of the lane."
+
+"What news have you?  Seeing that you go from town to town, I
+ween you can outdo a poor country yokel at tidings."
+
+"All I have to tell," said the other, "is that I am especially
+commissioned"--he felt mightily proud of these big
+words--"especially commissioned to seek a bold outlaw which they
+call Robin Hood."
+
+"So?" said the other arching his brows.  "How 'especially
+commissioned'?"
+
+"I have a warrant from the Sheriff, sealed with the King's own
+seal, to take him where I can; and if you can tell me where he
+is, I will e'en make a man of you."
+
+"Let me see the warrant," said the other, "to satisfy myself if
+it be right; and I will do the best I can to bring him to you."
+
+"That will I not," replied the tinker; "I will trust none with
+it.  And if you'll not help me to come at him I must forsooth
+catch him by myself."
+
+And he made his crab-tree-staff whistle shrill circles in the
+air.
+
+The other smiled at the tinker's simplicity, and said:
+
+"The middle of the road on a hot July day is not a good place to
+talk things over.  Now if you're the man for me and I'm the man
+for you, let's go back to the inn, just beyond the bend of road,
+and quench our thirst and cool our heads for thinking."
+
+"Marry come up!" quoth the tinker.  "That will I!  For though
+I've just come from there, my thirst rises mightily at the sound
+of your voice."
+
+So back he turned with the stranger and proceeded to the "Seven
+Does."
+
+The landlord arched his eyebrows silently when he saw the two
+come in, but served them willingly.
+
+The tinker asked for wine, and Robin for ale.  The wine was not
+the most cooling drink in the cellar, nor the clearest headed. 
+Nathless, the tinker asked for it, since it was expensive and the
+other man had invited him to drink.  They lingered long over
+their cups, Master Middle emptying one after another while the
+stranger expounded at great length on the best plans for coming
+at and capturing Robin Hood.
+
+In the end the tinker fell sound asleep while in the act of
+trying to get a tankard to his lips.  Then the stranger deftly
+opened the snoring man's pouch, took out the warrant, read it,
+and put it in his own wallet.  Calling mine host to him, he
+winked at him with a half smile and told him that the tinker
+would pay the whole score when he awoke.  Thus was Master Middle
+left in the lurch "for the great shot to pay."
+
+Nathless, the stranger seemed in no great hurry.  He had the whim
+to stay awhile and see what the droll tinker might do when he
+awoke.  So he hid behind a window shutter, on the outside, and
+awaited events.
+
+Presently the tinker came to himself with a prodigious yawn, and
+reached at once for another drink.
+
+"What were you saying, friend, about the best plan
+(ya-a-a-ah!) for catching this fellow?--Hello!--where's the
+man gone?"
+
+He had looked around and saw no one with him at the table.
+
+"Host! host!" he shouted, "where is that fellow who was to pay my
+reckoning?"
+
+"I know not," answered the landlord sharply.  "Mayhap he left the
+money in your purse."
+
+"No he didn't!" roared Middle, looking therein.  "Help!  Help!
+I've been robbed!  Look you, host, you are liable to arrest for
+high treason!  I am here upon the King's business, as I told you
+earlier in the day.  And yet while I did rest under your roof,
+thinking you were an honest man (hic!) and one loving of the
+King, my pouch has been opened and many matters of state taken
+from it."
+
+"Cease your bellowing!" said the landlord.  "What did you lose?"
+
+"Oh, many weighty matters, I do assure you.  I had with me, item,
+a warrant, granted under the hand of my lord High Sheriff of
+Nottingham, and sealed with the Kings's own seal, for the capture
+(hic!)--and arrest--and overcoming of a notorious rascal, one
+Robin Hood of Barnesdale.  Item, one crust of bread.  Item, one
+lump (hic!) of solder.  Item, three pieces of twine.  Item, six
+single keys (hic!), useful withal.  Item, twelve silver pennies,
+the which I earned this week (hic!) in fair labor.  Item--"
+
+"Have done with your items!" said the host.  "And I marvel
+greatly to hear you speak in such fashion of your friend, Robin
+Hood of Barnesdale.  For was he not with you in all
+good-fellowship?"
+
+"Wh-a-at?  THAT Robin Hood?" gasped Middle with staring eyes. 
+"Why did you not tell me?"
+
+"Faith, _I_ saw no need o' telling you!  Did you not tell me the
+first time you were here to-day, that I need not be surprised if
+you came back with no less person than Robin Hood himself?"
+
+"Jesu give me pardon!" moaned the tinker.  "I see it all now.  He
+got me to drinking, and then took my warrant, and my pennies, and
+my crust--"
+
+"Yes, yes," interrupted the host.  "I know all about that.  But
+pay me the score for both of you."
+
+"But I have no money, gossip.  Let me go after that vile
+bag-o'-bones, and I'll soon get it out of him."
+
+"Not so," replied the other.  "If I waited for you to collect
+from Robin Hood, I would soon close up shop."
+
+"What is the account?" asked Middle.
+
+"Ten shillings, just."
+
+"Then take here my working-bag and my good hammer too; and if I
+light upon that knave I will soon come back after them."
+
+"Give me your leathern coat as well," said mine host; "the hammer
+and bag of tools are as naught to me."
+
+"Gramercy!" cried Master Middle, losing what was left of his
+temper.  "It seems that I have escaped one thief only to fall
+into the hands of another.  If you will but walk with me out into
+the middle of the road, I'll give you such a crack as shall drive
+some honesty into your thick skull."
+
+"You are wasting your breath and my time," retorted the landlord.
+
+"Give me your things, and get you gone after your man, speedily,"
+
+Middle thought this to be good advice; so he strode forth from
+the "Seven Does" in a black mood.
+
+Ere he had gone half a mile, he saw Robin Hood walking demurely
+among the trees a little in front of him.
+
+"Ho there, you villain!" roared the tinker.  "Stay your steps!  I
+am desperately in need of you this day!"
+
+Robin turned about with a surprised face.
+
+"What knave is this?" he asked gently, "who comes shouting after
+me?"
+
+"No knave! no knave at all!" panted the other, rushing up.  "But
+an honest--man--who would have--that warrant--and the money for
+drink!"
+
+"Why, as I live, it is our honest tinker who was seeking Robin
+Hood!  Did you find him, gossip?"
+
+"Marry, that did I! and I'm now going to pay him my respects!"
+
+And he plunged at him, making a sweeping stroke with his
+crab-tree-cudgel.
+
+Robin tried to draw his sword, but could not do it for a moment
+through dodging the other's furious blows.  When he did get it in
+hand, the tinker had reached him thrice with resounding thwacks. 
+Then the tables were turned, for he dashed in right manfully with
+his shining blade and made the tinker give back again.
+
+The greenwood rang with the noise of the fray.  'Twas steel
+against wood, and they made a terrible clattering when they came
+together.  Robin thought at first that he could hack the cudgel
+to pieces, for his blade was one of Toledo--finely tempered steel
+which the Queen had given him.  But the crab-tree-staff had been
+fired and hardened and seasoned by the tinker's arts until it was
+like a bar of iron--no pleasant neighbor for one's ribs.
+
+Robin presently found this out to his sorrow.  The long reach and
+long stick got to him when 'twas impossible for him to touch his
+antagonist.  So his sides began to ache sorely.
+
+"Hold your hand, tinker," he said at length.  "I cry a boon of
+you."
+
+"Before I do it," said the tinker, "I'd hang you on this tree."
+
+But even as he spoke, Robin found the moment's grace for which he
+longed; and immediately grasped his horn and blew the three
+well-known blasts of the greenwood.
+
+"A murrain seize you!" roared the tinker commencing afresh.  "Up
+to your old tricks again, are you?  Well, I'll have time to
+finish my job, if I hurry."
+
+But Robin was quite able to hold his own at a pinch, and they had
+not exchanged many lunges and passes when up came Little John and
+Will Scarlet and a score of yeomen at their heels.  Middle was
+seized without ceremony, while Robin sat himself down to breathe.
+"What is the matter?" quoth Little John, "that you should sit so
+weariedly upon the highway side?"
+
+"Faith, that rascally tinker yonder has paid his score well upon
+my hide," answered Robin ruefully.
+
+"That tinker, then," said Little John, "must be itching for more
+work.  Fain would I try if he can do as much for me."
+
+"Or me," said Will Scarlet, who like Little John was always
+willing to swing a cudgel.
+
+"Nay," laughed Robin.  "Belike I could have done better, an he
+had given me time to pull a young tree up by the roots.  But I
+hated to spoil the Queen's blade upon his tough stick or no less
+tough hide.  He had a warrant for my arrest which I stole from
+him."
+
+"Also, item, twelve silver pennies," interposed the tinker,
+unsubdued; "item, one crust of bread, 'gainst my supper.  Item,
+one lump of solder.  Item, three pieces of twine.  Item, six
+single keys.  Item--"
+
+"Yes, I know," quoth the merry Robin; "I stood outside the
+landlord's window and heard you count over your losses.  Here
+they are again; and the silver pennies are turned by magic into
+gold.  Here also, if you will, is my hand."
+
+"I take it heartily, with the pence!" cried Middle.  "By my
+leathern coat and tools, which I shall presently have out of that
+sly host, I swear that I never yet met a man I liked as well as
+you!  An you and your men here will take me, I swear I'll serve
+you honestly.  Do you want a tinker?  Nay, but verily you must!
+Who else can mend and grind your swords and patch your
+pannikins--and fight, too, when occasion serve?  Mend your pots!
+mend your pa-a-ans!"
+
+And he ended his speech with the sonorous cry of his craft.
+
+By this time the whole band was laughing uproariously at the
+tinker's talk.
+
+"What say you, fellows?" asked Robin.  "Would not this tinker be
+a good recruit?"
+
+"That he would!" answered Will Scarlet, clapping the new man on
+the back.  "He will keep Friar Tuck and Much the miller's son
+from having the blues."
+
+So amid great merriment and right good fellowship the outlaws
+shook Middle by the hand, and he took oath of fealty, and thought
+no more of the Sheriff's daughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD WAS TANNED OF THE TANNER
+
+In Nottingham there lived a jolly tanner,
+With a hey down, down, a down down!
+His name was Arthur-a-Bland,
+There was ne'er a squire in Nottinghamshire
+
+Dare bid bold Arthur stand.
+And as he went forth, in a summer's morning,
+With a hey down, down, a down down!
+To the forest of merrie Sherwood,
+To view the red deer, that range here and there,
+There met he with bold Robin Hood.
+
+
+The Sheriff's daughter bided for several days in the faint hope
+that she might hear tidings of the prattling tinker.  But never a
+word heard she, and she was forced to the conclusion that her
+messenger had not so much as laid eyes upon the outlaw.  Little
+recked she that he was, even then, grinding sword-points and
+sharpening arrows out in the good greenwood, while whistling
+blithely or chatting merrily with the good Friar Tuck.
+
+Then she bethought herself of another good man, one
+Arthur-a-Bland, a tanner who dwelt in Nottingham town and was
+far-famed in the tourneys round about.  He had done some pretty
+tricks at archery, but was strongest at wrestling and the
+quarter-staff.  For three years he had cast all comers to the
+earth in wrestling until the famous Eric o' Lincoln broke a rib
+for him in a mighty tussle.  Howsoever, at quarter-staff he had
+never yet met his match; so that there was never a squire in
+Nottinghamshire dare bid bold Arthur stand.
+
+With a long pike-staff on his shoulder,
+So well he could clear his way
+That by two and three he made men flee
+And none of them could stay.
+
+Thus at least runs the old song which tells of his might.
+
+"This is just the man for me!" thought the Sheriff's daughter to
+herself; and she forthwith summoned him to the Mansion House and
+commissioned him to seek out Robin Hood.
+
+The warrant was quite to Arthur's liking, for he was happiest
+when out in the forest taking a sly peep at the King's deer; and
+now he reckoned that he could look at them boldly, instead of by
+the rays of the moon.  He could say to any King's Forester who
+made bold to stop him: "I am here on the King's business!"
+
+"Gramercy!  No more oak-bark and ditch-water and the smell of
+half-tanned hides to-day!" quoth he, gaily.  "I shall e'en see
+what the free air of heaven tastes like, when it sweeps through
+the open wood."
+
+So the tanner departed joyfully upon his errand, but much more
+interested in the dun deer of the forest than in any two-legged
+rovers therein.  This interest had, in fact, caused the Foresters
+to keep a shrewd eye upon him in the past, for his tannery was
+apt to have plenty of meat in it that was more like venison than
+the law allowed.  As for the outlaws, Arthur bore them no
+ill-will; indeed he had felt a secret envy in his heart at their
+free life; but he was not afraid to meet any two men who might
+come against him.  Nathless, the Sheriff's daughter did not
+choose a very good messenger, as you shall presently see.
+
+Away sped the tanner, a piece of bread and some wine in his
+wallet, a good longbow and arrows slung across his shoulder, his
+stout quarter-staff in his hand, and on his head a cap of trebled
+raw-hide so tough that it would turn the edge of a broadsword. 
+He lost no time in getting out of the hot sun and into the
+welcome shade of the forest, where he stalked cautiously about
+seeking some sign of the dun deer.
+
+Now it so chanced that upon that very morning Robin Hood had sent
+Little John to a neighboring village to buy some cloth of Lincoln
+green for new suits for all the band.  Some of the money recently
+won of the King was being spent in this fashion, 'gainst the
+approach of winter.  Will Scarlet had been sent on a similar
+errand to Barnesdale some time before, if you remember, only to
+be chased up the hill without his purchase.  So to-day Little
+John was chosen, and for sweet company's sake Robin went with him
+a part of the way until they came to the "Seven Does," the inn
+where Robin had recently played his prank upon Middle the tinker. 
+Here they drank a glass of ale to refresh themselves withal, and
+for good luck; and Robin tarried a bit while Little John went on
+his errand.
+
+Presently Robin entered the edge of the wood, when whom should he
+see but Arthur-a-Bland, busily creeping after a graceful deer
+that browsed alone down the glade.  "Now by Saint George and the
+Dragon!" quoth Robin to himself.  "I much fear that yon same
+fellow is a rascally poacher come after our own and the King's
+meat!"
+
+For you must know, by a curious process of reasoning, Robin and
+his men had hunted in the royal preserves so long that they had
+come to consider themselves joint owners to every animal which
+roamed therein.
+
+"Nay!" he added, "this must be looked into!  That cow-skin cap in
+sooth must hide a scurvy varlet!"
+
+And forthwith he crept behind a tree, and thence to another,
+stalking our friend Arthur as busily as Arthur was stalking the
+deer.
+
+This went on for quite a space, until the tanner began to come
+upon the deer and to draw his bow in order to tickle the victim's
+ribs with a cloth-yard shaft.  But just at this moment Robin
+unluckily trod upon a twig which snapped and caused the tanner to
+turn suddenly.
+
+Robin saw that he was discovered, so he determined to put a bold
+face on the matter, and went forward with some smart show of
+authority.
+
+"Hold!" he cried: "stay your hand!  Why, who are you, bold
+fellow, to range so boldly here?  In sooth, to be brief, ye look
+like a thief that has come to steal the King's deer."
+
+"Marry, it is scant concern of yours, what I look like!" retorted
+Arthur-a-Bland.  "Who are you, who speak so bravely?"
+
+"You shall soon find out who I am!" quoth Robin, determining to
+find some sport in the matter.  "I am a keeper of this forest. 
+The King knows that I am looking after his deer for him; and
+therefore we must stay you."
+
+"Have you any assistants, friend?" asked the tanner calmly.  "For
+it is not one man alone who can stop me."
+
+"Nay truly, gossip," replied Robin.  "I have a good yew bow, also
+a right sharp blade at my side.  Nathless I need no better
+assistant than a good oak-graff like unto yours.  Give me a
+baker's dozen of minutes with it and it shall pleasure me to
+crack that pate of yours for your sauciness!"
+
+"Softly, my man!  Fair and softly!  Big words never killed so
+much as a mouse--least of all yon deer which has got away while
+you were filling all the woods with your noisy breath.  So choose
+your own playthings.  For your sword and your bow I care not a
+straw; nor for all your arrows to boot.  If I get but a knock at
+you, 'twill be as much as you'll need."
+
+"Now by our Lady!  Will you listen to the braggart?" cried Robin
+in a fine rage.  "Marry, but I'll teach ye to be more mannerly!"
+
+So saying he unbuckled his belt; and, flinging his bow upon the
+ground he seized hold of a young sapling that was growing near
+by.  His hunting knife soon had it severed and lopped into shape.
+
+"Now come, fellow!" said Arthur-a-Bland, seeing that he was
+ready.  "And if I do not tan your hide for you in better shape
+than ever calf-skin was turned into top-boots, may a murrain
+seize me!"
+
+"Stay," said Robin, "methinks my cudgel is half a foot longer
+than yours.  I would have them of even length before you begin
+your tanning."
+
+"I pass not for length," bold Arthur replied; "my staff is long
+enough, as you will shortly find out.  Eight foot and a half,
+and 'twill knock down a calf"--here he made it whistle in the
+air--"and I hope it will knock down you."
+
+Forthwith the two men spat on their hands, laid firm hold upon
+their cudgels and began slowly circling round each other, looking
+for an opening.
+
+Now it so chanced that Little John had fared expeditiously with
+his errand.  He had met the merchant, from whom he was wont to
+buy Lincoln green, coming along the road; and had made known his
+wants in few words. The merchant readily undertook to deliver the
+suits by a certain day in the following month.  So Little John,
+glad to get back to the cool shelter of the greenwood, hasted
+along the road lately taken by Robin.
+
+Presently he heard the sound of angry voices, one of which he
+recognized as his captain's.
+
+"Now, Heaven forfend," quoth he, "that Robin Hood has fallen into
+the clutches of a King's man!  I must take a peep at this fray."
+
+So he cautiously made his way from tree to tree, as Robin had
+done, till he came to the little open space where Robin and
+Arthur were circling about each other with angry looks, like two
+dogs at bay.
+
+"Ha! this looks interesting!" muttered Little John to himself,
+for he loved a good quarter-staff bout above anything else in
+the world, and was the best man at it in all the greenwood.  And
+he crawled quietly underneath a friendly bush--much as he had
+done when Robin undertook to teach Will Scarlet a lesson--and
+chuckled softly to himself and slapped his thigh and prepared to
+watch the fight at his ease.
+
+Indeed it was both exciting and laughable.  You would have
+chuckled one moment and caught your breath the next, to see those
+two stout fellows swinging their sticks--each half as long again
+as the men were, and thick as their arm--and edging along
+sidewise, neither wishing to strike the first blow.
+
+At last Robin could no longer forbear, and his good right arm
+swung round like a flash.  Ping! went the stick on the back of
+the other's head, raising such a welt that the blood came.  But
+the tanner did not seem to mind it at all, for bing! went his own
+staff in return, giving Robin as good as he had sent. Then the
+battle was on, and furiously it waged.  Fast fell the blows, but
+few save the first ones landed, being met in mid-air by a
+counter-blow till the thwacking sticks sounded like the steady
+roll of a kettle-drum and the oak--bark flew as fine as it had
+ever done in Arthur-a-Bland's tannery.
+
+Round and round they fought, digging their heels into the ground
+to keep from slipping, so that you would have vowed there had
+been a yoke of oxen ploughing a potato-patch.  Round and round,
+up and down, in and out, their arms working like
+threshing-machines, went the yeoman and the tanner, for a full
+hour, each becoming more astonished every minute that the other
+was such a good fellow.  While Little John from underneath his
+bushy covert had much ado to keep from roaring aloud in pure joy.
+
+Finally Robin saw his chance and brought a full arm blow straight
+down upon the other's head with a force that would have felled a
+bullock.  But Arthur's trebled cow-skin cap here stood him in
+good stead: the blow glanced off without doing more than stunning
+him.  Nathless, he reeled and had much ado to keep from falling;
+seeing which Robin stayed his hand--to his own sorrow, for the
+tanner recovered his wits in a marvelous quick space and sent
+back a sidelong blow which fairly lifted Robin off his feet and
+sent him tumbling on to the grass.
+
+"Hold your hand! hold your hand!" roared Robin with what little
+breath he had left.  "Hold, I say, and I will give you the
+freedom of the greenwood."
+
+"Why, God-a-mercy," said Arthur; "I may thank my staff for
+that--not YOU."
+
+"Well, well, gossip' let be as it may.  But prithee tell me your
+name and trade.  I like to know fellows who can hit a blow like
+that same last."
+
+"I am a tanner," replied Arthur-a-Bland.  "In Nottingham long
+have I wrought.  And if you'll come to me I swear I'll tan your
+hides for naught."
+
+"Odds bodikins!" quoth Robin ruefully.  "Mine own hide is tanned
+enough for the present.  Howsoever, there be others in this wood
+I would fain see you tackle.  Harkee, if you will leave your
+tan-pots and come with me, as sure as my name is Robin Hood, you
+shan't want gold or fee."
+
+"By the breath o' my body!" said Arthur, "that will I do!" and
+he gripped him gladly by the hand.  "But I am minded that I clean
+forgot the errand that brought me to Sherwood.  I was
+commissioned by some, under the Sheriff's roof, to capture you."
+
+"So was a certain tinker, now in our service," said Robin
+smilingly.
+
+"Verily 'tis a new way to recruit forces!" said the tanner
+laughing loudly. "But tell me, good Robin Hood, where is Little
+John?  I fain would see him, for he is a kinsman on my mother's
+side."
+
+"Here am I, good Arthur-a-Bland!" said a voice; and Little
+John literally rolled out from under the bush to the sward.  His
+eyes were full of tears from much laughter which had well-nigh
+left him powerless to get on his feet.
+
+As soon as the astonished tanner saw who it was, he gave Little
+John a mighty hug around the neck, and lifted him up on his feet,
+and the two pounded each other on the back soundly, so glad were
+they to meet again.
+
+"O, man, man!" said Little John as soon as he had got his
+breath.  "Never saw I so fine a sight in all my born days.  You
+did knock him over like as he were a ninepin!"
+
+"And you do joy to see me thwacked about on the ribs?" asked
+Robin with some choler.
+
+"Nay, not that, master!" said Little John.  "But 'tis the second
+time I have had special tickets to a show from beneath the
+bushes, and I cannot forbear my delight.  Howsoever, take no
+shame unto yourself, for this same Arthur-a-Bland is the best man
+at the quarter-staff in all Nottinghamshire.  It commonly takes
+two or three men to hold him."
+
+"Unless it be Eric o' Lincoln," said Arthur modestly; "and I well
+know how you paid him out at the Fair."
+
+"Say no more!" said Robin springing to his feet; "for well I know
+that I have done good business this day, and a few bruises are
+easy payment for the stout cudgel I am getting into the band. 
+Your hand again, good Arthur-a-Bland! Come! let us after the deer
+of which I spoiled your stalking."
+
+"Righty gladly!" quoth Arthur.  "Come, Cousin Little John!  Away
+with vats and tan-bark and vile-smelling cowhides!  I'll follow
+you two in the sweet open air to the very ends of earth!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD MET SIR RICHARD OF THE LEA
+
+Then answered him the gentle knight
+With words both fair and thee:
+"God save thee, my good Robin,
+And all thy company!"
+
+
+Now you must know that some months passed by.  The winter dragged
+its weary length through Sherwood Forest, and Robin Hood and his
+merry men found what cheer they could in the big crackling fires
+before their woodland cave.  Friar Tuck had built him a little
+hermitage not far away, where he lived comfortably with his
+numerous dogs.
+
+The winter, I say, reached an end at last, and the blessed spring
+came and went.  Another summer passed on apace, and still neither
+King nor Sheriff nor Bishop could catch the outlaws, who,
+meanwhile, thrived and prospered mightily in their outlawry.  The
+band had been increased from time to time by picked men such as
+Arthur-a-Bland and David of Doncaster--he who was the jolliest
+cobbler for miles around--until it now numbered a full sevenscore
+of men; seven companies each with its stout lieutenant serving
+under Robin Hood. And still they relieved the purses of the rich,
+and aided the poor, and feasted upon King's deer until the lank
+Sheriff of Nottingham was well-nigh distracted.
+
+Indeed, that official would probable have lost his office
+entirely, had it not been for the fact of the King's death. 
+Henry passed away, as all Kings will, in common with ordinary
+men, and Richard of the Lion Heart was proclaimed as his
+successor.
+
+Then Robin and his men, after earnest debate, resolved to throw
+themselves upon the mercy of the new King, swear allegiance, and
+ask to be organized into Royal Foresters.  So Will Scarlet and
+Will Stutely and Little John were sent to London with this
+message, which they were first to entrust privately to Maid
+Marian.  But they soon returned with bad tidings.  The new King
+had formerly set forth upon a crusade to the Holy Land, and
+Prince John, his brother, was impossible to deal with--being
+crafty, cruel and treacherous.  He was laying his hands upon all
+the property which could easily be seized; among other estates,
+that of the Earl of Huntingdon, Robin's old enemy and Marian's
+father, who had lately died.
+
+Marian herself was in sore straits.  Not only had her estates
+been taken away, and the maid been deprived of the former
+protection of the Queen, but the evil Prince John had persecuted
+her with his attentions.  He thought that since the maid was
+defenseless he could carry her away to one of his castles and
+none could gainsay him.
+
+No word of this peril reached Robin's ears, although his men
+brought him word of the seizure of the Huntingdon lands. 
+Nathless he was greatly alarmed for the safety of Maid Marian,
+and his heart cried out for her strongly. She had been
+continually in his thoughts ever since the memorable shooting at
+London town.
+
+One morning in early autumn when the leaves were beginning to
+turn gold at the edges, the chestnut-pods to swell with promise
+of fatness, and the whole wide woodland was redolent with the
+ripe fragrance of fruit and flower, Robin was walking along the
+edge of a small open glade busy with his thoughts. The peace of
+the woods was upon him, despite his broodings of Marian and he
+paid little heed to a group of does quietly feeding among the
+trees at the far edge of the glade.
+
+But presently this sylvan picture was rudely disturbed for him. 
+A stag, wild and furious, dashed suddenly forth from among the
+trees, scattering the does in swift alarm.  The vicious beast
+eyed the green-and-gold tunic of Robin, and, lowering it head,
+charged at him impetuously.  So sudden was its attack that Robin
+had no time to bend his bow.  He sprang behind a tree while he
+seized his weapon.
+
+A moment later the wild stag crashed blindly into the tree-trunk
+with a shock which sent the beast reeling backward, while the
+dislodged leaves from the shivering tree fell in a small shower
+over Robin's head.
+
+"By my halidom, I am glad it was not me you struck, my gentle
+friend!" quoth Robin, fixing an arrow upon the string.  "Sorry
+indeed would be any one's plight who should encounter you in this
+black humor."
+
+Scarcely had he spoken when he saw the stag veer about and fix
+its glances rigidly on the bushes to the left side of the glade. 
+These were parted by a delicate hand, and through the opening
+appeared the slight figure of a page.  It was Maid Marian, come
+back again to the greenwood!
+
+She advanced, unconscious alike of Robin's horrified gaze and the
+evil fury of the stag.
+
+She was directly in line with the animal, so Robin dared not
+launch an arrow.  Her own bow was slung across her shoulder, and
+her small sword would be useless against the beast's charge.  But
+now as she caught sight of the stag she pursed her lips as though
+she would whistle to it.
+
+"For the love of God, dear lady!" cried Robin; and then the words
+died in his throat.
+
+With a savage snort of rage, the beast rushed at this new and
+inviting target--rushed so swiftly and from so short a distance
+that she could not defend herself.  She sprang to one side as it
+charged down upon her, but a side blow from its antlers stretched
+her upon the ground.  The stag stopped, turned, and lowered its
+head preparing to gore her to death.
+
+Already its cruel horns were coming straight for her, while she,
+white of face and bewildered by the sudden attack, was struggling
+to rise and draw her sword.  A moment more and the end would
+come.  But the sharp voice of Robin and already spoken.
+
+"Down, Marian!" he cried, and the girl instinctively obeyed, just
+as the shaft from Robin's bow went whizzing close above her head
+and struck with terrific force full in the center of the stag's
+forehead.
+
+The beast stumbled in its charge and fell dead, across the body
+of the fainting maid.
+
+Robin was quickly by her side, and dragged the beast from off the
+girl.
+
+Picking her up in his strong arms, he bore her swiftly to the
+side of one of the many brooks which watered the vale.
+
+He dashed cool water upon her face, roughly almost, in his agony
+of fear that the she was already dead, and he could have shed
+tears of joy to see those poor, closed eyelids tremble.  He
+redoubled his efforts; and presently she gave a little gasp.
+
+"Where am I? What is't?"
+
+"You are in Sherwood, dear maid, tho', i' faith, we gave you a
+rude reception!"
+
+She opened her eyes and sat up.  "Methinks you have rescued me
+from sudden danger, sir," she said.
+
+Then she recognized Robin for the first time, and a radiant smile
+came over her face, together with the rare blush of returned
+vitality, and her head sank upon his shoulder with a little
+tremble and sigh of relief.
+
+"Oh, Robin, it is you!" she murmured.
+
+"Aye, 'tis I. Thank heaven, I was at hand to do you service!"
+Robin's tones were deep and full of feeling.  "I swear, dear
+Marian, that I will not let you from my care henceforth."
+
+Not another word was spoken for some moments, while her head
+still rested confidingly upon his breast.  Then recollecting, he
+suddenly cried:
+
+"Gramercy, I make but a poor nurse!  I have not even asked if any
+of your bones were broken."
+
+"No, not any," she answered springing lightly to her feet to show
+him.
+
+"That foolish dizziness o'ercame me for the nonce, but we can now
+proceed on our way."
+
+"Nay, I meant not that," he protested; "why should we haste? 
+First tell me of the news in London town, and of yourself."
+
+So she told him how that the Prince had seized upon her father's
+lands, and had promised to restore them to her if she would
+listen to his suit; and how that she knew he meant her no good,
+for he was even then suing for a Princess's hand.
+
+"That is all, Robin," she ended simply; "and that is why I donned
+again my page's costume and came to you in the greenwood."
+
+Robin's brow had grown fiercely black at the recital of her
+wrong; and he had laid stern hand upon the hilt of his sword.  
+"By this sword which Queen Eleanor gave me!" he said impetuously;
+"and which was devoted to the service of all womankind, I take
+oath that Prince John and all his armies shall not harm you!"
+
+So that is how Maid Marian came to take up her abode in the
+greenwood, where the whole band of yeomen welcomed her gladly and
+swore fealty; and where the sweet lady of Allan-a-Dale made her
+fully at home.
+
+But this was a day of deeds in Sherwood Forest, and we 'gan to
+tell you another happening which led to later events.
+
+While Robin and Marian were having their encounter with the stag,
+Little John, Much the miller's son, and Will Scarlet had sallied
+forth to watch the highroad leading to Barnesdale, if perchance
+they might find some haughty knight or fat priest whose wallet
+needed lightening.
+
+They had scarcely watched the great road known as Watling Street
+which runs from Dover in Kent to Chester town--for many minutes,
+when they espied a knight riding by in a very forlorn and
+careless manner.
+
+All dreary was his semblance,
+And little was his pride,
+His one
+foot in the stirrup stood,
+His other waved beside.
+
+His visor hung down o'er his eyes,
+He rode in single array,
+A sorrier man than he was one
+Rode never in summer's day.
+
+Little John came up to the knight and bade him stay; for who can
+judge of a man's wealth by his looks?  The outlaw bent his knee
+in all courtesy, and prayed him to accept the hospitality of the
+forest.
+
+"My master expects you to dine with him, to-day," quoth he, "and
+indeed has been fasting while awaiting your coming, these three
+hours."
+
+"Who is your master?" asked the knight.
+
+"None other than Robin Hood," replied Little John, laying his
+hand upon the knight's bridle.
+
+Seeing the other two outlaws approaching, the knight shrugged his
+shoulders, and replied indifferently.
+
+"'Tis clear that your invitation is too urgent to admit of
+refusal," quoth he, "and I go with you right willingly, my
+friends.  My purpose was to have dined to-day at Blyth or
+Doncaster; but nothing matters greatly."
+
+So in the same lackadaisical fashion which had marked all his
+actions that day, the knight suffered his horse to be led to the
+rendezvous of the band in the greenwood.
+
+Marian had not yet had time to change her page's attire, when the
+three escorts of the knight hove in sight.  She recognized their
+captive as Sir Richard of the Lea, whom she had often seen at
+court; and fearing lest he might recognize her, she would have
+fled.  But Robin asked her, with a twinkle, if she would not like
+to play page that day, and she in roguish mood consented to do
+so.
+
+"Welcome, Sir Knight," said Robin, courteously.  "You are come in
+good time, for we were just preparing to sit down to meat."
+
+"God save and thank you, good master Robin," returned the knight;
+"and all your company.  It likes me well to break the fast with
+you."
+
+So while his horse was cared for, the knight laid aside his own
+heavy gear, and laved his face and hands, and sat down with Robin
+and all his men to a most plentiful repast of venison, swans,
+pheasants, various small birds, cake and ale.  And Marian stood
+behind Robin and filled his cup and that of the guest.
+
+After eating right heartily of the good cheer, the knight
+brightened up greatly and vowed that he had not enjoyed so good a
+dinner for nigh three weeks.  He also said that if ever Robin and
+his fellows should come to his domains, he would strive to set
+them down to as good a dinner on his own behalf.
+
+But this was not exactly the sort of payment which Robin had
+expected to receive.  He thanked the knight, therefore, in set
+phrase, but reminded him that a yeoman like himself might hardly
+offer such a dinner to a knight as a gift of charity.
+
+"I have no money, Master Robin," answered the knight frankly.  "I
+have so little of the world's goods, in sooth, that I should be
+ashamed to offer you the whole of it."
+
+"Money, however little, always jingles merrily in our pockets,"
+said Robin, smiling.  "Pray you tell me what you deem a little
+sum."
+
+"I have of my own ten silver pennies," said the knight.  "Here
+they are, and I wish they were ten times as many."
+
+He handed Little John his pouch, and Robin nodded carelessly.
+
+"What say you to the total, Little John?" he asked as though in
+jest.
+
+"'Tis true enough, as the worthy knight hath said," responded the
+big fellow gravely emptying the contents on his cloak.
+
+Robin signed to Marian, who filled a bumper of wine for himself
+and his guest.
+
+"Pledge me, Sir Knight!" cried the merry outlaw; "and pledge me
+heartily, for these sorry times.  I see that your armor is bent
+and that your clothes are torn.  Yet methinks I saw you at court,
+once upon a day, and in more prosperous guise.  Tell me now, were
+you a yeoman and made a knight by force?  Or, have you been a bad
+steward to yourself, and wasted your property in lawsuits and the
+like?  Be not bashful with us.  We shall not betray your
+secrets."
+
+"I am a Saxon knight in my own right; and I have always lived a
+sober and quiet life," the sorrowful guest replied.  "'Tis true
+you have seen me at court, mayhap, for I was an excited witness
+of your shooting before King Harry--God rest his bones!  My name
+is Sir Richard of the Lea, and I dwell in a castle, not a league
+from one of the gates of Nottingham, which has belonged to my
+father, and his father, and his father's father before him. 
+Within two or three years ago my neighbors might have told you
+that a matter of four hundred pounds one way or the other was as
+naught to me.  But now I have only these ten pennies of silver,
+and my wife and son."
+
+"In what manner have you lost your riches?" asked Robin.
+
+"Through folly and kindness," said the knight, sighing.  "I went
+with King Richard upon a crusade, from which I am but lately
+returned, in time to find my son--a goodly youth--grown up.  He
+was but twenty, yet he had achieved a squire's training and could
+play prettily in jousts and tournaments and other knightly games. 
+But about this time he had the ill luck to push his sport too
+far, and did accidentally kill a knight in the open lists.  To
+save the boy, I had to sell my lands and mortgage my ancestral
+castle; and this not being enough, in the end I have had to
+borrow money, at a ruinous interest, from my lord of Hereford."
+
+"A most worthy Bishop," said Robin ironically. "What is the sum
+of your debt?"
+
+"Four hundred pounds," said Sir Richard, "and the Bishop swears
+he will foreclose the mortgage if they are not paid promptly."
+
+"Have you any friends who would become surety for you?"
+
+"Not one.  If good King Richard were here, the tale might be
+otherwise."
+
+"Fill your goblet again, Sir Knight," said Robin; and he turned
+to whisper a word in Marian's ear.  She nodded and drew Little
+John and Will Scarlet aside and talked earnestly with them, in a
+low tone.
+
+"Here is health and prosperity to you, gallant Robin," said Sir
+Richard, tilting his goblet.  "I hope I may pay your cheer more
+worthily, the next time I ride by."
+
+Will Scarlet and Little John had meanwhile fallen in with
+Marian's idea, for they consulted the other outlaws, who nodded
+their heads.  Thereupon Little John and Will Scarlet went into
+the cave near by and presently returned bearing a bag of gold. 
+This they counted out before the astonished knight; and there
+were four times one hundred gold pieces in it.
+
+"Take this loan from us, Sir Knight, and pay your debt to the
+Bishop," then said Robin.  "Nay, no thanks; you are but
+exchanging creditors.  Mayhap we shall not be so hard upon you as
+the Christian Bishop; yet, again we may be harder.  Who can
+tell?"
+
+There were actual tears in Sir Richard's eyes, as he essayed to
+thank the foresters.  But at this juncture, Much, the miller's
+son, came from the cave dragging a bale of cloth.  "The knight
+should have a suit worthy of his rank, master--think you not so?"
+
+"Measure him twenty ells of it," ordered Robin.
+
+"Give him a good horse, also," whispered Marian.  "'Tis a gift
+which will come back four-fold, for this is a worthy man.  I know
+him well."
+
+So the horse was given, also, and Robin bade Arthur-a-Bland ride
+with the knight as far as his castle, as esquire.
+
+The knight was sorrowful no longer; yet he could hardly voice his
+thanks through his broken utterance.  And having spent the night
+in rest, after listening to Allan-a-Dale's singing, he mounted
+his new steed the following morning an altogether different man.
+
+"God save you, comrades, and keep you all!" said he, with deep
+feeling in his tones; "and give me a grateful heart!"
+
+"We shall wait for you twelve months from to-day, here in this
+place," said Robin, shaking him by the hand; "and then you will
+repay us the loan, if you have been prospered."
+
+"I shall return it to you within the year, upon my honor as Sir
+Richard of the Lea.  And for all time, pray count on me as a
+steadfast friend."
+
+So saying the knight and his esquire rode down the forest glade
+till they were lost to view.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+HOW THE BISHOP WAS DINED
+
+"O what is the matter?" then said the Bishop,
+"Or for whom do you make this a-do?
+Or why do you kill the King's venison,
+When your company is so few?"
+
+"We are shepherds," quoth bold Robin Hood,
+"And we keep sheep all the year,
+And we are disposed to be merrie this day,
+And to kill of the King's fat deer."
+
+
+Not many days after Sir Richard of the Lea came to Sherwood
+Forest, word reached Robin Hood's ears that my lord Bishop of
+Hereford would be riding that way betimes on that morning.  'Twas
+Arthur-a-Bland, the knight's quondam esquire, who brought the
+tidings, and Robin's face brightened as he heard it.
+
+"Now, by our Lady!" quoth he, "I have long desired to entertain
+my lord in the greenwood, and this is too fair a chance to let
+slip.  Come, my men, kill me a venison; kill me a good fat deer. 
+The Bishop of Hereford is to dine with me today, and he shall pay
+well for his cheer."
+
+"Shall we dress it here, as usual?" asked Much, the miller's son.
+
+"Nay, we play a droll game on the churchman.  We will dress it by
+the highway side, and watch for the Bishop narrowly, lest he
+should ride some other way."
+
+So Robin gave his orders, and the main body of his men dispersed
+to different parts of the forest, under Will Stutely and Little
+John, to watch other roads; while Robin Hood himself took six of
+his men, including Will Scarlet, and Much, and posted himself in
+full view of the main road.  This little company appeared funny
+enough, I assure you, for they had disguised themselves as
+shepherds.  Robin had an old wool cap, with a tail to it, hanging
+over his ear, and a shock of hair stood straight up through a
+hole in the top.  Besides there was so much dirt on his face that
+you would never have known him.  An old tattered cloak over his
+hunter's garb completed his make-up.  The others were no less
+ragged and unkempt, even the foppish Will Scarlet being so badly
+run down at the heel that the court ladies would hardly have had
+speech with him.
+
+They quickly provided themselves with a deer and made great
+preparations to cook it over a small fire, when a little dust was
+seen blowing along the highway, and out of it came the portly
+Bishop cantering along with ten men-at-arms at his heels.  As
+soon as he saw the fancied shepherds he spurred up his horse, and
+came straight toward them.
+
+"Who are ye, fellows, who make so free with the King's deer?" he
+asked sharply.
+
+"We are shepherds," answered Robin Hood, pulling at his forelock
+awkwardly.
+
+"Heaven have mercy!  Ye seem a sorry lot of shepherds.  But who
+gave you leave to cease eating mutton?"
+
+"'Tis one of our feast days, lording, and we were disposed to be
+merry this day, and make free with a deer, out here where they
+are so many."
+
+"By me faith, the King shall hear of this.  Who killed yon
+beast?"
+
+"Give me first your name, excellence, so that I may speak where
+'tis fitting," replied Robin stubbornly.
+
+"'Tis my lord Bishop of Hereford, fellow!" interposed one of the
+guards fiercely.  "See that you keep a civil tongue in your
+head."
+
+"If 'tis a churchman," retorted Will Scarlet, "he would do better
+to mind his own flocks rather than concern himself with ours."
+
+"Ye are saucy fellows, in sooth," cried the Bishop, "and we will
+see if your heads will pay for your manners.  Come! quit your
+stolen roast and march along with me, for you shall be brought
+before the Sheriff of Nottingham forthwith."
+
+"Pardon, excellence!" said Robin, dropping on his knees. 
+"Pardon, I pray you.  It becomes not your lordship's coat to take
+so many lives away."
+
+"Faith, I'll pardon you!" said the Bishop.  "I'll pardon you,
+when I see you hanged!  Seize upon them, my men!"
+
+But Robin had already sprung away with his back against a tree. 
+And from underneath his ragged cloak he drew his trusty horn and
+winded the piercing notes which were wont to summon the band.
+
+The Bishop no sooner saw this action than he knew his man, and
+that there was a trap set; and being an arrant coward, he wheeled
+his horse sharply and would have made off down the road; but his
+own men, spurred on the charge, blocked his way.  At almost the
+same instant the bushes round about seemed literally to become
+alive with outlaws.  Little John's men came from one side and
+Will Stutely's from the other.  In less time than it takes to
+tell it, the worthy Bishop found himself a prisoner, and began to
+crave mercy from the men he had so lately been ready to sentence.
+
+"O pardon, O pardon," said the Bishop,
+"O pardon, I you pray.
+For if I had known it had been you,
+I'd have gone some other way."
+
+"I owe you no pardon," retorted Robin, "but I will e'en treat you
+better than you would have treated me.  Come, make haste, and go
+along with me.  I have already planned that you shall dine with
+me this day."
+
+So the unwilling prelate was dragged away, cheek by jowl, with
+the half-cooked venison upon the back of his own horse; and Robin
+and his band took charge of the whole company and led them
+through the forest glades till they came to an open space near
+Barnesdale.
+
+Here they rested, and Robin gave the Bishop a seat full
+courteously.  Much the miller's son fell to roasting the deer
+afresh, while another and fatter beast was set to frizzle on the
+other side of the fire.  Presently the appetizing odor of the
+cooking reached the Bishop's nostrils, and he sniffed it eagerly.
+The morning's ride had made him hungry; and he was nothing loath
+when they bade him come to the dinner.  Robin gave him the best
+place beside himself, and the Bishop prepared to fall to.
+
+"Nay, my lord, craving your pardon, but we are accustomed to have
+grace before meat," said Robin decorously.  "And as our own
+chaplain is not with us to-day, will you be good enough to say it
+for us?"
+
+The Bishop reddened, but pronounced grace in the Latin tongue
+hastily, and then settled himself to make the best of his lot. 
+Red wines and ale were brought forth and poured out, each man
+having a horn tankard from which to drink.
+
+Laughter bubbled among the diners, and the Bishop caught himself
+smiling at more than one jest.  But who, in sooth, could resist a
+freshly broiled venison streak eaten out in the open air to the
+tune of jest and good fellowship?  Stutely filled the Bishop's
+beaker with wine each time he emptied it, and the Bishop got
+mellower and mellower as the afternoon shades lengthened on
+toward sunset.  Then the approaching dusk warned him of his
+position.
+
+"I wish, mine host," quoth he gravely to Robin, who had soberly
+drunk but one cup of ale, "that you would now call a reckoning. 
+'Tis late, and I fear the cost of this entertainment may be more
+than my poor purse can stand."
+
+For he bethought himself of his friend, the Sheriff's former
+experience.
+
+"Verily, your lordship," said Robin, scratching his head, "I have
+enjoyed your company so much, that I scarce know how to charge
+for it."
+
+"Lend me your purse, my lord," said Little John, interposing,
+"and I'll give you the reckoning by and by."  The Bishop
+shuddered.  He had collected Sir Richard's debt only that
+morning, and was even then carrying it home.
+
+"I have but a few silver pennies of my own," he whined; "and as
+for the gold in my saddle-bags, 'tis for the church.  Ye surely
+would not levy upon the church, good friends."
+
+But Little John was already gone to the saddle-bags, and
+returning he laid the Bishop's cloak upon the ground, and poured
+out of the portmantua a matter of four hundred glittering gold
+pieces.  'Twas the identical money which Robin had lent Sir
+Richard a short while before!
+
+"Ah!" said Robin, as though an idea had but just then come to
+him.  "The church is always willing to aid in charity.  And
+seeing this goodly sum reminds me that I have a friend who is
+indebted to a churchman for this exact amount. Now we shall
+charge you nothing on our own account; but suffer us to make use
+of this in aiding my good friend."
+
+"Nay, nay," began the Bishop with a wry face, "this is requiting
+me ill indeed.  Was this not the King's meat, after all, that we
+feasted upon?  Furthermore, I am a poor man."
+
+"Poor forsooth!" answered Robin in scorn.  "You are the Bishop of
+Hereford, and does not the whole countryside speak of your
+oppression?  Who does not know of your cruelty to the poor and
+ignorant--you who should use your great office to aid them,
+instead of oppress?  Have you not been guilty of far greater
+robbery than this, even though less open?  Of myself, and how you
+have pursued me, I say nothing; nor of your unjust enmity against
+my father.  But on account of those you have despoiled and
+oppressed, I take this money, and will use it far more worthily
+than you would.  God be my witness in this! There is an end of
+the matter, unless you will lead us in a song or dance to show
+that your body had a better spirit than your mind.  Come, strike
+up the harp, Allan!"
+
+"Neither the one nor the other will I do," snarled the Bishop.
+
+"Faith, then we must help you," said Little John; and he and
+Arthur-a-Bland seized the fat struggling churchman and commenced
+to hop up and down.  The Bishop being shorter must perforce
+accompany them in their gyrations; while the whole company sat
+and rolled about over the ground, and roared to see my lord of
+Hereford's queer capers.  At last he sank in a heap, fuddled with
+wine and quite exhausted.
+
+Little John picked him up as though he were a log of wood and
+carrying him to his horse, set him astride facing the animal's
+tail; and thus fastened him, leading the animal toward the
+highroad and, starting the Bishop, more dead than alive, toward
+Nottingham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+HOW THE BISHOP WENT OUTLAW-HUNTING
+
+The Bishop he came to the old woman's house,
+And called with furious mood,
+"Come let me soon see, and bring unto me
+That traitor, Robin Hood."
+
+
+The easy success with which they had got the better of the good
+Bishop led Robin to be a little careless.  He thought that his
+guest was too great a coward to venture back into the greenwood
+for many a long day; and so after lying quiet for one day, the
+outlaw ventured boldly upon the highway, the morning of the
+second. But he had gone only half a mile when, turning a sharp
+bend in the road, he plunged full upon the prelate himself.
+
+My lord of Hereford had been so deeply smitten in his pride, that
+he had lost no time in summoning a considerable body of the
+Sheriff's men, offering to double the reward if Robin Hood could
+be come upon.  This company was now at his heels, and after the
+first shock of mutual surprise, the Bishop gave an exultant shout
+and spurred upon the outlaw.
+
+It was too late for Robin to retreat by the way he had come, but
+quick as a flash he sprang to one side of the road, dodged under
+some bushes, and disappeared so suddenly that his pursuers
+thought he had truly been swallowed up by magic.
+
+"After him!" yelled the Bishop; "some of you beat up the woods
+around him, while the rest of us will keep on the main road and
+head him off on the other side!"
+
+For, truth to tell, the Bishop did not care to trust his bones
+away from the highroad.
+
+About a mile away, on the other side of this neck of woods,
+wherein Robin had been trapped, was a little tumbledown cottage. 
+'Twas where the widow lived, whose three sons had been rescued. 
+Robin remembered the cottage and saw his one chance to escape.
+
+Doubling in and out among the underbrush and heather with the
+agility of a hare, he soon came out of the wood in the rear of
+the cottage, and thrust his head through a tiny window.
+
+The widow, who had been at her spinning wheel, rose up with a cry
+of alarm.
+
+"Quiet, good mother!  'Tis I, Robin Hood.  Where are your three
+sons?"
+
+"They should be with you, Robin.  Well do you know that.  Do they
+not owe their lives to you?"
+
+"If that be so, I come to seek payment of the debt," said Robin
+in a breath.  "The Bishop is on my heels with many of his men."
+
+"I'll cheat the Bishop and all!" cried the woman quickly.  "Here,
+Robin, change your raiment with me, and we will see if my lord
+knows an old woman when he sees her."
+
+"Good!" said Robin.  "Pass your gray cloak out the window, and
+also your spindle and twine; and I will give you my green mantle
+and everything else down to my bow and arrows."
+
+While they were talking, Robin had been nimbly changing clothes
+with the old woman, through the window, and in a jiffy he stood
+forth complete, even to the spindle and twine.
+
+Presently up dashed the Bishop and his men, and, at sight of the
+cottage and the old woman, gave pause.  The crone was hobbling
+along with difficulty, leaning heavily upon a gnarled stick and
+bearing the spindle on her other arm. She would have gone by the
+Bishop's company, while muttering to herself, but the Bishop
+ordered one of his men to question her.  The soldier laid his
+hand upon her shoulder.
+
+"Mind your business!" croaked the woman, "or I'll curse ye!"
+
+"Come, come, my good woman," said the soldier, who really was
+afraid of her curses.  "I'll not molest you.  But my lord Bishop
+of Hereford wants to know if you have seen aught of the outlaw,
+Robin Hood?"
+
+"And why shouldn't I see him?" she whined.  "Where's the King or
+law to prevent good Robin from coming to see me and bring me food
+and raiment? That's more than my lord Bishop will do, I warrant
+ye!"
+
+"Peace, woman!" said the Bishop harshly.  "We want none of your
+opinions.  But we'll take you to Barnesdale and burn you for a
+witch if you do not instantly tell us when you last saw Robin
+Hood."
+
+"Mercy, good my lord!" chattered the crone, falling on her knees.
+
+"Robin is there in my cottage now, but you'll never take him
+alive."
+
+"We'll see about that," cried the Bishop triumphantly.  "Enter
+the cottage, my men.  Fire it, if need be.  But I'll give a purse
+of gold pieces, above the reward, to the man who captures the
+outlaw alive."
+
+The old woman, being released, went on her way slowly.  But it
+might have been noticed that the farther she got away from the
+company and the nearer to the edge of the woods, the swifter and
+straighter grew her pace. Once inside the shelter of the forest
+she broke into a run of surprising swiftness.
+
+"Gadzooks!" exclaimed Little John who presently spied her. "Who
+comes here?  Never saw I witch or woman run so fast.  Methinks
+I'll send an arrow close over her head to see which it is."
+
+"O hold your hand! hold your hand!" panted the supposed woman. 
+"'Tis I, Robin Hood.  Summon the yeomen and return with me
+speedily.  We have still another score to settle with my lord of
+Hereford."
+
+When Little John could catch his breath from laughing, he winded
+his horn.
+
+"Now, mistress Robin," quoth he, grinning.  "Lead on!  We'll be
+close to your heels."
+
+Meanwhile, back at the widow's cottage the Bishop was growing
+more furious every moment.  For all his bold words, he dared not
+fire the house, and the sturdy door had thus far resisted all his
+men's efforts.
+
+"Break it down!  Break it down!" he shouted, "and let me soon see
+who will fetch out that traitor, Robin Hood!"
+
+At last the door crashed in and the men stood guard on the
+threshold. But not one dared enter for fear a sharp arrow should
+meet him halfway.
+
+"Here he is!" cried one keen-eyed fellow, peering in.  "I see him
+in the corner by the cupboard.  Shall we slay him with our
+pikes?"
+
+"Nay," said the Bishop, "take him alive if you can.  We'll make
+the biggest public hanging of this that the shire ever beheld."
+
+But the joy of the Bishop over his capture was short lived.  Down
+the road came striding the shabby figure of the old woman who had
+helped him set the trap; and very wrathy was she when she saw
+that the cottage door had been battered in.
+
+"Stand by, you lazy rascals!" she called to the soldiers.  "May
+all the devils catch ye for hurting an old woman's hut.  Stand
+by, I say!"
+
+"Hold your tongue!" ordered the Bishop.  "These are my men and
+carrying out my orders."
+
+"God-mercy!" swore the beldame harshly.  "Things have come to a
+pretty pass when our homes may be treated like common gaols. 
+Couldn't all your men catch one poor forester without this ado? 
+Come! clear out, you and your robber, on the instant, or I'll
+curse every mother's son of ye, eating and drinking and
+sleeping!"
+
+"Seize on the hag!" shouted the Bishop, as soon as he could get
+in a word.  "We'll see about a witch's cursing.  Back to town she
+shall go, alongside of Robin Hood."
+
+"Not so fast, your worship!" she retorted, clapping her hands.
+
+And at the signal a goodly array of greenwood men sprang forth
+from all sides of the cottage, with bows drawn back
+threateningly.  The Bishop saw that his men were trapped again,
+for they dared not stir.  Nathless, he determined to make a fight
+for it.
+
+"If one of you but budge an inch toward me, you rascals," he
+cried, "it shall sound the death of your master, Robin Hood!  My
+men have him here under their pikes, and I shall command them to
+kill him without mercy."
+
+"Faith, I should like to see the Robin you have caught," said a
+clear voice from under the widow's cape; and the outlaw chief
+stood forth with bared head, smilingly.  "Here am I, my lord, in
+no wise imperiled by your men's fierce pikes.  So let us see whom
+you have been guarding so well."
+
+The old woman who, in the garb of Robin Hood, had been lying
+quiet in the cottage through all the uproar, jumped up nimbly at
+this.  In the bald absurdity of her disguise she came to the
+doorway and bowed to the Bishop.
+
+"Give you good-den, my lord Bishop," she piped in a shrill voice;
+"and what does your Grace at my humble door? Do you come to bless
+me and give me alms?"
+
+"Aye, that does he," answered Robin.  "We shall see if his
+saddle-bags contain enough to pay you for that battered door."
+
+"Now by all the saints--" began the Bishop.
+
+"Take care; they are all watching you," interrupted Robin; "so
+name them not upon your unchurchly lips.  But I will trouble you
+to hand over that purse of gold you had saved to pay for my
+head."
+
+"I'll see you hanged first!" raged the Bishop, stating no more
+than what would have been so, if he could do the ordering of
+things.  "Have at them, my men, and hew them down in their
+tracks!"
+
+"Hold!" retorted Robin.  "See how we have you at our mercy." And
+aiming a sudden shaft he shot so close to the Bishop's head that
+it carried away both his hat and the skull-cap which he always
+wore, leaving him quite bald.
+
+The prelate turned as white as his shiny head and clutched wildly
+at his ears.  He thought himself dead almost.
+
+"Help!  Murder!" he gasped.  "Do not shoot again!  Here's your
+purse of gold!"
+
+And without waiting for further parley he fairly bolted down the
+road.
+
+His men being left leaderless had nothing for it but to retreat
+after him, which they did in sullen order, covered by the bows of
+the yeomen.  And thus ended the Bishop of Hereford's great
+outlaw-hunt in the forest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+HOW THE SHERIFF HELD ANOTHER SHOOTING MATCH
+
+"To tell the truth, I'm well informed
+Yon match it is a wile;
+The Sheriff, I know, devises this
+Us archers to beguile."
+
+
+Now the Sheriff was so greatly troubled in heart over the growing
+power of Robin Hood, that he did a very foolish thing.  He went
+to London town to lay his troubles before the King and get
+another force of troops to cope with the outlaws.  King Richard
+was not yet returned from the Holy Land, but Prince John heard
+him with scorn.
+
+"Pooh!" said he, shrugging his shoulders.  "What have I to do
+with all this? Art thou not sheriff for me?  The law is in force
+to take thy course of them that injure thee.  Go, get thee gone,
+and by thyself devise some tricking game to trap these rebels;
+and never let me see thy face at court again until thou hast a
+better tale to tell."
+
+So away went the Sheriff in sorrier pass than ever, and cudgeled
+his brain, on the way home, for some plan of action.
+
+His daughter met him on his return and saw at once that he had
+been on a poor mission.  She was minded to upbraid him when she
+learned what he had told the Prince.  But the words of the latter
+started her to thinking afresh.
+
+"I have it!" she exclaimed at length.  "Why should we not hold
+another shooting-match?  'Tis Fair year, as you know, and another
+tourney will be expected.  Now we will proclaim a general
+amnesty, as did King Harry himself, and say that the field is
+open and unmolested to all comers.  Belike Robin Hood's men will
+be tempted to twang the bow, and then--"
+
+"And then," said the Sheriff jumping up with alacrity, "we shall
+see on which side of the gate they stop over-night!"
+
+So the Sheriff lost no time in proclaiming a tourney, to be held
+that same Fall at the Fair.  It was open to all comers, said the
+proclamation, and none should be molested in their going and
+coming.  Furthermore, an arrow with a golden head and shaft of
+silver-white should be given to the winner, who would be heralded
+abroad as the finest archer in all the North Countree.  Also,
+many rich prizes were to be given to other clever archers.
+
+Thesemtidings came in due course to Robin Hood, under the
+greenwood tree, and fired his impetuous spirit.
+
+"Come, prepare ye, my merry men all," quoth he, "and we'll go to
+the Fair and take some part in this sport."
+
+With that stepped forth the merry cobbler, David of Doncaster.
+
+"Master," quoth he, "be ruled by me and stir not from the
+greenwood.  To tell the truth, I'm well informed yon match is
+naught but a trap.  I know the Sheriff has devised it to beguile
+us archers into some treachery."
+
+"That word savors of the coward," replied Robin, "and pleases me
+not.  Let come what will, I'll try my skill at that same
+archery."
+
+Then up spoke Little John and said: "Come, listen to me how it
+shall be that we will not be discovered."
+
+"Our mantles all of Lincoln-green
+Behind us we will leave;
+We'll dress us all so several,
+They shall not us perceive."
+
+"One shall wear white, another red,
+One yellow, another blue;
+Thus in disguise to the exercise
+We'll go, whate'er ensue."
+
+This advice met with general favor from the adventurous fellows,
+and they lost no time in putting it into practice.  Maid Marian
+and Mistress Dale, assisted by Friar Tuck, prepared some
+vari-colored costumes, and 'gainst the Fair day had fitted out
+the sevenscore men till you would never have taken them for other
+than villagers decked for the holiday.
+
+And forth went they from the greenwood, with hearts all firm and
+stout, resolved to meet the Sheriff's men and have a merry bout. 
+Along the highway they fell in with many other bold fellows from
+the countryside, going with their ruddy-cheeked lasses toward the
+wide-open gates of Nottingham.
+
+So in through the gates trooped the whole gay company, Robin's
+men behaving as awkwardly and laughing and talking as noisily as
+the rest; while the Sheriff's scowling men-at-arms stood round
+about and sought to find one who looked like a forester, but
+without avail.
+
+The herald now set forth the terms of the contest, as on former
+occasions, and the shooting presently began.  Robin had chosen
+five of his men to shoot with him, and the rest were to mingle
+with the crowd and also watch the gates. These five were Little
+John, Will Scarlet, Will Stutely, Much, and Allan-a-Dale'.
+
+The other competitors made a brave showing on the first round,
+especially Gilbert of the White Hand, who was present and never
+shot better.  The contest later narrowed down between Gilbert and
+Robin.  But at the first lead, when the butts were struck so
+truly by various well known archers, the Sheriff was in doubt
+whether to feel glad or sorry.  He was glad to see such skill,
+but sorry that the outlaws were not in it.
+
+Some said, "If Robin Hood were here,
+And all his men to boot,
+Sure none of them could pass these men,
+So bravely do they shoot"
+
+"Aye," quoth the Sheriff, and scratched his head,
+"I thought he would be here;
+I thought he would, but tho' he's bold,
+He durst not now appear "
+
+This word was privately brought to Robin by David of Doncaster,
+and the saying vexed him sorely.  But he bit his lip in silence.
+
+"Ere long," he thought to himself, "we shall see whether Robin
+Hood be here or not!"
+
+Meantime the shooting had been going forward, and Robin's men had
+done so well that the air was filled with shouts.
+
+One cried, "Blue jacket!" another cried, "Brown!"
+And a third cried, "Brave Yellow!"
+But the fourth man said, "Yon man in red
+In this place has no fellow."
+
+For that was Robin Hood himself,
+For he was clothed in red,
+At every shot the prize he got,
+For he was both sure and dead.
+
+Thus went the second round of the shooting, and thus the third
+and last, till even Gilbert of the White Hand was fairly beaten. 
+During all this shooting, Robin exchanged no word with his men,
+each treating the other as a perfect stranger.  Nathless, such
+great shooting could not pass without revealing the archers.
+
+The Sheriff thought he discovered, in the winner of the golden
+arrow, the person of Robin Hood without peradventure.  So he sent
+word privately for his men-at-arms to close round the group.  But
+Robin's men also got wind of the plan.
+
+To keep up appearances, the Sheriff summoned the crowd to form in
+a circle; and after as much delay as possible the arrow was
+presented.  The delay gave time enough for the soldiers to close
+in.  As Robin received his prize, bowed awkwardly, and turned
+away, the Sheriff, letting his zeal get the better of his
+discretion, grasped him about the neck and called upon his men to
+arrest the traitor.
+
+But the moment the Sheriff touched Robin, he received such a
+buffet on the side of his head that he let go instantly and fell
+back several paces.  Turning to see who had struck him, he
+recognized Little John.
+
+"Ah, rascal Greenleaf, I have you now!" he exclaimed springing at
+him.  Just then, however, he met a new check.
+
+"This is from another of your devoted servants!" said a voice
+which he knew to be that of Much the miller's son; and "Thwack!"
+went his open palm upon the Sheriff's cheek sending that worthy
+rolling over and over upon the ground.
+
+By this time the conflict had become general, but the Sheriff's
+men suffered the disadvantage of being hampered by the crowd of
+innocent on-lookers, whom they could not tell from the outlaws
+and so dared not attack; while the other outlaws in the rear fell
+upon them and put them in confusion.
+
+For a moment a fierce rain of blows ensued; then the clear
+bugle-note from Robin ordered a retreat.  The two warders at the
+nearest gate tried to close it, but were shot dead in their
+tracks.  David of Doncaster threw a third soldier into the moat;
+and out through the gate went the foresters in good order,
+keeping a respectful distance between themselves and the
+advancing soldiery, by means of their well-directed shafts.
+
+But the fight was not to go easily this day, for the soldiery,
+smarting from their recent discomfiture at the widow's cottage,
+and knowing that the eyes of the whole shire were upon them,
+fought well, and pressed closely after the retreating outlaws. 
+More than one ugly wound was given and received.  No less than
+five of the Sheriff's men were killed outright, and a dozen
+others injured; while four of Robin's men were bleeding from
+severe flesh cuts.
+
+Then Little John, who had fought by the side of his chief,
+suddenly fell forward with a slight moan.  An arrow had pierced
+his knee.  Robin seized the big fellow with almost superhuman
+strength.
+
+Up he took him on his back,
+And bare him well a mile;
+Many a time he laid him down,
+And shot another while.
+
+Meanwhile Little John grew weaker and closed his eyes; at last he
+sank to the ground, and feebly motioned Robin to let him lie.
+"Master Robin," said he, "have I not served you well, ever since
+we met upon the bridge?"
+
+"Truer servant never man had," answered Robin.
+
+"Then if ever you loved me, and for the sake of that service,
+draw your bright brown sword and strike off my head; never let me
+fall alive into the hand of the Sheriff of Nottingham."
+
+"Not for all the gold in England would I do either of the things
+you suggest."
+
+"God forbid!" cried Arthur-a-Bland, hurrying to the rescue.  And
+packing his wounded kinsman upon his own broad shoulders, he soon
+brought him within the shelter of the forest.
+
+Once there, the Sheriff's men did not follow; and Robin caused
+litters of boughs to be made for Little John and the other four
+wounded men.  Quickly were they carried through the wood until
+the hermitage of Friar Tuck was reached, where their wounds were
+dressed.  Little John's hurt was pronounced to be the most
+serious of any, but he was assured that in two or three weeks'
+time he could get about again; whereat the active giant groaned
+mightily.
+
+That evening consternation came upon the hearts of the band.  A
+careful roll-call was taken to see it all the yeomen had escaped,
+when it was found that Will Stutely was missing, and Maid Marian
+also was nowhere to be found.  Robin was seized with dread.  He
+knew that Marian had gone to the Fair, but felt that she would
+hardly come to grief.  Her absence, however, portended some
+danger, and he feared that it was connected with Will Stutely.
+The Sheriff would hang him speedily and without mercy, if he were
+captured.
+
+The rest of the band shared their leader's uneasiness, though
+they said no word.  They knew that if Will were captured, the
+battle must be fought over again the next day, and Will must be
+saved at any cost.  But no man flinched from the prospect.
+
+That evening, while the Sheriff and his wife and daughter sat at
+meat in the Mansion House, the Sheriff boasted of how he would
+make an example of the captured outlaw; for Stutely had indeed
+fallen into his hands.
+
+"He shall be strung high," he said, in a loud voice; "and none
+shall dare lift a finger.  I now have Robin Hood's men on the
+run, and we shall soon see who is master in this shire.  I am
+only sorry that we let them have the golden arrow."
+
+As he spoke a missive sped through a window and fell clattering
+upon his plate, causing him to spring back in alarm.
+
+It was the golden arrow, and on its feathered shaft was sewed a
+little note which read:
+
+"This from one who will take no gifts from liars; and who
+henceforth will show no mercy.  Look well to yourself.  R.H."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HOW WILL STUTELY WAS RESCUED
+
+Forth of the greenwood are they gone,
+Yea, all courageously,
+Resolving to bring Stutely home,
+Or every man to die.
+
+
+The next day dawned bright and sunny.  The whole face of nature
+seemed gay as if in despite of the tragedy which was soon to take
+place in the walls of Nottingham town.  The gates were not opened
+upon this day, for the Sheriff was determined to carry through
+the hanging of Will Stutely undisturbed.  No man, therefore, was
+to be allowed entrance from without, all that morning and until
+after the fatal hour of noon, when Will's soul was to be launched
+into eternity.
+
+Early in the day Robin had drawn his men to a point, as near as
+he dared, in the wood where he could watch the road leading to
+the East gate.  He himself was clad in a bright scarlet dress,
+while his men, a goodly array, wore their suits of sober Lincoln
+green.  They were armed with broadswords, and 'each man carried
+his bow and a full quiver of new arrows, straightened and
+sharpened cunningly by Middle, the tinker.  Over their greenwood
+dress, each man had thrown a rough mantle, making him look not
+unlike a friar.
+
+"I hold it good, comrades," then said Robin Hood, "to tarry here
+in hiding for a season while we sent some one forth to obtain
+tidings.  For, in sooth, 'twill work no good to march upon the
+gates if they be closed."
+
+"Look, master," quoth one of the widow's sons.  "There comes a
+palmer along the road from the town.  Belike he can tell us how
+the land ties, and if Stutely be really in jeopardy.  Shall I go
+out and engage him in speech?"
+
+"Go," answered Robin.
+
+So Stout Will went out from the band while the others hid
+themselves and waited.  When he had come close to the palmer, who
+seemed a slight, youngish man, he doffed his hat full courteously
+and said,
+
+"I crave your pardon, holy man, but can you tell me tidings of
+Nottingham town?  Do they intend to put an outlaw to death this
+day?"
+
+"Yea," answered the palmer sadly. "'Tis true enough, sorry be the
+day.  I have passed the very spot where the gallows-tree is
+going up.  'Tis out upon the roadway near the Sheriff's castle. 
+One, Will Stutely, is to be hung thereon at noon, and I could not
+bear the sight, so came away."
+
+The palmer spoke in a muffled voice; and as his hood was pulled
+well over his head, Stout Will could not discern what manner of
+man he was.  Over his shoulder he carried a long staff, with the
+fashion of a little cross at one end; and he had sandaled feet
+like any monk.  Stout Will notice idly that the feet were very
+small and white, but gave no second thought to the matter.
+
+"Who will shrive the poor wretch, if you have come away from
+him?" he asked reproachfully.
+
+The question seemed to put a new idea into the palmer's head. He
+turned so quickly that he almost dropped his hood.
+
+"Do you think that I should undertake this holy office?"
+
+"By Saint Peter and the Blessed Virgin, I do indeed!  Else, who
+will do it? The Bishop and all his whining clerks may be there,
+but not one would say a prayer for his soul."
+
+"But I am only a poor palmer," the other began hesitatingly.
+
+"Nathless, your prayers are as good as any and better than some,"
+replied Will.
+
+"Right gladly would I go," then said the palmer; "but I fear me I
+cannot get into the city.  You may know that the gates are fast
+locked, for this morning, to all who would come in, although they
+let any pass out who will."
+
+"Come with me," said Stout Will, "and my master will see that you
+pass through the gates."
+
+So the palmer pulled his cloak still closer about him and was
+brought before Robin Hood, to whom he told all he knew of the
+situation.  He ended with,
+
+"If I may make so bold, I would not try to enter the city from
+this gate, as 'tis closely guarded since yesterday.  But on the
+far side, no attack is looked for."
+
+"My thanks, gentle palmer," quoth Robin, "your suggestion is
+good, and we will deploy to the gate upon the far side."
+
+So the men marched silently but quickly until they were near to
+the western gate.  Then Arthur-a-Bland asked leave to go ahead as
+a scout, and quietly made his way to a point under the tower by
+the gate.  The moat was dry on this side, as these were times of
+peace, and Arthur was further favored by a stout ivy vine which
+grew out from an upper window.
+
+Swinging himself up boldly by means of this friendly vine, he
+crept through the window and in a moment more had sprung upon the
+warder from behind and gripped him hard about the throat.  The
+warder had no chance to utter the slightest sound, and soon lay
+bound and gagged upon the floor; while Arthur-a-Bland slipped
+himself into his uniform and got hold of his keys.
+
+'Twas the work of but a few moments more to open the gates, let
+down the bridge, and admit the rest of the band; and they lot
+inside the town so quietly that none knew of their coming. 
+Fortune also favored them in the fact that just at this moment
+the prison doors had been opened for the march of the condemned
+man, and every soldier and idle lout in the market-lace had
+trooped thither to see him pass along.
+
+Presently out came Will Stutely with firm step but dejected air. 
+He looked eagerly to the right hand and to the left, but saw none
+of the band.  And though more than one curious face betrayed
+friendship in it, he knew there could be no aid from such source.
+
+Will's hands were tied behind his back.  He marched between rows
+of soldiery, and the Sheriff and the Bishop brought up the rear
+on horses, looking mightily puffed up and important over the
+whole proceeding.  He would show these sturdy rebels--would the
+Sheriff--whose word was law!  He knew that the gates were tightly
+fastened; and further he believed that the outlaws would hardly
+venture again within the walls, even if the gates were open.  And
+as he looked around at the fivescore archers and pikemen who
+lined the way to the gallows, he smiled with grim satisfaction.
+
+Seeing that no help was nigh, the prisoner paused at the foot of
+the scaffold and spoke in a firm tone to the Sheriff.
+
+"My lord Sheriff," quoth he, "since I must needs die, grant me
+one boon; for my noble master ne'er yet had a man that was hanged
+on a tree:
+
+'Give me a sword all in my hand,
+And let me be unbound,
+And with thee and thy men will I fight
+Till I lie dead on the ground.'"
+
+But the Sheriff would by no means listen to his request; but
+swore that he should be hanged a shameful death, and not die by
+the sword valiantly.
+
+"O no, no, no," the Sheriff said,
+"Thou shalt on the gallows die,
+Aye, and so shall they master too,
+If ever it in me lie."
+
+"O dastard coward!" Stutely cried,
+"Faint-hearted peasant slave!
+If ever my master do thee meet,
+Thou shalt thy payment have!"
+
+"My noble master thee doth scorn,
+And all thy cowardly crew,
+Such silly imps unable are
+Bold Robin to subdue."
+
+This brave speech was not calculated to soothe the Sheriff.  "To
+the gallows with him!" he roared, giving a sign to the hangman;
+and Stutely was pushed into the rude cart which was to bear him
+under the gallows until his neck was leashed.  Then the cart
+would be drawn roughly away and the unhappy man would swing out
+over the tail of it into another world.
+
+But at this moment came a slight interruption.  A boyish-looking
+palmer stepped forth, and said:
+
+"Your Excellency, let me at least shrive this poor wretch's soul
+ere it be hurled into eternity."
+
+"No!" shouted the Sheriff, "let him die a dog's death!"
+
+"Then his damnation will rest upon you," said the monk firmly. 
+"You, my lord Bishop, cannot stand by and see this wrong done."
+
+The Bishop hesitated.  Like the Sheriff, he wanted no delay; but
+the people were beginning to mutter among themselves and move
+about uneasily.  He said a few words to the Sheriff, and the
+latter nodded to the monk ungraciously.
+
+"Perform your duty, Sir Priest," quoth he, "and be quick about
+it!" Then turning to his soldiers.  "Watch this palmer narrowly,"
+he commanded.  "Belike he is in league with those rascally
+outlaws."
+
+But the palmer paid no heed to his last words.  He began to tell
+his beads quickly, and to speak in a low voice to the condemned
+man.  But he did not touch his bonds.
+
+Then came another stir in the crowd, and one came pushing through
+the press of people and soldiery to come near to the scaffold.
+
+"I pray you, Will, before you die, take leave of all your
+friends!" cried out the well-known voice of Much, the miller's
+son.
+
+At the word the palmer stepped back suddenly and looked to one
+side. The Sheriff also knew the speaker.
+
+"Seize him!" he shouted.  "'Tis another of the crew.  He is the
+villain cook who once did rob me of my silver plate.  We'll make
+a double hanging of this!"
+
+"Not so fast, good master Sheriff," retorted Much.  "First catch
+your man and then hang him.  But meanwhile I would like to borrow
+my friend of you awhile."
+
+And with one stroke of his keen hunting-knife he cut the bonds
+which fastened the prisoner's arms, and Stutely leaped lightly
+from the cart.
+
+"Treason!" screamed the Sheriff, getting black with rage.  "Catch
+the varlets!"
+
+So saying he spurred his horse fiercely forward, and rising in
+his stirrups brought down his sword with might and main at Much's
+head.  But his former cook dodged nimbly underneath the horse and
+came up on the other side, while the weapon whistled harmlessly
+in the air.
+
+"Nay, Sir Sheriff!" he cried, "I must e'en borrow your sword for
+the friend I have borrowed."
+
+Thereupon he snatched the weapon deftly from the Sheriff's hand.
+
+"Here, Stutely!" said he, "the Sheriff has lent you his own
+sword.  Back to back with me, man, and we'll teach these knaves a
+trick or two!"
+
+Meanwhile the soldiers had recovered from their momentary
+surprise and had flung themselves into the fray.  A clear
+bugle-note had also sounded the same which the soldiers had
+learned to dread.  'Twas the rallying note of the green wood men.
+
+Cloth yard shafts began to hurtle through the air, and Robin and
+his men cast aside their cloaks and sprang forward crying:
+
+"Lockesley!  Lockesley! a rescue! a rescue!"
+
+On the instant, a terrible scene of hand to hand fighting
+followed.  The Sheriff's men, though once more taken by surprise,
+were determined to sell this rescue dearly.  They packed in
+closely and stubbornly about the condemned man and Much and the
+palmer, and it was only by desperate rushes that the foresters
+made an opening in the square.  Ugly cuts and bruises were
+exchanged freely; and lucky was the man who escaped with only
+these.  Many of the onlookers, who had long hated the Sheriff and
+felt sympathy for Robin's men, also plunged into the
+conflict--although they could not well keep out of it, in
+sooth!--and aided the rescuers no little.
+
+At last with a mighty onrush, Robin cleaved a way through the
+press to the scaffold itself, and not a second too soon; for two
+men with pikes had leaped upon the cart, and were in the act of
+thrusting down upon the palmer and Will Stutely.  A mighty upward
+blow from Robin's good blade sent the pike flying from the hand
+of one, while a well-directed arrow from the outskirt pierced the
+other fellow's throat.
+
+"God save you, master!" cried Will Stutely joyfully.  "I had
+begun to fear that I would never see your face again."
+
+"A rescue!" shouted the outlaws afresh, and the soldiery became
+fainthearted and 'gan to give back.  But the field was not yet
+won, for they retreated in close order toward the East gate,
+resolved to hem the attackers within the city walls.  Here again,
+however, they were in error, since the outlaws did not go out by
+their nearest gate.  They made a sally in that direction, in
+order to mislead the soldiery, then abruptly turned and headed
+for the West gate, which was still guarded by Arthur-a-Bland.
+
+The Sheriff's men raised an exultant shout at this, thinking they
+had the enemy trapped.  Down they charged after them, but the
+outlaws made good their lead, and soon got through the gate and
+over the bridge which had been let down by Arthur-a-Bland.
+
+Close upon their heels came the soldiers--so close, that Arthur
+had no time to close the gate again or raise the bridge.  So he
+threw away his key and fell in with the yeomen, who now began
+their retreat up the long hill to the woods.
+
+On this side the town, the road leading to the forest was long
+and almost unprotected.  The greenwood men were therefore in some
+distress, for the archers shot at them from loop-holes in the
+walls, and the pikemen were reinforced by a company of mounted
+men from the castle.  But the outlaws retreated stubbornly and
+now and again turned to hold their pursuers at bay by a volley of
+arrows.  Stutely was in their midst, fighting with the energy of
+two; and the little palmer was there also, but took no part save
+to keep close to Robin's side and mutter silent words as though
+in prayer.
+
+Robin put his horn to his lips to sound a rally, when a flying
+arrow from the enemy pierced his hand.  The palmer gave a little
+cry and sprang forward.  The Sheriff, who followed close with the
+men on horseback, also saw the wound and gave a great huzza.
+
+"Ha! you will shoot no more bows for a season, master outlaw!" he
+shouted.
+
+"You lie!" retorted Robin fiercely, wrenching the shaft from his
+hand despite the streaming blood; "I have saved one shot for you
+all this day.  Here take it!"
+
+And he fitted the same arrow, which had wounded him, upon the
+string of his bow and let it fly toward the Sheriff's head.  The
+Sheriff fell forward upon his horse in mortal terror, but not so
+quickly as to escape unhurt.  The sharp point laid bare a deep
+gash upon his scalp and must certainly have killed him if it had
+come closer.
+
+The fall of the Sheriff discomfited his followers for the moment,
+and Robin's men took this chance to speed on up the hill.  The
+palmer had whipped out a small white handkerchief and tried to
+staunch Robin's wound as they went.  At sight of the palmer's
+hand, Robin turned with a start, and pushed back the other's
+hood.
+
+"Marian!" he exclaimed, "you here!"
+
+It was indeed Maid Marian, who had helped save Will, and been in
+the stress of battle from the first.  Now she hung her head as
+though caught in wrong.
+
+"I had to come, Robin," she said simply, "and I knew you would
+not let me come, else."
+
+Their further talk was interrupted by an exclamation from Will
+Scarlet.
+
+"By the saints, we are trapped!" he said, and pointed to the top
+of the hill, toward which they were pressing.
+
+There from out a gray castle poured a troop of men, armed with
+pikes and axes, who shouted and came running down upon them.  At
+the same instant, the Sheriff's men also renewed the pursuit.
+
+"Alas!" cried poor Marian, "we are undone!  There is no way of
+escape!"
+
+"Courage, dear heart!" said Robin, drawing her close to him.  But
+his own spirit sank as he looked about for some outlet.
+
+Then--oh, joyful sight!--he recognized among the foremost of
+those coming from the castle the once doleful knight, Sir Richard
+of the Lea.  He was smiling now, and greatly excited.
+
+"A Hood! a Hood!" he cried; "a rescue! a rescue!"  Never were
+there more welcome sights and sounds than these.  With a great
+cheer the outlaws raced up the hill to meet their new friends;
+and soon the whole force had gained the shelter of the castle. 
+Bang! went the bridge as it swung back, with great clanking of
+chains.  Clash! went one great door upon the other, as they shut
+in the outlaw band, and shut out the Sheriff, who dashed up at
+the head of his men, his bandaged face streaked with blood and
+inflamed with rage.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+HOW SIR RICHARD OF THE LEA REPAID HIS DEBT
+
+The proud Sheriff loud 'gan cry
+And said, "Thou traitor knight,
+Thou keepest here the king's enemy
+Against the laws and right."
+
+
+"Open the gate!" shouted the Sheriff hoarsely, to the sentinel
+upon the walls.  "Open, I say, in the king's name!"
+
+"Why who are you to come thus brawling upon my premises?" asked a
+haughty voice; and Sir Richard himself stepped forth upon the
+turret.
+
+"You know me well, traitor knight!" said the Sheriff, "now give
+up into my hands the enemy of the King whom you have sheltered
+against the laws and right."
+
+"Fair and softly, sir," quoth the knight smoothly.  "I well avow
+that I have done certain deeds this day.  But I have done them
+upon mine own land, which you now trespass upon; and I shall
+answer only to the King--whom God preserve!--for my actions."
+
+"Thou soft-spoken villain!" said the Sheriff, still in a towering
+passion.  "I, also, serve the King; and if these outlaws are not
+given up to me at once, I shall lay siege to the castle and burn
+it with fire."
+
+"First show me your warrants," said Sir Richard curtly.
+
+"My word is enough!  Am I not Sheriff of Nottingham?"
+
+"If you are, in sooth," retorted the knight, "you should know
+that you have no authority within my lands unless you bear the
+King's order.  In the meantime, go mend your manners, lording."
+
+And Sir Richard snapped his fingers and disappeared from the
+walls. The Sheriff, after lingering a few moments longer in hope
+of further parley, was forced to withdraw, swearing fiercely.
+
+"The King's order!" muttered he.  "That shall I have without
+delay, as well as this upstart knight's estates; for King Richard
+is lately returned, I hear, from the Holy Land."
+
+Meanwhile the knight had gone back to Robin Hood, and the two men
+greeted each other right gladly. "Well met, bold Robin!" cried
+he, taking him in his arms. "Well met, indeed!  The Lord has
+lately prospered me, and I was minded this day to ride forth and
+repay my debt to you."
+
+"And so you have," answered Robin gaily.
+
+"Nay, 'twas nothing--this small service!" said the knight.  "I
+meant the moneys coming to you."
+
+"They have all been repaid," said Robin; "my lord of Hereford
+himself gave them to me."
+
+"The exact sum?" asked the knight.
+
+"The exact sum," answered Robin, winking solemnly.
+
+Sir Richard smiled, but said no more at the time.  Robin was made
+to rest until dinner should be served.  Meanwhile a leech bound
+up his hand with ointment, promising him that he should soon have
+its use again.  Some halfscore others of the yeomen had been hurt
+in the fight, but luckily none of grave moment.  They were all
+bandaged and made happy by bumpers of ale.
+
+At dinner Sir Richard presented Robin to his wife and son.  The
+lady was stately and gracious, and made much of Marian, whom she
+had known as a little girl and who was now clothed more seemly
+for a dinner than in monkish garments.  The young esquire was a
+goodly youth and bade fair to make as stout a knight as his
+father.
+
+The feast was a joyous event.  There were two long tables, and
+two hundred men sat down at them, and ate and drank and afterward
+sang songs. An hundred and forty of these men wore Lincoln green
+and called Robin Hood their chief.  Never, I ween, had there been
+a more gallant company at table in Lea Castle!
+
+That night the foresters tarried within the friendly walls, and
+the next day took leave; though Sir Richard protested that they
+should have made a longer stay.  And he took Robin aside to his
+strong room and pressed him again to take the four hundred golden
+pounds.  But his guest was firm.
+
+"Keep the money, for it is your own," said Robin; "I have but
+made the Bishop return that which he extorted unjustly."
+
+Sir Richard thanked him in a few earnest words, and asked him and
+all his men to visit the armory, before they departed.  And
+therein they saw, placed apart, an hundred and forty stout yew
+bows of cunning make, with fine waxen silk strings; and an
+hundred and forty sheaves of arrows.  Every shaft was a just ell
+long, set with peacock's feathers, and notched with silver.  And
+Sir Richard's fair lady came forward and with her own hands gave
+each yeoman a bow and a sheaf.
+
+"In sooth, these are poor presents we have made you, good Robin
+Hood," said Sir Richard; "but they carry with them a thousand
+times their weight in gratitude."
+
+The Sheriff made good his threat to inform the King.  Forth rode
+he to London town upon the week following, his scalp wound having
+healed sufficiently to permit him to travel.  This time he did
+not seek out Prince John, but asked audience with King Richard of
+the Lion Heart himself.  His Majesty had but lately returned from
+the crusades, and was just then looking into the state of his
+kingdom.  So the Sheriff found ready audience.
+
+Then to him the Sheriff spoke at length concerning Robin Hood;
+how that for many months the outlaws had defied the King, and
+slain the King's deer; how Robin had gathered about him the best
+archers in all the countryside; and, finally, how the traitorous
+knight Sir Richard of the Lea had rescued the band when capture
+seemed certain, and refused to deliver them up to justice.
+
+The King heard him through with attention and quoth he:
+
+"Meseems I have heard of this same Robin Hood, and his men, and
+also seen somewhat of their prowess.  Did not these same outlaws
+shoot in a royal Tourney at Finsbury field?"
+
+"They did, Your Majesty, under a royal amnesty."
+
+In this speech the Sheriff erred, for the King asked quickly,
+
+"How came they last to the Fair at Nottingham--by stealth?"
+
+"Yes, Your Majesty."
+
+"Did you forbid them to come?"
+
+"No, Your Majesty.  That is--"
+
+"Speak out!"
+
+For the good of the shire," began the Sheriff again, falteringly,
+"we did proclaim an amnesty; but 'twas because these men had
+proved a menace--"
+
+"Now by my halidom!" quoth the King, while his brow grew black. 
+"Such treachery would be unknown in the camp of the Saracen; and
+yet we call ourselves a Christian people!"
+
+The Sheriff kept silence through very fear and shame; then the
+King began speech again:
+
+"Nathless, my lord Sheriff, we promise to look into this matter. 
+Those outlaws must be taught that there is but one King in
+England, and that he stands for the law."
+
+So the Sheriff was dismissed, with very mixed feelings, and went
+his way home to Nottingham town. A fortnight later the King began
+to make good his word, by riding with a small party of knights to
+Lea Castle.  Sir Richard was advised of the cavalcade's approach,
+and quickly recognized his royal master in the tall knight who
+rode in advance.  Hasting to open wide his castle gates he went
+forth to meet the King and fell on one knee and kissed his
+stirrup.  For Sir Richard, also, had been with the King to the
+Holy Land, and they had gone on many adventurous quests together.
+
+The King bade him rise, and dismounted from his own horse to
+greet him as a brother in arms; and arm-in-arm they went into the
+castle, while bugles and trumpets sounded forth joyous welcome in
+honor of the great occasion.
+
+After the King had rested and supped, he turned upon the knight
+and with grave face inquired:
+
+"What is this I hear about your castle's becoming a nest and
+harbor for outlaws?"
+
+The Sir Richard of the Lea, divining that the Sheriff had been at
+the King's ear with his story, made a clean breast of all he
+knew; how that the outlaws had befriended him in sore need--as
+they had befriended others--and how that he had given them only
+knightly protection in return.
+
+The King liked the story well, for his own soul was one of
+chivalry.  And he asked other questions about Robin Hood, and
+heard of the ancient wrong done his father before him, and of
+Robin's own enemies, and of his manner of living.
+
+"In sooth," cried King Richard, springing up, "I must see this
+bold fellow for myself!  An you will entertain my little company,
+and be ready to sally forth, upon the second day, in quest of me
+if need were, I shall e'en fare alone into the greenwood to seek
+an adventure with him."
+
+But of this adventure you shall be told in the next tale; for I
+have already shown you how Sir Richard of the Lea repaid his
+debt, with interest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+HOW KING RICHARD CAME TO SHERWOOD FOREST
+
+King Richard hearing of the pranks
+Of Robin Hood and his men,
+He much admired and more desired
+To see both him and them.
+
+Then Robin takes a can of ale:
+"Come let us now begin;
+And every man shall have his can;
+Here's a health unto the King!"
+
+
+Friar Tuck had nursed Little John's wounded knee so skilfully
+that it was now healed.  In sooth, the last part of the nursing
+depended more upon strength than skill; for it consisted chiefly
+of holding down the patient, by main force, to his cot.  Little
+John had felt so well that he had insisted upon getting up before
+the wound was healed; and he would have done so, if the friar had
+not piled some holy books upon his legs and sat upon his stomach.
+
+Under this vigorous treatment Little John was constrained to lie
+quiet until the friar gave him leave to get up.  At last he had
+this leave, and he and the friar went forth to join the rest of
+the band, who were right glad to see them, you may be sure.  They
+sat around a big fire, for 'twas a chilly evening, and they
+feasted and made merry, in great content.
+
+A cold rain set in, later, but the friar wended his way back,
+nathless, to his little hermitage.  There he made himself a
+cheerful blaze, and changed his dripping robe, and had sat
+himself down, with a sigh of satisfaction, before a tankard of
+hot mulled wine and a pasty, when suddenly a voice was heard on
+the outside, demanding admission.  His kennel of dogs set up
+furious uproar, on the instant, by way of proving the fact of a
+stranger's presence.
+
+"Now by Saint Peter!" growled the friar, "who comes here at this
+unseemly hour?  Does he take this for a hostelry?  Move on,
+friend, else my mulled wine will get cold!"
+
+So saying he put the tankard to his lips, when a thundering rap
+sounded upon the door-panel, making it to quiver, and causing
+Tuck almost to drop his tankard; while an angry voice shouted,
+"Ho!  Within there!  Open, I say!"
+
+"Go your way in peace!" roared back the friar; "I can do nothing
+for you. 'Tis but a few miles to Gamewell, if you know the road."
+
+"But I do not know the road, and if I did I would not budge
+another foot.  'Tis wet without and dry within.  So open, without
+further parley!"
+
+"A murrain seize you for disturbing a holy man in his prayers!"
+muttered Tuck savagely.  Nathless, he was fain to unbar the door
+in order to keep it from being battered down.  Then lighting a
+torch at his fire and whistling for one of his dogs, he strode
+forth to see who his visitor might be.
+
+The figure of a tall knight clad in a black coat of mail, with
+plumed helmet, stood before him.  By his side stood his horse,
+also caparisoned in rich armor.
+
+"Have you no supper, brother?" asked the Black Knight curtly.  "I
+must beg of you a bed and a bit of roof, for this night, and fain
+would refresh my body ere I sleep."
+
+"I have no room that even your steed would deign to accept, Sir
+Knight; and naught save a crust of bread and pitcher of water."
+
+"I' faith, I can smell better fare than that, brother, and must
+e'en force my company upon you, though I shall recompense it for
+gold in the name of the church.  As for my horse, let him but be
+blanketed and put on the sheltered side of the house."
+
+And without further parley the knight boldly strode past Tuck and
+his dog and entered the hermitage.  Something about his masterful
+air pleased Tuck, in spite of his churlishness.
+
+"Sit you down, Sir Knight," quoth he, "and I will fasten up up
+your steed, and find him somewhat in the shape of grain.  Half,
+also, of my bed and board is yours, this night; but we shall see
+later who is the better man, and is to give the orders!"
+
+"With all my soul!" said the knight, laughing.  "I can pay my
+keeping in blows or gold as you prefer."
+
+The friar presently returned and drew up a small table near the
+fire.
+
+"Now, Sir Knight," quoth he, "put off your sword and helm and
+such other war-gear as it pleases you, and help me lay this
+table, for I am passing hungry."
+
+The knight did as he was told, and put aside the visor which had
+hid his face.  He was a bronzed and bearded man with blue eyes,
+and hair shot with gold, haughty but handsome withal.
+
+Then once again the priest sat him down to his pasty and mulled
+wine, right hopefully.  He spoke his grace with some haste, and
+was surprised to hear his guest respond fittingly in the Latin
+tongue.  Then they attacked the wine and pasty valiantly, and the
+Black Knight made good his word of being in need of refreshment. 
+Tuck looked ruefully at the rapidly disappearing food, but came
+to grudge it not, by reason of the stories with which his guest
+enlivened the meal.  The wine and warmth of the room had cheered
+them both, and they were soon laughing uproariously as the best
+of comrades in the world.  The Black Knight, it seemed, had
+traveled everywhere.  He had been on crusades, had fought the
+courteous Saladin, had been in prison, and often in peril.  But
+now he spoke of it lightly, and laughed it off, and made himself
+so friendly that Friar Tuck was like to choke with merriment.  So
+passed the time till late; and the two fell asleep together, one
+on each side of the table which had been cleared to the platters.
+
+In the morning Friar Tuck awoke disposed to be surly, but was
+speedily mollified by the sight of the Black Knight, who had
+already risen gay as a lark, washed his face and hands, and was
+now stirring a hot gruel over the fire.
+
+"By my faith, I make a sorry host!" cried Tuck springing to his
+feet.  And later as they sat at breakfast, he added, "I want not
+your gold, of which you spoke last night; but instead I will do
+what I can to speed you on your way whenever you wish to depart."
+
+"Then tell me," said the knight, "how I may find Robin Hood the
+outlaw; for I have a message to him from the King.  All day
+yesterday I sought him, but found him not."
+
+Friar Tuck lifted up his hands in holy horror.  "I am a lover of
+peace, Sir Knight, and do not consort with Robin's bold fellows."
+
+"Nay, I think no harm of Master Hood," said the knight; "but much
+I yearn to have speed with him in mine own person."
+
+"If that be all, mayhap I can guide you to his haunts," said
+Tuck, who foresaw in this knight a possible gold-bag for Robin. 
+"In sooth, I could not well live in these woods without hearing
+somewhat of the outlaws; but matters of religion are my chief joy
+and occupation."
+
+"I will go with you, brother," said the Black Knight.
+
+So without more ado they went their way into the forest, the
+knight riding upon his charger, and Tuck pacing along demurely by
+his side.
+
+The day had dawned clear and bright, and now with the sun a good
+three hours high a sweet autumn fragrance was in the air.  The
+wind had just that touch of coolness in it which sets the
+hunter's blood to tingling; and every creature of nature seemed
+bounding with joyous life.
+
+The knight sniffed the fresh air in delight.
+
+"By my halidom!" quoth he; "but the good greenwood is the best
+place to live in, after all!  What court or capital can equal
+this, for full-blooded men?"
+
+"None of this earth," replied Tuck smilingly.  And once more his
+heart warmed toward the courteous stranger.
+
+They had not proceeded more than three or four miles along the
+way from Fountain Abbey to Barnesdale, when of a sudden the
+bushes just ahead of them parted and a well-knit man with curling
+brown hair stepped into the road and laid his hand upon the
+knight's bridle.
+
+It was Robin Hood.  He had seen Friar Tuck, a little way back,
+and shrewdly suspected his plan.  Tuck, however, feigned not to
+know him at all.
+
+"Hold!" cried Robin; "I am in charge of the highway this day, and
+must exact an accounting from all passersby."
+
+"Who is it bids me hold?" asked the knight quietly.  "I am not i'
+the habit of yielding to one man."
+
+"Then here are others to keep me company," said Robin clapping
+his hands.  And instantly a half-score other stalwart fellows
+came out of the bushes and stood beside him.
+
+"We be yeomen of the forest, Sir Knight," continued Robin, "and
+live under the greenwood tree.  We have no means of
+support--thanks to the tyranny of our over-lords--other than the
+aid which fat churchmen and goodly knights like yourselves can
+give.  And as ye have churches and rents, both, and gold in great
+plenty, we beseech ye for Saint Charity to give us some of your
+spending."
+
+"I am but a poor monk, good sir!" said Friar Tuck in a whining
+voice, "and am on my way to the shrine of Saint Dunstan, if your
+worshipfulness will permit."
+
+"Tarry a space with us," answered Robin, biting back a smile,
+"and we will speed you on your way."
+
+The Black Knight now spoke again.  "But we are messengers of the
+King," quoth he; "His Majesty himself tarries near here and would
+have speech with Robin Hood."
+
+"God save the King!" said Robin, doffing his cap loyally; "and
+all that wish him well!  I am Robin Hood, but I say cursed be the
+man who denies our liege King's sovereignty!"
+
+"Have a care!" said the knight, "or you shall curse yourself!"
+
+"Nay, not so," replied Robin curtly; "the King has no more
+devoted subject than I.  Nor have I despoiled aught of his save,
+mayhap, a few deer for my hunger.  My chief war is against the
+clergy and barons of the land who bear down upon the poor.  But I
+am glad," he continued, "that I have met you here; and before we
+end you shall be my friend and taste of our greenwood cheer."
+
+"But what is the reckoning?" asked the knight.  "For I am told
+that some of your feasts are costly."
+
+"Nay," responded Robin waving his hands, "you are from the King.
+Nathless--how much money is in your purse?"
+
+"I have no more than forty gold pieces, seeing that I have lain a
+fortnight at Nottingham with the King, and have spent some goodly
+amounts upon other lordings," replied the knight.
+
+Robin took the forty pounds and gravely counted it.  One half he
+gave to his men and bade them drink the King's health with it. 
+The other half he handed back to the knight.
+
+"Sir," said he courteously, "have this for your spending.  If you
+lie with kings and lordings overmuch, you are like to need it."
+
+"Gramercy!" replied the other smiling.  "And now lead on to your
+greenwood hostelry."
+
+So Robin went on the one side of the knight's steed, and Friar
+Tuck on the other, and the men went before and behind till they
+came to the open glade before the caves of Barnesdale.  Then
+Robin drew forth his bugle and winded the three signal blasts of
+the band.  Soon there came a company of yeomen with its leader,
+and another, and a third, and a fourth, till there were
+sevenscore yeomen in sight.  All were dressed in new livery of
+Lincoln green, and carried new bows in their hands and bright
+short swords at their belts.  And every man bent his knee to
+Robin Hood ere taking his place before the board, which was
+already set.
+
+A handsome dark-haired page stood at Robin's right hand to pour
+his wine and that of the knightly guest; while the knight
+marveled much at all he saw, and said within himself:
+
+"These men of Robin Hood's give him more obedience than my
+fellows give to me."
+
+At the signal from Robin the dinner began.  There was venison and
+fowl and fish and wheaten cake and ale and red wine in great
+plenty, and 'twas a goodly sight to see the smiles upon the
+hungry yeomen's faces.
+
+First they listened to an unctuous grace from Friar Tuck, and
+then Robin lifted high a tankard of ale.
+
+"Come, let us now begin," quoth he, "and every man shall have his
+can.  In honor of our guest who comes with royal word, here's a
+health unto the King!"
+
+The guest responded heartily to this toast, and round about the
+board it went, the men cheering noisily for King Richard!
+
+After the feast was over, Robin turned to his guest and said,
+"Now you shall see what life we lead, so that you may report
+faithfully, for good or bad, unto the King."
+
+So at a signal from him, the men rose up and smartly bent their
+bows for practice, while the knight was greatly astonished at the
+smallness of the their targets.  A wand was set up, far down the
+glade, and thereon was balanced a garland of roses.  Whosoever
+failed to speed his shaft through the garland, without knocking
+it off the wand, was to submit to a buffet from the hand of Friar
+Tuck.
+
+"Ho, ho!" cried the knight, as his late traveling companion rose
+up and bared his brawny arm ready for service; "so you, my
+friend, are Friar Tuck!"
+
+"I have not gainsaid it," replied Tuck growling at having
+betrayed himself.  "But chastisement is a rule of the church, and
+I am seeking the good of these stray sheep."
+
+The knight said no more, though his eyes twinkled; and the
+shooting began.
+
+David of Doncaster shot first and landed safely through the rose
+garland. Then came Allan-a-Dale and Little John and Stutely and
+Scarlet and many of the rest, while the knight held his breath
+from very amazement.  Each fellow shot truly through the garland,
+until Middle the tinker--not to be outdone--stepped up for a
+trial.  But alas! while he made a fair shot for a townsman, the
+arrow never came within a hand-breath of the outer rim of the
+garland.
+
+"Come hither, fellow," said Little John coaxingly.  "The priest
+would bless thee with his open hand."
+
+Then because Middle made a wry face, as though he had already
+received the buffet, and loitered in his steps, Arthur-a-Bland
+and Will Stutely seized him by the arms and stood him before the
+friar.  Tuck's big arm flashed through the air--"whoof!" and
+stopped suddenly against the tinker's ear; while Middle himself
+went rolling over and over on the grass.  He was stopped by a
+small bush, and up he sat, thrusting his head through it, rubbing
+his ear and blinking up at the sky as though the stars had fallen
+and struck him.  The yeomen roared with merriment, and as for the
+knight, he laughed till the tears came out of his blue eyes and
+rolled down his face.
+
+After Middle's mishap, others of the band seemed to lose their
+balance, and fared in the same fashion.  The garland would topple
+over in a most impish way at every breath, although the arrows
+went through it.  So Middle 'gan to feel better when he saw this
+one and that one tumbling on the sward.
+
+At last came Robin's turn.  He shot carefully, but as ill luck
+would have it the shaft was ill-feathered and swerved sidewise so
+that it missed the garland by full three fingers.  Then a great
+roar went up from the whole company; for 'twas rare that they saw
+their leader miss his mark.  Robin flung his bow upon the ground
+from very vexation.
+
+"A murrain take it!" quoth he.  "The arrow was sadly winged.  I
+felt the poor feather upon it as it left my fingers!"
+
+Then suddenly seizing his bow again, he sped three shafts as fast
+as he could sent them, and every one went clean through the
+garland.
+
+"By Saint George!" muttered the knight.  "Never before saw I such
+shooting in all Christendom!"
+
+The band cheered heartily at these last shots; but Will Scarlet
+came up gravely to Robin.
+
+"Pretty shooting, master!" quoth he, "but 'twill not save you
+from paying for the bad arrow.  So walk up and take your
+medicine!"
+
+"Nay, that may not be!" protested Robin.  "The good friar belongs
+to my company and has no authority to lift hands against me.  But
+you, Sir Knight, stand as it were for the King.  I pray you,
+serve out my blow."
+
+"Not so!" said Friar Tuck.  "My son, you forget I stand for the
+church, which is greater even than the King."
+
+"Not in merry England," said the knight in a deep voice.  Then
+rising to his feet, he added, "I stand ready to serve you, Master
+Hood."
+
+"Now out upon ye for an upstart knight!" cried Friar Tuck.  "I
+told you last night, sirrah, that we should yet see who was the
+better man!  So we will e'en prove it now, and thus settle who is
+to pay Robin Hood."
+
+"Good!" said Robin, "for I want not to start a dispute between
+church and state."
+
+"Good!" also said the knight.  "'Tis an easy way to end
+prattling.  Come, friar, strike and ye dare.  I will give you
+first blow."
+
+"You have the advantage of an iron pot on your head and gloves on
+your hands," said the friar; "but have at ye!  Down you shall go,
+if you were Goliath of Gath."
+
+Once more the priest's brawny arm flashed through the air, and
+struck with a "whoof!"  But to the amazement of all, the knight
+did not budge from his tracks, though the upper half of his body
+swerved slightly to ease the force of the blow.  A loud shout
+burst from the yeomen at this, for the friar's fist was
+proverbial, and few of those present had not felt the force of it
+in times past.
+
+"Now 'tis my turn," said his antagonist coolly, casting aside his
+gauntlet.  And with one blow of his fist the knight sent the
+friar spinning to the ground.
+
+If there had been uproar and shouting before, it was as naught to
+the noise which now broke forth.  Every fellow held his sides or
+rolled upon the ground from laughter; every fellow, save one, and
+that was Robin Hood.
+
+"Out of the frying-pan into the fire!" thought he.  "I wish I had
+let the friar box my ears, after all!"
+
+Robin's plight did, indeed, seem a sorry one, before the steel
+muscles of his stranger.  But he was saved from a tumble heels
+over head by an unlooked-for diversion.  A horn winded in the
+glade, and a party of knights were seen approaching.
+
+"To your arms!" cried Robin, hurriedly seizing his sword and bow.
+
+"'Tis Sir Richard of the Lea!" cried another, as the troop came
+nearer.
+
+And so it was.  Sir Richard spurred forward his horse and dashed
+up to the camp while the outlaws stood at stiff attention.  When
+he had come near the spot where the Black Knight stood, he
+dismounted and knelt before him.
+
+"I trust Your Majesty has not needed our arms before," he said
+humbly.
+
+"It is the King!" cried Will Scarlet, falling upon his knees.
+
+"The King!" echoed Robin Hood after a moment of dumb wonderment;
+and he and all his men bent reverently upon their knees, as one
+man.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN WERE WED
+
+"Stand up again," then said the King,
+"I'll thee thy pardon give;
+Stand up, my friend,who can contend,
+When I give leave to live?"
+
+Then Robin Hood began a health
+To Marian, his only dear,
+And his yeomen all, both comely and tall,
+Did quickly bring up the rear.
+
+
+"Your pardon, sire!" exclaimed Robin Hood.  "Pardon, from your
+royal bounty, for these my men who stand ready to serve you all
+your days!"
+
+Richard of the Lion Heart looked grimly about over the kneeling
+band.
+
+"Is it as your leader says?" he asked.
+
+"Aye, my lord King!" burst from sevenscore throats at once.
+
+"We be not outlaws from choice alone," continued Robin; "but have
+been driven to outlawry through oppression.  Grant us grace and
+royal protection, and we will forsake the greenwood and follow
+the King."
+
+Richard's eyes sparkled as he looked from one to another of this
+stalwart band, and he thought within himself that here, indeed,
+was a royal bodyguard worth the while.
+
+"Swear!" he said in his full rich voice; "swear that you, Robin
+Hood, and all your men from this day henceforth will serve the
+King!"
+
+"We swear!" came once more the answering shout from the yeomen.
+
+"Arise, then," said King Richard.  "I give you all free pardon,
+and will speedily put your service to the test.  For I love such
+archers as you have shown yourselves to be, and it were a sad
+pity to decree such men to death. England could not produce the
+like again, for many a day.  But, in sooth, I cannot allow you to
+roam in the forest and shoot my deer; nor to take the law of the
+land into your own hands.  Therefore, I now appoint you to be
+Royal Archers and mine own especial body-guard.  There be one or
+two civil matters to settle with certain Norman noblemen, in
+which I crave your aid.  Thereafter, the half of your number, as
+may later be determined, shall come back to these woodlands as
+Royal Foresters.  Mayhap you will show as much zeal in protecting
+my preserves as you have formerly shown in hunting them.  Where,
+now, is that outlaw known as Little John?  Stand forth!"
+
+"Here, sire," quoth the giant, doffing his cap.
+
+"Good master Little John," said the King, looking him over
+approvingly. "Could your weak sinews stand the strain of an
+office in the shire?  If so, you are this day Sheriff of
+Nottingham; and I trust you will make a better official than the
+man you relieve."
+
+"I shall do my best, sire," said Little John, great astonishment
+and gladness in his heart.
+
+"Master Scarlet, stand forth," said the King; and then addressing
+him: "I have heard somewhat of your tale," quoth he, "and that
+your father was the friend of my father.  Now, therefore, accept
+the royal pardon and resume the care of your family estates; for
+your father must be growing old.  And come you to London next
+Court day and we shall see if there be a knighthood vacant."
+
+Likewise the King called for Will Stutely and made him Chief of
+the Royal Archers.  Then he summoned Friar Tuck to draw near.
+
+"I crave my King's pardon," said the priest, humbly enough; "for
+who am I to lift my hand against the Lord's anointed?"
+
+"Nay, the Lord sent the smiter to thee without delay," returned
+Richard smiling; "and 'tis not for me to continue a quarrel
+between church and state. So what can I do for you in payment of
+last night's hospitality?  Can I find some fat living where there
+are no wicked to chastise, and where the work is easy and
+comfortable?"
+
+"Not so, my lord," replied Tuck.  "I wish only for peace in this
+life.  Mine is a simple nature and I care not for the fripperies
+and follies of court life.  Give me a good meal and a cup of
+right brew, health, and enough for the day, and I ask no more."
+
+Richard sighed.  "You ask the greatest thing in the world,
+brother--contentment.  It is not mine to give or to deny.  But
+ask your God for it, an if belike he grant it, then ask it also
+in behalf of your King."  He glanced around once more at the
+foresters.  "Which one of you is Allan-a-Dale?" he asked; and
+Allan came forward.  "So," said the King with sober face, "you
+are that errant minstrel who stole a bride at Plympton, despite
+her would-be groom and attending Bishop.  I heard something of
+this in former days.  Now what excuse have you to make?"
+
+"Only that I loved her, sire, and she loved me," said Allan,
+simply; "and the Norman lord would have married her perforce,
+because of her lands."
+
+"Which have since been forfeited by the Bishop of Hereford,"
+added Richard.  "But my lord Bishop must disgorge them; and from
+tomorrow you and Mistress Dale are to return to them and live in
+peace and loyalty.  And if ever I need your harp at Court, stand
+ready to attend me, and bring also the lady.  Speaking of
+ladies," he continued, turning to Robin Hood, who had stood
+silent, wondering if a special punishment was being reserved for
+him, "did you not have a sweetheart who was once at Court--one,
+Mistress Marian?  What has become of her, that you should have
+forgotten her?"
+
+"Nay, Your Majesty," said the black-eyed page coming forward
+blushingly; "Robin has not forgotten me!"
+
+"So!" said the King, bending to kiss her small hand in all
+gallantry.  "Verily, as I have already thought within myself,
+this Master Hood is better served than the King in his palace! 
+But are you not the only child of the late Earl of Huntingdon?"
+
+"I am, sire, though there be some who say that Robin Hood's
+father was formerly the rightful Earl of Huntingdon.  Nathless,
+neither he is advantaged nor I, for the estates are confiscate."
+
+"Then they shall be restored forthwith!" cried the King; "and
+lest you two should revive the ancient quarrel over them, I
+bestow them upon you jointly.  Come forward, Robin Hood."
+
+Robin came and knelt before his king.  Richard drew his sword and
+touched him upon the shoulder.
+
+"Rise, Robin Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon!" he exclaimed, while a
+mighty cheer arose from the band and rent the air of the forest. 
+"The first command I give you, my lord Earl," continued the King
+when quiet was restored, "is to marry Mistress Marian without
+delay."
+
+"May I obey all Your Majesty's commands as willingly!" cried the
+new Earl of Huntingdon, drawing the old Earl's daughter close to
+him.  "The ceremony shall take place to-morrow, an this maid is
+willing."
+
+"She makes little protest," said the King; "so I shall e'en give
+away the bride myself!"
+
+Then the King chatted with others of the foresters, and made
+himself as one of them for the evening, rejoicing that he could
+have this careless freedom of the woods.  And Much, the miller's
+son, and Arthur-a-Bland, and Middle, and Stutely and Scarlet and
+Little John and others played at the quarter-staff, giving and
+getting many lusty blows.  Then as the shades of night drew on,
+the whole company--knights and foresters--supped and drank around
+a blazing fire, while Allen sang sweetly to the thrumming of the
+harp, and the others joined in the chorus.
+
+'Twas a happy, care-free night--this last one together under the
+greenwood tree.  Robin could not help feeling an undertone of
+sadness that it was to be the last; for the charm of the woodland
+was still upon him.  But he knew 'twas better so, and that the
+new life with Marian and in the service of his King would bring
+its own joys.
+
+Then the night deepened, the fire sank, but was replenished and
+the company lay down to rest.  The King, at his own request,
+spent the night in the open.  Thus they slept--King and subject
+alike--out under the stars, cared for lovingly by Nature, kind
+mother of us all.
+
+In the morning the company was early astir and on their way to
+Nottingham.  It was a goodly cavalcade.  First rode King Richard
+of the Lion Heart, with his tall figure set forth by the black
+armor and waving plume in his helm.  Then came Sir Richard of the
+Lea with fourscore knights and men-at-arms.  And after them came
+Robin Hood and Maid Marian riding upon milk-white steeds. 
+Allan-a-Dale also escorted Mistress Dale on horseback, for she
+was to be matron-of-honor at the wedding.  These were followed by
+sevenscore archers clad in their bravest Lincoln green, and with
+their new bows unstrung in token of peace.
+
+Outside the gates of Nottingham town they were halted.
+
+"Who comes here?" asked the warder's surly voice.
+
+"Open to the King of England!" came back the clear answer, and
+the gates were opened and the bridge let down without delay.
+
+Almost before the company had crossed the moat the news spread
+through the town like wildfire.
+
+"The King is here!  The King is here, and hath taken Robin Hood!"
+
+From every corner flocked the people to see the company pass; and
+wildly did they cheer for the King, who rode smilingly with bared
+head down through the market-place.
+
+At the far end of it, he was met by the Sheriff who came up
+puffing in his haste to do the King honor.  He fairly turned
+green with rage when he saw Sir Richard of the Lea and Robin Hood
+in the royal company, but made low obeisance to his master.
+
+"Sir Sheriff," quoth the King, "I have come to rid the shire of
+outlaws, according to my promise.  There be none left, for all
+have now taken service with their King.  And lest there should be
+further outbreak, I have determined to place in charge of this
+shire a man who fears no other man in it.  Master Little John is
+hereby created Sheriff of Nottingham, and you will turn over the
+keys to him forthwith."
+
+The Sheriff bowed, but dared utter no word.  Then the King turned
+to the Bishop of Hereford, who had also come up to pay his
+respects.
+
+"Harkee, my lord Bishop," quoth he, "the stench of your evil
+actions had reached our nostrils.  We shall demand strict
+accounting for certain seizures of the lands and certain acts of
+oppression which ill become a churchman.  But of this later. 
+This afternoon you must officiate at the wedding of two of our
+company, in Nottingham Church.  So make you ready."
+
+The Bishop also bowed and departed, glad to escape a severer
+censure for the time.
+
+The company then rode on to the Mansion House, where the King
+held high levee through all the noon hours, and the whole town
+made a holiday.
+
+In the afternoon the way from the Mansion House to Nottingham
+Church was lined with cheering people, as the wedding party
+passed by.  The famous bowmen were gazed at as curiously as
+though they had been wild animals, but were cheered none the
+less.  Robin who had long been held in secret liking was now
+doubly popular since he had the King's favor.
+
+Along the way ahead of the King and the smiling bride and groom
+to be ran little maids strewing flowers; while streamers floated
+in greeting from the windows.  I ween, the only hearts that were
+not glad this day were those of the old Sheriff, and of his proud
+daughter, who peered between the shutters of her window and was
+like to eat out her heart from envy and hatred.
+
+At last the party reached the church, where the King dismounted
+lightly from his horse and helped the bride to alight; while Will
+Scarlet, the best man, assisted Mistress Dale.  Within the church
+they found the Bishop robed in state, and by his side Friar Tuck
+who had been especially deputed to assist.
+
+The service was said in Latin, while the organ pealed forth
+softly.  The King gave away the bride, as he had said, and
+afterwards claimed first kiss for his pains.  Then the happy
+party dispersed, and Robin and Marian passed out again through
+the portal, man and wife.
+
+Out through the cheering streets they fared, while the greenwood
+men ran ahead and flung gold pennies right and left in their joy,
+and bade the people drink the health of the young couple and the
+King.  Then the whole party took horse at Will Scarlet's earnest
+wish, and went down to Gamewell Lodge, where the old Squire
+George wept for joy at seeing his son and the King and the
+wedding--party.  That night they spent there, and feasted, and
+the next day, Sir Richard of the Lea claimed them.
+
+And thus, amid feasting and rejoicing and kingly favor, Robin
+Hood, the new Earl of Huntingdon, and his bride began their
+wedded life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+HOW ROBIN HOOD MET HIS DEATH
+
+"Give me my bent bow in my hand,
+And a broad arrow I'll let flee;
+And where this arrow is taken up,
+There shall my grave digg'd be."
+
+
+Now by good rights this story should end with the wedding of
+Robin Hood and Maid Marian; for do not many pleasant tales end
+with a wedding and the saying, "and they lived happy ever after"?
+
+But this is a true account--in so far as we can find the quaint
+old ballads which tell of it--and so we must follow one more of
+these songs and learn how Robin, after living many years longer,
+at last came to seek his grave.  And the story of it runs in this
+wise.
+
+Robin Hood and his men, now the Royal Archers, went with King
+Richard of the Lion Heart through England settling certain
+private disputes which had arisen among the Norman barons while
+the King was gone to the Holy Land. Then the King proceeded amid
+great pomp and rejoicing to the palace at London, and Robin, the
+new Earl of Huntingdon, brought his Countess thither, where she
+became one of the finest ladies of the Court.
+
+The Royal Archers were now divided into two bands, and one-half
+of them were retained in London, while the other half returned to
+Sherwood and Barnesdale, there to guard the King's preserves.
+
+Several months passed by, and Robin began to chafe under the
+restraint of city life.  He longed for the fresh pure air of the
+greenwood, and the rollicking society of his yeomen.  One day,
+upon seeing some lads at archery practice upon a green, he could
+not help but lament, saying, "Woe is me!  I fear my hand is fast
+losing its old time cunning at the bow-string!"
+
+Finally he became so distraught that he asked leave to travel in
+foreign lands, and this was granted him.  He took Maid Marian
+with him, and together they went through many strange countries. 
+Finally in an Eastern land a great grief came upon Robin.  Marian
+sickened of a plague and died.  They had been married but five
+years, and Robin felt as though all the light had gone out of his
+life.
+
+He wandered about the world for a few months longer, trying to
+forget his grief, then came back to the court, at London, and
+sought some commission in active service.  But unluckily, Richard
+was gone again upon his adventures, and Prince John, who acted as
+Regent, had never been fond of Robin.  He received him with a
+sarcastic smile.
+
+"Go forth into the greenwood," said he, coldly, "and kill some
+more of the King's deer.  Belike, then, the King will make you
+Prime Minister, at the very least, upon his return."
+
+The taunt fired Robin's blood.  He had been in a morose mood,
+ever since his dear wife's death.  He answered Prince John hotly,
+and the Prince bade his guards seize him and cast him into the
+Tower.
+
+After lying there for a few weeks, he was released by the
+faithful Stutely and the remnant of the Royal Archers, and all
+together they fled the city and made their way to the greenwood. 
+There Robin blew the old familiar call, which all had known and
+loved so well.  Up came running the remainder of the band, who
+had been Royal Foresters, and when they saw their old master they
+embraced his knees and kissed his hands, and fairly cried for joy
+that he had come again to them.  And one and all forswore fealty
+to Prince John, and lived quietly with Robin in the greenwood,
+doing harm to none and only awaiting the time when King Richard
+should come again.
+
+But King Richard came not again, and would never need his Royal
+Guard more.  Tidings presently reached them, of how he had met
+his death in a foreign land, and how John reigned as King in his
+stead.  The proof of these events followed soon after, when there
+came striding through the glade the big, familiar form of Little
+John.
+
+"Art come to arrest us?" called out Robin, as he ran forward and
+embraced his old comrade.
+
+"Nay, I am not come as the Sheriff of Nottingham, thanks be,"
+answered Little John.  "The new King has deposed me, and 'tis
+greatly to my liking, for I have long desired to join you here
+again in the greenwood."
+
+Then were the rest of the band right glad at this news, and
+toasted Little John royally.
+
+The new King waged fierce war upon the outlaws, soon after this,
+and sent so many scouting parties into Sherwood and Barnesdale
+that Robin and his men left these woods for a time and went into
+Derbyshire, near Haddon Hall.  A curious pile of stone is shown
+to this day as the ruins of Robin's Castle, where the bold outlaw
+is believed to have defied his enemies for a year or more.  At
+any rate King John found so many troubles of his own, after a
+time, that he ceased troubling the outlaws.
+
+But in one of the last sorties Robin was wounded.  The cut did
+not seem serious, and healed over the top; but it left a lurking
+fever.  Daily his strength ebbed away from him, until he was in
+sore distress.
+
+One day as he rode along on horseback, near Kirklees Abbey, he
+was seized with so violent a rush of blood to the head that he
+reeled and came near falling from his saddle.  He dismounted
+weakly and knocked at the Abbey gate.  A woman shrouded in black
+peered forth.
+
+"Who are you that knock here?  For we allow no man within these
+walls," she said.
+
+"Open, for the love of Heaven!" he begged.  "I am Robin Hood, ill
+of a fever and in sore straits."
+
+At the name of Robin Hood the woman started back, and then, as
+though bethinking herself, unbarred the door and admitted him. 
+Assisting his fainting frame up a flight of stairs and into a
+front room, she loosed his collar and bathed his face until he
+was revived.  Then she spoke hurriedly in a low voice:
+
+"Your fever will sink, if you are bled.  See, I have provided a
+lancet and will open your veins, while you lie quiet."
+
+So she bled him, and he fell into a stupor which lasted nearly
+all that day, so that he awoke weak and exhausted from loss of
+blood.
+
+Now there is a dispute as to this abbess who bled him.  Some say
+that she did it in all kindness of heart; while others aver that
+she was none other than the former Sheriff's daughter, and found
+her revenge at last in this cruel deed.
+
+Be that as it may, Robin's eyes swam from very weakness when he
+awoke.
+
+He called wearily for help, but there was no response.  He looked
+longingly through the window at the green of the forest; but he
+was too weak to make the leap that would be needed to reach the
+ground.
+
+He then bethought him of his horn,
+Which hung down at his knee;
+He set his horn unto his mouth,
+And blew out weak blasts three.
+
+Little John was out in the forest near by, or the blasts would
+never have been heard.  At their sound he sprang to his feet.
+
+"Woe! woe!" he cried, "I fear my master is near dead, he blows so
+wearily!"
+
+So he made haste and came running up to the door of the abbey,
+and knocked loudly for admittance.  Failing to get reply, he
+burst in the door with frenzied blows of his mighty fist, and
+soon came running up to the room where Robin lay, white and
+faint. "Alas, dear master!" cried Little John in great distress;
+"I fear you have met with treachery!  If that be so, grant me one
+last boon, I pray."
+
+"What is it?" asked Robin.
+
+"Let me burn Kirklees-Hall with fire, and all its nunnery."
+
+"Nay, good comrade," answered Robin Hood gently, "I cannot grant
+such a boon.  The dear Christ bade us forgive all our enemies. 
+Moreover, you know I never hurt woman in all my life; nor man
+when in woman's company."
+
+He closed his eyes and fell back, so that his friend thought him
+dying.  The great tears fell from the giant's eyes and wet his
+master's hand.  Robin slowly rallied and seized his comrade's
+outstretched arm.
+
+"Lift me up, good Little John," he said brokenly, "I want to
+smell the air from the good greenwood once again.  Give me my
+good yew bow--here--here-and fix a broad arrow upon the string. 
+Out yonder--among the oaks--where this arrow shall fall--let
+them dig my grave."
+
+And with one last mighty effort he sped his shaft out of the open
+window, straight and true, as in the days of old, till it struck
+the largest oak of them all and dropped in the shadow of the
+trees.  Then he fell back upon the sobbing breast of his devoted
+friend.
+
+"'Tis the last!" he murmured, "tell the brave hearts to lay me
+there with the green sod under my head and feet.  And--let them
+lay--my bent bow at my side, for it has made sweet music in mine
+ears."
+
+He rested a moment, and Little John scarce knew that he was
+alive.  But on a sudden Robin's eye brightened, and he seemed to
+think himself back once more with the band in the open forest
+glade.  He struggled to rise.
+
+"Ha!  'tis a fine stag, Will!  And Allan, thou never didst thrum
+the harp more sweetly.  How the light blazes!  And Marian!--'tis
+my Marian--come at last!"
+
+So died the body of Robin Hood; but his spirit lives on through
+the centuries in the deathless ballads which are sung of him, and
+in the hearts of men who love freedom and chivalry.
+
+They buried him where his last arrow had fallen, and they set a
+stone to mark the spot.  And on the stone were graven these
+words:
+
+"Here underneath his little stone
+Lies Robert, Earl of Huntingdon;
+Never archer as he so good,
+And people called him Robin Hood.
+Such outlaws as he and his men
+Will England never see again."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Robin Hood by J. Walker McSpadden
+
diff --git a/old/1rbnh10.zip b/old/1rbnh10.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..409bfc9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/1rbnh10.zip