ROBIN HOOD

ILLUSTRATED BY N. C. WYETH

[Illustration]

DAVID MCKAY, PUBLISHER

PHILADELPHIA MCMXVII

ILLUSTRATIONS

 Facing Page

 ROBIN AND HIS MOTHER GO TO NOTTINGHAM FAIR 18 The road wound in and about the forest, and at noon they came to a part where the trees nigh shut out the sky

 ROBIN WRESTLES WILL STUTELEY AT GAMEWELL 53 "Catch him by the middle, " he shouted. "Now you have him, lording, fairly. Throw him prettily!" And sure enough Stuteley came down

 ROBIN MEETS MAID MARIAN 116 But Robin, venturing all, drew nigh. He came to the edge of her box, and began to speak

 ROBIN HOOD AND HIS COMPANIONS LEND AID TO WILL O' TH' GREEN FROM AMBUSH 156 Their arrows flew together, marvellous shots, each finding its prey

 LITTLE JOHN FIGHTS WITH THE COOK IN THE SHERIFF'S HOUSE 197 At last he made a dart upon Roger and the chase grew furious. Dishes, plates, covers, pots and pans--all that came in the way of them went flying

 ROBIN HOOD DEFEATS NAT OF NOTTINGHAM AT QUARTER-STAFF 257 The beggar dealt his foe a back-thrust so neatly, so heartily, and so swiftly that Nat was swept off the stage into the crowd as a fly off a table

 LITTLE JOHN SINGS A SONG AT THE BANQUET 327 That evening, whilst Monceux raged and stormed without, they all sat to a great feast

 THE PASSING OF ROBIN HOOD 361 Leaning heavily against Little John's sobbing breast, Robin Hood flew his last arrow out through the window, far away into the deep green of trees

ROBIN HOOD AND HIS ADVENTURES

CHAPTER I

"Well, Robin, on what folly do you employ yourself? Do you cut sticksfor our fire o' mornings?" Thus spoke Master Hugh Fitzooth, King'sRanger of the Forest at Locksley, as he entered his house. 

Robin flushed a little. "These are arrows, sir, " he announced, holdingone up for inspection. 

Dame Fitzooth smiled upon the boy as she rose to meet her lord. "Whatfortune do you bring us to-day, father?" asked she, cheerily. 

Fitzooth's face was a mask of discontent. "I bring myself, dame, "answered he, "neither more nor less. "

"Surely that is enough for Robin and me!" laughed his wife. "Come, castoff your shoes, and give me your bow and quiver. I have news for you, Hugh, even if you have none for us. George of Gamewell has sent hismessenger to-day, and bids me bring Robin to him for the Fair. " Shehesitated to give the whole truth. 

"That cannot be, " began the Ranger, hastily; then checked himself. "Whatwind is it that blows our Squire's friendship toward me, I wonder?" hewent on. "Do we owe him toll?"

"You are not fair to George Montfichet, Hugh--he is an open, honestman, and he is my brother. " The dame spoke with spirit, being vexed thather husband should thus slight her item of news. "That Montfichet is ofNorman blood is sufficient to turn your thoughts of him as sour as oldmilk----"

"I am as good as all the Montfichets and De Veres hereabout, dame, forall I am but plain Saxon, " returned Fitzooth, crossly, "and the day maycome when they shall know it. Athelstane the Saxon might make full asgood a King, when Henry dies, as Richard of Acquitaine, with hisharebrained notions and runagate religion. There would be bobbing ofheads and curtseying to us then, if you like. Squire George of Gamewellwould be sending messengers for me cap in hand--doubt it not. "

"For that matter, there is ready welcome for you now at my brother'shouse, " said Mistress Fitzooth, repenting of her sharpness at once. "Montfichet bade us _all_ to Gamewell; but here is his scroll, and youmay read it for yourself. " She took a scroll from her bosom as she spokeand offered it to her husband. 

He returned to the open door that he might read it. His brow puckereditself as he strove to decipher the flourished Norman writing. "I haveno leisure now for this screed, mother; read it to me later, an youwill. "

His tone was kinder again, for he saw how Robin had been busying himselfin these last few moments. "Let us sup, mother. I dare swear we all arehungry after the heat of the day. "

"I have made and tipped a full score of arrows, sir; will you see them?"asked Robin. 

"That will I, so soon as I have found the bottom of this pasty. Sityourselves, mother and Robin, and we'll chatter afterwards. "

Robin helped his mother to kindle the flax whereby the dim andflickering tapers might be lighted. His fingers were more deft at thisbusiness, it would seem, than in the making of arrows. Fitzooth, in theintervals of his eating, took up Robin's arrows one by one and had someshrewd gibe ready for most of them. Of the score only five were allowedto pass; the rest were tossed contemptuously into the black hearth on tothe little heap of smouldering fire. 

"By my heart, Robin, but I shall never make a proper bowman of you! Wereever such shafts fashioned to fit across cord and yew!"

"The arrows are pretty enough, Hugh, " interposed the dame. 

"There 'tis!" cried Fitzooth, triumphantly. "The true bowman's handshoweth not in the _prettiness_ of an arrow, mother, but in thestraightness and hardness of the wand. Our Robin can fly a shaft rightwell, I grant you, and I have no question for his skill, but he cannotyet make me an arrow such as I love. "

"Well, I do think them right handsomely done, " said Mistress Fitzooth, unconvinced. "It is not given to everyone to make such arrows as youcan, husband; but my Robin has other accomplishments. He can play uponthe harp sweetly, and sing you a good song----"

Fitzooth must still grumble, however. "I would rather your fingersshould bend the bow than pluck at harp-strings, Robin, " growled he. "Still, there is time for all things. Read me now our brother'smessage. "

Robin, eager to atone for the faults of his arrows, stretched out thepaper upon the table, and read aloud the following:--

 "From George à Court Montfichet, of the Hall at Gamewell, near Nottingham, Squire of the Hundreds of Sandwell and Sherwood, giving greetings and praying God's blessing on his sister Eleanor and on her husband, Master Hugh Fitzooth, Ranger of the King's Forest at Locksley. Happiness be with you all. I do make you this screed in the desire that you will both of you ride to me at Gamewell, in the light of to-morrow, the fifth day of June, bringing with you our young kinsman Robin. There is a Fair toward at Nottingham for three days of this week, and we are to expect great and astonishing marvels to be performed at it. 

 "Wherefore, seeing that it will doubtless give him satisfaction and some knowledge (for who can witness wonders without being the wiser for them?), fail not to present yourselves as I honestly wish. I also ask that Robin shall stay with me for the space of one year at least, having no son _now_ and being a lonely man. Him will I treat as my own child in all ways, and return him to you in the June of next year. 

 "This I send by the hand of Warrenton, my man-at-arms, who shall bear me your reply. 

 "Given under our hand at Gamewell, the 4th day of June, in the year of grace one thousand one hundred and eighty-eight. 

 "(Signed) MONTFICHET. "

Robin's clear voice ceased, and silence fell upon them all. Fitzoothguessed that both his son and wife waited anxiously for his decision;yet he had so great a pride that he could not at once agree to thecourteous invitation. 

For himself he had no doubt. Nothing would move Fitzooth to mix with thefine folk of Nottingham whilst his claims to the acres of Broadweald, inLancashire, went unrecognized. It was an old story, and although, byvirtue of his office as Ranger at Locksley, Hugh Fitzooth might veryproperly claim an honorable position in the county, he swore not toavail himself of it unless he could have a better one. The bar sinisterstayed him from Broadweald, so the judges had said, and haughty Fitzoothhad perforce to bear with their finding. The king had been muchinterested in the suit, the estate being a large one, situated in theCounty Palatine of England, and the matter had caused some stir in theCourt. When Fitzooth had failed, Henry, anxious to find favor with hisSaxon subjects, had bestowed on him the keeping of a part of the forestof Sherwood, in Nottingham. 

So Fitzooth, plain "master" now for good and aye, had come to Locksley, a little village at the further side of the forest, and had taken up theeasy duties allotted to him. Here he had nursed his pride in lonelinessfor some years; then had met one day Eleanor Montfichet a-hunting in thewoods. He had unbent to her, and she gave him her simple, true heart. 

Strange pair, thrown together by Fate, in sooth; yet no man could saythat this was an unhappy union. Within a year came black-eyed Robin tothem, and they worshipped their child. But as time passed, and Hugh'sclaims were again put aside, his nature began to go sour once more. Nowthey were lonely, unfriendly folk, with no society other than that ofthe worthy Clerk of Copmanhurst--a hermit too. He had taught Robin hisLatin grace, and had given him a fair knowledge of Norman, Saxon, andthe middle tongues. 

"Say that we all may go to-morrow, father, " cried Robin, breaking thesilence. "I have never seen Nottingham Fair, sir, and you have promisedto take me often. "

"I cannot leave this place; for there is my work, and robbers are to befound even here. I have to post my foresters each day in their tasks, and see that the deer be not killed and stolen. "

He paused, and then, noting the disappointment in his son's face, relented. "Yet, since there is the Fair, and I have promised it, Robin, you shall go with your mother to Gamewell, if so be the Friar ofCopmanhurst can go also. So get ready your clothes, for I know that youwould wish to be at your best in our brother's hall. I will speed youto-morrow so far as Copmanhurst, and will send two hinds to serve you toNottingham gates. "

"Warrenton, my brother's man, spoke grievously of the outlaw bands nearGamewell, and told how he had to journey warily, " So spoke MistressFitzooth, trying yet to bring her husband to say that he too would go. 

"The Sheriff administers his portion of the forest very abominablythen, " returned Fitzooth. "We have no fears and whinings here; but I donot doubt that Warrenton chattered with a view to test our courage, orperchance to make more certain of my refusal. "

"But we _are_ to go, are we not, sir?" Robin was anxious again, for hisfather's tone had already changed. 

"I have said it; and there it ends, " said Fitzooth, shortly. "If theclerk will make the journey you shall make it too. Further, an theSquire will have you, you shall stay at Gamewell and learn the tricksand prettinesses of Court and town. But look to your bow for use inlife, and to your own hands and eyes for help. Kiss me, Robin, and getto bed. Learn all you can; and if Warrenton can show you how to fashionarrows within the year I'll ask no more of brother George ofGamewell. "

"You shall be proud of me, sir; I swear it. But I will not stay longerthan a month; for I am to watch over my mother's garden. "

"Never will shafts such as yours find quarry, Robin. I think that theywould sooner kill the archer than the birds. There, mind not my jesting. Men shall talk of you; and I may live to hear them. Be just always; andbe honest. "

 * * * * *

The day broke clear and sweet. From Locksley to the borders of SherwoodForest was but a stone's cast. 

Robin was in high glee, and had been awake long ere daylight. He haddressed himself in his best doublet, green trunk hose, and pointedshoes, and had strung and unstrung his bow full a score of times. Asumpter mule had been saddled to carry the baggage, for the dame had, atthe last moment, discovered a wondrous assortment of fineries andfripperies that most perforce be translated to Gamewell. 

Robin was carolling like any bird. 

"Are you glad to be leaving Locksley, my son?" asked Hugh Fitzooth. 

"Ay, rarely!"

"'Tis a dull place, no doubt. And glad to be leaving home too?"

"No, sir; only happy at the thought of the Fair. Doubt it not that Ishall be returned to you long ere a month is gone. "

"A year, Robin, a year! Twelve changing months ere you will see meagain. I have given my word now. Keep me a place in your heart, Robin. "

"You have it all now, sir, be sure, and I am not really so glad withinas I seem without. "

"Tut, I am not chiding you. Get you upon your jennet, dame; and, Robin, do you show the way. Roderick and the other shall lead the baggage mule. Have you pikes with you, men, and full sheaths?"

"I have brought me a dagger, father, " cried Robin, joyfully. 

So, bravely they set forth from their quiet house at Locksley, and camewithin the hour to Copmanhurst. Here only were the ruins of the chapeland the clerk's hermitage, a rude stone building of two small rooms. 

Enclosed with high oaken stakes and well guarded by two gaunt hounds wasthe humble abode of the anchorite. 

The clerk came to the verge of his enclosure to greet them, and stoodpeering above the palisade. "Give you good morrow, father, " cried Robin;"get your steed and tie up the dogs. We go to Nottingham this day andyou are to come with us!"

The monk shook his head. "I may not leave this spot, child, for mattersof vanity, " he answered, in would-be solemn tones. 

"Will you not ride with the dame and my son, father?" asked Fitzooth. "George of Gamewell has sent in for Robin, and I wish that you shouldjourney with him, giving him such sage counsel as may fit him for ayear's service in the great and worshipful company that he now maymeet. "

"Come with us to-day, father, " urged Mistress Fitzooth also. "I havebrought a veal pasty and some bread, so that we may not be hungry on theroad. Also, there is a flask of wine. "

"Nay, daughter, I have no thought for the carnal things of life. I willgo with you, since the Ranger of Locksley orders it. It is my place toobey him whom the King has put in charge of our greenwood. Bide herewhilst I make brief preparation. "

His eyes had twinkled, though, when the dame had spoken; and one couldsee that 'twas not on roots and fresh water alone that the clerk hadthrived. Full and round were the lines of him under his monkly gown; andhis face was red as any harvest moon. 

Hugh bade farewell briefly to them, while the clerk was tying up hishounds and chattering with them. 

When the clerk was ready Fitzooth kissed his dame and bade her be firmwith their son; then, embracing Robin, ordered him to protect his motherfrom all mischance. Also he was to bear himself honorably and quietly;and, whilst being courteous to all folk, he was not to give way undulyto anyone who should attempt to browbeat or to cozen him. 

"Remember always that your father is a proud man; and see, take thosearrows of my own making and learn from them how to trim the hazel. Youhave a steady hand and bold eye; be a craftsman when you return toLocksley, and I will give you control of some part of the forest, underme. Now, farewell--take my greetings to our brother at Gamewell. "

Then the King's Forester turned on his heel and strode back towardsLocksley. Once he paused and faced about to wave his cap to them: thenhis figure vanished into the green of the trees. 

A sadness fell upon Robin--unaccountable and perplexing. But the hermitsoberly journeyed toward Nottingham, the two men-at-arms, with thesumpter mule, riding in front. 

The road wound in and about the forest, and at noon they came to a partwhere the trees nigh shut out the sky. 

Robin spied out a fine old stag, and his fingers itched to fit one ofhis new arrows to his bow. "These be all of them King's deer, father?"he asked the friar, thoughtfully. 

"Every beast within Sherwood, royal or mean, belongs to our King, child. "

"Do they not say that Henry is away in a foreign land, father?"

"Ay, but he will return. His deer are not yet to be slain by yourarrows, child. When you are Ranger at Locksley, in your father's stead, who shall then say you nay?"

"My father does not shoot the King's deer, except those past theirtime, " answered Robin, quickly. "He tends them, and slays instead anyrobbers who would maltreat or kill the does. Do you think I could hityon beast, father? He makes a pretty mark, and my arrow would but prickhim?"

[Illustration: ROBIN AND HIS MOTHER GO TO NOTTINGHAM FAIR

_The road wound in and about the forest, and at noon they came to a partwhere the trees nigh shut out the sky. _]

The clerk glanced toward Mistress Fitzooth. "Dame, " said he, gravely, "do you not think that here, in this cool shadow, we might well stay ourtravelling? Surely it is near the hour of noon? And, " here he sank hisvoice to a sly whisper, "it would be well perhaps to let this temptationpass away from before our Robin! Else, I doubt not, the King will be onestag the less in Sherwood. "

"I like not this dark road, father, " began the dame. "We shall surelycome to a brighter place. Robin, do you ride near to me, and let yourbow be at rest. Warrenton, your uncle's man, told me but yesterday----"

Her voice was suddenly drowned in the noise of a horn, wound so shrillyand distantly as to cause them all to start. Then, in a moment, half ascore of lusty rascals appeared, springing out of the earth almost. Themen-at-arms were seized, and the little cavalcade brought to a rudehalt. 

"Toll, toll!" called out the leader. "Toll must you pay, everyone, ereyour journey be continued!"

"Forbear, " cried Robin, waving his dagger so soon as the man madeattempt to take his mother's jennet by the bridle. "Tell me the toll, and the reason for it; and be more mannerly. "

The man just then spied that great stag which Robin had longed to shoot, bounding away to the left of them. Swiftly he slipped an arrow acrosshis longbow and winged it after the flying beast. 

"A miss, an easy miss!" called Robin, impatiently. Dropping his dagger, he snatched an arrow from his quiver, fitted it to his bow and sent itspeeding towards the stag. "Had I but aimed sooner!" murmured Robin, regretfully, when his arrow failed by a yard to reach its quarry; andthe clerk held up his hands in pious horror of his words. 

"The shot was a long one, young master, " spoke the robber, and hestooped to pick up Robin's little weapon. "Here is your bodkin--'tis nofault of yours that the arrow was not true. "

They all laughed right merrily; but Robin was vexed. 

"Stand away, fellows, " said he, "and let us pass on. Else shall you allbe whipped. "

Again the leader of the band spoke. "Toll first, lording; tender itprettily to us, and you shall only tender it once. "

"I'll tender it not at all, " retorted young Fitzooth. "Fie upon you forstaying a woman upon the King's highroad! Pretty men, forsooth, toattack in so cowardly a fashion!"

"All must buy freedom of the greenwood, master, " answered the man, quitecivilly. "We, who exact the toll, take no heed of sex. Pay us now, andwhen you return there shall be no questioning. "

"A woman should be a safe convoy and free from all toll, " argued Robin. "Now here are my two men. "

"Slaves, master; and they have only your mule and the two pikes. It isnot enough. "

"You will leave us nothing then, it seems, " said Dame Fitzooth, intrembling but brave voice. 

"There is one thing that we all do value, mistress, and I purposesparing you that. We will do no one of you any bodily harm. "

"Take my purse, then, " sighed Mistress Fitzooth. "There is little enoughin it, for we are poor folk. "

"Ask toll of the Church, " cried Robin, staying his mother. "The Churchis rich, and has to spare. And afterwards, she can grant absolution toyou all. "

Again the robbers laughed, as the clerk began explaining very volubly tothem that they were welcome to all that Mother Church could on thisoccasion offer. 

"We know better than to stay a monk for toll, " said the robber. "Beside, would your excellence have us commit sacrilege?"

"I would have you leave hold of my bridle, " answered Robin, verywrathfully. 

"Pay the toll cheerfully, youngling, " cried one of the others, "and benot so wordy in the business. We have other folk to visit; the day isalready half gone from Sherwood. "

"I will shoot with you for the freedom of the forest, " said Robin, desperately. "An I lose, then shall you take all but my mother's jennet. She shall be allowed to carry my mother into Gamewell, whilst I remainhere, as hostage, for her return. "

"Let the dame bring back a hundred crowns in each of her hands, then, "replied the chief of the robbers. 

"It is agreed, " answered Robin, after one appealing glance towards thedame. "Now help me down from my horse, and let the clerk see fair play. Set us a mark, good father, and pray Heaven to speed my arrowscunningly. "

The clerk, who had kept himself much in the background, now spoke. "Thiswager seems to savor of unholiness, friends, " said he, solemnly. "Yet, in that it also smacks of manliness, I will even consent to be judge. You, sir, since you are doubtless well acquainted with the part, canspeak for distance. Now, I do appoint the trunk of yon birch-tree asfirst mark in this business. "

"Speed your arrow, then, lording, " laughed the robber, gaily. "'Tis butforty ells away! I will follow you respectfully, never doubt it. "

Robin bent his bow and trained his eyes upon the birch. 

Then suddenly came back upon him his father's words: "Remember that I ama proud man, Robin. "

"I will, " muttered Robin, betwixt set teeth, and he aimed with all hisheart and soul in it. There came the twang of the bowstring, and thenext moment the gooseshaft was flying towards its mark. 

"A pretty shot, master, " said the robber, glancing carelessly towardsthe arrow, quivering still in the trunk of the birch-tree. "But you havescarce taken the centre of our mark. Let me see if I may not mend youraim. "

His arrow sang through the summer air, and took root fairly in themiddle of the trunk, side by side with Robin's. 

"You win first round, friend, " said the clerk, with seeming reluctance. "Now, listen, both, whilst I make you a better test. " He was about tocontinue, when an interruption occurred one that saved him necessity offurther speech. 

CHAPTER II

Suddenly through the greenwood came full four score of the King'sForesters, running towards the robbers, ready to seize them. 

These were the foresters of Nottingham, roving far afield. The Sheriffof Nottingham had become angered at the impudent robberies of late, andnow all of his foresters had spread themselves about Sherwood in thehope of making such a capture of the outlaws as would please theirmaster and bring substantial reward to themselves. On the head of Willo' th' Green, the chief of the band, was set the price of ten goldencrowns. 

But alas! these crowns were still to seek; for Will o' th' Green, atfirst hint of the danger, had put his horn to his lips and given a long, low call upon it, and next instant not a robber was to be seen. 

Each man had dropped to his hands and knees as soon as he had reachedthe bushes; and the foresters might beat and belabor Mother Sherwood invain, for she would never betray her children. 

Fitzooth's men-at-arms were glad to be released, and were eager now togive all information against their assailants. One of the fellows sworeroundly that the learned clerk had given Will o' th' Green a very plainhint; but this assertion was most properly put aside by all who heardit. 

Robin gave his story of the business, and then, having thanked thecaptain of the foresters, would have continued the journey. The clerkwas no longer to be denied, however, from his food: and so it came aboutthat presently the four of them were at a meal together under thetrees--the captain of the foresters having agreed to join with Robin, the hermit, and Mistress Fitzooth in an attack upon the good wine andpasty which the latter had provided. 

The foresters returned in twos and threes from their fruitless search, and stood about in little knots discussing the chase. All agreed thatthe outlaws had some stronghold underground, with many entrances andways into it; easily to be found by those in the secret, but impossibleof passage to persons in pursuit. 

"Do you go to Gamewell, friends?" asked the captain, after the meal hadbeen finished. When he had been answered yes, he told Mistress Fitzooththat she might have an escort for the rest of the way; since he and hismen must travel to Gamewell themselves, to report the encounter toSquire George of Gamewell. 

Gladly Mistress Fitzooth heard this, and very cheerfully they allstarted afresh upon the journey. 

Robin alone was sad; the fact that the robber chief's arrow had flownmore near a woodman's mark than his own rankled within his breast. 

Ah, but a time would come when Master Will o' th' Green should seebetter archery than he now dreamed of. And Robin should be the masterwho would teach the lesson. 

Building such day-dreams, he cantered quietly enough beside his mother'sjennet; whilst the clerk and the captain of the foresters chatteredamiably together. The dame listened to their gossip, and put in her ownword and question; she had an easy mind now and could give herself totalk of Prince John and his impudent rebellion. 

"So the barons would really make him King?" asked she, round-eyed: "Kingof all these lands and forests?"

"Some of our barons have sworn so much, " answered the forester, lightly;"but men speak best with their swords, dame. Have you not heard of youngMontfichet's doings? He has undone himself indeed----"

"Waldemar Fitzurse is behind it all, and young De Brocy, " the clerkinterrupted, loudly, giving him a warning glance. 

The friar pointed to Robin. "'Tis the lad's cousin, and he does not knowof Geoffrey Montfichet's outlawry, " he whispered. 

"Some say that the King will establish an assize of arms on his returnfrom France, whereby every knight, freeholder, and burgess must armhimself for England's defense, " continued the clerk, easily. "'Tis apretty notion, and like our King. "

"There are tales about our Henry, and ballads more than enough, " repliedthe forester, shrugging his shoulders. "Will o' th' Green knows a goodone, I am told. "

At the mention of the outlaw's name Robin pricked up his ears. He askedmany questions concerning Master Will; and learned that he had beenoutlawed by Henry himself for the accidental slaying of a youngerbrother in a quarrel years since. Before that he had been a dutiful andloyal subject, and there were some who vowed that Master Will was asloyal now as many of Henry's barons. Will shot the King's deer, truly, but only that he might live: the others conspired against theirmonarch's honor, in order that their own might be increased. 

The cavalcade came into sight of Gamewell Hall while still at thisgossip. The night was falling and lights burned behind the embrasuredwindows of the castle, for such it was in truth, being embattled andsurrounded properly by a moat and heavy walls. 

The captain wound his horn to such purpose that the bridge was soonlowered, and the whole party began to trot over it into the widecourtyard before the hall. That it was a very magnificent place wasapparent, despite the shadows. 

Before the door of the hall Robin sprang lightly from his horse and ranto help his mother from her saddle with tender care: then moved to giveassistance to the clerk. The latter had bundled himself to firm ground, however, and now stood stolidly expectant. 

Master Montfichet--George of Gamewell, as the country folk called himmostly--had come down to greet his guests, and was waiting upon them ereRobin could turn about. The Squire was an old man, with white haircurling from under a little round cap. He wore long black robes, looseand rather monkish in their fashion. He seemed as unlike his sister asRobin could well imagine, besides being so much more advanced in years. His face was hairless and rather pale; but his eyes shone brightly. There was a very pleasant expression in the lines about his mouth, andhis manner was perfect. He embraced Robin with kindliness; and realaffection for his sister seemed to underlie his few words of welcome. Tothe Friar of Copmanhurst he was so courteous and respectful that Robinbegan to wonder whether he himself had ever properly regarded the clerkin the past. If so great a man should bow to him, what ought Robin todo? Robin remembered that he had often ventured to rally and tease thisgood-natured master who had taught him his letters. 

The Squire bade them follow him, so soon as their horses and baggage hadbeen duly given over to the servants and he had heard the forester'scomplaint against the outlaws. The Squire made little comment, butfrowned. 

At the conclusion of the captain's report, they came into the hall, lighted by a thousand fat tapers. 

"Sister Nell--do you please dismiss us, " said the Squire, in his courtlyway, after he had signed to some waiting-maids to take charge ofMistress Fitzooth. "I will lead Robin to his chamber myself, and showhim the arrangement we have made for his stay at Gamewell. Supper willbe served us here in less than an hour. Father, your apartments shall benear my own. Come with me, also. "

In the room allotted to him Robin found new and gay clothes laid outupon a fair, white bed, with a little rush mat beside it. A highlatticed window looked out upon the court, and there was a bench in thenook, curiously carven and filled with stuffs and naperies the like ofwhich Robin had never seen before. 

The walls were hung with tapestries, and very fierce and amazing werethe pictures embroidered upon them. The ceiling was low and rafteredwith polished beams. Behind the door was a sword suspended by a leathernbelt. 

"For you, kinsman, " the Squire had said, smilingly. 

Robin lost no time in doffing his green jerkin and hose, and then hewashed himself and eagerly essayed his new habiliments. When the swordhad been buckled on, our young hero of Locksley felt himself equal toWill o' th' Green or any other gallant in Christendom. 

He strode along the corridors and found his way back to the great hall. There the Master of Gamewell and his mother awaited him. MistressFitzooth's eyes shone approvingly, and Robin slipped his fingers intohers. 

"I'll build a castle as fine as this, mother mine, one of these days, "Robin told her: and he began to ask Master Montfichet questions as tothe number of claims-at-law that he must have won in order to hold sosplendid a domain. The Squire smilingly told him that the King had givenGamewell to him as a reward for valor in battle many years agone. 

"Then will I fight for the King, " cried Robin, with flashing eyes, "sothat I may win my father Broadweald and all the lands of it. "

"And I will teach you, Robin: be sure of that, " said old GeorgeMontfichet. "But your sword must be swung for the right King, harkee. Not for rebellious princes will we cry to arms; but for him whom Godhath placed over us--Henry the Angevin. "

"Amen, " murmured the clerk, fervently. "Let law and order be respectedalways. "

"It may mean much to you, friar, " said Montfichet. "Young John has thePriory of York under his hands. "

"He has not fingers upon Sherwood, and we are free of it!" cried theclerk. Then he hastily corrected himself. "We hermits can have no fear, since we have no wealth. Happy then the man with naught to lose, and whohas a contented mind. "

"I will be free of Sherwood Forest, father, if that boon shall wait uponmy archery. Master Will, the robber, swore that if I beat him, sir"--hehad turned his bright face to old Gamewell's--"I should go free of thegreenwood. And I will win the right. "

"'Tis scarcely Will's to grant, " frowned the Squire; "yet, in a way, hehas control of the forest. It is a matter which I will look to, sincethe Sheriff seems so fearful of him, " he added, significantly. 

CHAPTER III

The next day they journeyed quietly into Nottingham, taking only a fewretainers with them. The clerk chose to stay at the hall, fearing, as hesaid, that his eyes would be offended with the vanity of the town. 

When they had come to the meadows wherein the Fair was held, Robin wasovercome with joy at the sight of the wonderments before him. 

That which most pleased him was the tumbling and wrestling of a companyof itinerant players, merry fellows, all in a great flutter of tinseland noise. They were father and three sons, and while the old man blewvigorously upon some instrument, the three sons amused themselves andthe crowd by cutting capers. 

Again and again did Robin entice Master Montfichet to return to thesestrollers. It was the wrestling that most moved him, for they put suchheart into it as to make the thing seem real. "Give them another penny, sir, " requested Robin, with heightened color. "Nay, give them a silverone. Did you ever see the like? The little one has the trick of it, forsure ... I do believe that he will throw the elder in the next bout. "

"Will you try a turn with me, young master?" asked the little stroller, overhearing these words, "If you can stand twice to me, I'll teach youthe trick and more besides. "

"Nay, nay, " said the Squire, hastily. "We have no leisure for suchplay, Robin. Your mother is waiting for us at yonder booth. Let us go toher. "

Robin turned away reluctantly. "I do think I could stand twice to him. The grass is dry within the ring, sir--do you think I should hurt myclothes?"

Such pleading as this moved the capricious old Master of Gamewell. Although it was scarce a proper thing for one of gentle blood to mixwith these commoners, yet the Squire could not forego his own appetitefor sport. He turned about to the strollers: "I will give a purse ofsilver pennies to the one who wins the next bout, " said he. "Let any andall be welcome to the ring, and the bout shall be one of three falls. Challenge anyone in Nottingham; I dare swear some lad will be found whoshall show you how to grip and throw. "

The father of the players struck a most pompous attitude and blew threepiercing blasts. "Come one, come all!" cried he. "Here be the threegreat wrestlers from Cumberland, where wrestling is practised by everylad and man! Here are the wrestlers who have beaten all in their owncounty, and who now seek to overcome other champions! Oyez, oyez! Thereis a prize of twenty silver pennies to be handed to the winner of thenext bout (did you say twenty or thirty pennies, lording?). Come one, come all--the lads from Cumberland challenge you!"

"Now let me wrestle for the pence, sir, " pleaded Robin, catching hold ofthe Squire's sleeve. "Why should not I try to win them? They mightbecome the foundation of that fortune which I would have for my father'ssake. "

"Twenty pennies would buy him little of Broadweald, boy, " laughed theSquire. "Nor should a Montfichet struggle in the mob for vulgar gain. You are a Montfichet--remember it--on your mother's side. We will seehow they fare, these men of Cumberland, against the lads of Nottinghamand Sherwood. Here comes one in answer to the challenge. "

A thin, pale-faced fellow had claimed the purse whilst the Squire hadbeen speaking. "'Tis yours if you can take it, " answered the oldstroller, as he and his lads cleared the ring. A great crowd of folkgathered about, and Montfichet and Robin were in danger of being jostledinto the background. 

"Stand here beside me, lording, " commanded the stroller. "Do you keepback there, impudent dogs! This is the noble who gives the purse. Thereshall be no purse at all, an you harry us so sorely. Stand back, you andyou!" He pushed back the mob with vigorous thrusts. "Now let the bestman win. "

The two lads had stripped to their waists, and were eyeing each otherwarily. The Nottingham youth, despite his slimness, showed clean andmuscular against the swarthy thick-set boy from Cumberland. Theysuddenly closed in and clutched each other, then swayed uncertainly fromside to side. The crowd cheered madly. 

The competitors for Montfichet's purse were evenly matched in strength:it remained for one of them to throw the other by means of some trick orfeint. The stroller tried a simple ruse, and nigh lost his feet in doingit. 

"You must show us a better attempt than that, Cumberland!" called outsomeone. Robin, quick-eared to recognize a voice, turned his headinstantly, and in time to catch a glimpse of Will o' th' Green, therobber of Sherwood!

Seeing Robin's gaze fixed upon him, Master Will deemed it prudent todiscreetly withdraw. He nodded boldly to the lad first, however; thenmoved slowly away. "Hold fast to him, Nottingham, for your credit'ssake, " he cried, ere disappearing. 

Meanwhile the wrestlers tugged and strained every nerve. Great beads ofperspiration stood out upon their brows. Neither made any use of themany common tricks of wrestling: each perceived in the other no usualfoe. 

Suddenly the Nottingham lad slipped, or seemed to slip, and instantlythe other gripped him for a throw. Fatal mistake--'twas but a ruse--andso clear a one as to end the first round. The Nottingham lad recoveredadroitly, and now that the other had his arm low about the enemy's body, his equipoise was readily disturbed. The stroller felt himself swiftlythrust downward, and as they both fell together it was he who wentundermost. 

"A Nottingham! A Nottingham!" clamored the crowd, approvingly. Then allprepared themselves for the second round. 

This, to Robin's surprise, was ended as soon as begun. The Cumberlandlad knew of a clever grip, and practised it upon the other immediately, and the Nottingham hero went down heavily. 

The third bout was a stubborn match, but fortune decided it at length infavor of the stroller. Montfichet handed the purse to the winner withoutregret. "Spend the money worthily as you have won it, Cumberland, "spoke the Squire. "Now, Robin, let us join your mother. She will beweary waiting for us. "

"And if your stomach sickens for a fight with me, master, here may I befound until Saturday at noon. " So said the little tumbler, roguishly. "'Tis a pity that we could not tussle for the purse, eh? but I wouldhave given your ribs a basting. "

"Now shall I twist his ears for him, Squire?" said Robin. 

"Nay, boy, let his ears grow longer, as befitteth; then you will havefreer play with them. Come with me to see the miracle-play, and be notso ready to answer these rascallions. I begin to think that we shouldnot have gone the round of the shows by ourselves, Master Spitfire. Travelling unattended with you is too dangerous a business. "

Montfichet smiled despite his chidings. He had already taken a fancy tothis high-spirited youth. He walked affectionately, with his hand uponRobin's shoulder, towards the booth where, with her maids, MistressFitzooth was waiting for them. "Are you sorry for Nottingham, Robin?" heasked, as they passed by the pale-faced, rueful wrestler. "Then take himthis little purse quietly. Tell him it is for consolation, from afriend. "

Robin gladly performed the task; then, as he returned to the Squire'sside, thought to ask instruction on a point which had perplexed him nota little. "Yesterday, sir, " he began, "when we were in the greenwood, all men seemed eager to catch the robber chief. "

"Well, Robin?"

"To-day he walks about Nottingham Fair, and no one attempts to tarryhim. Why is this, sir? Is the ground sanctuary?"

"Have you spied out Will o' th 'Green indeed?" began Montfichet, eagerly. "That were hard to believe, for all he is so audacious. "

"Truly, sir, I saw him when we were at the wrestling. He peered at meabove the caps of the people. "

"Point him out now to me, Robin, if you can. " The Squire becamehumorously doubtful, and his amusement grew upon him as Robin vainlysearched with his bright eyes about the throng. "No Will o' th' Green ishere, child; he would be a fish out of water, indeed, in Nottinghamtown. Dearly would I love to catch him, though. "

"Yet I did see him, sir, and he knew me. Now here is my mother, whoshall tell you how long we talked together yesterday. It is not likelythat I would forget his voice. "

"Well, well, perhaps you are right, " said the Squire. "At any rate, we'll keep sharp eyes for the rogue. Have you seen the miracle-play, Sister Nell?" he added now to Mistress Fitzooth. 

"I have been waiting here for you, " answered she, briefly, "Robin, whatdo you think of it all?"

Robin's reply was drowned in the noise of the music made within thetents. It was so dreadful a din that all were fain to move away. 

"See, mother, here is a wizard; let us go in here!" Robin had spied adim, mysterious booth, outside of which were triangles and cones andfiery serpents coming forth from a golden pot, with cabalistic signsand figures about the sides of it. Standing there was a tall, aged man, clad in a long red robe and leaning upon a star-capped wand. 

"Will you have the stars read to you, lording?" he asked, gravely. 

"Ay, surely!" clamored Robin. "Come, mother mine; come, sir, let us askhim questions of Locksley, and hear what my father may be doing. "

"Do you think that you will hear truth, child? Well, have your way. Willyou join us, Nell--the business is a pleasing one, for these knaves havethe tricks of their trade. But harkee, friends, give no real heed to themummery. "

The wizard ushered them into his tent. Then he dropped the edge of thecanvas over the opening, shrouding them in complete darkness. 

The Squire began an angry protest, thinking that now was a good chancefor any confederate to rob them or cut their pockets: but the wizard, unheeding, struck suddenly upon a small gong. A little blue flame sprangup from a brazier at the far end of the tent. 

In the strange light one could now see the furniture and appurtenancesof this quaint place. They were curious enough, although few in number. A globe, and a small table covered with a black cloth; a bench strewnwith papers and parchments; and a skeleton of an ape, terribly deformed, were the chief items of the collection. 

A curtain concealed part of the tent. Behind the brazier were hangingshelves covered with little bottles and phials. The wizard stretchedhis wand out towards the dancing blue flame, and it forthwith leaped upinto a golden glory. 

"Approach, Robin, son of Fitzooth the Ranger, " commanded the wizard. "Place your hand upon the globe and look down upon this table. " Hepushed away the black cloth, showing that the center of the table wasmade of flat green glass. "Look steadily, and tell me what you see. "

"I see through it the grass of the ground on which we stand, " saidRobin. "There is naught else. "

"Look again, Robin of Locksley. "

Robin strained his eyes in the hope of discovering something of mystery. But the flat glass was clear and disappointing. 

"Let me take your place, Robin, " said Mistress Fitzooth, impatiently. 

But now the green of the glass began to fade; and it seemed to becomeopaque and misty. Robin dimly saw in it a sudden miniature picture of aglade in the forest of Sherwood, the trees moving under a south-westwind, and the grasses and flowers bowing together and trembling. 

It seemed to be summer; the bracken was high and green. A man, clad indoublet and hose of Lincoln green, strode forward into the center of thepicture. He was a slim fellow, not over tall, with a likeable face, bearded and bronzed; and a forester, too, if one might judge by thelongbow which he carried. He wore no badge nor mark of servitude, however, and walked as a free man. His face, vaguely familiar, wore anexpectant look. He turned his glances right and left. A low call soundedfrom the bushes on his left. Robin could hear it as a sound afar off. 

The man cautiously moved towards the verge of the glade, and as he didso there came a shower of light laughter from the undergrowth. Pushingaside the bracken came forth two arms; a merry face appeared; then, quick as a flash, upstood a page, gaily clad, with black curly hair andstrange eyes. 

The man opened his arms to the lad, and then Robin saw that 'twas no boyat all. It was a maid, joyous with life, playing such a prank as thisthat she might bring herself to her true love's side. 

Robin watched them delightedly. In some way he knew that in thismirrored picture _he_ was concerned to a curious degree; and when a coldcloud passing above the glade took the sun and the light from it Robinfelt an intense anxiety. 

"Can you see aught now, Robin of the Woods?" murmured the soft voice ofthe wizard, and Robin would have asked him who was the man, if histongue had been at command. 

His eyes took all the strength of his brain. They waited furiously forthe cloud to pass. 

When all had become clear again the man was alone. His face wassorrowful, ill, and old. He was fitting an arrow to his bow, and hishand trembled as his fingers drew the string. He drew it slowly, almostwearily, yet with a practised gesture. Robin, watching him, saw thearrow leap forth from the picture. 

"He is dying and shoots his last arrow--is it not so?" he utteredthickly, striving to understand. 

While he spoke the vision faded and was gone. 

CHAPTER IV

Robin started back angrily and faced the Squire. He began a confusedcomplaint against the wizard, who had vanished behind the curtain on theleft. Master Montfichet shrugged his shoulders indulgently. 

"Give not so earnest a mind to these mummeries, child. 'Twas all atrick! What did you see? A golden fortune and a happy life?"

"I did see a man, sir, dressed all in Lincoln green. He was like unto myfather, in a way, and yet was not my father. Also there was a striplingpage, who turned into a maid. Very beautiful she was, and I would knowher again in any guise. "

"Ah, Master Robin, have you eyes for the maids already?"

"This was so sweet a lady, sir, and in some manner I do think she died. And the man shot an arrow, meaning me to see where it fell, since therewould be her grave. That is what I think he meant. But then the picturewas gone as quickly as it came. "

"Sister Nell, do you hear these marvels? Take your place and let us seewhat the crystal can show to you. Most worthy conjurer of dreams, takeup your wand again: we all are waiting impatiently to know what is instore for us!"

"These things are true that the glass mirror shows, lording, " answeredthe wizard, reappearing. "The crystal cannot lie. "

He spoke unwittingly in a natural key. Robin turned round upon him veryshrewdly. 

"Friend wizard, " said the youth, half at random, "have you ever playedat archery in that greenwood which your glass showed us so prettily?"

"Like as not, young master, though I am an old man. "

"Fie on you, friend!" cried Robin, exulting in a sudden discovery. "Remember that the crystal cannot lie. It tells me now that you and Iwill meet in rivalry, to shoot together for a strange prize--the freedomof Sherwood!"

The wizard hastily drew near and pretended to peer into the glass. "Whatwould you do?" he whispered, fiercely. 

"I can be generous, Will o' th' Green, " spoke back Robin, quite surenow. "Keep your secret, for I will not betray you. "

At this moment there uprose without the booth a most deafening tumult. Forthwith all ran to the opening of the tent to see what might be amiss;but Master Will, who peeped out first, needed no more than one glance. He gave way to the others very readily and retreated unperceived by theSquire and Mistress Fitzooth to the rear of the tent. 

Cries of: "A Nottingham! A Nottingham!" rent the air, and added to theclangor of bells and trumpetings. As the Squire and Robin looked forththey beheld a flying crowd of men and women, all running and shouting. 

Before them fled the stroller and his three sons, capless and terrified. The old man's triangle had been torn from him and was being jangled nowby Nottingham fingers. 

"There is trouble before us. Come, Robin, " said Montfichet, as hestepped out, with the lad close at his heels. 

"What is the tumult and rioting?" cried out the Squire, authoritatively, and he blew twice on a silver whistle which hung at his belt. 

The strollers rushed at once toward the old man, and faced their enemiesresolutely when they had gained his side. They were out of breath, andtheir story was a confused one. 

The little tumbler recovered first. After the Squire had left them, hesaid, the Nottingham lad had returned with full a score of riotousapprentices, all armed with cudgels. They had demanded a fresh trial ofskill for the Squire's purse of pennies. 

"Which was denied us in most vile words, lording, " cried out one fromthe crowd, which had come to a halt and was now formed in an angrysheepish ring about the front of the wizard's tent. 

"Nay, we refused their request most politely, most noble, " said thelittle stroller. "And then they became vexed, and would have snatchedyour purse from us. So my brother did stow the pennies quickly into hiswallet, and, giving me the purse----"

"You flung it full in my face!" roared the Nottingham wrestler, pushinghis way to the front, "you little viper, so I snatched at him to givehim the whipping he deserved, when----"

"I could not see my boy injured, excellence, for but doing his duty asone of Cumberland's sons. So I did push this fellow. "

"It is enough, " said George Gamewell, sharply, and he turned upon thecrowd. "Shame on you, citizens, " cried he; "I blush for my fellows ofNottingham. Is this how you play an English game: to force your rivalsto lose to you any way? Cumberland has won my purse: the test was fairlyset, and fairly were we conquered. Surely we can submit with goodgrace. "

"'Tis fine for you to talk, old man, " answered the lean, sullenapprentice. "But _I_ wrestled with this fellow and do know that heplayed unfairly in the second bout. Else had I not gone down at theclutch, as all did see. "

"Insolent!" spoke the Squire, losing all patience; "and it was to _you_that I gave another purse in consolation! Go your ways ere I cause youto be more soundly whipped than your deserts, which should bring heavyenough punishment, for sure. Come to me, men, here, here!" He raised hisvoice still louder. "A Montfichet! A Montfichet!" he called; and theGamewell men who had answered to his first whistling, now lustily threwthemselves upon the back of the mob. 

Instantly all was uproar and confusion, worse than when they first hadbeen startled from the wizard's tent. The Nottingham apprentices struckout savagely with their sticks, hitting friend and foe alike. Theburgesses and citizens were not slow to return these blows, and a fiercebattle was commenced. 

The strollers took their part in it with hearty zest now that they hadsome chance of beating off their foes. Robin and the little tumblerbetween them tried to force the Squire to stand back, and very valiantlydid these two comport themselves. 

The head and chief of the riot, the Nottingham apprentice, with clenchedfists, threatened Montfichet. Robin and the little stroller sprang uponthe wretch and bore him to the ground. The three rolled over and overeach other, punching and pummelling when and where they might. Robin atlast got fairly upon the back of their enemy and clung desperately tohim; whilst the stroller essayed to tie the man's hands with his owngarters. 

The riot increased, for all were fighting now in two great parties;townsfolk against apprentices. The din and shouting were appalling. Robin and the little tumbler between them rolled their captive into thewizard's tent. 

The Squire helped to thrust them all in and entered swiftly himself. Then he pulled down the flap of canvas, hoping that thus they might notbe espied. "Now, be silent, on your lives, " he began; but the capturedapprentice set up an instant shout. 

"Silence, you knave!" cried Montfichet. "Stifle him, Robin, if need be;take his cloth. " He felt for and found the wizard's black cloth. 

The Squire was quite out of breath. "Where is our wizard friend?" hewent on, peering about in the semi-darkness. "Most gentle conjurer, wewish your aid. "

But Master Will had beaten a prudent retreat through the back of thetent. The canvas was ripped open, letting in a streak of light. Theyleft their prisoner upon the ground, and cautiously drew near the rift. 

The noise without showed no abatement. The fighting was nearer to thetent, and the bodies of the combatants bumped ever and anon heavilyagainst the yielding canvas. 

"They will pull down the place about our heads, " muttered the Squire. "Hurry, friends. "

Just then Robin stumbled over the skeleton of the ape, and an ideaseized suddenly on his brain, and, picking himself up, he clutched thehorrid thing tightly, and turned back with it. Thrusting open the properentrance of the tent, Robin suddenly rushed forth with his burden, witha great shout. 

"A Montfichet! A Montfichet! Gamewell to the rescue!"

He held the ape aloft and thrust with it at the press. The battle meltedaway like wax under a hot sun at the touch of those musty bones. Terrorand affright seized upon the mob, and everywhere they fell back. 

Taking advantage of this, the Squire's few men redoubled their efforts, and, encouraged by Robin's and the little stroller's cries, fought theirway to him. The tumbler had come bounding to Robin's side and made up indefiant noise that which he lacked in strength of arm. The tide wasturned, the other strollers and the Gamewell men came victoriouslythrough the press and formed a ring about the entrance to the wizard'stent. 

Robin, still brandishing his hideous skeleton, wished to pursue thebeaten and flying rabble; but the Squire counselled prudence. 

"You have done right well, Robin of Locksley, and dearly do I love youfor your courage and resource. George Montfichet will never forget thisday. Here let us wait until the Sheriff's men come to us. I hear themnow, come at last, when all the fighting's done. "

"What is your name, lording?" asked the little stroller, presently. 

"Robin Fitzooth. "

"And mine is Will Stuteley. Shall we be comrades?"

"Right willingly, for between us we have won the battle, " answeredRobin. He had taken a liking to this merry rogue; and gave him his namewithout fear or doubt. "I like you, Will; you are the second Will that Ihave met and liked within two days; is there a sign in that?"

"A sign that we will be proper friends, " replied the stroller. 

Montfichet called out for Robin to give him an arm. The Squire, now thatthe danger was over, felt the reaction; and he had strange pains abouthis breast. 

"Friends, " said Montfichet, faintly, to the wrestlers, "bear us escortso far as the Sheriff's house. It will not be safe for you to stay herenow. I would speak with you later, since notice must be taken of thisaffair. Pray follow us, with mine and my lord Sheriff's men. "

He spoke with difficulty, and both Robin and Mistress Fitzooth were muchperplexed over him. The party moved slowly across the scattered Fair;nor heeded the mutterings and sour looks of the few who, from adistance, eyed them. 

Nottingham Castle was reached, and admittance was demanded. When theSheriff heard who was without his gates he came down himself to greetthem. He was a small, pompous man, very magnificent in his robes ofoffice, which he was wearing this day in honor of the Fair. In the earlymorning he had declared it open; and on the last day would bring hisdaughter to deliver the prizes which would be won at the tourney. 

Master Monceux, the Sheriff of Nottingham, was mightily put about whentold of the rioting. He protested that the rogues who had conspired tobring about this scandal should all be thrust into the stocks for twowhole days, and should afterwards be scourged out of the city. He wasprofuse in his offers of hospitality to his guests; knowing Montfichetto have a powerful influence with the King. And Henry might return toEngland at any moment. 

The strollers and the Squire's retainers had been told to findrefreshment with the Sheriff's men-at-arms in the buttery. Robinpleaded, however, with the Squire for little Will to be left with them. 

"I like this impudent fellow, " he said, "and he was very willing to helpus but a little while since. Let him stay with me and be my squire inthe coming tourney. "

"Have your will, child, if the boy also wills it, " Montfichet answered, feeling too ill to oppose anything very strongly just then. He made aneffort to hide his condition from them all, and Robin felt his fingerstighten upon his arm. 

"What is it, dear patron?" Robin asked, anxiously. 

"Beg me a room of the Sheriff, child, quickly. I do think that my heartis touched with some distemper. "

Robin ran to the Sheriff. 

"Sir, " said he, "my patron is overcome of the heat and commotion. Heprays that you will quietly grant him some private chamber wherein hemay rest. "

"Surely, surely!" said the Sheriff. "Ay, and I will send him a leech--myown man, and a right skilful fellow. Bid your master use this poor houseas he would his own. " The Sheriff spoke with great affectation. "In themeantime I will see that a proper banquet is served to us within anhour. But who is this fellow plucking at your sleeve? He should be inthe kitchen with the rest. "

"He is my esquire, excellency, " returned Robin, with dignity. 

Mistress Fitzooth had been carried off by the Sheriff's daughter and hermaids as soon as they had entered the house, so that Robin alone had thecare of Montfichet. With Will Stuteley's assistance they brought the oldman safely to the chamber allotted them by the fussy Sheriff. Robin wasglad when, at length, they were left to their own devices. 

"'Tis a goblet of good wine that the lording requires to mend him, " saidthe little stroller. "I'll go and get it, Robin Fitzooth. "

The wine did certainly bring back the color to the Squire's cheeks. Robin chafed his cold hands and warmed them betwixt his own. Slowly thefit passed away, and George Montfichet felt the life returning to him. 

"'Twas an ugly touch, young Robin. These escapades are not for oldGamewell, lad; his day has come to twilight. Soon 'twill be night forhim and time for sleep. "

The Squire's voice was sad. He held Robin's hand affectionately, as thelatter continued his efforts to bring back warmth to him. 

"But I will do some proper service for you, child. You shall not find meone to lightly forget. Will you forgive me now? I will return toGamewell soon as I may and there rest for a few days. "

"I'll take you, sir. It will be no disappointment to me. I have seen allthat I wish of Nottingham Fair. "

"You shall return for the tourney; and if your father will give youleave, young Cumberland, you shall become my Robin's esquire. No thanks;I am glad to give you such easy happiness. Arm me to the hall, Robin; Iam myself again, and surely there is a smell of roasted meats!"

"You are a worthy leech, Will, " presently whispered Robin. "The wine hasworked a marvel. Come, follow us, and forget not that I still willwrestle with you! Ay, and show you some pretty tricks. "

"Unless I have already learned them!" retorted young Stuteley, laughing. Then, becoming serious, the little stroller suddenly bent his knee. "I'll follow you across the earth and sea, master, " he murmured, touching Robin's hand with his lips. 

He lightly sprang to his feet again, seeing that Montfichet nowimpatiently awaited them. Together they made their way to the banquetspread in the Sheriff of Nottingham's wide hall. 

CHAPTER V

Squire George of Gamewell rested at his ease in the comfort of his owndomain during the next day; and, though he would have Robin go intoNottingham, with his new esquire and Warrenton--Montfichet's ownman--young Fitzooth was more than content to stay near to his patron'sside. 

There had been no difficulty in the matter of Master Stuteley'sdetachment from the other strollers. The old tumbler was shrewd enoughto see that his son would considerably better his fortunes by joiningthem with those of Robin of Locksley. Will was delighted, and wished tocommence his duty in Robin's service by instructing his young master atonce in the arts of wrestling, single-stick, and quarter-staff. 

The Squire laughed at their enthusiasm. 

"Do you leave me, Robin, to the care of your mother: I warrant me I'llcome to no harm!" he said. "There are matters on which I would talk withher, and we must be at peace. "

Montfichet dismissed them. He was quite restored by this time, andsettled himself to a serious conversation with his sister. 

There were subjects which he touched upon only to her--being a secretman in some things, and very cautious. 

"Having now no son, and being a lonely man, " he had written in hisletter, and Dame Fitzooth had known from this that unhappy relationsstill existed between George of Gamewell and Geoffrey Montfichet, hisonly son. 

The two men had been for a long time on unfriendly terms, though theSquire latterly had sought honestly to undo that which had been yearsa-doing. He could not own to himself that the fault was his altogether:but Geoffrey, exiled to London, had been brought back to Gamewell at hisfather's entreaty. For a time things had gone on in a betterdirection--then had come Prince John's rebellion. 

Geoffrey Montfichet was found to have been implicated in it, and hadbeen condemned to death. Only by the Squire's most strenuous endeavorshad this sentence been commuted by the King to life punishment. Geoffreyfled to Scotland, whilst the Squire had been exercising himself on hiserring son's behalf. It was the last straw, and George Montfichetdisinherited his son. The hard-won Manor of Gamewell must pass from theline. 

Squire George had suddenly perceived a chance to prevent thatcatastrophe. He had taken greatly to the lad Robin Fitzooth: and thisboy was of the true Montfichet blood--why should he not adopt theMontfichet name and become the Montfichet heir?

This notion had been simmering in the Squire's mind. It had been born atthat moment when Robin had so cared for him and fought for him inNottingham Fair. "Here, at last, " said the Squire, "have I found a son, indeed. "

Mistress Fitzooth had to listen to her brother's arguments submissively. The dame saw stormy days for her ahead, for well she guessed that HughFitzooth would never agree to what the other in his impetuous way wasproposing. She listened and said "yea" and "nay" as the occasionoffered: once she mentioned Geoffrey's name, and saw Gamewell's facecloud instantly with anger. 

"He is no son of mine, " said Montfichet, in a hard voice. "Do not speakof him here, sister Nell--nor think me an unforgiving man, " he hastenedto add, "for God knows that I did humble myself to the ground that Imight save his head from the axe of the King's executioner! And hedisgraced me by running away to Scotland on the very night that I hadgained Henry's pardon for him. Nay; I have no kin with cowards!"

"Geoffrey may have some reasonable excuse, brother mine, " began thedame, anxious to make peace. 

Gamewell cut her short. "There can be no excuse for him, " he said, harshly. 

His voice softened when he talked of Robin, for he was concerned to gainhis point. 

"Fitzooth will be difficult in the matter, I do fear me, " murmured thedame, perplexed and ill at ease. "He is a Saxon, George, and thinks muchof his descent and name. He looks to Robin winning fame for it, as inolden days. I do misdoubt me sorely. "

"Well, let the lad be known as Robin Fitzooth Montfichet--'tis buttacking on another name to him, " said the Squire. "If he lives here, asI shall devise in my will, right soon will he be known as Gamewell, andthat only! That fate has befallen me, and one might believe me now asSaxon as your Hugh, Nell. "

"You are none the worse for't, George, " answered the dame, proudly. "Either race is a kingly one. "

"Saxon or Norman--shall Robin become Montfichet?" asked the Squire, commencing his arguments again. 

Fate had in store for young Robin, however, very different plans fromthose tormenting Fitzooth the Ranger and old Squire George of GamewellHall. 

 * * * * *

The two lads strolled arm-in-arm about the wide court of Gamewell, following Warrenton, in dutiful mood. The old henchman was very proud ofthe place, and had all the legends of it at his fingers' ends. He toldyoung Robin of hidden treasure and secret passage-ways, and waxedeloquent concerning the tapestries and carvings. 

The hours went pleasantly enough, for, after the building had been dulyshown them, Warrenton took Robin about the gardens and orchards. Therewas a pleasance, and a "Lady's Bower, " wherein, Warrenton affirmed, walked a beautiful lady once in every twelve months, at Hallow-e'en, onthe stroke of midnight. The old man then left them. 

Very shocked was the old retainer to find these merry lads engagedtogether, later, at wrestling and the quarter-staff, as if they had beenequals in birth. When Stuteley had thrown Robin thrice at "touch andhold, " within sight of the hall--it was indeed upon the soft grass ofthe pleasance--Warrenton looked to see old Gamewell thundering forth. 

When the Squire came not, and Robin nerved himself for yet anothertussle, the retainer shrugged his shoulders and even took an interest inthe matter. 

[Illustration: ROBIN WRESTLES WILL STUTELEY AT GAMEWELL

_"Catch him by the middle, " he shouted. "Now you have him, lording, fairly. Throw him prettily!" And sure enough Stuteley came down. _]

"Catch him by the middle, " he shouted. "Now you have him, lording, fairly. Throw him prettily!" And sure enough Stuteley came down. 

"Does Master Gamewell play at archery here, Warrenton?" Robin asked, presently, when he and Will were tired of wrestling. "Are they nottargets that I see yonder?"

The old man's eye lit up with pride. "Squire's as pretty a marksman asany in Nottingham, lording, for all his years!" cried he. "And oldWarrenton it was who taught him. Yon target is a fair mark for any shaftfrom where we stand. Yet I dare swear that Gamewell's lord would nevermiss the bull in fifty shots at it!"

"Have you bow and quiver here?" inquired Robin, eagerly. "Mine I haveleft in my room. "

"Cross bow, longbow, or what you will, most noble. All that Gamewell hasI am to give you. Such were my master's commands. An your esquire willrun to the little hut near by, within the trees, he will find all thatwe need. "

"Go, Will. Haste you, and bring me a proper bow, " cried Robin, withsparkling eyes. "Now I'll bend the yew and see if I cannot do betterthan in Sherwood. "

Master Stuteley, having journeyed to the hut, peeped in and started backwith a cry of affright. 

"The Yellow Woman, Robin!" called he, scampering back to them. "She isin there, and did snatch at me! Let us run, quickly!"

"Beshrew me, master, but this is an adventure, for sure! The Yellow One, was it? Then your days are numbered, and we had better be seeking a newesquire, " said Warrenton. 

"Are you afraid, Warrenton?" said Robin, moving involuntarily nearer tohim. He glanced from one to the other, undecided whether to believe Willor stand and laugh at his fears. 

"I have had the distemper, master, and cannot again be hurt. But hereshe comes, by the Lord! Keep near to me, lording, and shut your eyestight. "

Robin was too dazed to heed the old man's advice. He glared in afascinated way at the figure emerging from the hut. 

"It is a man, " cried Robin, at last, "and listen--he is calling you, Warrenton. "

The retainer uttered a little sound of astonishment and ran forward. "Sir--sir, " he cried, as if in entreaty, to the man approaching: and hemade a gesture as though to warn him. 

The "Yellow Lady" appeared to be in doubt both of Robin and youngStuteley. 

"Who are these, Warrenton?" called out a low, hushed voice. 

Warrenton answered not, save with his half-warning, half-commandingsign. But as the stranger drew near, apparently come to a decision, theSquire's man spoke. 

"It is your cousin, Master Geoffrey, and his esquire. They are here fromLocksley. "

"So, 'tis my kinsman, Robin, who has tried to startle me?" said thestranger, as Robin drew near to him. "Greetings, cousin; here's my handto you for all that you come to supplant me. Nay! I bear no ill-will. Gamewell has no charms in my eyes compared with those of a life offreedom. "

"Is it Geoffrey, indeed?" asked young Fitzooth, gazing with both eyeswide. He had looked to see his cousin young as himself, and here was aman before him, bearded and bronzed, of nigh thirty summers. He was cladin sombre clothes, and wore upon his shoulders a great scarlet cape, cutextravagantly in the Norman fashion. Suddenly Robin laughed, heartilyand frankly. 

"Yellow, Will, _yellow_, forsooth? Are you color-blind, friend? CousinGeoffrey, we had believed you none other than the yellow-clad damsel whowalks here at Hallow-e'en. Forgive us the discourtesy, I pray you. Hereis my hand and good fellowship in it. I am to relinquish all right toGamewell ground at the end of a year an I like--such were your father'sterms. I do doubt whether I may stay so long as that. "

He spoke fearlessly. The two cousins embraced each other, and for aninstant Geoffrey gave play to his better self; then, next moment, suspicion returned upon him. 

"I am but come to see you, Warrenton, on a small matter. I must have ahorse and armor and a lance, that I may ride at Nottingham in thejoustings. I shall be disguised, and will wear my visor down: a hungrywolf prowling unrecognized about his lord's domain. "

His speech was bitter and his voice harsh. "Kinsman, " added he, toRobin, "do you keep still tongue in the business, and tell your squireto be as discreet. I am outlawed in England and have no right in it----"

"That is not so, Geoffrey; surely your father will forgive----"

"It is in the King's hands, cousin. My father has no voice in it, norwould desire to speak again for me, I trow. I have heard all that hehath already done in my behoof, Warrenton--the item was brought to mecircuitously. Now I will keep you no longer: this hut has been and willbe my shelter until the horse and arms are brought here to me. "

"I'll saddle him myself for you, coz: and choose you as stout a lance asGamewell can provide. Let me help you in this, and be to you always atrue friend. "

"You speak soothly, young Robin, and it may be with sincerity. I'lltrust you then. " Geoffrey drew him on one side. "See that the trappingsand armor be of good steel and furbished with red leather: let the noteof them be steel and scarlet. No device upon the shield, if you shouldthink to bring me one; and stay, I would like the sword-hilt and thelance to be bound in red. Thus may you know me, if so be you are at thejousts; but be secret, and trust no other man than Warrenton. I'll waityou here at midnight--have no fear of the yellow ghost, kinsman!"

"You'll be as red as she is yellow, cousin, " whispered back Robin, withsmiling face. "I'll do your behest, and attend you in this pleasanceto-night at twelve o' th' clock. My squire can be trusted, I wellbelieve. "

"Believe in no man until you have tried him, coz, " answered Geoffrey. Hepaused. "Does Master Montfichet keep well in health, kinsman?" he asked. 

"He is well, now, but has been indisposed.... Yesterday atNottingham----"

"Ay, I heard of the doings there--no matter how, " muttered the other, hastily. "Tell me that he is restored again; and that you will keep himfrom harm always as valiantly as you did then. Does your father stillguard the forest at Locksley? 'Tis many years since I have seen MasterFitzooth, but thy mother hath always been kindly disposed to me. Farewell. "

He nodded to Warrenton, and slipped back to the little hut, and theyheard him push the bolts after him. Robin turned to Stuteley. 

"Will, speak not of this meeting with anyone save Warrenton. I havepromised for you. "

"Right, master; the matter has already passed from my mind. Shall we tryour skill at archery? Warrenton can find me a bow, and I'll fetch yoursfrom the hall. Here comes a priest; surely he were good mark for us hadwe our arrows here! And with him behold a forester of theKing--green-clad and carrying a royal longbow. Do you beg it of him, master mine, whilst I seek yours. I go. "

Young Stuteley hurried across the green, whilst Robin advanced to meetthe Clerk of Copmanhurst and the captain of the King's Foresters. Theywere in earnest converse, and clearly had not spied the gay cloak ofGeoffrey Montfichet. 

Warrenton, with significant gesture to Robin, began a lecture on themaking and choosing of arrows, as he walked beside his master's guest. 

"Are you talking of arrow-making, friend?" asked the forester, overhearing them. "Now I will tell you the true shape and make of suchshafts as our Will o' th' Green uses, " he struck in. "One bare yard arethey in length, and are sealed with red silk, and winged with thefeathers of an eagle. "

"Peacock, " corrected the clerk, interposing. "You're wrong, Master Ford, as I will prove. Here is the head of one of Will's bolts, dropped in thegreenwood on the day you rescued us from him. I have kept it in mypouch, for 'tis a pretty thing. " He laughed all over his jolly face. "Here, Robin, keep it, and learn therefrom how _not_ to make arrows, forvanity is a sin to be avoided and put on one side. The plainer the barbthe straighter does it fly, as all true bowmen must admit. "

He took Robin's hand, soon as the lad had fastened the trophy in hisbelt. "I have been bidden to you by the Master of Gamewell. He wouldspeak with you, Robin; and I do counsel you to give all heed and weightto his words, and be both prudent and obedient in your answerings tohim. "

They moved together towards the hall, whilst Warrenton and the foresterargued still on the matter of winging arrows. 

CHAPTER VI

It was Warrenton who brought Master Geoffrey his red-armored steed andlance, after all; for, although Robin had had a voice in the choosing ofthe horse, and had helped the retainer to bind the shaft and interlacethe cuirass and gyres with riband such as the knight had ordered, eventsstayed Robin from going out with these appurtenances of war to theLady's Bower. 

Young Fitzooth had been commanded to his mother's chamber so soon as hehad come out from his converse with the Squire. There befell an anxiousinterview, Mistress Fitzooth arguing for and against the Squire'sproject in a breath. Robin was perplexed indeed: his ambition was firedby the Squire's rosy pictures of what he, as a true Montfichet, mustadhere to without fail upon assuming the name and mantle of Gamewell. 

Most of all Robin thought of his father. What would he counsel? "RemainFitzooth, and fight your own way in the world, boy. " That is what he_might_ say. In the end Robin decided to sleep upon the matter. In anycase he would not consent to rob Geoffrey of his inheritance; and hetold old Gamewell this to his face. "When I am gone you can do what youwill with the place, boy, " the old man had answered. "I have no son;but, of course, the fees and revenues will be yours. If, for a whim, youbeggar yourself, I cannot stay you. But take it whilst I live; and wearMontfichet's shield in the days when my eyes can be rejoiced by sobrave a sight, for you will ne'er disgrace our 'scutcheon, I warrant me. Perchance 'tis Geoffrey's sole chance that _you_ should wear the badgeof Gamewell. I might choose to bequeath it elsewhere. "

The lad had checked him then. "Never that, sir, " he had said. "LetGamewell land be ruled, for ever, by Gamewell's proper lord. I pray youto let me take counsel with my mother ere I answer you. "

"It is what I would suggest myself. Go to her. "

Then had come the argument with his mother, which had unsettled him morethan before. 

He went down to discuss with Warrenton and Stuteley the means by whichthey best could bring the horse and arms to Geoffrey, and it soon becameevident that no one other than Warrenton dare attempt it, for fear ofbetraying the son to his still angry father. 

"Are you sure, Warrenton, that you will perform this business rightcarefully?" Robin asked, over and over again, until the old servantbecame vexed. 

"I am part of the house of Montfichet, lording, " snapped Warrenton, atlast, "and it is not reasonable to think that I will turn againstmyself, as it were. Be sure that the horse and his trappings will besafely carried to my second master, Geoffrey, at the hour given. Do youkeep the Squire employed in talk; and find excuse to lie in the littleroom next to his own that you may hear him if he moves. "

So Robin and Will went back to the hall, and presently the Squire'svoice was heard through the arras which covered the north entrance tothe apartment. He was in deep converse with the clerk, and entered thehall holding him by the arm. For a moment Robin and Will wereunperceived; then the Squire's bright, keen eyes discovered them. 

"Now to bed, boy!" cried he, dropping his detaining hold of the priest. "'Tis late; and I go myself within a short space. Dismiss your squire, Robin, and bid me good e'en. An early sleeper maketh a sound man. "

"Did I see you with Warrenton, Robin Fitzooth?" put in the clerk, curiously. "I would fain have some talk with him on the matter ofarchery. I am told that this old man can draw as pretty a bow as any inNottingham. "

"As any in England, I would say, " said Gamewell, proudly. "That is, inhis day. Now that age is upon Warrenton and his master, cunning in suchmatters is to seek. Yet he will teach you a few tricks when morning iscome. Now kiss me, boy, and keep clear head and ready hand for thejoustings and games to-morrow. Good night; God keep thee, Robin. "

He seemed to take it for granted that Robin would, in the end, consentto become of the house of Gamewell. Already Squire George looked uponhim as heir to the hall and its acres; even as slowly did Warrenton, theshrewd and faithful man-at-arms. Truth to tell, the old servant did notregard the prospect with too kind an eye. 

Young Fitzooth embraced his uncle, and bade him good night with realaffection. There was no chance to alter his sleeping-room to one nearerto Gamewell's chamber. 

When he had reached his chamber, again came the suspicion of Warrenton. Robin unfastened his tunic slowly and thoughtfully. Presently hecrossed the floor of his room with decided step. 

"Will, " cried he, softly; and Stuteley, who had chosen his couch acrossthe door of his young master's chamber, sprang up at once in answer. 

"Do you hold yourself ready, Will, so soon as the house is asleep. Wewill go out together to the bower; there is a way down to the court frommy window. Rest and be still until I warn you. "

Stuteley replied in a word to him; and, blowing out his taper, Robinreturned to his bed and flung himself upon it in patient expectation. 

The hours passed wearily by, and movement could yet be heard about thehall. The open lattice gave entry to all sound from the court below; andfrom his window Robin could tell when the tapers in the hall wereextinguished. Thrice he got up from his bed, and his stock of patiencewas slipping from him. 

At last all was quiet and black in the courtyard of Gamewell. 

"Will, " whispered Robin, opening his door as he spoke, "are you ready?"

Stuteley nodded as he entered on pointed toes. 

"From the window, " explained Robin, pushing him towards the lattice. Afaint starry radiance illumined the sky, and dim shadows held the anglesand nooks of the court below them. 

A dense ivy clung to and covered the walls of the house. To one of lightand agile body it gave fair footing. Robin had hands and feet in it ina moment; and cautiously, adroitly came to the ground, and signalled toWill Stuteley. 

The little ex-tumbler would have liked to have done tricks and shown hiscleverness in the business, had there been time for it: as it was, Willdropped beside Robin lightly and easily, and instantly the two began tocross the court. 

It was necessary for them to climb over the stables at their left hand. Some dogs, hearing these quiet, stealthy footfalls, began to bayfuriously: and both the youths stayed themselves until the beasts wentgrumbling and suspicious back to the kennels. 

They then renewed their journey, and, under the better light, made asafe crossing of the stable-roofs. 

They managed at length to win the gardens, and then raced across theopen ground to gain the shelter of the yew-trees bordering the bower. The pleasance, in the soft moonlight, looked ghostly enough: the statuesand stone ornaments placed about the place seemed to be instinct withlife and to wave signals of horror to Will's starting eyes. 

At last they approached the hut, and Robin saw in the bright moonlightthat the door gaped black at them. There was no sign to betray eitherWarrenton or Geoffrey to him. Robin entered the hut, dragging theunwilling esquire after him. 

A draught of chill air puffed in their faces as they entered; and agreat owl blundered screamingly out into the night, the rush and noiseof it startling Will to a cold ecstasy of terror. He would have plungedmadly back to the hall had not Robin held firmly to him. 

"Be not so foolish, friend, " said Fitzooth, crossly. His voice took hisfather's tone, as always happened when he was angered. 

They moved thereafter cautiously about the hut, groping before and aboutthem to find something to show that Warrenton had fulfilled his mission. Presently Will stumbled and fell, pulling down Robin atop of him. 

Robin, putting out his hand to save himself, found that his fingersgrasped nothing but air. They were upon the verge of an open trap, inthe far corner of the hut; and Stuteley had tripped over the edge of thereversed flap-mouth of this pit. Fitzooth's hand rested at last upon thetop rung of a ladder, and slowly the truth came to him. Quickly he drewhimself up and whispered the discovery to the other. 

In an instant, then, their fears were dispelled. Will would have gonedown first into the pit had not Robin stayed him. Stuteley was anxiousthat his young master should come to no harm; and where a dangerappeared an earthly one, he was quite willing to bear the brunt of it. It was thought of the Yellow Woman which dried up all the courage in hissmall, wiry body. 

Robin carefully descended the ladder and found himself soon upon firmrocky ground. Stuteley was by his side in a flash: and then they bothbegan feeling about them to ascertain the shape and character of thisvault. Hardly had they commenced when Robin's quick ears took warning. Sound of a quiet approach was plain. 

The darkness of the pit was suddenly illumined, and the lads foundthemselves suddenly faced by the beams of a lanthorn suspended at abouta man's height in the air. From the blackness behind the light theyheard a voice--Warrenton's!

"Save me, masters, but you startled me rarely!" cried he, waving thelanthorn before him to make sure that these were no ghosts in front ofhim. "I have but this minute left Master Montfichet, having carried hishorse to him in safety. He rides into Nottingham to-morrow, unattended. I would that I might be squire to him!"

"Did you indeed bring horse and arms down this ladder, Warrenton?"enquired Robin, with his suspicions still upon him. "Truly such a horseshould be worth much in Nottingham Fair! I would dearly have loved tosee so brave a business----"

"Nay, nay, lording, " answered Warrenton, with a half-laugh. "See"--andagain he waved his light, showing them where the underground passage, for such it was, sloped upward to another and larger trap, now closed. "This way is one of the many secret ones about Gamewell, master: but doyou keep the knowledge of it to yourselves, I beg, unless you would wishhurt to our future lord of Gamewell. "

Warrenton spoke thus with significance, to show Robin that he was not tothink Geoffrey's claims to the estate would be passed by. Robin Fitzoothsaw that his doubts of Warrenton had been unfair: and he became ashamedof himself for harboring them. 

"Give me your hand, Warrenton, and help me to climb these steps, " saidhe, openly. "'Tis dark, for all your lamp; and I fain would feelfriendly assistance, such as you can give. "

His tones rang pleasantly on Warrenton's ears, and forthwith agood-fellowship was heralded between them. This was to mean much to theyoung hero of Locksley in the time to come; for Warrenton's help andtuition were to make Robin Fitzooth something far better than the cleverbowman he was already. This night, in a way, saw the beginning ofRobin's fortunes and strange, adventurous after-life. 

The old servant told him quietly as they crept back to Gamewell thatthis passage-way led from the hut in the pleasance to Sherwood; and thatGeoffrey for the time was hiding with the outlaws in the forest. "Ourmaster is to be recognized by us as the Scarlet Knight at NottinghamFair should one ask of us, lording, " Warrenton told him. "He implores usto be discreet as the grave in this matter, for in sooth his life is inthe hollow of our hands. "

The old servant spoke no more. In silence he led them back into Gamewellby the private door through the stables by which he had himself emerged. 

They regained their apartment, apparently without disturbing thehousehold of Gamewell. Only did one pair of eyes and ears look andlisten for them, and observe both their exit and return. It was theClerk of Copmanhurst's door that stood ajar; his busy mind that employeditself in speculation as to the cause and meaning of this midnightadventure. 

CHAPTER VII

Geoffrey Montfichet's reason for wishing to be known as the ScarletKnight was no idle whimsey, as the others had guessed. 

To John's rebellion against his father, Henry of England, the youngerMontfichet had given himself body and soul. The Prince had shown himkindness, and now that the rebellion had failed, Geoffrey felt itincumbent upon him to remain with the beaten side, and endeavor torecover the advantage lost to them. To this end he now journeyed throughthe Midlands in many disguises, trying to stir up the outlaws androbbers of the forests to take up arms with John, under a promise thatthe Prince (if successful) would grant them amnesty and a goodly shareof the spoils sure to fall to them. 

A spy was to attend at Nottingham Fair to know how matters hadprogressed with the outlaws of Sherwood; but, since it was too dangerousto attempt an open meeting, Geoffrey had arranged a simple code ofsignalling, by color. 

Did he appear as a knight unknown and disinherited, bound on his armsand steed with red trappings, the spy, eyeing him from beside theSheriff of Nottingham, would know that Will o' th' Green was to betrusted, and would promptly bear the joyful news to his Royal Master. Had sad black been the note, John's man would have guessed that friendswere still to seek about Nottingham. 

Thus we know that Master Will had more reasons than one for appearingas a wizard at Nottingham Fair. He had gone here chiefly to bear ascroll to the Prince's emissary, and to declare fealty to John; but theaffair of the tumblers and Robin's discovery of him had warned MasterWill not to stay over long in the town, so Geoffrey had to depend uponhis plan of appearing as the Scarlet Knight. 

The morning broke dull and threateningly over Gamewell. Robin and hisesquire slept late; but no one offered to disturb their slumbers. Themonk knew full well that there was good cause for his pupil's fatigue;and had set himself to discover the true meaning of it. "Boy, " said heto Robin, "I pray that you do not think upon Nottingham to-day. Therewill be a storm and much rain. The mud in the meadows of Nottingham willsurely spoil the bravery of the Fair, and show us too plainly howtrumpery and vain a matter it is. "

"For that cause alone will we go, dear friend, " retorted Robin. "It willbe a lesson to us. With you beside us to point the moral, much benefitshall accrue, for sure. Father, " Robin added, "come with us now to thepleasance. There Warrenton is to show me how to notch arrows and pick acourtly bow. "

"I have no great wisdom in the game, boy; yet readily will I go withyou. "

The three of them went in search of Warrenton; and found him with thecaptain of the foresters. 

Dame Fitzooth and the Squire followed later to the pleasance, and thereone and all tried conclusions. Robin soon found that Warrenton couldteach him much; and he was too anxious to excel in the conduct of thebow to neglect this chance of learning the many secrets of it. "Menshall talk of you"--Fitzooth's own words to him--always rang in hisheart whenever he drew the cord and fitted ash across yew. 

Warrenton took great pleasure in showing Robin some of the tricks inwhich he was so perfect; and explained them so well that ere an hour hadgone the lad had learned and mastered them. 

"Lording, " said the old servant, watching him as he essayed successfullyan exercise shown him but a few minutes before. "Lording, I do not doubtthat you will carry away with you to-day the Sheriff's prize from theolder bowmen of Nottingham! You have a keen eye for it, and your fingersseem comfortable upon the yew--which is the sign and mark of a goodarcher. Now, bear in mind this golden rule: that the feet are to beplaced at true angles, with the line of the mark running, as it were, fairly through the heels: thus, " and he took the position, fitted anarrow to his bow, and, scarce looking towards the target, flew his shaftso straightly as to pierce the very center of the bull. "Try now tonotch the arrow, " said Warrenton, with pardonable pride. 

Robin shook his head and laughed. 

"Ay, but you shall make far _better_ than that, lording, an I have thehandling of you!" cried Warrenton. "Now take this bow and these arrowswhich I have chosen; and we will set forth for Nottingham. We have anhour's journey. "

On the way to Nottingham, Robin's mind was so full of all that hadlately happened that he lagged behind the others and at last foundhimself quite alone. 

This was where the road curved through the last of the forest aboutNottingham. Warrenton and Master Ford of the foresters were at a reneweddiscussion on longbow against crossbow; and Will Stuteley had become sointerested in the matter as to have poked his little horse between theothers. Robin trotted his steed to come up with them; then, suddenlyspying a brooklet among the trees upon his left hand, found himselfmightily athirst. He slipped from off the back of his grey jennet andtethered the beast by the roadside. 

The brook was fouled near the highroad from the passing of heavy cartsand wagons, so Robin pushed down it into the thicker wood. 

Finding that now the stream ran pure and limpid, Robin flung himselfflat among the bracken and rushes, and dipped his face in the coolwater. He drank heartily, and lay there for a while in lazy content, hidby the undergrowth and bracken. 

A whinnying from his jennet warned him at length that he must push onwith speed if he intended to rejoin the others ere Nottingham gate wasreached. Robin turned himself about, preparatory to rising, then hastilyshrank back into the shelter afforded by the ferns. 

Two men approached noiselessly through the forest. They carried bows andwere clad in russet brown. Robin, in that brief glimpse, recognized twoof Master Will's free-booting band. 

The outlaws walked side by side in earnest conversation. Theirmutterings were at first unintelligible to Robin; but, by hazard, theypaused close to where he lay hid. Young Fitzooth knew that he would havesmall chance with these fellows should they espy him. 

Said one, an evil-looking man, with a dirty grizzled beard: "Our Willseems to me, friend Roger, to be of open heart towards this youngling. He has given him the key of the forest at first word, as if the placewere free to all. Had _you_ the knowledge of it so soon, Roger? Tell me, lad. "

He spoke sneeringly and with meaning. Robin strained his ears todistinguish the other's reply. "Friend, " said Number Two, at last, andspeaking in a smooth, milky sort of way, "friend, I would rather counselyou to adopt a persuasive argument with the Scarlet Knight, should wechance on him. I would have no violence done, an it may be avoided, being a man opposed to lawlessness in heart, as you know. It is myeternal misfortune which has brought me to this life. "

"Tush! 'tis for murder of an old man at York! I know your story, Roger;seek not to impose upon me. "

"He was a Jew, dear friend, and did grievously provoke me. But we have amatter in hand. This man has doubtless been sent in to spy upon us. Ihave no belief in the faith of these Norman nobles. Further, he has uponhis head a goodly sum of money, as I well know. Wherefore, if chanceshould yield him to our hands, it would seem right and proper that weshould bind him. "

"Ay, hard and fast, Roger. You have it. "

"Bind him with a vow, Micah, but not with ropes and wickedness. Yetshould your dagger inadvertently prick him----"

"Be sure that it will, Roger. Some inward voice warns me that it will. "

The other made a sign to the last speaker to speak more quietly. Robincocked his ears in vain, but he had heard enough to show him that theshadow of a great evil was stalking behind his cousin, and withoutfurther thought decided that he must save him. 

The two villains stood together a plaguey time perfecting their plans, and Robin dared scarcely breathe. Once, when he attempted to wriggle hisway through the bracken, at the first sound of movement both men hadbecome utterly silent, showing that they had heard and waited to hearagain. 

"A squirrel, friend, " said the one called Roger at last, and Robin tookheart again. 

However, knowing that presently they must espy his jennet tethered bythe road, Robin became desperate. He writhed his body snake-like throughthe ferns until he came to the edge of the brook; then, covered by thenoise of the falling water, essayed to creep up the course of thestream. 

The distance from the road could scarcely have been two hundred ells, but it seemed to Robin more like to a league. He got his feet and legswet and bemired; and cut his hands over the rocks about the brook. Yethe came nearer and nearer still to the roadway without having givenalarm. 

Robin saw at length the close turf which bordered the road, and spiedhis little grey horse. Forthwith he rose to his feet and made a bolddash for it. 

The jennet was untethered and Robin upon its back in a flash; then thelad heard the whizz of an arrow past him. He bent his head down close tothe neck of his jennet and whispered a word into its ear. The littlemare, shaking herself suddenly to a gallop, understood; and now began arace between bow and beast. 

These outlaws were no common archers, for sure. Twice did their shaftsskim narrowly by Robin and his flying steed; the third time a suddenpricking told the youth that he was struck in the back. 

He had no time for thought of pain. Everything depended on the beastunder him. He pressed his legs softly but firmly against her streamingsides. 

She was more swift in the end than the cruel arrows. Robin saw thecountryside flashing by him through a cloud of dust; saw that Nottinghamgate was reached; that a party with surprised faces watched his furiousapproach. The little mare swayed and rolled as she went, and Robin cameto the ground, with the outlaw's arrow still in him. He was consciousthat someone ran to him and lifted him tenderly: he perceived dimly, through circling blackness, the anxious face of Stuteley. 

"Are you hurt, dear master?" he seemed to see, rather than hear, himsay. 

Then Stuteley, Nottingham, and reason fled swiftly together, and the daybecame as night. 

CHAPTER VIII

When he recovered himself Robin found them binding his shoulder. Hesmiled up at Warrenton to show that the hurt was little. "Are we toolate for the joustings, Will?" he murmured, spying out Stuteley's faceof concern. 

"We are to bring back the golden arrow with us which the Sheriff hasoffered as prize to the best marksman, " answered Warrenton, before theother could speak. "Now, you are to remember all that I have shown you, and shoot in confidence. Now come: the gates of Nottingham are opened, and your wound is neatly bandaged. Here is the arrow plucked from it:keep it for a trophy. "

"Is it a pretty shaft, Warrenton?" asked Robin, carelessly, as the oldservant thrust it into his quiver. 

"It is one of Will's own, and that suffices. "

After Master Ford had briefly bidden them farewell, they left theirbeasts in charge of a fellow inside the gate, bidding him give thelittle grey jennet all care and attention. 

Here, also, Robin got himself washed and made tidy for the Fair, and hadsome meat and drink to restore him. He found that it was to the longNorman cape he wore that he owed his life. The outlaw's arrow had beendiverted by the flapping garment, and had only pricked him in the fleshypart of his shoulder. The cape was so ripped, however, as to becomeridiculous in its rags, so Robin asked for the loan of a pair ofshears, and with them trimmed the cape so ruthlessly in his haste as tomake it become more like an old woman's hood. 

"You have turned Saxon out of Norman very suddenly, master, " laughedyoung Stuteley. 

It was a full three hours past noon ere they came to the Fair. A greatring had been made in the centre of it, and huge wooden stands had beenbuilt about this circle. They were covered finely with cloth of red andgold; and many flags and banners were flying above the tops and aboutthe stands. 

The blare and discord of trumpets rang out over the noise of the people. A great clamor of voices betokened the arrival of some great man at thefront of the chief stand. 

"The Sheriff has arrived, " cried Stuteley, who knew the ways at theseaffairs. "Hear how the people do cheer him! For sure he must be a manwell liked----"

"These fellows will applaud anyone who has power and office, " saidWarrenton, scornfully. "Master Monceux is _not_ beloved of them, for allthat. But hasten, or we shall be shut out. Already they are closing thegates. "

The clouds were heavy and grey, and a few large drops of rain began topatter down. 

"Look to our bows, Warrenton, " cried Robin, in alarm. 

"Be easy, lording--your bow shall not be at fault if the prize does notfall to your hand. Follow me. "

They were now at the wicket, and Warrenton produced his authority. Gamewell's name was enough. They were ushered into a small box near bythe Sheriff's own, and there awaited events. 

First came bouts of single-stick and quarter-staff, and Master Will waskeen to take part in these contests. Warrenton counselled him to remainin the background, however. 

"The folk are sure to recognize you, malapert, " said he, giving Stuteleyhis favorite name for him, "and there will be an outcry. Let be, then, and attend to your master. "

"It would be better, Will, I do think, " said Robin. "I have to find outcousin Geoffrey, and warn him against two villains waiting for himwithout the town. " And Robin gave them briefly the history of hisadventure. 

Ere he had ended the story, the Sheriff held up his baton as a sign thatthe jousting would begin. Two knights rode into the ring through thehastily opened gates, heralded by their esquires--amid the noise of ashrill blast of defiance. They were clad in chain-mail, bound on andabout with white riband, and their armor was burnished in a manner mostbeautiful to behold. Their esquires threw down their gauntlets beforethe box of Master Monceux, and challenged the world to a trial ofstrength in these the lists-magnificent of Nottingham town. 

Two black knights had ridden into the lists in answer to the challenge;and now all clamor was hushed. The Sheriff's daughter, a pale, hard-faced girl, with straw-colored hair and mincing ways, announced ininaudible voice the terms of the contest. The heralds repeated themafterwards in stentorian tones; and the rivals wheeled about, the whiteknights couching their lances from under the Sheriff's box. The othersprepared themselves at the wicket-gate and waited for the signal. 

This was given, and the four rushed together with a shock like athunder-clap. These four knights gave good account of themselves. 

The black knights had been unhorsed, and now they lay helpless in theirheavy armor. Once on their feet, they were eager to renew the fray, andwere soon again in readiness. At the second tilt they rudely unhorsedthe white knights by sheer strength of arm; and all the people shoutedthemselves hoarse. 

So the jousting went on; and, after the white knights had eventually wonthe first round, yellow and red took their places. Robin eagerly scannedthe latter, trying to discover which of the two might be Geoffrey. Asmall, thin-faced man behind the Sheriff was no less eager to discoverMontfichet in this favorable apparel; and evidently had sharper eyesthan had Robin in piercing disguise. This wizened-faced fellow leanedback with satisfied smile, after one searching glance; then, drawing outhis tablets, he wrote on them, and despatched his man in haste to Londontown. 

Geoffrey was unhorsed in the second tilting; and lay so long upon theground that Robin's heart stood still. It was then discovered that thisknight was unknown and had no esquire. Thus Robin knew him for hiscousin. 

"Attend him, Will, as you would myself, " cried Robin, anxiously, "andsee now to his hurt----"

"He is but dazed, master, with his fall. It seems that these knights arearmored so heavily that once down they cannot of themselves rise upagain! Protect me from such war-gear! I'd sooner have my own skin and beable to be spry in it. What say you, old Warrenton?"

"Go to, malapert. Get down to him, and be as active with your hands asyou are with your tongue. "

"I go, I go--see how I go!" and Will turned a somersault over him intothe ring out of the front of their box. Robin called angrily on him tobehave, and the little tumbler ran then to his duties as servant to theunknown Scarlet Knight. 

Robin's eager eyes roved hither and thither about the gay scene. Opposite him was a small box near to the ground, wherein sat two peopleonly. One was a grave-faced man of courtly mien and handsome apparel:the other seemed to be his child. 

Towards one of these two persons Robin's glances for ever wandered. Thelaughing blue eyes of the girl, the queer little toss of her head whichshe gave in her unheard answers to her sober father, heartily pleasedyoung Fitzooth, and in some way vaguely disturbed his memory. She was ofabout fifteen summers; and her hair was black as a winter's night--andcurled all waywardly around her merry face. Blue were her eyes when thequick fever induced by the tilting rushed in her blood--blue as meadowviolets. Then, when the excitement was passed, they fell to a greywonderment. Twice she encountered Robin's glances; and the second timeher eyes shone blue, as if ashamed, and the tint of her warm cheeksdeepened. Demurely she turned away her face from him. 

Young Fitzooth turned to Warrenton: "Can you tell me who these may bewho sit alone in yon little box?" he asked, and cautiously pointed themout to the old retainer. 

Warrenton was stupid, however, and would not see exactly where Robinwould have him look. At last, as one making a discovery: "Oh, 'tisMaster Fitzwalter you mean, lording? Ay, a right worthy, honestgentleman; and warden of the city gates. Next of importance inNottingham town is he after Monceux, the Sheriff; and a prettier man inall ways. Now, were he Sheriff, Squire George of Gamewell would oftenerbe in Nottingham Castle than now, for we like not the Sheriff. The maidwith Master Fitzwalter is his only child. She has no mother; and he isboth parents to her. Ay, a proper man----"

"She is very beautiful, I think, " said Robin, speaking his thoughtsalmost without knowing it. 

"Yes, yes, a passable wench. But I have no faith in them, lording. Theyare all as the Yellow One of Gamewell. They smile upon you that they maywork their will; and evil comes of their favor, if not death. Nowsee----"

"You are crabbed, indeed, Warrenton; and I'll hear no more. Do you knowher name?"

"Fitzwalter, lording. Did I not say this was his child?"

"Has she no other name?" persisted Robin, patiently. 

"Oh, ay ... Let me see. 'Tis Judith, or Joan, or some such name. Mayhap, 'tis Catherine. I do misremember it, lording: but 'tis surely of noaccount. The archery is now to begin; and here I would have you giveheed----"

He recommenced his cautions, warnings, and hints--being anxious thatRobin should shine to-day for Gamewell's sake. 

Robin saw that the jousting was done, and that, after all, the redknights were conquerors. It fell to Geoffrey to ride forward and acceptthe coveted laurel wreath. Dipping his lance, Geoffrey caused hischarger to bend its knees before the regal-looking box: and MasterMonceux, after an inflated speech, placed the circlet of bays upon theend of Geoffrey's lance. Then the unknown knight for a brief instantraised his vizor. The lean-faced man near to the Sheriff's right handexchanged a quick glance of understanding with the knight. 

The Sheriff nodded to give the knight to understand that he wassatisfied. With closed visor the scarlet one then paced his steed slowlyand in quiet dignity around the lists, followed dutifully by Stuteley, until they had returned to the Monceux box. Again saluting gracefully, he extended his lance, with the wreath still depending from it, towardsthe Sheriff, as it seemed. 

"Does he return the wreath, and wherefore?" asked Robin, in puzzledvoice. 

"To her to whom the wreath is yielded our Sheriff will award the titleof Beauty's Queen, " explained Warrenton. "'Tis a foolish custom. MasterGeoffrey, in this matter of etiquette, knows that the trifle should goto young Mistress Monceux. Otherwise, the Sheriff would have him beaten, no doubt; or injured in some shameful way upon his departure from thelists. "

"So that is the rule of it, eh, Warrenton?" said Robin. "I would like tochoose my own Queen----"

"It matters not one jot or tittle to young Master Montfichet. See--thewreath has been duly bestowed and the Sheriff will announce his girlQueen, until the night, of Beauty in all Royal Nottingham. There will besome further mummery when the golden arrow is won. Doubtless, the winnerwill have to yield it up to Monceux's girl again, on a pretence thatall is hers, now she is Queen. So shall my lord the Sheriff keep hisprize after all; and be able to offer it again next year----"

Robin checked the garrulous old man with a gesture. 

"Now give me my bow, Warrenton, " commanded young Fitzooth, somewhatroughly; "and do you tell me how I am to enter myself in the lists. "

"Your esquire should announce you, " returned the other, respectfully. "See, here he comes----"

"The Red Knight would thank you, master, for your courtesies, " saidStuteley, approaching Robin. "He will wait for us at Nottingham gate;and prays that you will accept the chargers of the unhorsed knights fromhim. They are his by right of conquest, as you know. "

"I will accept them, and thank him for the gift, " returned Robin, briefly, guessing that this was the reply that Geoffrey would desire himto make. "Now tell the heralds that Robin of Locksley will enter for theSheriff's prize. Give no more of my name than that, Will, " he addedwarningly, in a lower voice. 

Stuteley vanished, and Robin turned again to the lists. The Sheriff'sdaughter had already been crowned, and sat now in supercilious state inthe Sheriff's own seat. Geoffrey had gone, and Fitzwalter's box wasempty. 

"I'll not shoot at all, " said Robin, suddenly. "Go, Warrenton, bringback Stuteley to me. I have changed my mind in the matter. "

"Does your wound fret you, lording?" asked Warrenton, solicitously. "Forgive me that I should have forgot----"

"Nay--'tis not that at all. I have no wish to shoot. Fetch Will to me. "

It was too late. Stuteley had already given in Robin's name to theheralds, and signified that he would shoot first of all. He came intothe box even as Warrenton went out for him. 

Half-angrily, Robin took the bow from the retainer's hands and slung hisquiver about him. He strode moodily across the lists to the spot wherethe other archers had already gathered. When they saw this younglingwith his odd little cape preparing himself, they smiled and whisperedtogether. Robin strung his bow and slipped an arrow across it. 

The crowd became suddenly silent, and this nerved the lad to be himselfonce more. He forgot his momentary vexation and aimed carefully. Hisarrow flew surely to the target and struck it full in the middle. "Abull! A bull!" roared Warrenton and Stuteley, together. Robin steppedback. 

"None so bad a shot, master, " said the next archer to him, in a quiettone. "You have provided yourself now with a truer shaft, I ween?"

It was Will o' th' Green, with stained face and horse-hair beard. Hiseyes challenged Robin's in ironical defiance, as he moved to take histurn. His aim seemed to be made without skill or desire to betterRobin's shot; yet his arrow found resting-place side by side with theother. 

The mob cheered and applauded themselves hoarse; while the markersscored the points evenly to these first two archers. 

These two stood apart, silent amidst the din. Once Will seemed to beabout to speak: then changed his mind. He glanced sidelong at youngStuteley and Warrenton; then hummed a ballad-tune under his breath. 

The contest went on and the first round came to an end. Out of twentyand three rivals nineteen had scored bulls at this range. The markersgave the signal to the heralds, and these announced the results withloud flourishings. 

The target was taken down and the range increased. The range of the markfrom the archers for the second round was fixed at forty ells--the samedistance as had chanced before between Robin and Master Will when in thegreenwood together. The outlaw offered to shoot first; but the heraldsrequested them to keep in the same order as in the preceding round. 

Robin fitted his arrow quietly and with some confidence to his bow, thensped it unerringly towards the target. "A bull! Another bull toLocksley!" cried out Warrenton, in stentorian tones, and the fickle mobtook up the cry: "Locksley! A Locksley!" with gusto. 

Will aimed with even more unconcern than before. His arrow took thecenter fairly and squarely, however; and was in reality a better shotthan Robin's. The shafts were withdrawn; then the other contestantsfollowed. This round brought down the number of competitors to five. Themarkers carried back the target to a distance of five-and-fifty ells;and truly the painted circles upon it seemed to be now very small. 

Robin again took his stand, but with some misgiving. The light wasuncertain, and a little fitful wind frolicked across the range in a wayvery disturbing to a bowman's nerves. His eyes half-anxiously addressedthemselves to that box wherein he had spied Mistress Fitzwalter. 

His heart leaped--she had returned, and her strange gaze was fixed uponhim! Robin drew his bow and flew his shaft. Unconsciously he used thearrow plucked from his own shoulder by Warrenton. 

Again did he gain the center, amid the cries and jubilations of Stuteleyand the old retainer. 

"Now Master Roughbeard, better that!" shouted Warrenton. 

The outlaw smiled scornfully and made ready. He drew his bow with easeand a pretty grace, and made a little gesture of confidence as his agilefingers released the arrow. It leaped forth rushingly towards thetarget, and all eyes followed it in its flight. 

A loud uproar broke forth when the markers gave their score--an innercircle, and not a bull. Master Will made an angry signal of disbelief;and strode forward down the lists to see for himself. It was true: thewind had influenced a pretty shot just to its undoing, and Will had tobe content with the hope that the same mischance might come to Robin orany of the other bowmen before the round was ended. 

The outlaw wished especially to win--that he might have the satisfactionof vexing the Sheriff of Nottingham. Will had intended to send back thisprize--a golden arrow--from his stronghold of Sherwood, snapped intotwenty pieces, with a letter of truculent defiance wrapped about thescraps. He wished to make it plain to Master Monceux that the freearchers of Sherwood were better men than any _he_ might bring againstthem, and that they despised him very heartily. Now that he saw alikelihood of his being beaten his heart grew hot within him. 

"Be not too sure of it, stripling, " said he, as he returned to Robin'sside. "Fortune may mar your next shot, as she has mine----"

"'Tis like enough, friend, " answered Robin, smiling; "and yet I do hopethat the arrow may be won by my hand. This is our second test, MasterWill, " he added, in a low voice. "Forget it not--the freedom of thegreenwood is the reward that I do seek even more than my lord theSheriff's golden arrow. "

The outlaw's anger went suddenly from him. 

"Then I do wish you God-speed, youngling, " he said, brightly. "You havein truth beaten me right honestly--for mine was an ill-judged shot. "

With Will out of it, the contest came to an easy conclusion; andpresently the Sheriff's arrow was duly awarded to Robin of Locksley bythe markers. 

The lad came forward shyly to receive the prize. 

"Master Monceux thinks that you should shoot once more with the secondarcher, " said someone to him, leaning from the Sheriff's box. Lookingup, Robin espied the lean-faced man smiling disagreeably down at him. 

"Let my lord state the terms of this new contest, then, " answered Robin, "and the reason for't. "

"'Tis said that you were over-favored by the wind and by the light. "

An angry answer was upon the lad's lips: but he checked himself, andwith slow dignity turned and went back to where the archers stoodgrouped together. Soon as he made known to him the difficulty which theSheriff had raised, Will o' th' Green became furious. 

"Locksley, have none of this trumpery prize, " cried he, in loud anger. "I do deny my right to any share in it, or to a fresh contest. Nor willI shoot again. Let Monceux vex his brain as he may with rules andconditions--they are not for Roughbeard, or for you. We have our ownnotions of right and justice; and since the Sheriff is loth to part withthe prize that he has offered--why, yield it back to him, friend--andtake the reward from me that you coupled with it. "

Other indignant protests were now heard from amongst the onlookers: andthe Sheriff saw that he had raised a storm indeed. "Locksley! RobinLocksley!" was shouted noisily round and about; and Warrenton andStuteley busily fostered the tumult. Master Monceux at last bade theheralds announce that Robin of Locksley had won the golden arrow--sincethe archer who had made nearest points to him did not desire nor seek afurther trial. 

"Were it necessary, lording, " muttered old Warrenton, "I would show youhow to notch the arrow of the best archer here about--a merry trick, andone that I learned in Lancashire, where they have little left to learnof archery, for sure. "

"Nay, " put in Roughbeard, loudly, "the arrow is his without need offurther parleyings. I do admit myself beaten this day--though on anotheroccasion we will, perchance, reverse our present positions. Take orleave the arrow as you will, Locksley. For my part I would love toprick Monceux with it heartily. "

"You talk wisely, friend, " said Warrenton, approvingly, "and, as formaking a match with you, why, that will we to-day. Do you ride with usto Gamewell and there you shall have archery and to spare. "

"Ay, and a welcome, too!" commenced Robin; then paused suddenly, remembering who Roughbeard really was. Montfichet of Gamewellentertaining Will o' th' Green!

The outlaw merely laughed good-humoredly at the lad's confusion. 

"Go, take the Sheriff's prize; and vex him in some way, if you can, inthe accepting of it!"

Again Robin walked forward towards the Monceux box; this time withflashing eyes and a resolve in his heart. 

"Robin of Locksley, " said the Sheriff, scarce looking at him, "here ismy golden arrow which I have offered as reward to the best bowman inthis Fair. You have been accorded the prize; and I do yield it to youwith sincere pleasure. Take the bauble now from our daughter's hand, anduse the arrow worthily. "

The heralds blew a brazen blast, and the demoiselle Monceux, with a thinsmile, held out to Robin upon a silk cushion the little shining arrowwhich now was his. Bowing, and on one knee, Robin took up the glitteringtrophy. 

"Surely 'tis a plaything more suited to a lady's hair than to anarcher, " murmured the lean-faced man, who stood close by. CatchingRobin's eye, he made a significant sign, as who would say: "Here is theQueen who would adorn it. "

Robin had that other notion in his mind, however, and saw that now themoment had arrived in which it should be put into execution. Somehow, hecontrived to bring himself before the small low box wherein, half-startled, sat the maid Fitzwalter. 

"Lady, " stammered the young archer, bowing to her, "do you please acceptthis little arrow which I have won. It is a pretty thing; but of smalluse to me. Maybe you could make some ornament with it----"

Then he could go no farther; but dumbly held it out to her. 

The girl, having seen that her father was not unwilling, stretched outand took the Sheriff's arrow from Robin's shaking hands. 

"Thanks to you, Robin o' th' Hood, " she said, with that roguish littletoss of her dark curls; "I'll take the dart, and wear it in memory ofLocksley and this day!" Her eyes looked frankly into his for a briefinstant; then were hid by her silky lashes. 

Robin, with bounding heart, walked proudly back to where old Warrentonstood, glowing; and the people thunderingly applauded the archer'schoice. 

"Right well was it done, Locksley!" roared the outlaw, near forgettinghimself. "I love you for it. " For he saw only that the Sheriff had beenslighted, and cries of: "A Locksley!" were renewed again and again. 

Master Monceux looked furiously at this archer who had taken the prizewith only the briefest word of thanks to him: and would have spoken, hadnot his daughter, with chilling gesture, forbidden it. She gave nooutward symptom of the anger stirring within her: she wore herworthless but royal crown of bay, whilst the other toyed thoughtfullywith the golden arrow, and wondered who the gallant giver of it mightbe. 

Robin, Warrenton, Stuteley, and Roughbeard rode towards the gate ofNottingham on the horses of the defeated knights. They had decided tostay no longer at the Fair: the noisy play and mock-joustings that wereto follow the archery had no attraction for them. 

CHAPTER IX

This escort saved Geoffrey from the attack planned upon him by the twotreacherous robbers. They spied him out, and followed the smallcavalcade throughout the journey, but at a respectful distance, utteringdeep threats against the lad who had warned the knight of their evilintent. So, whilst making friends, Robin also made enemies: but none sobad as that cold-faced woman of Nottingham Castle. She had recognized inRobin of Locksley the youth who had come with old Montfichet on thefirst day of the Fair. 

Near by Gamewell, Roughbeard called a halt. He had been strangelysilent, being over doubtful. 

"Farewell, friends, " said he, doffing his cap to them. "Here our roadsdo part, for I must go further through the forest. "

"I, too, have that direction before me, if so be that you are travellingwestward, " said Geoffrey to him, with well-assumed diffidence, andspeaking through his casque. He had known the outlaw at once; but hadforborne to show it, scarce dreaming that Robin also had pierced Will'sdisguise. 

Robin became busy in his thoughts when he saw his cousin and Roughbeardriding off together like this. That secret way from the hut which ledinto Sherwood; the two villains who had plotted against Geoffrey--why, all was clear! Geoffrey now was with them of the forest; had beenseeking to influence Master Will; no doubt the red trappings upon whichhe had laid such stress were as a signal to someone. To whom? And towhat end?

Geoffrey had been cool towards Robin when warned of those schemingagainst him. "I can protect myself against such rabble, cousin, " was allhe would say. "But I would thank you for bidding your lad to me in thejoustings; it was a matter I had overlooked that one must have anesquire. I'll not forget the courtesy. "

That was all. He had shrunk back into himself again; and with closedvisor had ridden silently beside them. Yet he was not ungrateful; andhad begun to like Robin very honestly, only Geoffrey Montfichet must bevery sure of his man ere he would unbend to him. 

It was already nigh on dusk as Robin rode into the court at Gamewell indreaming abstraction. His thoughts had sprung back again from Geoffreyto the blue-eyed maid: and in cloudlands he saw himself her knight. Wondrous and mighty would be the deeds that he should perform for herdear sake--did she bid him to them. 

Then he remembered Broadweald, and how he had sworn within himself toset his life to win that, for his father's happiness. 

Ay: but surely in the winning of Broadweald there might chance smallerprizes, which properly he might yield for a smile from this fair maid?Or again, might not he battle for the two together?

"Robin, Robin!" He heard old Montfichet's voice, calling from the shadowof the porch. "Where are you, child? I did not espy you at the bridge. Come here, boy, and let me tell to you something of sorrow. There hasbefallen a sad mischance to your father at Locksley----"

"Sir, sir, " cried poor Robin, waking suddenly, "tell me not that he isdead!" He sprang hastily from his grey steed and ran towards the Squire. 

"No, not that. "

"Ah, but my heart forewarns me. He has been hurt by some beast? It isthe season when the deer are wild. "

"Master Fitzooth has been attacked by a great stag near by your home. That is all we know of it, child; and I give it you plainly at once, that you may hear the worst. Your mother has already gone to him, withthe clerk and a full two score of men. For the captain of the forestershas kindly joined forces with mine own fellows; so that no further harmmay befall. "

"I'll follow her, sir. Give me leave to go. "

"'Twere wiser to wait till morning, boy. What could you do now? Mayhapwe fret ourselves too much, as 'tis. But you shall go, with Warrentonand your esquire, when morning is here. Ay, and I will come too; and wewill bring with us the most skilful leech in Nottingham. I have alreadysent a messenger to him, an hour since, so soon as the dame had gone. "

"I like not my mother having been sent for, sir. That shows me that thehurt is deadly. To think that I was playing so foolishly at the momentwhen I might have been of use to him!"

So rudely ended Robin's dreaming. 

In the morning they set out for Locksley; the Squire with the leech, andsix mules bearing such delicacies as old Gamewell's generous mind couldthink upon. Warrenton headed a full score of men, for fear of theoutlaws; and they took a litter with them to bring Master Fitzooth toGamewell. 

The dame met them at the latch-gate which Robin knew so well. Her facewas deathly pale and her mouth quivered as she tried to frame a welcometo them. 

"Mother!" cried Robin, in anguished voice, running to her; and there wasno need for further speech. In that one cry and in the expression of hermute, answering face, the truth was told and understood. No use to fightfor Broadweald now; were it his a hundred times over, Robin could neverdo that with it which he in all his boyhood had planned. Hugh Fitzooth, Ranger of the Forest of Locksley, was dead. 

 * * * * *

The good Clerk of Copmanhurst, who had appeared from within the cottage, told the story of Fitzooth's death. Fitzooth had been alone when thehuge wild stag had attacked him; was near his death when discovered bytwo of his men. He had regained consciousness only at the sound of hiswife's voice; had kissed her with fainting breath; and, having laboredto send Robin a message of love and pride in him, had gradually faded inspirit until the dawn. 

It was an unhappy ending to a life soured by disappointment; yet somehowthis man had managed to win a way into the hearts of many people. Thefew villagers of Locksley all had their tender word or humble tribute ofaffection to offer the dame and her sorrowing son; and thus much of theedge of their grief was blunted. Until the interment the priest stayedwith them, and so did old Gamewell, who paid all the fees and expensesinevitable in consequence of Fitzooth's decease. 

Afterward, the Squire would have them go back to Gamewell with him; butRobin had determined to ask for his father's post. This bitter time madethe lad into a man suddenly. It was the evening of the day when they hadlaid Fitzooth to rest in the little churchyard of Locksley thatMontfichet returned again to talk of his plan of making Robin his heir. 

The old man argued reasonably and well; and Robin listened in silenceuntil he was done. Then, "Very generously and indulgently have youtalked with us, sir, " said Robin, "and sure thing it is that we owe yousuch debt as I can never hope to pay. Yet I cannot feel that 'twould bea man's part to live an idle life. Surely I should do something, sir, towin the right to wear your name? Moreover, I must not forget that thereis another--nay, hear me, sir--thine own son, whose birthright I shouldbe stealing away from him. "

"Boy, " interrupted old Gamewell, on a sudden resolution, "will you shareGamewell with me as Geoffrey's brother, then? If so be this way out ofit will meet your objections, I'll sink my prejudice. Geoffrey shall gohalves with you. "

"That were the course nearer to my heart, sir; and yet not all that Iwould desire. I have no right to talk to you so openly; but the matteris, in a manner, forced upon me. "

"It is agreed then, Robin?" cried the Squire, eagerly. "And so you willtake your mother's olden name and become Montfichet of Gamewell?"

"I would rather serve the King _here_ for one year, at least, " saidRobin, arguing still. "You might think better on't, sir. Let me try mystrength or weakness; and find out myself for myself. My father wouldhave wished me to fight my own way in the world. "

"The lad speaks soothly, Squire, " said the clerk, interposing, "and Iwould counsel you to agree to his notions. Moreover, he has not yetfinished his studyings with myself in the Latin tongue. "

"Leave me young Stuteley and Warrenton, sir, and your blessing, and letme win bread for my mother and myself for twelve months from to-day. Then, if I may, and you wish, I'll come humbly to you. " Robin went overto him. "And believe me always as being very grateful, sir. I would thatI might not seem obstinate in this. "

"Have it so, then, Robin. I'll bear your letter to Monceux myself, andrally him about the arrow which you won!"

"Will the Sheriff appoint me, then?" asked Robin, a trifle disconcerted. 

"He will advise the King in the matter. 'Tis but a form. The post ofRanger of Locksley is yours, merely for the asking. Who could gainsayyour right to it? Give me the letter; and I will be your messenger. I goto-morrow to Gamewell, and will journey to Nottingham the next day. Now, since I understand that this holy man would wish to see you alone, and Iwould like to talk with your mother, I'll leave you, boy. Count mealways as friend, Robin Fitzooth Montfichet. "

He added the last word half-enquiringly, half-lovingly; and twinkled tothe clerk to see how Robin might take it. But the lad made no replybeyond kissing the old man's fingers very respectfully and tenderly; andwith a sigh, old George of Gamewell offered his arm to the dame, who hadsilently listened throughout the discussion. 

Left alone, the clerk approached Robin. "Now, boy, what I have to say issoon told. Know then that I have learned of your adventures with theScarlet Knight; and that he is in league with Will o' th' Green. Further, I have had it whispered to me that he is none other thanGeoffrey of Montfichet. It matters not how this knowledge came to me; Ido but seek to warn you to tread gently and warily in the days nowbefore you. So far, life has been kind to you, and surely there is noreason why you should not prosper very exceedingly. There is for you agood friend in Gamewell's Squire. "

"And one also at Copmanhurst, father. "

"Assuredly, boy. But I am a poor anchorite and one unable to help you, save by friendly counsel. Take heed not to touch Montfichet too nearlyin the matter of his son, " added he, warningly; "he is a strange man, and will brook no meddling. "

"I would not see Geoffrey wronged, father, not even by Robin ofLocksley, " said Robin, vehemently. 

The clerk smiled at him. "You may coax the Squire, an you will, boy, "said he, twinkling; "for I do think that one may achieve more that waythan by any other. But be careful not to let him see that you would leadhim; and, above all, provoke him not. Montfichet is an obstinate man. His heart prompts him to forgive Geoffrey; and doubtless he could getthe ban removed from off the young man's head. But the Squire will notreadily forego his oath. So now, rest content that he will shareGamewell with Geoffrey and yourself, and do not let him know that onceyou did deceive him. "

"Deceive him, father?"

"Did you not go out secretly to meet the Scarlet Knight, boy? And do younot now hide from Gamewell that his son is in hiding with Will o' th'Green? Be prudent and tread no more in this path. Peace be with you, Robin Fitzooth; and discretion also. "

He bade Robin good night, and set out towards his lonely cell near St. Dunstan's shrine; leaving the other perplexed and distressed at hiswords. 

The first clouds on Robin's horizon were appearing. 

CHAPTER X

Squire George left them next morning. He bade Warrenton stay atLocksley, and charged young Stuteley to let him know if the dame or hismaster should want for aught. Then, having pressed some money upon hissister to meet their necessities, he bade them affectionate farewell. 

He took Robin's letter to Monceux, and added his own request to it, never doubting that so ordinary a matter as this would be long a-doing. The Rangership of Locksley Woods was Robin's by every right: for thehouse and garden had been given to Hugh Fitzooth in perpetuity by theKing. So at least they all had understood. 

Master Monceux, lord Sheriff of Nottingham, took the letters and readthem with a thin smile; then bore them to his daughter's chamber, andlaid them before her. "Truly the enemies of our King are not lacking inaudacity, " sneered Master Monceux, when Mistress Monceux had masteredthe scrolls. 

"What will you do?" asked she, curiously. 

"This is the young archer who won my arrow, " remarked the Sheriff. "Robin Fitzooth of Locksley. Observe that his father has been killed byone of the King's deer; like as not whilst he was attempting to snareit. His son asks now for the post: this son who shoots with a peacockedarrow to win my prize. "

"Say you so? Then this boy is of the outlaws of Sherwood?" Her thin lipsparted over her white teeth in an evil doubt, as she asked her father:"How do you know that the arrow was winged with a peacock's feather? Didyou see it yourself?"

"John Ford brought it to me. "

"Ford is a very untrustworthy knave. I would that some other of theforesters had told you. "

The Sheriff was vexed at this. "I have no hesitation in the matter, child. But give heed, for now I must either agree to this recommendationof my lord Montfichet, or refuse it because I have already appointedsome other to the place. Can you not suggest a man to me?"

"Let it be one distasteful both to Montfichet and to this boastfulyouth, " said the demoiselle Monceux, eagerly. "Send Ford, or one of thescullions from our kitchen, that they may know our contempt for them. And bid the young archer to us here; he should be whipped and put in thestocks, " she added, vindictively. 

"Will you reply to those scrolls then, child?" said the Sheriff, glad tobe relieved of a task which he did not relish. "Let it be Ford; he iscaptain of the foresters hereabouts, and has been staying at Gamewell. Ihear that young Locksley is not over-fond of him. But be discreet inyour scrivening, and say only that which is necessary, child. "

"I will bring the letters when they are penned, and will read them toyou, " said his daughter. 

In due course, then, came the Sheriff's reply to Robin's request. It wascouched in arrogant terms, and bade the youth report himself within tendays at Nottingham Castle in order that the question of his appointmentto a post in the King's Foresters might be weighed and considered. Asfor the Rangership of Locksley, that had already been given to oneMaster John Ford, who would take up the duties so soon as Robin andMistress Fitzooth could arrange to render him the house at Locksley andall it contained. To this end the Sheriff's messenger was empowered totake stock and inventory of all furniture and belongings and to makenote of all things broken or in disrepair, since those would have to becounted against them when they left the place. 

Robin, not knowing the worse indignities that were to befall did he cometo Nottingham, for reply flung the letter into the messenger's face. 

"Go, take back this answer to your master, " flamed the lad. "Locksley ismy mother's and my own and not the Sheriff of Nottingham's. Further, tell him that I will administer Locksley Woods, and the men shall obeyme even as they did my father: and this is all that I say in answer toyour insolent lord. "

"Take this also, fellow, " cried Stuteley, heroically: "that my master'ssquire will very instantly do battle on his behalf with all enemies atquarter-staff, single-stick, or at wrestling with the hands. "

"Be sure that you will need practice in all your tricks, friend, "snarled the messenger, wrathfully; "Master Monceux will send you enoughof pupils and to spare! And I will be glad to have a bout with you. "

"Now, if you sicken for't, " said Will, valiantly; but Robin bade him bestill. 

The messenger went back to Nottingham; and Robin continued to go aboutthe duties of a ranger. 

On the fifth day after the man's visit, however, one of the Locksleyforesters refused to obey young Fitzooth, saying that he had no right tocommand him. 

"I have this right, that you shall obey me!" cried Robin, and he badeWarrenton and Stuteley to seize the man and deprive him of his longbowand quiver. Nor would he suffer the forester to become repossessed ofthem until he had humbly asked pardon. Thereafter, seeing that thisyouth had a man's determination, the men remained loyal to him. 

Within ten days came Master Ford himself, at the head of ten fellows, armed with such powers of forcible entry as the Sheriff could grant. Robin received the forester civilly, but told him plainly that Locksleywas his and that he would keep it to his death. 

Master Ford smiled very superior to these brave words. "Death, MasterRobin, is a thing a long way off from us both, I do conceive, " said he. "Therefore is there small valiance in your prating so lightly of it. This matter is one not between ourselves, howbeit, for the Rangershiphas come to me through no seeking of mine own. The quarrel, if there beone, is between yourself and Master Monceux; and, in reason, you shouldlet me into possession here, and take your anger to Nottingham. "

"I speak to the Sheriff in that I speak to you, John Ford, " retorted thelad: "and you have had your answer. Take back your men and yourself; becontent with the captaincy of the foresters of Sherwood. This part ofthe forest will be administered, under the King's pleasure, by me. "

"What if I could show you the King's dismissal of your father?" snarledthe other. 

"If you could show it to me, you would, " answered Robin, calmly. 

"Nevertheless, I will show it to you, insolent, " cried Master Ford, losing his temper. "In Nottingham we can play at other games than thoseyou saw at the Fair, Robin o' th' Hood, " he went on, furiously, andgiving Robin this name out of desire to prick him. 

To young Robin the epithet recalled a sudden vision of the maidFitzwalter and her queer little toss of her curls as she had christenedhim. Ford must have been near to have overheard it. So was there doubleinsult in his words. 

Robin looked him full in the face, and then turned contemptuously fromhim. "Play all the games you know, friend, " said he: and walked into thehouse. 

The forester bit his lip in vexation. He scarce knew how to act. TheSheriff had told him to take forcible possession of the house, but thismight only be done now after a sanguinary encounter. For Warrenton, theSquire of Gamewell's man, was there, and had eyed him malevolently, andtalk with the Locksley foresters had shown them to be now ranged onRobin's side. 

After waiting for three hours, Master Ford set about a return intoNottingham, meaning to ask for permission to bring back the Sherwoodforesters with him to Locksley. In his return he was met by Will o' th'Green and his men near Copmanhurst, was beaten and robbed of all he had, and sent back in ignominious fashion into Nottingham town--he and allthe ten men that the Sheriff had sent with him!

Master Ford made a fine story of this for the greedy ears of MistressMonceux. She had always disliked the maid Fitzwalter; and had now seen achance to injure her through Robin. Since he had given this girl thearrow which he had denied to her, the Sheriff's daughter, there could beno doubt that strong friendship, at the least, existed between them, sothat any blow at Robin must recoil upon Mistress Fitzwalter. 

Demoiselle Monceux therefore credited largely Master Ford's story. 

"Go to the hall, and there await my father, Master Ford, " said MistressMonceux, at last. "I will speak again with him when he has returned fromGamewell. He is there now on your behalf, in a way, " she added, meaningly. 

Monceux, knowing that Montfichet would require an explanation of therefusal to instal Robin in his father's place, had set himself out to bebeforehand with the Squire. At once he had endeavored to satisfy oldGamewell by telling him the story of the peacocked arrow. "Readily can Iunfold that mystery to you, " said Montfichet. "Our Robin was pursued bytwo of the outlaws when on the way to your tourney. 'Tis like enoughthat he picked up one of their arrows. "

"When they were in chase of him?" asked the Sheriff, with ready reply. 

"Well, that is true; and yet, stay--I do mind me that the Clerk ofCopmanhurst did speak of some shooting match in which Robin was forcedto employ himself with Will o' th' Green, on the day that they journeyedhere from Locksley. Then it was that Robin must have become owner of thepeacocked arrow. The thing is quite plain to me. "

"The clerk himself has been suspected of colleaguing with these robbersof the forest, friend Gamewell, " whispered the Sheriff, leaning forwardtowards the Squire. "And they do say that Will was at our tourney--wasnone other, indeed, than the very Roughbeard from whom young Robin socleverly did snatch my arrow of gold. Nay, nay, I think the evidencepoints very strongly against Fitzooth; yet since he is your nephew Ihave forborne to press my charge against him. "

"I'll believe no harm of Robin, " said the Squire, decisively. 

"Still you will see there is reason in my refusal of his request, "smiled Monceux. And old Gamewell had to agree, although unwillingly. 

So were the clouds upon Robin's horizon gathering apace. 

He gravely continued in his duties at Locksley, filling up his leisurewith long and frequent practice in archery with Warrenton. A month wentby and he had heard no more of Master Ford nor of the Sheriff, and soengrossed did Robin become in his present life and the necessity ofmaking a living for them all that Master Monceux, his summons, and his"appointment" of Ford were forgotten. 

He killed such of the deer as his father had, under the King's charter, for their own sustenance, and gathered the fruits from the garden atLocksley. There were cows to be milked and sheep to be sheared. 

The men worked for him without question. There had been no furtherrebellion since Warrenton and Stuteley had so promptly checked the firstsign of it. 

The Squire had sent twice to them such presents as he knew they wouldaccept, and he made no mention of Master Monceux. 

Only one matter troubled Robin. Soon would come round the time when theemoluments of the Rangership would be due; and _then_ Robin would haveto face the Sheriff and make him pay the moneys. 

Having stifled any objections Montfichet might have had to his refusalto recognize Robin as Ranger, the Sheriff was quite content to bide histime, knowing that once in Nottingham, Robin would be entirely in hispower. Unforeseen events, however, upset these schemes and hastenedmatters, even while Robin was perfecting himself in the use of thelongbow under Warrenton and in the art of wrestling with little litheStuteley. The lean-faced man whom he saw at the tourney returnedsuddenly to Nottingham from London, bearing news to the Sheriff that hewas to prepare the town at once for a visit from the young Prince John. 

Master Simeon Carfax, to give the lean-faced one his full style, badethem arrange for a great tourney to be held in Sherwood itself. 

"Certes, Prince John may well be King over us in the end, " murmured theSheriff to himself; and he dismissed all thought of Robin and hisdefiance. 

The Sheriff had some suspicion that Master Carfax had had more to dowith this sudden visit of the erstwhile rebellious Prince than thatpinch-nosed gentleman would allow. Further, he saw with some misgivingthat between Carfax and his own daughter there was an understanding, andhe decided to speak firmly with her; but, as she was still vexed withhim for not having dealt with young Fitzooth as promptly as she haddesigned, the Sheriff thought it wise to wait his opportunity. 

Meanwhile Robin passed his days equably: and now he could notchWarrenton's shaft at one hundred paces, a feat difficult in the extreme. 

The old retainer took huge delight in training the lad. "I do hear of abrave business in archery to be done in Sherwood Forest, " he said, "andI would have you enter there in the lists, and bear away the Prince'sbag of gold, even as you did the Sheriff's arrow. "

"Tell me of this, Warrenton, " cried Robin, interested at once. "Wheredid you learn this item?"

"'Twas told to me a week agone by the Friar of Copmanhurst, a rightworthy, pious gentleman, " gabbled Warrenton. "It seems that the youngPrince is already tired of London ways and the Court of his father theKing, and has agreed to come here to us at Nottingham so that he may bemore free. He brings with him many of the fine ladies of the Court; andfull a hundred score of followers. And they do tell me that some of thebarons are with him, Master Fitzurse to wit. Howbeit, 'tis no matter ofours. We have but to remember that he has offered a purse of a hundredpieces to the best bowman in Nottingham town. That purse should beyours, lording. "

Robin smiled at the old man's emphatic speech. "When is this prize to beoffered, Warrenton, and what other marvels are there to be?"

The man-at-arms commenced afresh. "There is to be a tourney, held inSherwood Forest. "

"Ay; but the archery?"

"I have told you that the Prince offers a fine prize. Know also that hebrings with him Hubert, the most renowned of all archers: so that hedeems the prize already won. The Prince puts a hundred gold pieces intothe purse, and Hubert pockets it in advance. "

"Is he a fair bowman, this Hubert?"

"I know but one archer better than he, lording--yourself; and I haveseen the finest archery in the world. "

"You talk heedlessly, Warrenton, " said Robin, rebuking him. Yet secretlyhe was flattered by this sincere belief in him. 

"I'll go with you to Nottingham--and Stuteley shall stay here, onguard, " said Robin. 

But Stuteley begged most earnestly that he should be allowed to go also, so that Robin came nigh to giving up the plan all together. For he wouldnot consent to leave the dame unprotected. 

In the end Warrenton himself, with fine self-sacrifice, offered toremain at Locksley. 

"It will be wisest that you should go unattended, after all, lording, "concluded Warrenton. "Enter the lists unknown, unannounced, as thoughyou were some forester. Master Monceux means no good to you, and surelyhe will be there. So be circumspect; and forget not the things that Ihave taught you. Beat Hubert if you can, but be not overcome if youshould fail. He is a very pretty bowman, and experienced. "

CHAPTER XI

Profiting by a lesson learned from Will o' th' Green, Robin stained hisface and bade Stuteley do the same ere starting to the Royal tourney. 

The morning was overcast and doubtful when the two lads set forth. Theyhad put on foresters' clothes of green cloth, with long tunics and greentrunk hose. Their hands and faces were brown as walnut juice could makethem; and whilst Robin carried only his best longbow and a good quiverof arrows, young Will had loaded himself with quarter-staff, axe, andpike, all very difficult to carry. 

Robin bade him leave one or the other of these weapons, and reluctantlythe pike was returned to Warrenton. Then merrily they started awaythrough the forest, and came at noon to that glade where Robin had firstmet Will o' th' Green. Even while Robin wondered whether Will or his menmight again demand toll of him, Master Will himself suddenly appeared, and without a word placed his bow across their path. 

"Greetings to you, Will, " said Robin, blithely. "Is it toll of us thatyou desire?"

"Are you dumb, friend?" added Stuteley, impudently, as the outlaw madeno immediate reply. 

Will smiled then. "So old Warrenton has persuaded you to seek thePrince's gold, youngling?" said he, at last. Without waiting an answer, he stepped back and withdrew his bow. "Pass, then, Locksley, and goodfortune attend you, " he went on. "We may meet again ere the day bedone; but it is not sure----"

"You will not try for the purse, Will?" cried Robin, as if surprised. 

"I have no use for it, " answered Will, with some egotism, "Nay, fearnot, our third trial is yet to come. I did but stay you to speak of yourcousin--" He paused, and glanced towards Stuteley. 

"I am deaf and dumb as you were, friend, a minute agone, " spoke thelittle esquire. 

"Your cousin, Geoffrey of Montfichet, has gone to France, " continuedWill, speaking freely so soon as Robin had nodded in confirmation ofStuteley's discretion. "Like as not, Master Geoffrey has not talked withyou as to his business with us in this greenwood?"

"I know nothing beyond that we did bind my cousin's armor about with redribbon, " replied Robin, uneasily. He remembered the clerk's warning, anda presentiment of coming evil pricked him. "But I am right glad thatGeoffrey has encountered no danger, and has given up his schemes withyou. "

"I did not say that he had done that, Locksley, " spoke Will, in hisgruff way. "Nor do I see why you should fear danger for him when he isin my company. "

"I meant not that, Will, believe me, " said Robin, hastily. "But thereare two amongst your band who have little love for my cousin, and arejealous also of you----" And he told him of his adventure in the earlypart of the day when they last had met. 

Will listened with a frown. "So they winged you, youngling, and yet forall that you won the Sheriff's arrow? Give me now some token whereby Imay know which of my men are traitors. "

"I should only know their voices, Will, " said Robin, regretfully. 

The outlaw shrugged. "It matters not, after all, " he remarked, turningto leave them. "Go your ways, Locksley, and win the purse. "

"Is there no toll?" enquired Robin, smiling again, "Am I truly free ofSherwood, Will?"

"'Twould seem so, Locksley, " said the outlaw, briefly. Then, withoutfurther ado, he strode away from him. 

They watched his lithe form disappear. 

"'Tis sure that our disguise is none too good, " sighed Robin, ponderingupon the ready way in which the outlaw had recognized him. 

Soon afterward rain fell and a heavy storm raged amongst the trees. Thetwo youths crept into the hollow of one of the larger oaks to shelterthemselves. Whilst waiting there they heard the noise of an approachingcavalcade. It was a body of archers coming from Lincoln to compete forthe purse of gold. 

They cantered past the tree wherein Robin and Stuteley lay hidden, andtook no heed of the drenching rain. All were merry with wine and veryconfident that one amongst them would surely win the prize. The onlyquestion was, Which one?

"These Nottingham clods!" cried one, scornfully; "I'll dare swear thatmany of them have already promised the prize to their maids! Nottingham'gainst Lincoln--'tis possible that they may stand to us for a round. But after that!"

"We will spend the money in Nottingham town, " shouted another of thetrotting bowmen. "For sure the Prince himself could do no handsomerthing. A piece I'll toss to the heralds, and another to you, Staveley, for you are a covetous worm----"

The rest of his speech was lost through the one addressed turningviolently upon him and thrusting at him with his pike, thus tumbling himinto the mire. Stuteley laughed outright at this, and for a momentstartled the rest of this worshipful company. 

Robin, rather vexed at his esquire's want of caution, came with him fromout of the hollow of the tree. The Lincolnshire men halted, and Robinasked for a lift to the field where already the tourney was beingcommenced. 

"Are you going to the Sherwood tourney, and with a bow?" asked one ofthe archers, loftily. "What will you shoot there, gipsy boy? There areno targets such as your shafts might reach. But 'tis true that you maylearn something of the game, if you should go. "

"I'll lay a crown wager with you, friends, " said Stuteley, vexed to hearRobin called "gipsy, " "that my master's shaft will fly more near thecenter of the mark than will any one of yours. So now. "

"A crown piece, gipsy! Why, that means twenty crowns for you to find, "laughed another of the men, loudly. 

"Twenty crowns; why, he has not twenty pence, " said another. 

"My man has laid the wager and I will stand to it, " said Robin, quietly, "though I do not like such boasting, I promise you. Twenty crowns totwenty crowns--who will hold the stakes? Here is my purse in warrant ofmy words. "

"Why, master, I am surely the very man to hold your purse!" called outthe lately fallen champion, readily. "Ask any of them here and (if theyhave love of truth in them) they will say that Much the Miller is a manof men for honesty, sobriety, and the like! 'Tis known throughoutLincoln that never have I given short measure in all my life. Hand methe purse and be easy. "

"Show me your crown, friend, " said Robin, eyeing him. 

"Now, stirrup me but I have given my last piece to a poor beggar whom wedid meet in the wood. "

"Then I will hold my purse myself, Master Much, " cried Robin, putting itquickly back into his bosom. "But have no fear; if you can beat me, I'lladd my crown to the Prince's money-bag. We will meet you here, friends, "he continued, "beside this very tree, at noon to-morrow, if I shouldwin. If not, I'll yield this purse to the miller ere I leave thetourney, and he shall share it round. Is it agreed?"

"I do think that you should pay for your travelling, gipsy, since youare so rich, " grunted the first archer. "Here's half my saddle: I'llonly ask a silver penny for a seat on it. "

"I'll take you for nought, gipsy, " shouted Much, who really was verytipsy. "You've spoken fair; and I like you! Come, jump up behind me, andhold tight. This horse is one of most wayward character. "

"Hurry, then, " said the leader. "Whilst we chatter here the tourneywill be done; and we shall happen on it just as Hubert takes the prize. Forward, friends; quick march!"

They rattled off at a smart pace. Robin mounted behind the good-naturedMuch, and Stuteley upon the captain's horse. The miller told Robinconfidentially a full score of times that he, Much, was bound to win thearchery contest, being admittedly the first bowman in the world. 

"Harkee, gipsy, " called he at length, over the point of his shoulder topatient Robin behind him, "I'll not take your crown, I swear it! I likeyou, and I would not rob your sweetheart of a penny piece. Buy ribbonsfor her, then, with the crown I give you. "

Robin expressed his thanks very cordially. This fellow seemed anhonest-hearted rogue; and 'twas mainly to his furious urging of hissteed that they arrived in time for the great event. 

As it was, all the jousting was done, and most of the nobles had alreadygone away. The Sheriff was fussily preparing himself to escort thePrince to the castle when the horns blew announcing the arrival of theLincolnshire bowmen. 

They had pushed their way clumsily through the array of tents, and nowblundered into the lists through the gate. Robin was glad indeed of hisstained face and semi-disguise, not being over proud of his companions. He gave Will Stuteley a signal to detach himself from them, and come tohis side. The two youths then hastened to the archers' stand. 

There had been three deaths already as a result of the joustings; andsix others were seriously injured; yet the Prince looked far from beingsatisfied, and his glance strayed for ever to the gate. 

When the Lincoln men had come noisily trooping in, his face had lit upand his hand had made a half-movement to find the jewelled hilt of hissword. Master Carfax, too, had started to his feet in evident concern. 

When the heralds announced these new-comers, visible disappointmentshowed on the faces of the Prince and his followers. Clearly they wereeagerly expecting the appearance of other folk; but, quickly recoveringhimself, John re-found all the old elegance of his manners. Hecourteously acknowledged the rough greeting of the archers, and sat backsmilingly in his box. 

Master Monceux gave the signal for the archery contest to be begun; andRobin soon saw that the archers against him were men very different fromthose who had been at Nottingham Fair. 

When it came to the turn of the Prince's own bowman, Hubert ofNormandy--a man slim, conceited, and over-dressed, but nevertheless avery splendid archer--the first shaft flew so cleanly and so swift thatit pierced the very middle of the target and stuck out on the other sidefull half its length. 

Robin had to shoot immediately after him, and waited a few momentswhilst the markers were tugging at the Norman's arrow. A suddeninspiration flashed across the lad's mind; and, advancing a step, hebade them desist. They wonderingly fell back, leaving Hubert's arrowfixed spitefully in the target. 

One of the heralds cried out that this archer had not yet given in hisname, but even as he spoke, Robin's arrow flew hissing from his bow. Asilence fell upon the onlookers, and even the smiling Prince leanedforward in his box. Then a great shout went up of amazement andincredulity. The markers and heralds thronged about the target and hidit from the general view until they were impatiently pulled away by someof the Prince's bodyguard. 

A marvel was seen then by all eyes--Robin's arrow standing stiffly outfrom the center of the target, with Hubert's wand split down on eitherside of it flush to the very face of the mark!

Robin himself could scarcely credit his own success. He had done thething before, with Warrenton, once out of a dozen times: and he hadessayed it now more out of bravado than aught else. 

"'Twas a feat worthy of Hubert himself, " said the Sheriff, bombastically, to the Prince. He had not recognized Robin. 

"I have seen Hubert perform just such a trick on many occasions, sir, "said Carfax. "This fellow has done no uncommon thing, believe me, " hewent on. "And after all, he has not bettered Hubert's shot. "

"That is true, " said the Prince, as if thoughtfully. His face showedsmiling again. "Let the contest go on: and Hubert shall shoot again withthis young trickster. "

"The heralds say that he has not given in his name, sire, " said one ofthe courtiers. 

"If that is so, his shooting is of no avail, be it never so good, " criedCarfax, triumphantly. "Tell them that the archer is disqualified, mylord, " he continued, addressing the Sheriff; "and bid them discover whohe may be. "

Carfax turned again to the Prince, and began a whispered conversationwith him. The Prince listened, nodding his head in approval. 

"Well, Monceux, what do they say?" he asked the Sheriff, languidly, asthe other returned. 

"It seems, sire, that the archer is one who came in with a company ofLincoln bowmen. No one knows him hereabout. I have said that he isdisqualified, and now the others will shoot again. But Hubert has nowthe purse, for sure. "

"In sooth I do think so, " answered the Prince, laughing ratherconceitedly. "But Monceux, bid this lad to me forthwith. I would speakwith him. "

The Sheriff went about the task; but Robin had disappeared; forsuddenly, amidst the throng, his eyes had encountered those strangegrey-blue ones of Mistress Fitzwalter. 

She was sitting alone in a little box near by the targets. Robin hadwalked down the lists to see for himself that his shaft had split theNorman's fairly, and in turning away to find Stuteley he had becomeaware of her shrewd, piercing gaze. She allowed her eyes to rest fullyon young Fitzooth's ardent glance for the briefest moment. Then shelooked away unconcernedly. 

But Robin, venturing all, drew nigh. He came to the edge of her box, andbegan to speak. He had gone so far as "Give you good morrow, lady, " whenhis eyes perceived the Sheriff's little golden arrow fastening hercloak. His mouth became dry at that and his words went back in histhroat. 

The girl, aware of his confusion, brought her gaze back upon him. Shesmiled. 

[Illustration: ROBIN MEETS MAID MARIAN

_But Robin, venturing all, drew nigh. He came to the edge of her box, and began to speak. _]

"Is it indeed my young champion?" asked she, rather doubtfully at first, in her low, soft tones. "Is it you who have beaten the Prince's bestarcher, Robin o' th' Hood?"

Her eyes were wells of innocent fun. The way in which she lingered overthe last syllables brought Robin still deeper into the deep waters. 

"It is your servant, madame, " was all that he could find to say. 

"You see then that I wear your gift, Robin, " she said, trying to makehim at ease. "I have not forgotten----"

"Nor I--I shall _never_ forget, " cried he, impulsively. "Your eyes arealways in my memory: they are beautiful as stars, " said he, fervently. 

"Oh, a gallant Locksley! But there, take my colors, since you will be myknight. " She untied a ribbon from her hair, and gave it into hisoutstretched palm. "And now, farewell; take the Prince's prize, andspend the pennies worthily. Buy your sweetheart some ribbons, but keepthat which I have given you. "

She tossed her curls again, as she added the last word. Robin wasbeginning a vehement protestation that he had no sweetheart, whenStuteley's voice broke in upon him. 

"Master, they have disqualified you, and given the prize to Hubert. 'Tisa vile injustice, and I have raised my voice furiously. So, alas! hasMaster Much the Miller; he is a very worthy gentleman. "

"What do you say?" asked Mistress Fitzwalter, in amazement. 

"It is even so, lady, that my lord the Sheriff has ruled my master outof the court, for the reason that he did not give in his name beforedrawing his bow!" cried Stuteley. "A wicked conspiracy it is, andmonstrous unjust! 'Tis thus that these prizes are given; the game'sarranged beforehand. Ah, but I know how these Nottingham folk do plot:thrice now have I found them false and treacherous. "

When Stuteley had begun there were many who were ready to side with him, but his unlucky conclusion turned these possible friends into enemies. Even Mistress Fitzwalter drew back for an instant. 

"Be silent, Will, " said Robin, vexed at once. "It is enough to bejuggled out of this prize without your making it worse. I'll go claim itfrom Monceux and he shall argue it with me. "

"The Prince is asking for you, friend, " said Carfax, suddenly appearing. He touched Robin on the shoulder. 

As he turned to depart, his gimlet eyes saw how the girl shrank awayfrom them into her box. He looked swiftly at her; then at Robin again. "His Highness graciously condescended to enquire your name and rank, "said he, pausing. 

"Will he give the purse to me, then?" asked Robin, surprised. 

"Nay, that has already been won by Master Hubert, " answered Carfax, asif amused at the question. "You cannot win a prize every day. Master--Locksley. "

He spoke at a shrewd guess, and saw that his shaft had hit the mark. Mistress Fitzwalter's interest in Robin had given him the clue. 

"I'll not go to the Prince, " said Robin, wrathfully. "Tell him, MasterFetch-and-Take, that I have won this prize in all fairness; and I willshoot with Hubert again, if he needs another beating. "

"You'll cool your heels in the stocks, Locksley, " said Carfax, viciously: "so much is evident. The Sheriff has a quarrel with youalready, and 'tis well that you are here to answer Master Ford'scomplaint. The Prince will send for you in style, since you will not gokindly to him. Bide but a few minutes. I'll not keep you waiting!"

He strode off, in heat, followed by Stuteley's scornful gibings. 

Robin became aware that the people were eyeing them both with none toofriendly glances. He felt that he and Will Stuteley were in a difficultposition. Escape seemed to be out of the question. 

"Jump over the ledge of my box, Robin, " whispered a sudden small voice, "and so make your way through the door at the back of it. Hasten!"

Gratefully Robin did as she bade him; and Stuteley, without waiting forinvitation, followed. Mistress Fitzwalter instantly opened the door forthem. "Hurry, I pray you, " cried she; "I see them coming for you both. The Prince has sent his pikemen----"

Robin pushed Will out before him; and, turning, caught her little handin his. 

"Thanks, thanks, " he muttered, hurriedly, and strove to kiss herfingers. 

Laughing and blushing, she snatched them away. 

"Go, " she cried, in agitated voice, "and stay not until you reachLocksley. We may meet again--to talk of thanks, " she added, seeing thathe still hesitated. 

"Give me at least your name, " panted poor Robin, at the door; "not thatI shall ever forget you. "

"I am called Marian, " answered she, closing the door ruthlessly uponhim--"Marian Fitzwalter.... Go now, I implore you, and may good fortunebe with you always. "

CHAPTER XII

So, ingloriously, they returned through the night to Locksley. Noneoffered to stay them in the forest of Sherwood; indeed, Robin might wellhave disbelieved in the existence of Will o' th' Green and his outlawband, had he not had such good reason to know otherwise. It was as ifWill had silently yielded him that freedom of the forest which heboasted was his to give. Tired and footsore, yet filled with a strangeelation, Robin came back to Locksley before dawn, with faithful Stuteleyforlornly following him. 

There were questions to be asked and answered when they arrived; andWarrenton was very indignant when he heard of the Prince's grossfavoritism of his archer Hubert. 

Robin seemed to show too little vexation in the matter, Warrentonthought. The man-at-arms was both perplexed and amazed by thesemi-indifference displayed by the youth: here had he, by marvellousskill, won a fine prize, and had seen the same snatched most unfairlyfrom him, and yet was not furiously enraged; but rather amused, as itwere. 

"Surely, surely, you will go back with me to-morrow and demand the pursefrom the Sheriff?" said Warrenton, in argumentative attitude. "SquireGeorge o' th' Hall shall give us the best of Gamewell to enforce respectto you. "

"Nay, it matters not so much as that, Warrenton. The money I would liketo have had, I'll not deny it; for it would have made me moreindependent of Master Monceux. But it has not fallen to me, and there itends. "

"Well, 'tis well that you are so easy, lording, " said Warrenton, scratching his head. "Now tell us whom you saw; and how you contrived tosplit the Norman's arrow. "

He had already heard the story: but was very fain to listen to it again. "It is a trick that I taught him, dame, " he added, off-handedly, toMistress Fitzooth. "One that did surprise the Norman too, I'll warrantme. You see, they are so concerned with their crossbows and otherfal-lals in France that when good English yew----"

"I saw Master Will, " said Robin, to check him. Once Warrenton wasstarted on a dissertation on the virtues of the English longbow therewas usually no staying him. "He told me that the Scarlet Knight had goneto France. "

Warrenton looked wise. "That is not worthy of belief, excellence, " saidhe, cunningly. "Prince John is near; and one cannot imagine thatGeoffrey of Montfichet----"

"Geoffrey of Montfichet?" asked the dame, wonderingly: and thenWarrenton saw how he had blundered. "Why, I did not know that you hadmet your cousin, Robin. When was it, and why do you call him the ScarletKnight?"

"Geoffrey is outlawed, mother mine, and may not appear in Sherwood, "answered Robin, temporizing with her. "And the story of our meeting istoo long a one for the moment. We are rarely fatigued, and I wouldgladly get me to bed. Come, Will, rouse yourself. Mother, see that we donot sleep too long. I must go to Gamewell by the day after to-morrow atleast; and there is much work between my going and now. "

He had determined to ask the Squire to move again in the matter of theRangership for him whilst John was here. Even if the Prince had undulyfavored Hubert in the archery contest, it did not necessarily followthat he would be unjust in such a plain business as this. Robin kissedthe dame, struggled with a yawn, and got him to rest. He slept uneasily, his dreams being strangely compounded of happiness and grief. 

 * * * * *

Within three days Robin started away for Gamewell, taking only Stuteley, as before. He intended to make his return to Locksley ere dusk of thenext night. 

When they were far advanced on their journey they heard sounds of alarge company upon the road; and prudently Robin bade Stuteley hide withhim in the undergrowth until they should see who these might be. 

"Maybe 'tis the Sheriff, with Master Ford, coming to seize our home. Bywatching them unseen we may find a way to bring their schemes to naught. Keep near to me, Will; and scarcely breathe. "

It was indeed a body of men from Nottingham; and, although the Sheriffwas not with them, Master Carfax and a few of the Lincoln bowmen wereamongst the company. So also was Ford, the forester. 

In all, there were about two score of men, and most of them wereSherwood foresters. Robin espied Much the Miller in the tail of theprocession, looking very dejected and ill, and decided to risk exposinghimself. Standing up in the bracken, he called out boldly: "Hold there, Master Much. Here am I, ready to take your money. "

"What sprite are you?" answered Much, reining in his steed sharply. "Why! 'tis the gipsy lad, as I live; with his face nicely washed... !"He had recognized Robin by his clothes. "Money, forsooth! Do you knowthat I have not so much as a groat in my pouch?"

"Then must one of the others lend it to you, " replied Robin. "Pay me, friends, forthwith. A short reckoning is an easy reckoning. My arrowflew nearer the target than did any of yours. "

"How do you know that?" said Much. "After you had gone we all did aimagain, and very marvellous was my shooting. For sure, I should have hadthe prize, even as I told you, had not Hubert already made off with it. "

"Is this so?" asked Robin, doubtfully, looking from one to the other ofthe Lincoln men. Those in front had now stopped also; and Master Carfaxcame ambling back to see what had occasioned the delay. So soon as heespied Robin his face took a joyful look. "Here, Master Ford, " hecalled, clapping his hands. "Hither--come hither! Here is your quarryfound for you. Now you can fight it out, fair and square, whilst wewatch to see fair play!"

Ford turned about and glanced at Robin; but he did not like the notionof such a battle. So he affected not to recognize him. "Nay, this is butsome vagrant fellow, " said he, hesitatingly. "Let us push on, MasterSimeon; 'tis near the hour when we are to meet with him whom you know. "He added these words in a low voice, and made a gesture indicating theCopmanhurst road. 

Carfax's face took a diabolical expression. He had begun to answer Ford, when the whole party were suddenly disturbed by the rush of a great herdof Royal deer. 

These beasts, driven by someone from out of their pastures, camescattering blindly adown the track; and men and horses moved quickly toone side to avoid a devastating collision. 

After they had passed, Carfax began again. "Form a ring, friends, " criedhe, coaxingly. "Let neither of these fellows escape. They shall yield ussome sport, in any event, whether Ford be right or I. "

A solitary stag at this instant appeared before them. He stood, as ifcarved from stone, in the center of the road, at three hundred paces'distance. He was clearly uncertain whether to dash through these hisusual enemies, in an attempt to rejoin the herd, or fly backward to thatunknown danger which had first startled them all. 

"'Tis a fine beast, " hiccoughed Much. "Now had I a steady hand!"

Simeon Carfax interrupted him. "By the Lord Harry, here is the verything, " he said, in whispered excitement. "Now, fellow, you shall proveme right and this forester wrong. I say you are Robin of Locksley, whodid split the Norman's arrow at the tourney. Fly a shaft now at yonmark; surely none but such a bowman as yourself might dare hope to reachit. "

Robin fell into the very palpable trap set for him. Without answeringCarfax, he fitted an arrow to his bow, and sent speeding death to thetrembling stag. It fell, pierced cleanly to the heart. Robin eyed Fordtriumphantly. 

But Master Carfax now held up his hands in horror. "See what you havedone, wicked youth, " ejaculated he, as if quite overcome with dismay. "Ibade you shoot at yon birch-tree shimmering there to the left of thedeer. Did I not say: 'Fly at yon mark'? And now you have killed one ofthe King's deer. "

"I do hear that this fellow has slain others about Locksley, " said Ford, meanly. "You are right, Master Simeon; he is, in sooth, Robin ofLocksley; your eyes are wiser than mine. Seize him, my men. "

At once the foresters sprang upon Robin and Stuteley, and a fiercebattle was commenced. Despite a valiant resistance, Robin and WillStuteley were soon overcome and bound hard and fast. 

"You villains, " panted Stuteley. "And you, most treacherous, " he calledto Carfax, "I wish you joy of so contemptible a trick. "

"All's fair in war, friend, " answered Carfax. "Now, Master Ford, fulfilyour duty. You know the law; that if one be found killing the King'sdeer in the Royal Forest of Sherwood, he or she may be summarily hangedwhen caught upon the nearest tree. "

"It must be _in flagrante delicto_, Master Simeon, " said Ford, uneasyagain. 

"Could there be a plainer case?" cried Carfax, rubbing his hands. "Weall did see this fellow shoot the deer. Tis the clearest case; and I docounsel you to deal lawfully in it, Master Ford. Remember that he alsois suspected of being an outlaw, in that you saw him once use apeacocked arrow. Although I am but a layman, as it were, friend, " headded, meaningly, "yet I do know the law, and shall be forced to quit myconscience with the Prince when I return to Nottingham. Wherefore, seeing that your appointment to Locksley still lacks hisconfirmation----"

"I would rather bring the rogue to Master Monceux, as he did commandme, " argued Ford, who could not quite brace himself to this. "Besides, we have no leisure at this moment to carry out the law, " he went on. "You know that your master the Prince did start us on this journey withtwo errands upon our shoulders. "

"One was to deal with Robin of Locksley, " said Carfax, snarlingly, andwithout yielding his point. 

"To take him to Nottingham, master, I say, " put in Much. "I do not thinkthat the Prince meant you to harm him. "

"Be silent, knave!" snapped the lean-faced man, sharply. "Who gave youthe right to question me? Shut your mouth, or I will have you accountedas accomplice with these fellows, and put a noose about your bull-neckalso!"

"Why, harkee, master, " said Much, very wrathful. "This is a game wheretwo can play or more. I do forthwith range myself with the gipsy; andyou, Midge, " he added, turning to one of his company, "surely you willfollow?"

"Right instantly, " answered the one called Midge, a little ferret of aman. 

"And I also. " "And I, Master Much"--so spoke the remaining Lincoln men. 

"So are we six, then, " said Much. He tumbled off his horse, and theother three of them did the like; and then strode over to where Robinstood. "Release him, " said the miller, determinedly; and he promptlyknocked two of the foresters sprawling. 

This was the signal for a general encounter, and all threw themselvesvery heartily into the mêlée. 

The miller and his men struggled to release Robin and Stuteley so thatthese might help in the fray; but the foresters were too many for them. Twice did Much get his hands upon Robin's bonds, only to be pluckedviolently backward. The men tumbled one upon the other in the fight, pummelling, clutching, and tearing at each other in a wild confusion. They made little noise, all being too desperately in earnest. Fordencouraged his foresters by word and gesture; and Carfax kept himself asfar out of it as possible. Presently three of the foresters overpoweredthe good-natured, still half-tipsy miller, and held him down. 

Then Master Carfax sprang from his horse and rushed in upon theprostrate miller. Seizing one of the foresters' pikes the lean-faced manfoully swung it down upon Much's pate with a sounding thwack. The millergave a groan and became limp in the hands of his assailants. 

"Now, surely, that is the meanest of all the mean deeds which you havedone!" cried Robin. He tore at his bonds fiercely and vainly--biting atthe cord about his wrists with his teeth. Carfax ran to his horse. In aninstant he had returned with a cord taken from under his saddle. "I hada notion that this might be useful to me when I set out this morn, " hesaid. "Put it about his neck soon as a noose is fashioned. Now fling theend of it over this branch. Now draw it tight. Steadily, I pray you; benot over-quick. The prisoner has the right to speak a prayer ere he behanged. Say it then, Robin of Locksley. "

Robin caught sight at this instant of poor Stuteley's face. He had beenknocked down in the fight, and, being bound, had lain where he hadfallen. His eyes met Robin's in an anguished glance, and his lipstrembled in attempt at speech. 

Robin strove to smile at him; but his own soul was sick within his body. He felt the cord tighten again about his throat, but even as the worldreeled black, Robin heard dully the sound of a horn. In familiar tonesit came in upon his fainting brain. Next instant came a jerk at therope, futile, if infuriated; then, suddenly, contact with a body fallingheavily against his own. 

As he fell he knew that something warm and horrid trickled upon hishands. Then followed a vast confusion of noise: and, in the midst of it, sweet peace. 

CHAPTER XIII

When Robin came to his senses he found himself surrounded by the outlawband. On this occasion they appeared as friends, however--and welcomeones to boot; for it had been a near matter that Robin's history hadbeen ended by Master Carfax on this day. 

Now were the tables turned, and very completely. The foresters had beenovercome by Will and his outlaws, thanks to the diversion brought aboutby the Lincoln men. Much was sitting up with a more rueful countenancethan he had when Robin had first spied him on this morning; and littlesharp-nosed Midge was busy bathing and binding his cracked poll. 

Some half-score of the foresters, with Master Ford, had escaped alongthe road towards Locksley: the rest were bound, and their horsesconfiscated by the outlaws. 

Master Simeon, with rage and terror depicted plainly upon hiscountenance, lay writhing at Robin's feet, bound with the very cord withwhich he had sought to end young Fitzooth's life. His enemies hadtrussed him across a quarter-staff, and had tied the knots large andtight about him. 

"Well, Locksley, how now?" asked Will o' th' Green, with gruffkindliness. "Are the vapors passed? Can you twiddle your bow again?"

"Not skilfully enough now to take place against you, Will, " smiledRobin, recovering himself more and more. "I am atrembling yet. I hadthought to see the blue sky no more----"

"Ay, my man's arrow was not too soon, Locksley, " said Will, gravely. "This fellow's hand was upon the rope, and another moment might haveseen you gallows-fruit upon this tree. " He paused to bend over aforester lying prone near them, with his face buried in the grass. Robinsaw that the man's body was transfixed by an arrow. 

"He is no more, " Will told them, looking up presently; "your aim was ashrewd one, Hal, " he went on, addressing himself to one of his band. 

"Is he indeed _dead_?" asked Robin, in an awestruck voice. 

"'Twas his life or yours, " answered Will o' th' Green, grimly. He turnedto his men. "Now, comrades, " cried he, "have you searched our prisonersand prepared them? 'Tis well. Are they bound together, then, by thearms, twos and threes, as is appointed in our rules; and is the rightleg and left leg of each villain shackled together?... Stand them up, then, with their faces toward Nottingham, and bid them march. "

"There is yet this one, captain, " said one of the men, indicatingCarfax. "What shall we do with him?"

"Has he been searched closely?" enquired Will. Without waiting a reply, he roughly ran his fingers through Master Carfax's pockets, andunfastened his tunic at the bosom. A parchment dropped out and Willsnapped it up. 

"I come from the Prince, " whined Carfax, speaking at last; "and if so beyou are Master Will Cloudesley, or Will o' th' Green--as these folks docall you--why, I have a very gracious message for you. "

The outlaw gave a signal to his men. "Set him upon his feet, " heordered, "and loosen these cords. Now, excellence, speak at your ease. "

"Believe him not, Master Will, " interposed Stuteley, afraid that Carfaxwas going to turn the tables on them in some treacherous way. "He is avery proper rogue. "

"Be easy, friend, " said Will o' th' Green. "Every one is judged here infairness. These men, " pointing to the shamefaced, miserable foresters, "were caught in the doing of an evil deed, and so were dealt withsummarily. But this one did not seem to have a hand in it. "

"It was he who commanded them, sir, " suddenly shrilled the littleLincoln named Midge. "He is, in sooth, a diabolical villain, and didvery foully strike our companion here whilst men were holding him. "

"All testify against you, excellence, " said the outlaw, speaking againto Carfax. "What is your story of it? Speak without fear. "

"This rascal did imprudently waylay us on the road with a demand formoney, " began Carfax, "and I, riding back at his noise, did recognizehim for one Robin Locksley, a notorious fellow who has defied my lordthe Sheriff's authority; and has also been suspect of being of yourcompany--which is a thing, saving your presence, Master Cloudesley, thathas been poor recommendation in the past. Further, with our own eyeshave we seen him shoot and kill one of his Majesty's stags, a mostvalued beast with sixteen pointed antlers, as you can see. We were butexercising the law upon him, as is appointed.... That is to say, _MasterFord_ was directing his men to carry out the law, " said Carfax, with histhin cheeks pale with fear. "I did but counsel prudence, and plead forthe youth. "

"Enough, " cried Will, with contempt in his tones. "Now tell me themessage which the Prince has sent by so worthy a messenger. "

"That is for your private ear, " said Simeon, cunningly. 

"You may speak plainly before my comrades, " said Will. "Doubtless theyare as interested in the Royal words as I myself. "

"I was to bid you come at once to the City gate, so many of you aswould, " Carfax said, "there to receive the King's pardon from the handsof our beloved Prince. Indeed, his gracious Highness did well expect tosee you before him three days agone, at the tourney. "

"Dressed about with red ribbons, I trow?" enquired the outlaw, as ifhelping him. 

"Indeed yes, Master Cloudesley. You have said it, indeed. Knowledge ofyour loyalty to us was brought to the Prince by me. By me, good friend, "he repeated, insinuatingly. "And now give back to me my parchment--which, being writ in the Latin tongue, is truly no more than a cartel tomy lord the Abbot of York--and let us set forth joyfully. Forhenceforth ye will be as free men, and what is past will be forgotten. "

"I can read you the scroll, Will, " said Robin, quietly. "I have someknowledge of the priestly tongue. "

The outlaw handed him the scroll, and all waited in silence whilstRobin deciphered it. Carfax snapped his teeth together in vexation atthis unexpected turn. "_He_ cannot read the parchment. Is it likely?" hecried. "He will but pretend to read it, and make lies with which toconfound me. 'Tis writ in most scholarly Latin, that only few maylearn. "

"There is treachery here for you, Will, " spoke Robin, without heedingthese outcries. "This is a notification from the Prince to the Abbot ofYork saying that his emissaries have sounded you and that you are readywith your men to strike for him. "

"I have said so much, " commented Will, "naming three conditions. "

"They are written herein: first, that a general amnesty is to begranted; second, that the ban of excommunication is to be removed fromoff you by the Holy Church; and third, that the Prince shall find yourmen, afterward, honorable employment. "

"That is so, Locksley. The letter is exact. "

"So the Prince writes to the Abbot, asking him to promise the second ofyour conditions, saying that it need be only a promise, for he has notthe least intention of holding to a bargain with one so evil asyourself, and that after he has won the throne from Henry his father, matters such as these will be disposed of by his soldiery, if need be. "

"It is not true, " screamed Carfax. "He lies to you, Master Cloudesley, seeking to be revenged on me. "

"Any clerk can read these lines to you, Will, " answered Robin. "ThePrince continues praying for the welfare of them all at York, and sayingthat he has already promised in the Abbot's name that the loan shall betaken off; that the Abbot is to receive and watch narrowly one Geoffreyof Montfichet, who has been exiled for treason, but who now imprudentlyhas returned to work on their behalf in England. "

"Now do I know that you are reading truly, " cried Will, and his browgrew black. "For how could you know that your cousin was concerned inthis? You false-hearted knave, " he added, turning to Carfax, "false asyour false master--your doom is sealed. Tie him up by his heels, and lethim hang head downward from this tree whereon he would have hung gallantLocksley. Be speedy, men. "

At this Simeon Carfax became as one quite demented, and Robininterposed. 

"Let us not punish the man for his master's fault, Will, " cried he. "Deal with him only on the score of my quarrel with him, when I shallsay--let him go. For I should always feel shame were we to be as harshwith an enemy as he would be with us. It would show us no better thenhe. "

"Take him then, since Locksley will have it so, and tie his legs underthe belly of his horse--first setting him face to tail upon it, " saidWill. "And you, Hal, go and cut me the antlers from off yon poor beast. "

When this was done he caused his men to attach the horns by means of acord to Master Carfax's head; then, with his own hand, Will gave thehorse a lead towards Nottingham. 

Then, with a "view halloo, " the steed bearing the unfortunate man wasstarted in real earnest; and the foresters sent staggering by after italong the road to Nottingham. 

When they were out of sight, Robin thanked the outlaw again for allthat he had done for them. Will merely shrugged his shoulders, as onewho would say: "'Tis a matter not worth breath"; and, giving his men asignal, prepared to return to his own fastnesses. Robin begged them totake the body of the deer, and, with small reluctance, the outlawsaccepted the offer. 

The Lincoln men bade Robin farewell also, saying that they would now goon towards their own homes with a light heart: for, having met theoutlaws and found them most agreeable company, they had no more fear ofSherwood. 

So Robin and little Stuteley, waving farewell to all these strangefriends, moved on towards Gamewell, although Robin really had littlehope now of coming by the Prince's grace into what seemed to be but hisrights. The Sheriff and Simeon Carfax would attend to that, no doubt. 

A curious dejection settled upon Robin. He had nothing but gloomythoughts upon him as he trudged towards the Squire's domain. Nor did hisspirits rise at his reception by old Gamewell. The Squire appearedalmost uneasy with him; and was short in his speech, although once ortwice a kindlier light flashed in his bright eyes. 

"Already he regrets that he should have pressed me to take up theMontfichet name, " thought Robin to himself, imagining that herein wasthe cause of the Squire's distemper. 

He began to tell Montfichet of their doings and adventures: but had nosooner come to that part of the narrative referring to the Prince'spurse than the Squire broke out: "Talk not to me of that man, " cried he, vehemently. "He is an unworthy son of a much-tried father. Forsooth, this has become an age of disobedience and unfilial behavior; one hasbut to look round to find most sons alike. The Fifth Commandment is nowwithout meaning to the younger generation. "

"I have no father, sir, " said poor Robin, half in defense; for Gamewelllooked so fiercely at him. "Nor do I seek to keep you to your offer, "added he, in his thoughts. 

"I was not thinking so much of you, boy, " replied the Squire; and againa better expression shone briefly in his face. "Give you good night, Robin Locksley--you know your chamber. Sleep well and we will talktogether in the morning. "

 * * * * *

The morning saw no easement of the Squire's attitude towards Robin; andas soon as breakfast was ended he determined to go without wastingbreath upon the errand which had brought him. 

"For sure, he is repenting of his offer, " reasoned Robin. "Perchancealready his heart is moved again towards Geoffrey, and who shall be moreglad than I to find this so? I'll let the Squire think it comes fromme--as in truth it does--this whimsey to prefer the name of Fitzooth toMontfichet!"

So bravely, as he was about to leave him, Robin spoke to the old man. 

"Sir, " he said, "I have it in me to speak plain words with you, and Imay. "

"Have no fear, boy. I am one who loves an open mind. " Montfichet spokewith meaning. 

"Well, sir, I would say with reference to that which you once did pressupon my mother and myself--that I should take your name andhalf-fortune with my cousin Geoffrey--that I have thought well upon yourkind offer. "

"There was to be a year go by, Master Fitzooth, ere you should giveanswer. "

"In a year or now, sir, " said Robin, firmly, "I cannot see that I shouldaccept. I have no quarrel with my cousin, and I will not come betweenhim and your heart--which pleads against yourself on his behalf. "

Montfichet broke forth then, and Robin learned suddenly what had comebetween him and this strange, capricious man. 

"No quarrel with Geoffrey, say you?" he shouted, bringing his fist downwith violence upon the oak table. "No, I trow you have not, RobinFitzooth! But I have a quarrel both with him and you. Know that I haveheard the story of your escapade with that mean son of mine, who mustcome prowling like a thief in the night about the walls of Gamewell. Iknow the Scarlet Knight's secret, and yours--who did think it brave todeceive and outwit an old man. "

"Sir, sir!" began Robin, aghast at this storm. 

"Nay, I will hear no more of it. Treachery and deceit--always they hangabout my house. You deceived me, Robin Fitzooth, and cozened my servantWarrenton. So I cast you out of my heart for ever. For the rest of mydays I will be sufficient unto myself: after I am gone, the dogs mayquarrel above my grave for the bones of Gamewell. "

He almost pushed Robin from him, and turned brusquely away. Dazed andconfounded, Robin faltered rather than walked to reach Stuteley, whostood awaiting him in the courtyard. Without a word, Robin took hishand. "Come, Will; let us go, " he muttered, thickly: and with wrathfulheart Robin Fitzooth shook the dust of Gamewell from off his feet. 

Faintly through his mind came memory of the clerk's warning: but it wasall of it so unjust! He had never intended to deceive the Squire: allthat he had done had been done without thought. After all, what faulthad he committed against Montfichet?

"'Fore Heaven, " said Robin, furiously, "I never will speak with that managain--nor cross the threshold of his house!"

So the clouds gathered more and more thickly over the head of RobinFitzooth. 

CHAPTER XIV

The Demoiselle Marie was behind all this. She had known Geoffrey's plansfrom her lover, Master Carfax; for Master Carfax had had interviews withthose two of Will's band, Roger and Micah, the traitors sworn againstGeoffrey. 

'Twas all wheel within wheel and plot within plot. Carfax had by naturea face made to show differently on either side of it. Thus he was inservice with the Prince; and, whilst knowing the younger Montfichet tobe his master's ally, affected outwardly to recognize him as one againstwhom the hands of all righteous men should be raised. 

Master Simeon had gone forth with the Prince's message to Will o' th'Green, and with John Ford, in order that he might install that latterworthy at Locksley. Afterward Simeon was to journey to the Priory ofYork, as we know. Marie Monceux, to complete Robin's undoing, bade herfather go to Gamewell and there tell Montfichet how Robin had helpedGeoffrey to his scarlet-ribboned horse, giving the Squire the story asit had come through the two false outlaws. Certain proof she sent in astrip of the red cloth which Montfichet well knew to belong only to hishouse at Gamewell. 

So suddenly Montfichet's mind was poisoned against Robin; with theresult that we have seen. The Squire began now to believe Ford's talethat young Fitzooth was of the outlaw band, and at once withdrew allsupport of Robin so far as the Rangership of Locksley was concerned. "No doubt, " thought the Squire, bitterly, "he is son of his father indiscontent and false pride. Fitzooth never was frank with me, and hastrained his son to distrust and deceive all men. "

Truly the Sheriff's daughter was exacting full penalty for Robin'sdisregard of her at the Nottingham Fair. 

She had employed her hand also against the maid Fitzwalter, as we shallfind later. 

Robin, in forbidding silence, strode along the road until they nearedthe shrine of St. Dunstan, when he looked eagerly toward the stoutlittle hut of the clerk, hoping to find his old friend standing at thedoor of it, with his barking dogs. 

All was silent, however, and deserted. To Robin's surprise, the gate ofthe palisade stood wide open; and the door of the hut also. He glancedat Will. 

"Surely the priest is abroad imprudently, master?" said young Stuteley. "See how he has left his little house--open to the world! He must be ofa very trusting nature for sure. "

"I remember now that the gate was unlatched yesterday, " spoke Robin, slowly. "I noticed it then and meant to talk with you on the point, Will. I hope that no evil has befallen the clerk. "

"'Tis three weeks or more since we have had tidings of him, " saidStuteley. "Shall we go in and make search?"

They entered the rude dwelling and soon exhausted every hole and cornerof it in a vain hunt for some token of the clerk. The kennels at theback were empty and forlorn; and some bread which they found in thehermit's tiny larder was mouldy and very stale. 

"Let us push on to Locksley, Will; mayhap we shall have better cheerwaiting us there!"

They trudged on quietly. His master's depression had reached andovercome merry Stuteley. They began unconsciously to walk quickly andmore quickly still as they approached Locksley. The day was overcast andvery still. 

Presently Robin, throwing back his head, sniffed the air. 

"Surely there is a strange smell in these woods, Will? Does it not seemto you that there is a taste of burning grasses in the breeze?"

"Master, " answered Stuteley, his face suddenly paling at some innerfear, "I do smell fire such as a blazing house would give forth. Well doI know the scent of it; having seen our own home burned last year. "

"Hurry, hurry, Will; my heart misgives me. Some further disaster is uponus. This is my evil day, I know. Hurry, for the love of me!"

They set off at a frenzied scamper through the woods, taking the shortfootpath which would lead them to the back of the house of Locksley. Robin broke through the trees and undergrowth and hastily scaled thefence that railed off their garden from the wild woods. 

A dread sight met his starting eyes. Dull brown smoke curled from underthe eaves of his home in dense clouds; the windows were gaping roundsfrom which ever and anon red flames gushed forth; a torrid heat wasadded to the sickening odor of the doomed homestead. 

Somebody grasped him by the hand. 

"Thanks be that you are returned, excellence, " spoke a rough voice, withemotion. "This is a sorry welcome. "

"My mother?" gasped Robin, blankly, and his heart stood still forWarrenton's answer. 

"Not a hair of her head has been touched. Old Warrenton would not standhere to tell you the sorry tale were it otherwise. But the house mustgo; 'tis too old and dry a place for mortal hand to save. "

Stuteley had joined them by this, and the three gazed for a minute instupefied silence on the flaming destruction of that home so dear toRobin Fitzooth. Warrenton, grimed and righteously angry, began his tale. 

Yesterday, at dusk, the sound of a winding horn had brought them allanxiously to the garden. "We thought that you had returned with youngStuteley, " said the old man-at-arms; "but we found ourselves facing noneother than Master Ford the forester, with about six or more of the mostinsolent of his men. Peremptorily be bade us deliver up this house tohim, pulling out a warrant from his bosom and waving it before yourmother's face. "

"Ford, was it?" questioned Robin. Then light broke in upon him. Yesterday, after the battle between Will's band and that of MasterCarfax, some of the defeated foresters had fled to the north ofSherwood. 

"You must bear up, young master, " said Warrenton; "the Squire willdoubtless build you a new home. "

"Alas, Warrenton! Master Montfichet has turned against me now, " saidRobin then, "and against you also. Continue your story, and you shallhear ours when you have done. "

So Warrenton continued, telling them how John Ford had made an attemptto seize the place: how Warrenton and the few servants had striven tobeat him back: and how, after valiant fighting, they had succeeded inkeeping them from taking the house at least. The garden they could notretain; but Warrenton, having established himself at one of the upperwindows, had so shrewdly flown his arrows, that Ford himself had beenwounded and one of his men killed outright. 

Night had fallen upon them in this way, and the dame thought that itwould be a good scheme for one of her maids to now endeavor to slip outand arouse the village to their help. One of the women therefore essayedthe journey; but was so clumsy as to attract the enemy's attention. Shewas seized and made to confess how the house was protected and where itwas most likely to fall before a sharp assault. Being a witless wench, she told them truly, and Master Ford then bade her help them collectsticks and leaves in order that they might be able to fire the place asa last resource. 

Those within had thought that the girl had managed to evade danger, andcheerfully waited for help from the village. 

A determined attack was commenced at daybreak; and Ford and his mensucceeded in gaining possession of the kitchens without loss. Another ofthe servants was captured, also a second maid-servant was injured by anarrow, so seriously as to die within twenty minutes. 

Warrenton kept the stairs and barricaded the inner door from thekitchens by putting tables and chairs against it. At length a parley wascalled, and Ford shouted his conditions through the keyhole. Thebesieged then learned that the distant village was still unaware oftheir peril. Ford offered to let them all go forth free, if now theywould yield up the house to him. 

Mistress Fitzooth had a mind to accept, but Warrenton counselled no. After a long argument Ford swore that he would burn the house over theirheads if they did not surrender it within an hour; and, going back tothe garden, he began to bring in the loose dry pieces of wood and stickshe and his men had collected in the night. 

At three hours after noon, Ford, having given one more warning to them, had bidden his fellows do the worst. In a few moments the smell ofburning filled the house; and Mistress Fitzooth became as onedistraught. 

"We had two women left to us, " Warrenton continued, "and a lad, who wasworth as much as a man to me. I bade them open the door softly, and rushforth whilst the wretches were employed at their fiendish work in therear. This we did, and so gained, unperceived, the little shed near bythe gate. From a crack in the boards, I could command bowshot of thewhole front; and I had given the lad a bow of yours. The two maids, taking your mother's hands, pulled her along under the hedge until theygained the road. Then all three ran furiously toward the village. 

"We who were left behind had not long to wait. Presently, one came roundto the front with a piece of flaming wood and boldly thrust it throughthe nearest lattice. Him I killed at once with an arrow through theback. They were now but five against us. Presently two others camestealthily from the back: but, seeing their companion dead, ran backhastily. 

"Master Ford appeared next, and began to look suspiciously about him. His fellow had rolled over in his death-struggles, and so might havebeen slain from my window in the house-front. Curls of smoke were comingup from under the thatch by now; and Ford, making up his mind, ran outwith the others, and flung himself upon the door. 

"We had left it latched; and so it gave enough of resistance in hisblind attack to justify him in believing it was still held from within. It fell inwards, at last, with a crash; and Ford sprang triumphantlyacross the threshold. His fellows rushed after him, trying now to beatout the fire. "

Warrenton paused, and all fell again to watching the leaping flames. 

"Meanwhile I guessed that your mother was safe, and had already alarmedthe villagers, " continued the old retainer. "So, with a shout, I rushedout upon the villains, with the lad, and pulled the broken door back toits place, shutting them in, that they might enjoy their own fell workin all security. Two of them did attempt escape just since by leapingfrom out of the window. But my bow was ready strung for them. "

"Have you killed four men, then, Warrenton?" said Robin, his bloodrunning cold. Then suddenly the full meaning of it flashed upon him. "And Ford?" he cried, with a gesture of horror, "and the two others?"

"Nay, " said Warrenton, grimly. "I had come round here to see whetherthey had preference for fire or for my arrows, having left the boy toguard the front. Then I saw you and young Stuteley, and in my chatteringI had nigh come to forget them. But there is Master Ford beckoning tous from your own room. "

A frenzied, dreadful figure had indeed appeared for a brief instantamongst the thick curling smoke. It waved two hopeless hands out towardsthe falling dusk, and then incontinently vanished. 

A thin scream sounded in Robin's ears, as a rush of flame mercifullyswallowed up this apparition: like as not, 'twas the sound of the fireitself. The end had come, both to the unhappy foresters and Robin'shome. With a huge torrent of noise the roof of it crushed in, halfstifling the fire. 

Then the flames seized full mastery; and amid a shower of sparks, thered tongues licked and devoured the last of their prey. 

 * * * * *

Robin hastened to find his mother, that he might be relieved of hisanxiety and be rid for the moment of the sight of the awful catastropheof the fire. Warrenton and Stuteley rushed in together, at his command, to try to save the two remaining foresters; but it was a very forlornhope. Warrenton in his just revenge had pushed things to their extremelimits: Master Ford and all his band had paid the utmost penalty oftheir failure to overcome this relentless old man. 

Mistress Fitzooth had secured refuge and was now much calmer. Sheembraced her son and wept over him in joy at this reunion. Robin couldsee, however, that she was indeed much overwrought by these troubles. She had not yet recovered from the loss of her husband. 

They stayed with these poor people, who found room for them somehow, out of sheer charity, for neither Robin nor the dame had any money. Itwas a bitter business, in sooth: and next day Robin, finding his motherfar from well, humbled himself to beg assistance from the Squire. Hedespatched the letter by Warrenton, and then patiently set himself towait a reply. 

Also, he determined to seek an audience with the Prince. His home hadbeen burned, his small patrimony gone: he had now no means of keepinghimself and the dame from starvation save by living on another man'sbread. 

The clerk, his one tried friend, was gone--no one knew where. 

The Prince would surely yield him the right to be Ranger at Locksley inhis father's place! The house had been given to dead Hugh Fitzooth byHenry, the King. 

An uneasy feeling took possession of Robin, for Warrenton had defied andovercome the Sheriff's man when he had been properly empowered to expelmother and son from Locksley, and there were seven dead men, nay eight, to be accounted for--and they were all of them King's Foresters. 

 * * * * *

Montfichet answered him by sending a purse of money and a curt lettersaying that Mistress Fitzooth was to come to Gamewell, where for therest of her days she would always find a home. For Robin he could donothing: already the Sheriff had drawn up a proclamation of outlawryagainst him, setting the price of a hundred crowns upon him, living ordead. 

CHAPTER XV

Mistress Fitzooth never saw Gamewell or her brother again. Her disordertook a sudden and fatal turn; and within a week Robin found himselfdoubly an orphan--without home, money, or hope. Only two good friendshad he--little Stuteley and staunch Warrenton. 

The Squire had refused to see the latter and had sent him the reply toRobin's note by one of the servants. Montfichet was angered withWarrenton because he had been deceived by him. 

Robin laid his mother to rest beside his father. That was as long as hemight dare stay in Locksley. Every day he feared to be seized by MasterMonceux's myrmidons. Stuteley kept watch on the road through Sherwood byday and Warrenton by night. 

The morning of the interment brought news of danger. One of the fewfaithful foresters of Locksley was at his post--the rest, having nomaster, had disported themselves upon their own various errands--and heheard from a shepherd that a body of soldiers were journeying toLocksley. Full two score and ten of them there were; one, the leader, carrying a warrant for Robin's arrest. The forester hastened to save hisyoung master. 

The time was short. Robin had scarcely pause to perform the last sadoffices above his mother's grave ere he must be flying for his life. His only chance was to take to the woods and hide in them. 

Warrenton urged him to seek shelter in the thicker forest aboutBarnesdale, at the north-western end of Sherwood. Whispers gave a storythat the higher parts were honeycombed with strange caves; and all thecountryside knew that away in Barnesdale were the headquarters and campsof Will o' th' Green. It was the place of all others for shelter; andStuteley became joyful in the thought of the adventures that must chanceto them therein. 

Warrenton was sober, however, over it. He had a presentiment that thedays would be hard and the food scanty and plain. Still 'twas a man'slife, after all. 

They nearly plunged themselves into the hands of the enemy by mistakingtheir road. 

So it chanced that Robin spied his old enemy Simeon Carfax and narrowlymissed being seen also by him. The three fugitives hid themselves highup in the branches of a tree; and watched with beating hearts theirenemies hurrying onward to Locksley. With the band of soldiers, pikemen, and foresters were two whom Robin observed narrowly. Sounds of theirtalk reached his ears; and, since these two fellows rode somewhat apartfrom the rest, Robin was able to distinguish their chattering. 

He had unfailing ear for a voice. These were those traitors in Will'sband, the two outlaws whom he had encountered on the day of thejoustings at Nottingham Fair. "Roger and Micah, " murmured Robin tohimself, after listening a while. "Yes, those were the names they used_then_. So, friends, I am forearmed against you, for I will step withheavy foot in your concerns by-and-by--when I do find Master Will o' th'Green! Roger--and Micah--I'll not forget. "

Soon as they had passed, the three slid quietly to the ground andthereafter betook themselves very cautiously through the wood. Robindetermined to find Will soon as he might and lay his case before him. The outlaw would give him refuge, no doubt. 

The noise of the soldiers passed away in a murmuring discordance, andthe three fugitives walked now more boldly towards Barnesdale. Eresundown they were very heartily tired. They lay themselves down in thelong grasses and while two slumbered the third watched. 

Such foods as dry bread and berries were all that they could command;but there was water in plenty. The evening came, and after it night--andso to break of the next day. 

Robin would have recommenced the flight soon as they had bathedthemselves in a little shallow stream. Ere an hour of daylight wastheirs, sounds of hurried approach warned them to be alert. Someone wascrashing recklessly through the wood, following their trail clearly. Robin bade Warrenton and little Stuteley hide on either hand whilst heput himself directly in the path of this pursuer. 

It proved to be none other than that one faithful forester of Locksleywho had warned him of the soldiery. Robin welcomed him all the moregladly when he heard that this good fellow meant to throw in his ownfortunes with those of his unjustly treated young master. 

He had news for them, too. It transpired that Master Carfax had severalduties in hand--as was his wont. First, he had to seize Robin and bringhim, alive or dead, to the Sheriff. Next he was to declare all theFitzooth property to be confiscated; and, having put seal upon any of itthat might be left from the fire, he had to instal as temporary Rangerone of the Sherwood men whom he might think fit and trustworthy. Then amessenger was to be despatched with another parchment to the Abbot ofYork: writ this time in true Norman tongue. 

After these things were executed Master Simeon was to turn his menabout, and march them determinedly upon the outlaws' stronghold, whichwas now known to be at Barnesdale, and exterminate the band. 

A task none so easy, after all!

For the satisfactory doing of these small commissions Carfax was toreceive one hundred and fifty pieces of gold; and also would be acceptedby the Sheriff as a fitting husband for the pale, hard-eyed demoiselle, Marie of Monceux. 'Twas this reward that made Master Simeon desperateand dangerous. 

The forester, John Berry by name, told Robin further that Carfax hadclothed his body in chain-mail, and was carrying a dreadful axe in hisbelt--with which to avenge the insult put upon him in the matter of thestag's horns. 

"Let us seek Barnesdale forthwith, " said Robin. "I am all agog to warnWill o' th' Green--for he has been a stout friend to me. "

"Hurry then, master, " cried Berry, the forester. "You are not far fromthe Barnesdale road. In sooth, as I followed your tracks, I wonderedhow you had come so far within a very short space. You are now withintouch of Gamewell. "

It was true. In the mazy forest they had nearly described a circle, andwere now perilously nigh to Gamewell and the squire. 

An idea came to Robin. He turned to Warrenton. 

"Could we but find that underground path whereby cousin Geoffrey cameand went from the pleasance, old friend, " said he, "why--we might playthe Yellow Lady to purpose!"

"Excellence, " replied Warrenton, "I will undertake to bring you to theforest entrance of Master Will's castle within a score of minutes. "

"Lead us, Warrenton--and I prithee be better guide than you have been sofar in this adventure. "

After taking many by-paths, and through a big tunnel-shaped cave, thepath became dry again, and lighter: and soon they saw that the end wasnear. They emerged presently, tired and dirtied; and found themselvesunder the bank of a little jumping woodland river--far down in a gorgeof rock and brake, studded and overhung with thick trees. 

It was a wild spot: and only the notes of the birds and the rush of thefalling water disturbed it. But ere they had proceeded a quarter of amile up the bank of the stream a sudden bend in it brought them theharsh noise of desperate and near fighting. 

Loud shouts and battle-cries sounded on their left; and, runningspeedily in this direction, our four adventurers chanced upon a strangesight. 

It was strange by the manner of their view of it; for, having clamberedup the bank to the top of the gorge, they saw themselves on the highestedge of a spur of ground--with the low down rocky valley of the riverbehind, and before them a little narrow plain--as equally below them aswas the water they had left. On this plain were a number of men engagedin deadly battle. Round and about were the thick dark woods ofBarnesdale. 

A moment's glance showed Robin that they had arrived too late to helpWill o' th' Green by way of warning. The outlaw's foes were upon him, and seemingly had the robber and his band at a disadvantage. 

The ground descended below the four onlookers so abruptly as to cut themoff from the plain. They were near to the battle; and yet altogetherremote from it. 

"Our arrows must do duty for us, then, " muttered Robin, grimly, soon ashe understood this. "Fit shafts across your bows, friends, and aim withall your hearts in it. Let not those of either side see us. 'Tis thusthat our services shall be of most value to Master Will. "

They dropped to their knees and aimed their arrows carefully. They hadfull quivers with them, and Warrenton and Robin felt themselves in amanner to be pitted one against the other. The battle raged so furiouslybelow, however, that for a minute these allies were compelled to remainidle--not daring to loose their shafts for fear of slaying friends aswell as foes. 

Sounds of a horn, shrill and impatient, suddenly called the soldiersback to their ranks beside Master Carfax. Robin spied this worthy now;and saw that he bestrode a black horse clumsily--as if armored indeed. Simeon evidently had withdrawn his men from a mêlée for fear that in ithe might not be properly protected. He was seen to be issuing ordersvery peremptorily to the men. 

Meanwhile the outlaws rallied themselves to their leader's side. They, were sadly decreased in numbers; and, whilst the living thus formedabout in battle array, there were many poor fellows of both sides leftupon the field who stirred not even to the imperative commands of theircommanders. 

Now was Robin's chance. 

"Choose your man, each one of you, " said he, in a suppressed eagerness;"and soon as the soldiers issue at the charge shoot down upon yourmark. "

Carfax gave an order almost as he spoke. Instantly Robin loosed his bow, and singing death flew from it. He overturned the soldier nearest toMaster Simeon, even as Warrenton's shaft struck another dead at once. 

The forester Berry and little Stuteley added to the confusion--bothwounding the same soldier simultaneously. Then Carfax, believing thatthese arrows came from Will's band, sounded a charge and spurred hishorse forward amongst his pikemen. 

They rushed forward with swinging axe and clanking sword upon theoutlaws, who now delivered a sudden stream of shafts. These Robin's bandsupplemented by shrewder arrows. Seven of the soldiers rolled over asthey ran, killed forthwith; and Robin, having pricked Simeon's horse, shot him again in the ear whilst meaning to find his master. 

The beast plunged wildly into the soldiers, trampling and scatteringthem. But many managed yet to meet the robbers, and the desperatehand-to-hand fighting was recommenced. 

Robin bade the others cease. The four of them peered from out of theircover over the crest, and watched breathlessly. Carfax had fallen fromhis horse and lay floundering on the close grass. Stuteley sped agooseshaft into his forearm ere Robin could check him. 

Warrenton drew his master's attention and anger away from his esquire bya quick whisper. 

"See, lording--quick! Look how some of the enemy do creep about MasterWill; they will strike him and his fellows from the rear!"

"The two who lead them are not uniformed--like as not they are thosetreacherous ones whom I have such cause to remember. "

So muttered Robin, with parted lips, and gasping his words disjointedly. "Smite them, Warrenton, " cried he, suddenly and excitedly. "Speedily, instantly--or they will end this fight against us. _Now!_"

Their arrows flew together, marvellous shots, each finding its prey. Thetwo wretches threw up their arms as they ran; and, uttering dismalcries, fell upon the earth, and in their death-struggles tore up vainhandfuls of the soil. 

"Follow, follow, " called Robin, to his three faithful ones. "Locksley! ALocksley! To the rescue!"

[Illustration: ROBIN HOOD AND HIS COMPANIONS LEND AID TO WILL O' TH'GREEN FROM AMBUSH

_Their arrows flew together, marvellous shots, each finding its prey. _]

They tumbled headlong down the slope, shouting vociferously as theycame. The soldiers, alarmed and already disheartened, imagined thatthese eager enemies were but forerunners of a large reinforcement. Hastily they disengaged themselves from the outlaws, and, gathering upMaster Carfax, rushed pell-mell with him backward to the woods on theright. 

Will o' th' Green's few men hurried them with their arrows; and soon asRobin had come down to level ground he fell to streaming his shafts intothe rout. He was bruised, begrimed, and cut about his face by the thornsand rocks; yet was so furious against Master Simeon and his myrmidonsthat these things were not even felt by him. Shouting "Locksley!Locksley!" more and more triumphantly, he ran alone in fierce pursuit. 

The soldiers disappeared under the trees, and ran even then. Warrentonand the outlaws came on in support of young Robin; and the defeat ofCarfax and his men was completed. They were chased through the woods ofBarnesdale, which these wild outlaws knew so well. Some were shot witharrows mercifully; others fell under the cruel blows of the outlaws'short axes. A few escaped with Master Carfax back to the Sheriff ofNottingham--not one-third of those who had set out at his command. Itwas the most desperate of affairs yet betwixt the greenwood men andthose representing law and order as conceived by the Sheriff. On eitherside many were killed--the outlaw band was reduced in numbers, and itsleader, Will o' th' Green, was amongst those who were to plot and fightno more in Sherwood. 

When Robin and the rest of them returned from their long chase, tiredwith an immense fatigue, they found sad work still before them. Robintended Will himself, and bound up his many wounds: and sought tobeguile him to live--if but to spite Monceux and his wretches. But Willo' th' Green had been pierced too dreadfully by his enemies' darts: hehad only strength to drink a little water and say his last words to hismen. 

In the dusk of this day he lay in Robin's arms, wizard no more; andasked that someone should give the call he knew so well--the strange, short signal upon the horn which ever had rallied these men. Then asthey, with dejected faces, drew nigh to him, he spoke to themall--bidding them hate the laws and defy them so long as they wereunjust and harsh. He counselled them to choose amongst themselves a newleader--one who would be impartial and honest; and the one who couldbend the best bow. 

"Be not robbers to any who are poor and who are good fellows--havingonly their poverty against them. Be kind to those who help you, butexact toll as heretofore of all who come through the greenwood. The richto pay in money, and blood--if it be necessary. "

He added these words with an effort; and his mind wandered in theshadowy fields of death. Robin saw how his fingers twitched, as if theyplucked still the cord of his good yew bow. He smoothed back Will's darkhair from off his brow, and put water to the outlaw's lips. Will o' th'Green glanced up at him, and something of his old expression--half-grim, half-smiling--showed that he struggled still to hold hands with life. 

"For you, Locksley, " he muttered, puckering his brows, "there are tworoads open. One, to yield thyself to Monceux and the rack--for not evenyour uncle at Gamewell should save you, even did he so wish; theother--to join with these honest fellows and live a free life. What elseis left to you? If you would be as dutiful to the laws as the earth tosummer sun, it should not avail you. Your lord the Sheriff is in thehands of his girl--and she listens with willing ear to Master Carfax. Ask not how I know these things. Your cousin is outlawed----"

"I shall live in the greenwood, Will, " answered Robin, quietly, "withyour brave men and you--if so be I may. Have I won now the freedom ofthe forest?" He showed him the broken peacocked arrow which the Clerk ofCopmanhurst had given him. 

The outlaw held up his right hand and laid it on Robin's bowed head:"Upon you, Robin of Locksley, do I bestow, with this my last breath, full freedom of the forests of England, " he said, very loudly. Then herelaxed from his frown to a rare smile. "Learn this sign----" he said, and showed Robin, with feeble fingers, how the greenwood men knew eachother in any disguise. It was a simple signal, very easy to know, yetvery sure. No one might suppose it given by accident--yet of design itappeared quite innocent. The smile was fading from Will's face as Robinrepeated it carefully after him; and even as he spoke again he died. 

"Farewell--friends all--take this brother into your good company, andmake him and those with him right welcome. I pray you to remember andabide by those kindly rules which have always--always----"

His speech fell away into meaningless words, and the light left hisface. He moved in Robin's arms and sighed. Then, as his body rolledslowly over, and he lay with his back turned to them, they saw that hisworst wound was in it--a dastard's blow. So ended the life of Will o'th' Green--or Will of Cloudesley: he of whom many stories have been toldin other books. 

They took him up reverently and buried him in a secret place--so thatnone to this day can say where he lies. And the outlaws swore an oath ofvengeance against him who had so foully slain their chief. 

Robin guessed wisely that the mortal blow had been given by one of thosetwo traitors in Will's own camp. Had they not been riding with Carfax inthe early morn--not as prisoners-of-war--but as informers and spies?

 * * * * *

The next day was passed in burying the dead of both sides. The outlawsaccepted Robin without question as one full welcome amongst them; andWarrenton, Stuteley, and John Berry were also given the freedom of thewoods and taught the signs and freemasonry of them. 

The bodies of the soldiers and mercenaries were stripped and heapedtogether into a pit, and roughly covered with earth and leaves. Then theoutlaws betook themselves to their caves to settle who should be chiefof the band in Will's place. 

Whilst they were employed in this difficult business, the Sheriff sentout another and larger body of armed men--obeying the insolent commandof his Prince. Fear sat upon the soul of Monceux then: for he did notdoubt that another such disaster as that which had chanced to his othermen would mean disgrace and the end of his lord-shrievalty. 

This second company who were captained by Hubert the Archer, withbandaged Carfax second in command, had an easy conquest, however, ofSherwood and Barnesdale--for none challenged them, nor questioned theirproceedings in any respect. Nor was there sign left in the woods ofRobin or the outlaws--they were vanished so utterly that Carfaxconceived them all to have either died of their wounds or fleddisconsolate from the neighborhood. 

In either event this was most excellent news; and, having patrolled theforest and searched it indifferently well, the men-at-arms of Nottinghamagreed that peace-loving folk had no more to fear from the wild spiritsof Sherwood. They were gone, banished--and the King's forest was nowsafe of passage to all. 

Carfax, poking here and there, found the fresh grave of his own fellows, and disturbed it mightily. He bade Hubert disinter them all; andpretended to recognize each one. Here was the arch-rebel Will ofCloudesley--this one was the second man of his band. Here was youngRobin Fitzooth, as dead as mutton--and here was his fellow Stuteley. SoMaster Simeon went on, to his own satisfaction and to Hubert's, whoforesaw large rewards to be paid for these poor dishonored bodies. 

They brought three of them back, with every circumstance of importance. They were shown to the Prince as being the last remains of WillCloudesley, Robin Fitzooth, and Hall the Outlaw--a well-known marauderin Will's company. 

Prince John forthwith praised the pikemen and archers, and bade Monceuxgive them great rewards--a thing which vexed the mean Sheriff much. Thenthey all rode about and through the forest in a great hunt of the Royaldeer, graciously attended by the Prince himself. 

Monceux was forgiven; and Simeon, having quite recovered all his oldself-esteem, was duly betrothed to the demoiselle Marie. A new Rangerwas appointed at Locksley; and another house was found for him. No onesaid him nay. 

A proclamation against all outlaws and freebooters having been issuedand signed with many flourishes by John, he betook his Royal person toYork, carrying lean-faced, smiling Carfax with him. Mistress Monceux hidher sorrow and devoted her energies forthwith towards the undoing of themaid Fitzwalter, against whom she yet nursed much spite. 

The Prince stayed at Gamewell on his way, and patronized indulgently oldGeorge Montfichet, although the latter's dislike of his Royal guest wasonly too thinly veiled. Then John took farewell of Nottingham andSherwood, making an easy business of it. Monceux had ridden out on thismorning to make dutiful obeisance and escort the Prince through Locksleyto the borders. 

Outside the gates of Gamewell John delivered himself to the men-at-arms, retainers, burgesses, and citizens of Nottingham, who had inquisitivelyfollowed the Sheriff. 

"We will not forget your hospitality, friends all, " said he, in hisslightly swaggering and yet withal effeminate way; "and see, in somemeasure of return for it, we leave you our Sherwood free from pestilentrobbers and evil defiers of the law. When we came to Nottingham therewere these and others; but now they are all driven out of our Royalforest--many slain with the arrows of my Hubert, or beaten with thestaves of your own fellows. This surely is some sort of gift--see to itthat you keep well that which we have secured for you. "

Then he rode forth amid the cheerings of the crowd, Hubert and hisfollowers scattering largesses as they rode. 

CHAPTER XVI

All through that long winter Robin had lain hidden in the Barnesdalecaves with the remains of the band of outlaws which had begun with Willof Cloudesley's advent and nigh ended with his death. At first there hadbeen some quarrelling and jealousy amongst them as to who should be thenew captain. 

There were, with Robin and his three recruits, twenty and two men alltold. These had decided upon many tests between themselves in order tosettle who should lead; and when there were tests of archery Robin hadbeaten them all. 

Yet he had no wish to set himself at their head, having sped his arrowsso well more for the reason that a good bowman cannot but aim well whenhis fingers are upon his weapon. So he had said modestly that they mustreckon without him, and that he would gladly obey the man the othersshould choose. 

Then there had been fresh bickerings, and they were once nearlydiscovered by the Sheriff's foresters, who by some means stumbled uponone of their underground passages. 

The winter brought with it many privations; and they decided at lengthto leave Barnesdale and go into the county of Lincoln. They made theirragged clothes as much like those of the King's Foresters as they couldand then set out. 

One thing had been agreed on: that they must have some new clothes andinduce other bold spirits to join with them: else Sherwood would be lostto them for ever. 

Robin had quite decided to cast in his lot with these men. He felt thatthey would be loyal to each other, and he knew that the only traitorswhich this band had known were now no more. A bitter hatred of theSheriff; of lying Carfax and of Royalty, as personified by the unjust, indolent Prince, had moulded Robin's character into steel, as it were. 

Robin had counselled this journey to Lincoln. In the secret caves aboutBarnesdale, Will of Cloudesley had amassed and stored away much wealth. It was useless to them here in Nottingham; but in Lincoln one of themmight go in to the market and buy sufficient Lincoln cloth and needlesand thread to fit them all out. 

Swords might also be obtained; and some shirts of chain-mail, new bowsand new arrows. 

The band started away under cover of a crisp February night, and hadcome into sight of Lincoln within three days. They had just finishedtheir morning meal of the third day when they were overtaken by astoutish man whose clothing was of the most remarkable description. Hewore a cloak which was so clouted and patched that the first part of ithung about him in a dozen folds. He had on his head three hats, onerammed tightly over the other, so that he cared neither for wind norrain. On his back was a bag held by a thong of strong leather about hisneck. In his right hand was a long crooked stick. 

The outlaws had naturally hidden themselves at first sound of hisfootsteps. They watched him go by, and passed jests between themselvesconcerning him. Stuteley begged that he might be allowed to play a jokeupon the fellow. 

"Go after him by all means, if you will, " said Robin; "but be polite, for I have it in my mind that this is a man known to me. I would that Icould hear him speak. "

"Follow me, master, warily, and you shall hear him speak to a purpose!"cried little Stuteley. 

When the stranger found that someone walked behind him, he quickened hispace. Stuteley called out to him, but he made no reply. 

"Stand, as I bid you, fellow, " cried little Stuteley again, "for youshall tarry and speak to me. "

"By my troth, " said the other, answering him at last, "I have no leisurefor talk with you, friend. 'Tis very far to my lodging and the morninggrows. Therefore, I will lose my dinner if I do not hasten. "

"I have had no meat nor bread betwixt my lips this day, " retorted WillStuteley, coming up with him. "And I do not know where I may get any, for if I go to a tavern they will ask me for money, of which I have notone groat, unless you will lend me some until we do meet again?"

The clouted man replied very peevishly: "I have no money to lend you, friend; for I have lost the little I had in a foolish wager made atNottingham. But you are a younger man than I, though you seem to be morelazy; so I can promise you a long fast if you wait until you have moneyfrom me. "

Now, something in the man's tones roused memories in little Stuteley, yet he could not resolve them into shape. The fellow's face was soobscured by the three hats that one could scarcely get a peep at it. 

"Since we have met this day, " said Stuteley, wrathfully, "I will havemoney of you, even though it be but one penny. Therefore, lay aside yourcloak and the bag about your neck; or I will tear it open. And shouldyou offer to make any noise my arrows shall pierce your fat body likeunto a cullender. "

The man laughed discordantly; and again Stuteley thought he recognizedhim. 

"Do you think, friend, that I have any fear of your arrows? Stand awayor I will beat you into grist. "

Stuteley bent his bow and set an arrow upon the cord, but not so quicklyas to save himself from a mighty thwack from the man's cudgel. Thelittle esquire sprang back, and in doing so dropped both bow and arrow. Nothing dismayed, he drew his sword, and engaged at once with thestranger. 

Their blows fell about each other's bodies like hail, and Stuteley foundthat not all his Cumberland tricks could help him with so furious anopponent. His enemy had little skill, but plenty of strength andagility; his stick whirled and twirled, beating down Stuteley's guardtime after time. He was, besides, a bigger man and much older. 

Robin's esquire began to see that he had met a sturdy opponent, and evenas this tardy knowledge came into his mind, the stranger gave him acrushing body blow, and he tumbled fairly to the ground. There Stuteleylay, with closed eyes and white face. 

"'Tis a pity to rest so soon, friend, " remarked the stranger, withirony. "Would it not be better to snatch my money from me, and take yourease afterwards in that tavern which you wot of?"

Stuteley answered nothing, but lay deadly still. Robin and the rest weretoo far behind to perceive what had happened. The strange-looking manturned away without bestowing another glance on his little enemy, andsoon his quaint figure disappeared over the brow of the next hill. 

Within a dozen minutes the outlaws came up and discovered poor WillStuteley lying on the ground, faintly moaning. They bathed his head, butcould find no wounds. Robin was much upset, and began to eagerlyquestion his esquire so soon as he showed signs of returning to hiswits. 

"Tell me, little Will, what evil mischance has fallen to you?" askedRobin, with emotion. 

Stuteley raised his head and looked about him in a dazed manner. 

"I have been all through the county of Cumberland, master, " said he, atlast, in a weak voice, "and I have wrestled and fenced with many; yetnever since I was a child and under my father's hand have I been so putto it. " He shut his eyes again; then opened them viciously. "Iencountered with our fellow-traveller and saw no reason to fear such aclown. Yet he has scratched my back so heartily that I do fear it neverwill be straight again. "

"Nay, nay, Will. I'll nurse you well, be sure on't, " murmured Robin, full of pity and despair. 

"Dear master, I speak but as I feel, " continued Stuteley, half shuttinghis eyes. "But the rascal has not gone far from us; and were some of youto hasten, doubtless he would be brought to book, and I might see himpunished ere I die. Go you, old Warrenton, you are a stubborn fighter;and take John Berry and two of the rest. "

"I'll e'en fetch him to you myself, malapert, " said Warrenton. 

"He is more deadly than your Lady in Yellow, I promise you, " saidStuteley. "Be wary, and let at least six of you surround him. "

"That would be wasting the time of five of us, " answered old Warrenton, in an off-hand way; "I will go alone. "

"Let someone then prepare bandages for our Warrenton, and take my shirtfor them. He will need such service. "

Warrenton and Berry, with another, ran off at this. Robin saw thatStuteley was not so near his end as he affected to imagine; and made himmore comfortable beneath a tree, covered him with a cloak, gave him somedrink, and ministered to him considerately. 

The old man-at-arms fully intended to capture their quarry alone;feeling to be on his mettle, as it were. So he ran as fast as he couldbefore the other two; but not so fast as to catch up with the man hesought. 

Presently he espied him far down the road; and, knowing a shorter pathto Lincoln, whither he judged the man was bound, Warrenton called to theothers and they struck away from the road. 

They made their plans as they walked, and at length cut off the enemy. He did not look so formidable as Stuteley had painted him; and as hedrew near they felt this was an easy business. Two of them sprang outupon him, and one, seizing his twisted stick, dragged it violently outof his hands. Warrenton flashed a dagger at his breast, sayingsinisterly: "Friend, if you utter any alarm I will be your confessor andhangman. Come back with us forthwith and you may end your fight properlywith our companion. He waits greedily for you. "

"Give me the chance, " answered the fellow, valiantly, "and I will fightwith you all. "

Berry and the other outlaw instantly gave him the frog's march backwardalong the road; but the villain struggled so fiercely that theypresently began to tire. 

"Now grant me my life, " said their prisoner, "and I will give you goodmoney to the sum of one hundred pieces. It is all my savings, which Ipromised to give into the hands of a wicked usurer in Lincoln. "

"Well, " said Berry, pausing, "this is a fair sum, and might heal ourcompanion's wounds very comfortably. Hold him fast, comrades, whilst Igo back for his staff. Without that he cannot do much harm. "

Whilst he was gone the fellow began again. "I am a miller, friends, "said he, much more at ease already, "and have but lately returned fromdoing a good bargain in wheat. Also, I am esteemed a fair archer, and, since I perceive that you are foresters all, this matter will tell withyou in my favor. I could draw you a pretty bow had I but the use of myarms. "

"Nay, master miller, but we would sooner hold you tight, and take yourskill for granted, " answered the outlaw. 

Berry came back and stuck the staff into the ground at a littledistance. 

"Now count out your pieces, miller, " said Warrenton. 

There was a keen wind blowing and the miller turned about so as not toface it directly they gave him half-freedom. Warrenton said gruffly tohim: "Count, miller; count truly and honestly. "

"Let me open my bag then, " said the rogue. He unfastened it from hisneck, and, setting it on the ground, took off his patched cloak. Heplaced his bag carefully upon it, holding the bag as though it wereheavy indeed. Then he crouched down over it and fumbled at the leathernthong. 

The outlaws had all gathered closely before him as he plunged in hisfingers. In the bag were too pecks of fine meal; and as soon as thecunning miller had filled his hands full he suddenly drew them out anddashed the white powder fair into the eager faces of the men about him. 

Then he snatched up the bag by the two corners and shook out the rest ofthe meal. It blew in a blinding cloud about Warrenton and the rest, andfilled their eyes so utterly as to leave them all three at the miller'smercy. 

He caught up his stick and began to belabor them soundly. 

"Since I have dirtied your clothes, friends, " cried he, between theblows, "'tis only right that I should dust them for you! Here are myhundred 'pieces'; how like you them?"

Each word was accompanied by a tremendous thwack. He fell so heartilyinto the business as to become unwary. Robin and the rest, hearing theshouting and noise, came speeding down the road, with Stuteley recoveredalready. They chanced on a strange sight. 

Berry, old Warrenton, and the outlaw were dancing about in an agony ofrage, helpless and blind, and striking vain blows at empty air. The manwith the three hats was belaboring them with his staff so thoroughly asto have become a man with no hat at all. They all were tumbled upon theroad. 

"Why all this haste?" roared he, not noticing Robin or the others. "Whywill you not tarry for my money? 'Tis strange that no man will wait uponme this day, whilst I am in so generous a mood!" He sprang up and down, whacking them without ceasing. His feet encountered one of his many hatsand ruthlessly kicked it aside. 

"'Tis Much the Miller!" cried Robin, recognizing him by his voice "'Tisthe miller who helped to save me in Sherwood. Friend, you have never yetpaid me my guinea, and I now do claim it of you. "

Master Much ceased his occupation. He turned warily about to Robin. Sosoon as he had looked well at him, he dropped his stick and came oververy frankly to him. 

"So it's the gipsy?" said he, grinning all over his broad face. "Andthey have neither flayed you nor hanged you yet? And are these fellowswith you?"

"We are the free men of Sherwood, " said Robin, "and were coming toLincoln to get ourselves new clothes and weapons. Also we had hoped tofind other good men and true willing to join with us. "

Much went up to Stuteley, and craved his pardon very handsomely at this. "Had I but looked at you, friend, I might have known you for the othergipsy, and these fellows for some of those who did save you both fromMaster Carfax. That is always my way: but never have I been so sorryfor't as on this day, for now, through being too hasty, I have lost yourgood will. "

"Nay, Master Miller, but that is not so, " said Stuteley. 

Warrenton and Berry at first were inclined to play with the miller as hehad with them; but Robin pleaded so well for good fellowship that, aftera little, peace was proclaimed. 

Much, to atone for his misdeeds, undertook to do their business inLincoln; and set himself busily to work on their behalf. He found themall comfortable and quiet quarters where they might stay unnoticed andunmolested, and Stuteley went with Robin to buy the cloth for theirsuits. 

They stayed in and about the old town for nearly three weeks, until allwere well equipped. Much asked that he might join with them and bringhis friend Midge and a few other merry souls. 

Robin explained to him that they had rules, which, although few andsimple, were strict, and that they had, at present, no especial leader, since all had elected to remain equal and free, observing the same lawsand pledged to each other in loyalty unto death. A common bond ofindependence bound them. 

"Why, then, master, we are your men, " said Much; "for we are all sick todeath of the Normans and their high-handed ways, to tell truth; andright gladly will we take service with you. "

"I am not the first or only man of our company, " began Robin, smiling;but hasty Much interrupted him with a great oath. 

"You shall be my captain, gipsy, I promise you! And captain of usLincoln men; for you did beat me in archery before the Prince, so I ambound to own you as master. Here's my hand on it; and Midge's too. Comehither, Midge, and swear fealty to Robin of Locksley. "

Robin recognized Midge for the ferret-faced man who had been with Muchat the tourney. Both insisted on paying over to Stuteley the amount ofthe wager lost by them on that day. 

The outlaws returned to Sherwood well satisfied; and at Barnesdale wenton perfecting their plans and adding to their numbers. The day came atlength for them to announce themselves. 

CHAPTER XVII

One bright morning in May a slim, straight youth, slightly bearded, dressed in a green suit, with bow unstrung, and a fresh color blowing onhis cheeks, came out of the wood upon the highroad by Copmanhurst. 

He stood erect, quietly alert, and with his brown eyes watchful of theroad. He then moved softly along the road until he came to where butlast year the brook had sprawled and scrambled across it. Now a finestone bridge had been built, at the word of Prince John, who hadcomplained much at having wetted his feet when he had passed by St. Dunstan's shrine eight months agone. 

The stranger smiled as he looked at the bridge, half sadly, half inreverie. He paused to admire the neat work; then slowly walked over thebridge still thinking deeply. Suddenly he plumped himself right into thearms of a tall, ungainly man, who had crossed from the other side. 

The youth sprang back; then planted his lithe body exactly in the centerof the bridge. 

"Give way, fellow, " roared the other, instantly. "Make room for yourbetters, or I will throw you into the brook!"

The younger man laughed. "I know this little stream right well, friend. Therefore I have no need to make that closer acquaintance of it whichyou promise. "

"You may be acquainted and yet make better acquaintance, " returned hisbig opponent, stirring not an inch. "This bridge is too narrow for usboth. One must go back. "

"Go back then, friend, by all means. I will not stay you. "

"Now will I trounce you right well, stripling, " cried the tall man, grasping his cudgel. He made a pass or two with it about the head of theyouth. 

The latter jumped back and fitted an arrow to his bow. 

"Nay, by my body, but this is ungenerous of you, forester, " cried thetall man. "I have only a stick and you have a bow! If we are to fight, surely you might fight fairly. "

Again the youth laughed brightly. "Nay, by my inches, friend, " repliedhe, "but how can we fight fairly with staves when you are so much thebigger?"

"Cut yourself a longer cudgel, friend, " retorted the big fellow. 

The youth threw down his bow, and, opening a knife which hung at hiswaist, went forthwith towards the nearest bush. He cut himself a stoutash staff and fell to trimming it deftly. 

When it was complete he came coolly up to his foe. 

"Make ready, friend, " said he, giving his cudgel a twirl. "Now take tunefrom me. One, two----"

"Three!" roared the giant, smiting at him instantly. 

The fight was a long one, for the youth had such skill and so ready aguard that the other but wasted his anger on him. This "stripling"jumped from one side to the other so lightly and unexpectedly, andparried each thrust so surely, that presently the giant relaxed a littlefrom the fury of his onslaught. Then the youth ran in and gave him sucha crack as to make the welkin ring. 

"By my life, but you can hit hard!" cried the giant, dropping his stickthat he might rub his pate. "For so small a man that was a right heartyblow. " He picked up his stick again. "Fall to, spitfire. I am ready!"

They sparred for a minute longer, and then the giant had his chance. Hecaught the jumping youth so sound a thwack as to send him flying overthe low parapet of the bridge far into the bubbling brook. "How now, spitfire? Have you had enough?"

"Marry, that have I, " spluttered his antagonist, trying to scramble outof the rushing water. Then he became dizzy again, and fell back with alittle cry. 

The big man vaulted down to his help, and plucked his foe to the bank. There he laid him down on the grassy sward and fell to bathing his browswith handfuls of fresh water till the youth opened his eyes again. 

"Friend, " said the stripling, gravely, sitting up, "you dealt me thatblow most skilfully. Tell me your name. "

"Why, " said the giant, a little awkwardly, "as for the blow, 'twas butan under-cut that I know well. My name is John Little Nailor. "

"You are anything but little, friend, " answered the youth, struggling tohis feet. "And now I will give you my name also. " He put a horn to hislips at this and blew a strange, shrill note. 

Forthwith the greenwood was alive with men, all dressed in grass-coloredclothes like the youth's. They swarmed about him, full two score and tenof them. One of them, a little man, having eyed the stranger askance, gave a signal to the others to seize him; but the youth forbade this. "The fight was a fair one, friends, and the right of this bridgebelongs for the moment to Master John Little Nailor. Take your rights, friend, " he went on, turning to the giant, "and go upon your way. "

"In a manner, stripling, you have now the better of this adventure, andyet do forbear, " returned Master Nailor. "Wherefore I like you well, andwould ask again your name. "

"Tell him, Will, " commanded the youth. 

The little man, stepping up to the giant impudently, then announced hismaster. "Know, fellow, that this is none other than a dead man--awraith, indeed! At least, so saith Master Monceux, the lord Sheriff ofNottingham. This is Robin Fitzooth. "

"Then I am right sorry that I beat you, " answered Master Nailor. "Andhad I known you at the first your head would now be whole and your bodyunbruised. By my inches, but I would like to join with you and yourcompany. "

"Enter our company, then, John Little; and be welcome. The rites arefew; but the fee is large: for we shall ask unswerving loyalty of you, and you must give a bond that you will be faithful even unto death. "

"I give the bond, with all my soul, and on my very life, " cried the tallman. 

"Master, " said the little man, who was none other than our friendStuteley, "surely we cannot consent to welcome this fellow amongst ushaving such a name? Harkee, John Little, " he continued, turning to thegiant, "take your new name from me, since you are to be of ourbrotherhood. I christen you Little John!"

At this small jest the merry men laughed long and loud. 

"Give him a bow and find a full sheath for our friend Little John, Warrenton, " said Robin, joyfully. "And hurry, friends, for surely it isthe moment when our first new defiance of Master Monceux is to be made?Fall back into the woods speedily; and bide my signal. Little John, wenow will try you. Stand out on the bridge path you have just won from meand parley with those who are coming along the road from York. Speakloudly that I may hear what answers you win. "

He gave a signal, and at once all disappeared even as they had come, swiftly and silently. Warrenton and Stuteley placed themselves low downbehind bushes of white thorn. Warrenton, who had given his quiver toLittle John, now produced a great bag from under a bush; and took out ofit a dozen or more long smocks such as shepherds wear. Hastily Robin andStuteley attired themselves as hinds, and the old retainer gave themeach a crook to hold. He explored again his stores under the bushes, anddragged out a fat buck, freshly killed and ready spitted for the fire. 

Robin and those of the freemen who were now attired in this simple garbhelped to pull the deer to the edge of the road; and, hastily making afire, they soon had their meat cooking merrily. Little John eyed themaskew, but made no offer to question them. He had recognized Robin by asign which the other had given to him. 

Meanwhile the noise of a small company nearing them became more evident;and presently seven horsemen turned a bend of the road. Their leader wasa stout and haughty looking man clothed in episcopal garments, and sosoon as he spied these shepherds he spurred his horse until he camelevel with them. 

Then he drew bridle sharply, and addressed himself to Little John. 

"Who are these, fellow, that make so free with the King's deer?" heasked, mildly, as one who wishes first to believe the best of every man. 

"These are shepherds, excellence, " answered Little John. 

"Heaven have mercy! They seem more like to be robbers o' th' greenwoodat first glance, " said the priest. 

"One must not judge on half-hearing or half-seeing, lording, " retortedLittle John. 

"That is true, but I would question you further, good man. Tell me nowwho has killed this deer, and by what right?" His tones had passedinsensibly to an arrogant note. 

"Give me first your name, excellence, so that I may know I speak where'tis fitting, " said Little John, stubbornly. 

"This is my lord the Bishop of Hereford, fellow, " said one of theguards, fiercely. "Keep a civil tongue in your head, or 'twill surely bebad for you!"

Robin now came forward. "My lord, " said he, bowing his curly head beforethe Bishop, "I did hear your questions, and will answer them in alltruth. We are but simple shepherds, and tend our flocks year in and yearout about the forest of Sherwood, but, this being our holiday, wethought there would be small harm in holding it upon one of the King'sdeer, since there are so many. "

"You are saucy fellows, in sooth, " cried the Bishop, "and the King shallknow of your doings. Quit your roast, and come with me, for I willbring you to the Sheriff of Nottingham forthwith! Seize this knave, men, and bind his hands. "

"Your pardon, excellence----"

"No pardon shall you have of me, rascal!" snapped the stout Bishop. "Seize him, my men!"

Robin blew upon his horn a shrill, short note, and at once his freemensprang out from behind the thorn-bushes and flung themselves on thebishop's guard. The good Bishop found himself a prisoner, and began tocrave indulgence of the men he had been so ready to upbraid. 

"Nay, we will grant you no pardon, by my beard!" said Little John, fiercely. "Lend me that sword, friend, " he added, turning to Stuteley, who had taken the weapon from one of the Bishop's guards. "Rightskilfully will I make this church to be without a head. "

"There shall be no shedding of blood, " cried Robin, interposing, "whereI can stay it. Come, friends, send these fellows unto Nottingham withtheir legs tied under their horses' bellies. But my lord the Bishop ofHereford shall come with us unto Barnesdale!"

The unwilling prelate was dragged away cheek by jowl with thehalf-cooked venison on the back of his own horse, and Robin and the bandbrought their guest to Barnesdale. 

As soon as dusk had passed they lighted a great fire in the center of alittle hill-bordered glade, and fell to roasting the deer afresh. Another and fatter beast was set to frizzle upon the other side of thefire; and, as the night was chill, the men gathered close about theirsavory dinner. 

The Bishop sniffed the odorous air from his place of captivity; and wasnothing loth when they offered to conduct him to this fine repast. Robinbade him take the best place. 

"For you must know, excellence, that we freemen are all equal in eachother's sight in this free land. Therefore we have no one whom we canspecially appoint to do the honors such as your station warrants. Take, then, the seat at the head of our feast and give us grace before meat, as the occasion justifies. "

The Bishop pronounced grace in the Latin tongue hastily; and thensettled himself to make the best of his lot. Red wines and ales wereproduced and poured out, each man having a horn tankard from which todrink. 

Laughter bubbled among the diners; and the Bishop caught himself smilingat more than one jest. Stuteley filled his beaker with good wine eachtime the Bishop emptied it; and it was not until near midnight thattheir guest began to show signs that he wished to leave them. 

"I wish, mine host, " said he, gravely, to Robin, who had soberly drunkbut one cup of ale, "that you would now call a reckoning. 'Tis late, andI fear the cost of this entertainment may be more than my poor pursewill permit to me. "

"Why, there, " answered Robin, as if perplexed, "this is a matter inwhich I am in your lordship's hands, for never have I playedtavern-keeper till now. "

"I will take the reckoning, friends, " said Little John, interposing. Hewent into the shade and brought out the bishop's steed, then unfastenedfrom the saddle a small bag. Someone gave him a cloak; and, spreading itupon the ground, Little John began to shake the contents of the Bishop'smoney-bag upon it. 

Bright golden pieces tumbled out and glittered in the pale moonlight;while my lord of Hereford watched with wry face. Stuteley and Warrentoncounted the gold aloud. 

"Three hundred and two pennies are there, master, " cried Stuteley. "Surely a good sum!"

"'Tis strange, " said Robin, musingly, "but this is the very sum that Iwas fain to ask of our guest. "

"Nay, nay, " began the Bishop, hastily, "this is requiting me ill indeed. Did I not deal gently with your venison, which after all is much morethe King's venison than yours? Further, I am a poor man. "

"You are the Bishop of Hereford, " said Robin, "and so can well afford togive in charity this very sum. Who does not know of your hard dealingswith the poor and ignorant? Have you not amassed your wealth by lessopen but more cruel robbery than this? Who speaks a good word for you orloves you, for all you are a Bishop? You have put your heels on men'snecks; and have been always an oppressor, greedy and without mercy. Forall these things we take your money now, to hold it in trust and willadminister it properly and in God's name. There is an end of the matter, then, unless you will lead us in a song to show that a better spirit iscome unto your body. Or mayhap you would sooner trip a measure?"

"Neither the one nor the other will I do, " snarled the Bishop. 

Robin made Stuteley a sign and Will brought his master a harp: whereuponRobin sat himself cross-legged beside the fire and twanged forth alively tune. 

Warrenton and most of the men began forthwith to dance; and Stuteley, seizing the Bishop by one hand, commenced to hop up and down. LittleJohn, laughing immoderately, grasped the luckless Bishop by the otherhand, and between the two of them my lord of Hereford was forced to cutsome queer capers. 

The moon flung their shadows fantastically upon the sward, and the moretheir guest struggled the more he was compelled to jump about. Robin putheart into his playing, and laughed with the loudest of them. 

At last, quite exhausted, the Bishop sank to the ground. 

Little John seized him then like a sack of wood, and flung him acrossthe back of his horse. Rapidly they led the beast across the unevenground until the highroad was reached, the whole of the bandaccompanying them, shouting and jesting noisily. The Bishop of Hereford, more dead than alive, was then tied to his horse and the animal headedfor Nottingham. 

"'Tis the most and the least that we can do for him, " said Robin, gleefully. "Give you good night, lording! A fair journey to you! Deliverour respectful homage to Master Monceux and to the rest of law-abidingNottingham! Come now, Little John, you have borne yourself well thisday; and for my part I willingly give the right to be of this worshipfulcompany of free men. What say you, friends all?"

The giant was admitted by acclamation, and then all went back noisilyinto that hiding-place in Barnesdale which had defied both the ferreteyes of lean-faced Simeon Carfax and the Norman archer Hubert. 

The Sheriff of Nottingham learned next day that Sherwood had not beenpurged of its toll-collectors, as he had so fondly hoped. 

CHAPTER XVIII

After the adventure with the good Bishop, Robin and his men waited insome trepidation for a sign from Nottingham. 

However, several weeks passed without any untoward incident. 

The fourth week after my lord of Hereford's despoilment a quarrel brokeout betwixt Stuteley and Little John; and these two hot-headed fellowsmust needs get from words to blows. 

In the bouts of fencing and wrestling Little John could hold his ownwith all; but at quarter-staff Stuteley could, and did, rap the giant'sbody very shrewdly. After one bout both lost their temper: and Robin hadto stay them by ordering Stuteley to cease the play. 

This was in the forenoon. Later on, chance threw Little John andStuteley into a fresh dispute. It happened just before dusk; the two ofthem from different parts of the wood had stalked and run to earth thesame stag. Little John had already drawn his bow when Stuteley espiedhim. At once the little esquire called out that no one had the right toshoot such a deer but Robin of Locksley, his master. Little John scoffedat this, and flew his arrow; but between them they had startled the stagand it bounded away. Little John was furious with Stuteley, and thenoise of their quarrelling brought Robin again between them. This timeyoung Robin spoke his mind to Little John, saying that he was sorrythat Master John Little Nailor had ever come into their free band. 

"'Tis not free at all!" cried Little John, raging. "'Tis the mostgalling of service. Here I may not do this nor that. I'll stay no morein Barnesdale, but try my fortunes with your foes. "

He flung himself away from them, and when the roll was called thatnight, the name of Little John evoked no response. 

Robin was vexed at this, and saw that they must come to some agreementif they would keep the company alive. He talked with Warrenton and Muchand some of the others, and they all pressed him to assume the captaincyby right of his skill with the bow. They decided between them to have afull council on the morrow and come to a decision: for without a captainthey were as a ship without a rudder. 

The early morning found Robin walking thoughtfully in the greenwood. Hehoped that he might discover Little John returning to them, repentant. He had taken a strange liking to this great giant of a man. 

As he walked, he drew insensibly toward the highroad; but had not nearlyreached it when he came upon a herd of deer feeding peacefully in aglade. Robin got his bow ready. Before he could fit a shaft to it, however, one of the finest beasts fell suddenly, pierced by a cleverarrow. 

Immediately he thought that Little John had indeed returned; and wasabout to emerge from his hiding-place, when a handsome little page rangleefully towards the dying buck from the other side of the glade. Thiswas plainly the archer; and Robin, after a swift glance of surprise, moved out upon him. "How dare you shoot the King's beasts, stripling?"asked Robin, very severely. 

"I have as much right to shoot them as the King himself, " answered thepage, haughtily, and by no means afraid. "And who are you who dares toquestion me?"

His voice stirred Robin strangely; yet he could fit no memory properlyto it. The lad was very handsome, slim, dark-haired, and with regularfeatures. 

"My name is my own, " said Robin to him, "and I do not like youranswering of a plain question. Keep a civil tongue in your head, boy, oryou will one day be whipped. "

"Not by you, forester, " cried the page, pulling out a little sword. "Putup your hands, or draw your weapon. You shall have such answering now asyou can understand. "

He flourished his point valiantly; and Robin saw nothing for it but todraw also. The page thereupon engaged him quite fiercely; but Robin soonperceived that the lad was no great master of the art of fencing. 

Still, he played prettily, and to end it Robin allowed himself to bepricked on the hand. "Are you satisfied, fellow?" said the page, seeingthe blood rise to the wound. 

"Ay, honestly, " said Robin, "and now, perhaps, you will grant me theprivilege of knowing to whom I owe this scratch?"

"I am Gilbert of Blois, " replied the page, with dignity; and again hisvoice troubled Robin sorely. He was certain that he had met with itbefore; but this name was strange to his ears. 

"What do you in the greenwood at such an hour, good Master Gilbert?"

The lad considered his answer, whilst wiping his sword daintily with apretty kerchief. The action brought a dim confused memory to Robin--ablurred recollection of that scene discovered in the wizard's crystaltroubled his thoughts. Meanwhile the little page had condescended toglance upon him. 

"Forester, " said he, somewhat awkwardly, "can you tell me--do you knowaught of one Robin o' th' Hood? He is believed to have been killed inthe fall o' last year, and truly they brought a body into Nottingham. Hewas a merry youth. "

"This is brother to my Marian!" cried Robin, inwardly. "Ay, for sure, 'tis the lad Fitzwalter, and no Gilbert of Bloist Yet Warrenton did nottell me that there was a brother. "

He replied to the page. "Did not this fellow, this Robin, have othername? Robin o' th' Hood--why, all of them wear their capes and hoodsnowadays--how can such a man as I know him whom you seek, to say whetherhe be dead or alive?"

"Forester, he was much like to you; but had no beard, nor was he quiteso uncouth as you. I mean no offence. I saw him but twice; but he seemeda lovable fellow. I remember that some called him Robin of Locksley. "

"I knew him right well, " said Robin, in decided tones. "Come with me, Master Gilbert, and you shall hear of him. "

"He lives, then?" The page's blue eyes glistened happily. 

"Did your--sister send you, Master Gilbert?" asked Robin, with his heartin his mouth. 

The boy gave him a puzzled stare. "My sister--who told you that I had asister?" Then, changing his policy with swift intuition: "Ay, my sisterdid send me to find the man. Bring me to him. "

"Follow me, Master Gilbert of Blois, " cried Robin. So Marian hadremembered him. It was a happy morning, indeed!

"This poor stag, " began the page, pointing to it. "I wish now that I hadnot slain it. "

"'Tis one of the King's deer, " observed Robin, grave again, "and you maybe hanged for the killing of it. What put so desperate a business intoyour mind, friend?"

"I--to tell truth, had a notion to be made outlaw, like--like untoMaster Robin, in short, " said the page. "But I did not know that theymight hang me for't. " He made a grimace. 

Robin went up to the beast and drew out the boy's arrow. Then he stuckone of his own peacocked shafts into the wound. "Now you are safe, Gilbert, " said he, smiling. "Take the arrow, and keep it in your quiveruntil we can dispose of it. I leave my mark upon the buck--my fellowswill find and deal with it. "

They walked together into Barnesdale, and Robin showed the boy theirhiding-place and presented him to the rest. He asked that he mightbecome one of their company, and all agreed. So he took the vowfervently, and was given Little John's place for the nonce. 

Robin asked them not to mention him by name, wishing to know more ofMaster Gilbert's plans ere disclosing himself. The boy was full ofchatter, and had news for them, too. He gave them the sequel to theBishop's adventure, and told how my lord of Hereford had come intoNottingham in parlous state--more dead than alive: how he had lainprostrate upon a sick-bed in the Sheriff's house for the best part ofthree days: how, having briefly recovered, he had made a full statementof his experiences, and had cursed the greenwood men with bell, book, and candle: how he had sworn that he they thought to be dead--Robin ofLocksley--was very much alive and full of wickedness. 

"Master Monceux, whom I have no cause to love, " continued Gilbert, inquick speech, "has bidden his archers and men to assemble, and haspromised a round sum for the head of each greenwood man, such as Iperceive you all to be, and since I am now of your company, friends, Isuppose my head is worth as much as Master Robin's or any of yours?Which of you is Robin o' th' Hood? I fain would look upon a man who canrecover from death so valiantly. "

Berry and Much were, both together, preparing to point to Robin, forgetting their promise. Robin gave them a quick glance of warning. "Come, friends, let us to breakfast, " he cried, rising. "I am sharp set, and soon we shall be hearing from the Sheriff's men, no doubt. Let usfortify ourselves withal. "

All that morning went by, however, without further event. The greenwoodmen became uneasy. All felt that some terrible plot was being hatchedagainst them, and their unrest grew with the day. Had Little John turnedtraitor? And was he now preparing their enemies?

Soon after noon Robin called them together into the biggest of theircaves. He offered to disguise himself and go into Nottingham--there tolearn the best or worst. 

Many of them made objection to this, saying that one had no reason totake more risk than another in this free company. Robin persuaded themat last to his own way of thinking, as he had already done before. Unconsciously they were coming to regard him as their head, although anyone of them would have fiercely denied this in open council. Robin tooka staff, and hurried towards the highroad for the second time that day. 

He had another reason for making this adventure: the fond hope of seeingMistress Marian. Her brother--for so he felt sure this young Gilbertmust be--had stirred afresh in Robin's heart all his warm love for her. He wondered what he could say to her. 

Why, he could tell her of Gilbert's escapade! Of course she must betrembling at this very moment for the boy and thinking him in a thousanddangers! It was another duty added to that to which Robin bore towardsthe company of freemen. He doubled and trebled his pace. 

Suddenly, as he came upon the road, the sound of a lusty singing struckupon his ears. Robin became aware of a shabby cart and a bushy figureleading a bony horse, and the smell of fresh-killed meat. It was anhonest butcher on his way to market in Nottingham. 

"Give you good day, friend, " called Robin to him. "You have a fair loadthere--what is your price for it?"

"Why, truly, beggar, a bigger price than you will pay, I fear, " answeredthe butcher, in the middle of his song. 

"I will give you four pieces of gold for it, " said Robin. 

The butcher stopped his thin horse at once. "Take the reins then, master, " cried he, joyfully; "the cart and all is yours for the sum!Pay it to me, and I will go back into Locksley forthwith. "

"Do you come from that village, friend?" asked Robin, as he paid overthe gold, "and are you not afraid to ride through Sherwood alone?"

"You are strange to this country, friend, " answered the jolly butcher, "else you would know that now our Sherwood is free as air to all men. The outlaws and wicked ones have all been driven out of it. "

"Is this indeed so? Truly I am rejoiced at the news. And Locksley--isnot the Ranger there now dead, and his house burned? I do misrememberhis name. "

"Master Fitzooth is dead and lieth in Locksley ground. Also his son, wild Robin, is no more. He gave himself early to the outlaw band, andwas slain. We have a new Ranger at Locksley, one Adam of Kirklees, aworthy man and a generous. I thank you for your gold: now take my loadand may fortune befriend you. "

"God rest you, butcher, " answered Robin, laughing, as the other turnedon his heel and began his song once more. "Stay--stay--I have athought, " he called out after the butcher. "How can I sell meat in thisgarb?"

The other paused and scratched his head doubtfully. 

"I'll give you another piece for your clothes, friend, " said Robin, persuasively. "Is it a bargain?"

"I'll do it for another piece, " said the butcher. "Ay, and think myselffortunate. This is a very happy day, for sure. Strip yourself, beggar;and you can hand your purse over to me with the rags if you care to!"

Robin laughed again and shook his head. The change was soon effected, and within ten minutes he was leading his spavined horse toward thegates of Nottingham. In the distance he could hear the butcher's loudsong losing itself in the forest sounds. 

He smeared his face with grease and earth and rubbed his hair awry eredaring to enter the city. Boldly he led his shuffling horse to themarket and there took up his place. He had no notion of the price toask, and the folk, finding him so foolish and easy a man, soon began tocrowd about the cart. 

Robin gave as much for a penny as the other butchers did for five or sixwhen his customer was poor. If he seemed to be a prosperous citizen whowould buy, Robin had quite another price for him. 

The butchers about him could not quite understand these novel methods:but they saw with envy that the harebrained fellow was selling all hismeat. His loud voice and foolish gestures made them think him some crazyloon who had slipped off with his good man's cart. They entered intoconversation with him, and found his witless speech most entertaining. 

They had all been bidden to a supper in the Sheriff's buttery thatnight, this being holiday-time; and they begged Robin to join with them, hoping to have no little amusement from him. With a vacant stare heagreed to eat the Sheriff's mutton. 

All the time he had sharp eyes and long ears; but could find out nothingof the Sheriff's plans, nor happen on sight of Mistress Fitzwalter. Whenthey were sitting down to the supper in Monceux's buttery he perceivedtowering high amongst the Sheriff's servants the figure of Master LittleJohn. 

"So, friend, my visit here has not been vain, " thought Robin, grimly. "Now we shall see and hear things, no doubt. " He settled himself to anattack upon the viands, and played his part with the Sheriff's ale, notforgetting to keep up the attitude of foolishness he had adopted in themarket. 

The laughter grew long and loud, and presently the Sheriff himself camedown. He made them a speech and gave a toast. My lord of Hereford, looking very pale and limp, also came into the buttery for a space andmade them a Latin grace. 

Then Monceux told them, with bristling eyebrows, how he had beeninstructed by the Bishop of Hereford that the pestilent evil bands whosepower had once been broken had re-formed in Sherwood. The Sheriffre-stated the reward to be given for the head of any malefactor anddisturber of their laws, as ordered by Prince John; and said furtherthat in a few days he was going to despatch his men into and about theforest to satisfy the Bishop. "Whilst I am preparing my fellows, thereis a chance for all honest citizens and burgesses to earn a fair sum. Mylord of Hereford will add his reward to the man who shall recover hismoney to him, or part of it; and I will give such man freedom from alltaxes and levies, " added the Sheriff, importantly. 

Robin wondered whether Little John had spoken of the company. While hewas eyeing darkly the burly figure of Master Nailor, the latter cameover to him under a pretence of filling Robin's glass. 

"By my skin, Locksley, " whispered the giant into his startled ear, "thisis a foolish adventure! Your head is as good as off your shoulders inthis place. Hasten to leave it soon as you can, for fear the Bishop mayknow you as I have done. "

Robin only stared in his new half-vacant manner. Little John moved awayto another part of the room. Hard questions formed themselves in Robin'smind--how had Little John known him? Stranger still, why did not my lordof Hereford recognize Master John Little Nailor? He had been foremost inthe business with the Bishop. Robin recollected, all at once, that whenthe Bishop had briefly come in to bless the supper, Little John had goneout hurriedly with some dishes. 

That was it, no doubt; but a mystery still remained. Robin decided topierce it ere the night was done. Some of the guests were far gone intheir cups, already; and Monceux had given over the buttery to thebutchers for the night. "I'll stay here then, " decided Robin; and, pretending to be suddenly overcome by the strong ale, he tumbled himselfdown upon the rush-strewn floor. 

He set up a great snoring, until Little John, taking him by the heels, dragged him through the kitchen into a little larder, and there shut thedoor on him. "Lie there, nasty pig, " cried Little John from outside withdisgusted air, for his fellow-servants to note. "Lie there in a cleansty for once; and if you grunt again I will surely souse you under thepump!" At this threat Robin's snores abated somewhat in their violence. 

"_I_ would drop him into the river forthwith, " spoke a harsh voice, startling Robin into fierce astonishment. There was no mistaking thosetones: so cruel, so false, so malicious. "Roger and Micah--Micah andRoger. " One of these two villains it was of a surety! But Robin had seenthem both slain on the day of that battle wherein poor Will ofCloudesley had perished?

Trembling with amazement, he cautiously got upon his knees and peepedthrough the keyhole. In the flagged kitchen, amidst the reek of hotfoods and disordered dishes, were two men--one of them Little John. Theother was dressed as a cook, and as he turned his face towards the lightof the fire Robin knew him for one of the two traitor outlaws. He hadchanged little. 

Little John answered his remark over his shoulder: "You would do many arash thing, Roger, if you could, " was all he said; but he spoke insneering tone. 

"Ay, marry; and one thing I would do, right instantly, dear gossip, "said Roger, busying himself with the dishes. Robin saw that they shonelike gold in the ruddy light of the fire. "I would not have _you_ ashelpmate in this kitchen had I the ordering of matters. Big hands andheavy hands and thieving hands. Ah, I need not be wizard to know themwhen I see them!"

"You shall feel them, little Roger, " said Little John, very angry. Andhe soundly cuffed the cook about the head. Roger snarlingly drew backand snatched up a dish. Full viciously he flung it at Little John, andafter it another and another. 

[Illustration: LITTLE JOHN FIGHTS WITH THE COOK IN THE SHERIFF'S HOUSE

_At last he made a dart upon Roger and the chase grew furious. Dishes, plates, covers, pots and pans--all that came in the way of them wentflying. _]

The first struck the giant's shoulder and fell clattering upon the redtiles. The second dish struck Little John as he recoiled and cut hisforehead and head. Blood ran down instantly over his cheek. The thirdsmashed itself against the wall harmlessly. Drawing in his breath, Little John commenced a long chase of his foe, who had raced off to theother side of the table. 

Neither man spoke, but each eyed the other warily. Anger shone on oneface, jealous hate upon the other. They moved round and round the tablecarefully. 

There were knives in plenty upon it; and every now and again Roger wouldseize one and fling it hurriedly at his enemy. Little John ruthlesslyfollowed him, without flinching or abating his set purpose by one jot. 

At last he made a dart upon Roger and the chase grew furious. Dishes, plates, covers, pots and pans--all that came in the way of them wentflying. The noise was awful; then suddenly ceased--for Little John hadgrasped his prey by the short skirt of his tunic. In another second oftime Roger was secured, fluttering, cursing, and green with a sickterror. 

Little John lifted him up bodily and flung him with all his strengthagainst the wall of the kitchen. He rebounded from the wall to thedresser; and in convulsive agony gripped hold of those utensils nearhim. All fell, with reverberations of sound, downward with him to theground. There Roger lay still--save for a slight and hideous twitchingof his mouth. 

Little John opened the door to Robin. "Hasten--hasten away from here, soon as you can. There is danger and death. "

"And you?"

"I shall escape. I have a story for them. " Little John suddenly pushedRobin back into the larder. "'Tis too late: be silent on your life. "

Some servants, alarmed by the din, entered. They found Little John, thenew kitchen-drawer, bending in consternation over the lifeless form ofthe cook. "Run, run, " cried he, scarce glancing at them. "Here is Rogerthe cook suddenly dying. His brain has given way. See how the foamflecks upon his lips. Get me water for him. Or stay, help me carry himto his bed. "

Little John picked him up tenderly and with a face full of seemingconcern. The others, aghast at the mere thought of touching a madman, shrank back. The giant carried the unconscious Roger out of the kitchen. 

The servants came and busied themselves in restoring the kitchen toorder. One of them opened the larder; but Robin had laid himself fulllength upon the top shelf. So he was not discovered. 

The night wore on and most of the servants went yawningly to bed. LittleJohn returned, telling the few who remained that the cook was recoveredfrom his fit; but was still delirious and unsafe. "I will bank the fireand sleep here, so that I may be able to go to him, " continued LittleJohn, with a kind air. "By my wits, but he did mightily scare me whenfirst the distemper showed in him. He sliced me with the spit. See howmy head is cut, and my cheek shows you how his horrid teeth did meet inmy flesh. "

"Did he indeed bite you, Master Nailor?"

"By my bones, he bit and tore me like a wild beast. But since I am sobig and not fearful of him I will e'en watch him through the night, unless you choose to do service, Mickleham?"

Mickleham swore roundly that he would not. 

"Then get you gone, gossip, " said the giant, busying himself with thefire. "'Tis late: and my lord of Hereford has business abroad at anearly hour. "

He bade Robin go back into the buttery and stay there until dawn, therebeing no chance of escape out of the castle at this hour. "Play yourpart, Locksley, and avoid the Bishop's eyes--even as have I. We may meeton the morrow. "

"You have not betrayed us, Little John?"

"Roger the cook was to have sold you. Therefore have I quietened him forthe nonce. Here's my hand on it, Locksley: that Little John is loyal. But I do not love Stuteley yet. "

"It will come in time, " answered Robin, sleepily. "You are both soundfellows. Give you good night, honest John. I'll sleep none the worse formy pillow. " He stretched himself amid the trampled rushes of thebuttery, and laid his head upon the prone body of one of the sleepingbutchers. Full a dozen of them had fallen into slumber to the Sheriffsrush-bottomed buttery floor. 

Little John went back to the kitchen and there carefully and silentlycollected Master Monceux's gold plate. He put it all into a stout sack, tied it up, and waited patiently for dawn. 

CHAPTER XIX

Robin woke from a heavy slumber at daybreak. A faint noise from withoutthe buttery disturbed him. He very quietly rose up, and, picking his wayacross the room, came to the entrance to the kitchens. He opened one ofthe doors and found a passage, grey-lit by the first gleam of dawn. 

At the end of it was the figure of a man. His height revealed him forLittle John. Over his shoulders was a short sack. 

Seeing Robin, he beckoned to him; then whispered his plans. But Robindid not intend to leave Nottingham so soon. 

"Go, Little John, and take that which is in your sack----"

"I shall bring it to you, gossip, " spoke Little John, in a muffledvoice: "to your haunts in Barnesdale. You shall see who is the betterservant--Stuteley or myself. Here have I the Sheriff's plate----"

An audacious notion flashed upon Robin. 

"Take it to our cave in Barnesdale, honest John, " said he, swiftly, indicating the sack, "and, harkee; I will follow later with such a guestas never our greenwood has yet carried. Lay out a royal feast and killone of the fattest bucks. Take my dagger in token to them that I havesent you. "

"Who will you bring with you, gossip? Not my lord of Hereford?"

"I will bring Monceux himself, " said Robin, boldly. "Leave the businessin my hands. Go now, if you know a safe road from out of this place. "

"I have a friend at the gate who will ask me no questions, " answeredLittle John, softly. "But you?"

"My wit shall lead me out from Nottingham, " Robin told him. 

Little John let himself out by one of the postern doors, and found meansto convey the Sheriff's plate through the streets. Afterwards when hereached the gate, he continued to win his passage by pure statesmanship, pretending that he had been sent out at that strange hour to snare youngrabbits for his lord's breakfast!

Meanwhile, Robin returned to the buttery, and waited for events to shapethemselves. Ere long the butchers began yawning and quarrelling betwixtthemselves; and Robin artfully persuaded them, by setting one againstthe other, to a free fight. 

The servants separated them, and in anger bade them all begone. Robinbesought them to let him stay, saying that he wished an audience with mylord the Sheriff. 

"Out upon you, pestilent fellow!" cried one of the servants. "You scumof the earth! This comes of hobnobbing with such rascals. Go hencequickly, with your fellows, or we will break all your bones. "

So were they all bustled out into the cold streets, and Robin, in hisbutcher's smock, went back, as if very crest-fallen, to his empty cartand lean horse. 

In due season the servants found that the Sheriff's new kitchen-handwas gone, and with him the gold plate. Then they remembered how he hadbeen found with the cook. 

Roger was plucked out of his bed, with all his bruises and wounds uponhim, to give evidence before Monceux, who was in a great fume. All thatspite and jealousy might do Roger performed with gusto, and so fixed theblame upon Little John that no one else was even suspected. 

Roger would have now spoken as to Barnesdale, and betrayed the secretcaves to the Sheriff; but he had once before persuaded them to searchthe cave near Gamewell, with ill results. 

"Enough of these tales, " snarled the Sheriff; "keep them for theBishop's ears. _I_ am concerned for my plate; and will recover it ere Iput forth on any other enterprise. "

He sent out his archers and men-at-arms, with such an incoherentdescription of Little John that near all the tall men of Nottingham werebrought under arrest. The gate-keeper who had been so foolish as to opento Little John became so fearful of the Sheriff's anger that, when theyquestioned him, he vowed by all the saints that he had clapped eyes onno such fellow in his life. 

Monceux, getting more and more enraged, chanced at last upon thebutchers. He bade them all to be brought before him. 

Small comfort did he gather from any, least of all from Robin, whobehaved in so foolish a manner before the great man that all who had notbelieved him crazy before, were now well sure of it. 

He would persist in talking to the irate lord of his own affairs: howhe had just inherited a farm with many head of cattle--such beasts! howhe had sold some of them in the market on the previous day for largemoneys; how he intended to always sell at Nottingham, since there thepeople were so rich and generous. 

"I have full five hundred and ten horned beasts upon my land that I willsell for a just figure, " said Robin. "Ay, to him who will pay me inright money will I sell them for twenty pieces. Is that too much to ask, lording?"

Monceux, in the midst of his frenzy, suddenly quieted down. This was theidiot butcher of whom people had been chattering. No use to bluster andthreaten him. 

Five hundred and ten fat beasts for twenty pieces! Was ever such a fool?"I'll buy your beasts of you, butcher, " said Monceux, "and will give youtwice the money you ask. "

At this Robin was quite overcome, and fell to praising him to the skies. For the moment the missing plate was forgotten. 

"Drive in your beasts, butcher, " said Monceux. 

"They are but at Gamewell, excellence, " said Robin; "not more than amile beyond it at most. Will you not come and choose your own beasts?The day is fine. "

The Sheriff dismissed all but Robin, in order that they might settle itquietly. If he did not close upon this bargain straightway it would belost to him. 

After some hesitation, "I will go with you, butcher, " spoke MasterMonceux. After all, what had he to fear? Surely no man, be he ever sowicked and desperate an outlaw, would _dare_ to lay hands upon theSheriff of Nottingham!

Monceux had all along suspected the Bishop of Hereford's story. Therewere no robbers in Sherwood now--the Bishop had invented the tale inorder to cover up some disgraceful carousal, and had bribed his men. Ithad been a plot by which my lord of Hereford had been able to foisthimself and his company upon the Sheriff, and so gain both free lodgingin Nottingham and save giving in charity to the poor folk of the town. 

Thus Master Monceux argued swiftly within himself. 

"Get ready, butcher, for, " he said, briskly, "I will join you in a fewminutes. "

He laid a solemn and dreadful charge upon the captain of his men-at-armsand upon those of his household to find him his plate ere he returned. He swore that their own goods should be seized and sold if they failedhim in this matter!

Then he affected to be going in secret search himself. 

So the two of them, without guard, went off together, Robin driving hisshambling horse and rickety cart beside the Sheriff's little fat brownpony. 

They passed through the gate, and Monceux left word there that hisarchers were to follow him to Gamewell so soon as they had returned fromtheir searching for his plate. 

Robin was very gay, and kept the Sheriff amused with his foolishchattering. Monceux congratulated himself more and more. 

They had drawn nigh to Gamewell, and to that little gravel-pit whereinwas one of the hidden passages to the Barnesdale caves. Peeringirresolute through the tree-trunks far off to their right, Robin spied aherd of deer. 

They stood and trembled at sight of Robin and the Sheriff, preparing tostampede. 

Robin guessed that they had been driven by the greenwood men all thatday--that perchance Stuteley and the rest were near the beasts, inambush. Reining in his lean horse, he turned in his cart to call to theSheriff. 

"See, excellence, here are my beasts, coming to welcome me! Now choosethose which your eyes like and pay me the gold. "

Monceux saw then that he had been duped, and flew into a terriblepassion. Robin cut his reproaches very short, however; and, taking offhis butcher's smock, blew on his horn that short, queer signal. 

The Sheriff turned to fly, but had not travelled a hundred yards ere, hearing an uncomfortable hissing sound, made by an arrow, as it flewjust over his head, thought it better to stop. Robin had hidden his bowand quiver in the straw at the bottom of the butcher's cart. He nowstood up and sped his shafts all round and about the poor Sheriff. 

Then Monceux reined up his fat pony and surrendered himself grudgingly, trying to bargain all the while. "If I give you my horse, and a goldenpenny, will you let me go, butcher?" said he, whiningly. "Did I nottreat you well last night, giving you a fair supper and much ale? Thisis ill requiting my usage of you, butcher. "

Suddenly he saw himself surrounded by the men of the greenwood, headedby Stuteley. Robin nodded, and in a moment the Sheriff was seized andhurried away to the gravel-pit, and his pony was set galloping in thedirection of Nottingham with empty saddle. 

The greenwood men soon brought their captive through the dangerouspassage, having first blindfolded him. Within five hours of hisdeparture from Nottingham my lord the Sheriff found himself in astrange, unknown part of Sherwood, seated amongst two score and ten wildfellows, to a wilder meal of venison, brown bread, and wine. 

With a shock of surprise he saw that the hot, juicy portion of theKing's beast handed to him as his share was smoking fragrantly upon agolden plate. He glanced around from the merry faces of the lawless mento the dishes and plates from which they were eating. All were of goldand very familiar. 

His rolling eye encountered that of Little John's, coolly helpinghimself to a second serve. "You rascal! you rogue!" spluttered Monceux. "You scum of the kitchens! Where is my plate? You shall be shred intolittle pieces for this trick, and you also, false butcher. "

"Nay, excellence, " said a gentle voice near to him, "this is no butcher;but rather Master Robin o' th' Hood, a good yeoman and right Saxon. Somecall him Robin of Locksley. Let me fill your goblet, excellence, for youhave spilled all the wine. "

Monceux glared at the speaker, a handsome lad dressed gaily in page'scostume. The Sheriff's frown would have frightened most people, but thedark-haired boy only laughed and tossed his head in a queerlyfascinating way. The Sheriff, relaxing, held out his goblet, and smiledback upon the page. 

"Well done, Master Gilbert of Blois!" cried Robin, who sat at theSheriff's left hand. "Now tell me how you discovered me, and I will loveyou----"

The lad blushed furiously. "I knew you from the first, Robin o' th'Hood, " he answered, defiantly. 

"In truth?" questioned Robin, slily, and with his own suspicionsgrowing. No wonder he had seen nothing of Marian in Nottingham town. 

"In truth--well, no, " submitted the page. "Let me fill your tankard, friend. But very soon I did discover you. Is this the stag that youkilled, Robin o' th' Hood?" he added, innocently. 

Robin nodded; and the Sheriff flashed another look of anger upon him. "Sit you beside me, Gilbert, " Robin ordered; "I am very fain to havespeech with you. "

Marian, with her woman's intuition, knew from his tone that she also wasdiscovered. Yet she braved it out. "I will fill all the cups, Robin o'th' Hood, " she said, firmly, with an adorable little shake of her blackcurls; "then will hear your adventures as a Nottingham butcher, which Isee you are dying to tell to us. "

The page skipped lightly from under Robin's threatening hand, and themerry men laughed loud and long. "He calls you Robin o' th' Hood, master!" cried John Berry, roaring like a bull. For some reason thisnick-name tickled him mightily. He kept repeating it in all kinds oftones, and those about him began to laugh also. 

"'Tis a very excellent name, " said Robin, a little vexed. "A merry name, a man's name, and a name to my heart! I do adopt it from this day; foris not Robin Fitzooth of Locksley dead? My lord the Sheriff can tell youthat he is, for he has burned him. Laugh at it, or like it, friends, which you will. But pledge me in it, for I have paid the reckoning. "

Little John, Stuteley, and Much rose to their feet together in theirhurry to be first. The others were not slow in following them. 

"Long life to you and happiness, Robin o' th' Hood! Here's fortune'sbest and confusion to all your enemies! Huzza, Robin o' th' Hood!"

The darkening woods echoed it back to them. "Robin o' th' Hood!Robin--Hood!"

"You will have to be christened, gossip, " said Little John, with an airof importance; "and surely I know the man who will be sponsor. But youspoke just now of a reckoning; and I do see that our guest is becomefidgety. Shall I tot up the bill for him?"

"Do so, friend. "

The Sheriff appeared uneasy at this. "I have not my purse with me, " hebegan, apologetically. 

"How did you purpose paying me for my beasts?" asked Robin. 

"Why--that is--I have, of course, a small sum about me. "

"What is that sum, gossip?" questioned Little John, very kindly. 

"'Tis no more than forty pieces of gold, " said Monceux, recollectingthat he had named this amount to Robin. 

"Is that all?"

"I have not another penny-piece, good Master Hood, " replied theSheriff. 

"If that is true, then you shall pay no more than ten pieces of gold foryour entertainment, excellence, " decreed Robin. "Speak I soothly, men ofthe greenwood?"

"The Sheriff should swear by his patron saint that he will never moremolest us, " said one of the company, wisely; and this addition wascarried unanimously. 

"So be it, then, " cried Little John, approaching Monceux. "Now, swear byyour life and your patron saint----"

"I will swear it by St. George, who is patron of us all, " cried the fatSheriff, vigorously; and he swore that never again would he disturb ordistress them in Sherwood. 

"Let me catch anyone of you _out_ of it!" thought he to himself. 

Then he paid them ten pieces of gold; and having done this, rose up togo. 

It was already full dusk. "Gossip, " observed Little John, reprovingly, "you did not hand me your wallet, but took out instead the ten goldenpieces. Let me see for myself that thirty remain. Mayhap some evilperson has robbed you unbeknown. "

"Nay--I do not think that, " said the Sheriff, quickly; "I take greatcare of all my belongings----"

"Yet you may have been despoiled, " persisted Little John; "permit me tosatisfy myself and this company that you have had honorable treatment inthese happy woods. "

With a groan Monceux yielded his wallet, and Stuteley counted out themoney in it with a loud voice; otherwise the company was silent. "Thereis another wallet, gossip, " said the inexorable Little John, pointingtowards the Sheriff's belt. 

In all they counted out one hundred gold pieces. "We must add another'nought' to the foot of our bill, excellence, " said Robin, gravely. "Beof good heart; what is 'nought' but nothing? Ten pounds and a 'nought'added to it is a most reasonable account for such royal fare. Take thenthis money which you first gave me; we will keep the wallets. "

"'Tis monstrous! 'Tis an enormity, " bellowed Monceux, flying out. "Already you have stolen my plate, and now would strip me utterly! 'Tisrank villainy, and I promise you all----"

"You have promised enough to-night, Sheriff, " retorted Robin: "away withhim, Stuteley, and go you, too, Little John. Take our guest through thesecret path so far as the roadway by Nottingham gate. There he may findhis archers waiting for him. Be speedy. "

They nodded and grasped the struggling Sheriff by either arm. His eyeswere speedily bandaged by little Gilbert, and he made an undignifiedexit. Whilst the rest busied themselves removing the remains of thefeast, Robin spoke quietly with the page. 

"Since Little John has happily returned to us, Master Gilbert, " saidRobin, "'tis clear that he will want his quarters again. So I must moveyou. "

"It matters not, Robin. "

"You are over young to consort with such wild company, Gilbert, " Robincontinued; "and so I will take you to a safe asylum, unless, of course, you would sooner return into Nottingham. "

"I have now no real home in Nottingham, " said Marian, frankly. "Myfather has gone to London to find us a home there. He has been offered apost in the King's household. So soon as he had departed they sent forme to attend at the Sheriff's castle, saying I was to become maid to thedemoiselle Marie. This I would not; and so escaped in the early dawn ofthe day----"

"I have a friend at Gamewell, " said Robin, diffidently. "In sooth, it ismine own uncle, and he surely would not refuse me in this. Will you gowith me, Gilbert, at once? Soon it will be night indeed. "

"I'll go anywhere with you, Robin, " answered the little page. 

Yet Robin would not affect to recognize Marian, though his heart wasthumping in his body. He led her silently, hastily, through the strangepassages towards Gamewell, thinking how he should bring a welcome forthe maid. 

"You are not talkative, friend Robin, " murmured his companion once. 

"My heart is too full for speech, Gilbert, " said Robin, softly then; andthis answer seemed to satisfy Master Gilbert of Blois. Under the nighthe smiled happily to himself. 

"Is this your bad hand, Robin?" he asked, presently, "the one that I didwound? Poor fingers! I am sorry now. Can you forgive me, Robin?"

CHAPTER XX

When they had reached the little hut near by the pleasance, Robin badeher stay. "I now must play Yellow Lady, " said he, lightly. "She is thespirit of this grove, and under her guise I can venture near to thehouse. Lend me your cloak--the color will not matter on so dark anight. "

"I will not be left alone here, " said Marian at this, with greatdecision. "Not for all the Montfichets in Christendom. I'll go withyou. "

They crossed the pleasance side by side. Lights burned within Gamewellto guide them. 

"I am not afraid, Robin, " announced Master Gilbert of Blois, courageously. "You know I am no coward. "

"Take my hand then, " said Robin; "I like to feel that you are with me. "

"Yet you have but known me a day, " said Marian, trying to peep at him. Her tone was questioning and full of pretty malice. 

He had a mind then to take her in his arms, but again forebore. "Besilent now, " whispered he; "I must proclaim myself. I have scarceknowledge of the servants here, my chief friend being old Warrenton, andhe is in the greenwood. "

"Let us go back there, " suggested his companion; "I am willing to riskthe wild beasts and the Sheriffs wrath. "

"'Tis no place for you, " said Robin. "Here you will be both safe andcomfortable. "

"I do not like the shape of this house, " argued Marian. "I do not feelthat I will be happy in it. "

"It is a home worthy to be your sister's, let alone yours, MasterGilbert. Now be done with your grumbling, for here you shall stay untilyour father's return. "

At this she made a grimace, but obeyed him meekly, notwithstanding. Asthey drew near to the courtyard, Robin bade her follow him cautiouslyuntil they had made a full circle of it, and crept round to the front ofthe hall. 

By good fortune the bridge was down. Old Gamewell had no fear of theworld, it would seem. They might pretend now that they had crossed tothe hall from the road. Robin wound his horn suddenly and confidently. 

The dogs within Gamewell began to bark and growl, and presently theyheard sounds of approach. In a moment more the doors were opened andthey saw a servant armed with a lanthorn and a stick. 

"I would have audience with Master Montfichet, " said Robin, in a boldvoice. "Pray take me to him at once. "

"Do you come from Nottingham?" asked the man, civilly. 

"I left there this day, " replied Robin. 

"Follow me, " said the servant, briefly. He waited until they were safelyinside; then closed the doors carefully. He led them across the court tothe inner doors. 

Here another fellow was in waiting, also carrying a light. "These aretravellers from Nottingham, desiring audience of Master Gamewell, "observed the first servant. 

"Your names, gentles?" asked the second. 

"I am Robin o' th' Hood, and this is Master Gilbert of Blois, " saidRobin, at once. 

They were escorted into the great hall, and there, sat beside the openhearth, was old Squire George. He made a pathetic figure. Robin felt hisheart go out to him. 

Yet even when he had satisfied himself in a single glance as to theidentity of one of the late-coming guests, Montfichet gave no sign. Hiswas a strange nature, and he could not forgive Robin his innocentdeceit. 

"Sir, " said Robin, respectfully, "I do feel shame in coming before youwithout waiting for your word of welcome. My errand must be my excuse. "

"'Tis Robin Fitzooth!" said old Montfichet, then. "I was told that youhad been killed long since. "

"Robin Fitzooth is truly dead, sir. Behold in his place Robin o' th'Hood. I come to ask a service at your hands for the memory of this deadman, and in redemption of your promise given to him once in Nottingham. "

"Ask it, friend. "

The Squire's tones were kinder. Looking at him, Robin saw that he hadaged. There were no longer signs of that fastidious attention to hisapparel which had characterized Montfichet of Gamewell. 

"There is, sir, a maid who, losing her father on a journey to London, hath had great trouble put upon her by the Sheriff. Monceux wouldpersecute her, in short; and she has flown from the city. Now, I wouldask an asylum for her here. "

"She shall be made welcome and given full freedom of Gamewell, "answered Montfichet, rising. "I shall rejoice to see her here, in sooth, for my days lack company. When will you bring her to me, Master Robin o'th' Hood, and pray what makes you wear so strange a name?"

He spoke quite in his old manner, and half smiled at them. He glancedtoward Master Gilbert of Blois. "Is this your little esquire, youngStuteley?" asked he, lifting his brows. "Truly he has grown out of allmemory. "

Robin felt himself to be in an awkward fix. His eyes glanced from one tothe other. Marian, at last, took pity on his distress. "Good my lord, "said she, with that pretty shake of her dark curls, "I am the maid forwhom Master Robin pleads so earnestly. I am Marian Fitzwalter out of herpetticoats and into a boy's clothes. I had no other way of flying fromNottingham, so behold me for the nonce as Gilbert of Blois. "

The Squire listened, and slowly his face relaxed. Anything spirited ordaring always appealed to him strongly. "You are a pretty page, I swear, Master Gilbert! Sure it will be hard for you to make fairer maid thanman. Welcome either way to Gamewell. I'll keep you safe from Monceux; Ihave no love for him in any case. You have fasted to-day, no doubt; I'llhave supper brought us here. "

"We have already supped, sir, " said Robin, relieved to find this easyway out of a difficult business. He had the hope that Marian would insome way bring about a reconciliation between him and the Squire. 

"We will sup a second time, " said Montfichet. "Ho there! bring us apasty and a flagon! Hurry, knaves, bring us the best of our larder. Come, Robin, sit here at my right hand, and you, Gilbert, by his side. And so already it has come to this, Robin? Will not the greenwoods seemdull to-morrow?"

"Mayhap I might change them for a seat at your table on occasion, sir?"asked Robin. 

"To see how badly I treat my guest? Is that it? Come when you will, Robin o' th' Hood. Tell me now, why did you choose this name? Anotherwas offered you. "

"Ask Master Gilbert here, sir--he is responsible for't. And, honestly, Ido like the name--'tis uncommon. May I pledge you, sir? Here's to ourfriendship! May we grow old in it and ripe in it!"

"I have no wish, Robin, to grow either old or ripe, " said Marian, settling herself. "Let us eat first, and make our speeches afterward. Help me to the pasty before you, and do not chatter so much. "

Squire George nodded in approval. "Spoken like a man, " cried he. "Robinis too full of words to-night. Ay, but I am right glad to see him here, for all that! Fill your glass, kinsman, and the lady's. Nay, look not sodistressed at her; up to the top, man, up to the top! This is no timefor half-measures. "

 * * * * *

In the morning when Robin came blithely from his bed--the first bed thathe had known for many months--he found the Squire waiting for him in thehall. His face was grave. "I must speed you, Robin, " said he; "I havenews that Monceux is abroad, and will attack your company atBarnesdale. "

Robin had told him all, and the Squire had neither approved nordisapproved. Working in his mind was jealous wonderment that Robinshould prefer such a life to that which might have been his at Gamewell. The Squire made no show of this, however. 

"I will guard Mistress Fitzwalter from all harm, rely upon me. And go, since you must. Here is our Master Gilbert--Gilbert no more. I shouldscarcely have known her. "

Marian entered from the other end of the hall. The maids had found her adress, grey-blue as her eyes. She bloomed like an early rose on thissweet spring morning. 

"And you are going to leave me, Robin?" she said, mournfully. 

The Squire had disappeared. Robin, approaching, took her hand. He lookedup from it, and saw the golden arrow gleaming in her hair--that arrowwhich had so strangely marked the beginning of his troubles. Mariansmiled, and her eyes invited him. 

And so these two kissed each other frankly, mouth to mouth. 

 * * * * *

A little later Robin was speeding through the forest. His feet werelight, and he sang softly to himself as he trod the springy grass. 

Suddenly a sad song broke upon his ear. 'Twas a doleful song, full oftears; and Robin, in consternation, stopped short. 

Along the woodland path there came towards him a minstrel carrying aharp and trailing a rope. "Marry, friend, but your harp is out of allharmony!" began Robin. 

"I do not play upon it, " retorted the minstrel. 

"You sing a sad song, " said Robin; "and I, who am happy, am put out ofcountenance by it. Therefore sing it not until I am far from you. "

"My heart overflows with sorrow, " said the minstrel, "and so I must singof sadness and of death. "

"Tell me your sorrow, friend, " Robin begged, "and walk with me back uponthe road. Like as not I can help you. "

"I should not speak my grief to you, " the minstrel told him, "for youare happy. "

"One who lives in the greenwood cannot be otherwise, " observed Robin. "Come, walk with me, and coil the rope. "

"I had brought it, " said the minstrel, "so that I might hang myself tosome old oak, and thus fittingly end the wretched, misfortunate life ofAllan-a-Dale. "

Robin perceived that there was a story to follow. "Walk with me, gossip, and ease your heart in confidence, " he said, cheerfully. "I can likelyhelp you. To-day is my lucky day. "

"Know then, happy stranger, that I have lost my dear, and through nofault of mine own, " said Allan-a-Dale, as they walked together. "Awealthy baron has taken my love from me, and will marry her this veryday; so I have come into these quiet woods that I may kill myself, fornever can I live without my Fennel. "

"Is that her name? 'Tis very quaint. "

"'Tis a fitting name, gossip. Fennel means 'Worthy of all praise, ' andshe is the most worthy of all maids. "

"Perchance you do not know many maids, friend, " said Robin. "Tell me, isshe dark-haired, and are her eyes sweet as violets?"

"In sooth, her eyes are blue enough, gossip, " said Allan; "but her hairis like finespun gold. And she has a little straight nose, and such atender smile. Marry, when I think upon her many perfections my heartdoth leap, to sink again when I mind me that I have lost her. "

"And why have you lost her, Allan-a-Dale?"

"Look you, 'tis this way. The Normans overrun us, and are in such favorthat none may say them nay. This baron coveted the land wherein my lovedwells; so her brother, who was lord of it, was one day found still andstark--killed whilst hunting, folks say. Thus the maid becameheir-at-law, and the baron wooed her, thrusting me aside. "

"Nay, but surely----" began Robin. 

"Hear me out, gossip, " Allan said. "You think I am light overborne, nodoubt; but never should this Norman dog have triumphed had it been manto man. But who can deal with a snake in th' grass? The wretch haspoisoned my Fennel against me, and 'tis she who has cast me intodespair, while she is to be wedded with mine enemy. "

"Does she love you, Allan?"

"Once she loved me right well. Here is the little ring which she gave mewhen we were betrothed. "

"Enough, " said Robin, "this wedding shall not be. Can you keep your owncounsel? Follow me then; and on your love for Fennel, see nothing of theway in which I lead you. Hasten. "

He brought the minstrel into Barnesdale woods and to their most secrethaunt. Then he summoned the greenwood men and told them first of theSheriff's plans and then gave out the grievous story of Allan-a Dale. 

"Where is this marriage to be held?" asked Little John. 

"In Plympton church, " sighed the minstrel. 

"Then to Plympton we will go, by my beard!" cried the giant, "andMonceux may meanwhile scour Barnesdale for us in vain! Thus virtue isplainly its own reward. "

"Well planned, indeed, Little John. Fill quivers, friends, and let usgo. This shall be a strange marriage-day for your baron, Allan--if thelady be not stubborn. You must move her, if she be cross with you. Wewill do all other duties. "

They travelled through one of their many secret ways towards Plympton. The sun shone high in the heavens ere they had come within sight of thesmall square church. 

Without the building they espied a guard of ten archers liveried inscarlet and gold. Robin bade the rest to approach under cover of thehedgerows. He then borrowed Allan's cloak and harp, and stepped outboldly towards the church. 

A few villagers were gathered about the archers; and Robin mingled withthese, asking many quaint questions, and giving odd answers to any whoasked in turn of him. Hearing the laughter and chattering, the Bishopwho was to perform the marriage came to the church door all in his finerobes and looked severely forth. 

"What is the meaning of this unseemliness?" asked he, in well-knowntones. 

Robin saw that here was my lord of Hereford again! He answered, modestly: "I am a harper, good my lord. Shall I not make a song to fitthis happy day?"

"Welcome, minstrel, if such you are, " said the Bishop. "Music pleases meright well, and you shall sing to us. "

"I must not tune my harp nor pluck the strings in melody until the brideand bridegroom have come, " Robin answered, wisely; "such a thing wouldbring ill-fortune on us, and on them. "

"You will not have long to wait, " cried the Bishop, "for here they come. Stand on one side, worthy people. "

He busied himself in welcome of the bridegroom--a grave old man, dressedup very fine. The bride was clothed in white samite, and her hair shonelike the sun. Her pretty eyes were dark with weeping; but she walkedwith a proud air, as women will who feel that they are martyringthemselves for their love's sake. She had but two maids with her, roguish girls both. One held up her mistress's gown from the ground; theother carried flowers in plenty. 

"Now by all the songs I have ever sung, surely never have marriage bellsrung for so strange a pair!" cried Robin, boldly. He had stopped them asthey were passing into the church. "Lady, " he asked, "do you love thisman? For if you do not then you are on your way to commit sacrilege. "

"Stand aside, fool, " cried the bridegroom, wrathfully. 

"Do you love this man?" persisted Robin. "Speak now or never. I am aminstrel, and I know maids' hearts. Many songs have I made in theirhonor, and never have I found worse things in them than pride orvanity. "

"I give my hand to him, minstrel, and that is enough, " the girl answeredat last. She made a movement towards the aisle. 

"And Allan?" whispered Robin, looking straight into her eyes. 

At this she gave a little gasp of fear and love, then glancedirresolutely towards the shrivelled baron. "I will _not_ marry you!" shecried, suddenly. 

Robin laughed and, dropping the harp, clapped his horn to his lips. Evenas the archers sprang upon him, the greenwood men appeared. 

"Mercy me!" called out the Bishop, seeking to escape, "here are thoserascal fellows who did maltreat me so in Sherwood. "

The archers were prisoners everyone, and the baron too, ere my lord ofHereford had done exclaiming. Stuteley and Much pushed Allan-a-Daleforward. "This is the man, good my lord, to whom you shall marry themaid, " cried Robin, flourishing his bow, "if she is willing. "

"Will you marry _me_, dear heart?" pleaded Allan-a-Dale. "I am your truelove, and the stories they told to you were all false. "

"Own to it, baron!" roared Little John, shaking up the unfortunate oldman. "Tell her that you did lie in your straggling beard when you saidthat Allan was untrue. "

"Ay, ay, I spoke falsely; ay, I own to it. Have done with me, villain. "

"Spare him, Little John, for the nonce. Now, my lord, marry them for us, for I am ready to sing you my song. "

"They must be called in church three times by their names; such is thelaw, " the Bishop protested. 

Robin impatiently plucked the Bishop's loose gown from off his back andthrew it over Little John's shoulders. The big fellow thrust himselffirmly into it and stood with arms akimbo. "By the faith o' my body, "cried Robin, "this cloth makes you a man!"

Little John went to the church door, and all began to laugh consumedlyat him. Even the maid Fennel forgot her vexations. Seeing that shesmiled, Allan opened his arms to her, and she found her way into them. 

Little John called their names seven times, in case three should not beenough. Then Robin turned to the Bishop and swore that he should marrythese two forthwith. The gown was given back to him, and my lord ofHereford commenced the service. He thought it more polite to obey, remembering his last experience with this madcap outlaw. 

"Who gives this maid in marriage?" asked the Bishop, in due season. 

"I do, " said Robin, "I give her heartily to my good friend, Allan-a-Dale, and he who takes her from him shall buy her dearly. "

CHAPTER XXI

They betook themselves to Barnesdale after the wedding, leaving my lordof Hereford gownless and fuming in the organ-loft of the little churchat Plympton. His guard was variously disposed about the sacred edifice:two of the bowmen being locked up in the tiny crypt; three in thebelfry, "to ring us a wedding peal, " as Robin said, and the others inthe vestry or under the choir seats in the chancel. The old baron hadbeen forced to climb a high tree, and had been left in the branches ofit feebly railing at them. 

Then they all came back into Barnesdale, there to make a properwedding-feast, after which Allan carried off his bride and her maids tohis own home in the north, promising stoutly to return to them in dueseason. 

The days came and went, and Monceux began to hope fondly that theoutlaws had gone out of Sherwood. On the third morning after Allan'smarriage the Bishop of Hereford came bursting into Nottingham with theold baron and the humiliated guard. The Sheriff's hopes were shatteredunder the furious indignation of the baron and my lord of Hereford. 

It appeared that they had been released from their various positions ofconfinement during the evening of the marriage-day, and had forthwithhurried to the baron's castle. Thence they had set out for Allan's homein the east of the county, near to Southwell, a pretty place. 

Arrived there, they had demanded reparation and the maid Fennel, and inorder to be able to declare the marriage false, the Bishop had sent in apetition to the Pope whereto Mistress Fennel was led to place her handin writing. Allan's answer was to tear the petition into little piecesand fling it at the feet of the messenger who had brought it. 

Whereupon the Bishop had withdrawn and the baron had commenced an attackupon the place. After an hour or so of vain storming, Allan, at the headof a small band of retainers, had issued forth and mightily discomfitedthe baron and his men, beating them heartily out of the neighborhood ofSouthwell. 

These matters, instigated and brought about by one Master Robin o' th'Hood, cried aloud for summary vengeance. 

The Sheriff doubled and trebled the reward offered for his head, mentioning him above all others who were known to aid and abet him. Little John ranked next in point of infamous merit in the Sheriff'sreckoning, for Monceux remembered his golden plate. 

The people of Nottingham, hearing continually of this pother, fella-chattering between themselves, and ere a week was out Monceux's rewardof a hundred golden pieces for the head of Robin Hood was the one themeof conversation in the city. 

No one identified him with Robin of Locksley--that brave misguided youthbeing so entirely dead to their minds--and he was variously named asHood, Robin Hood, Captain Hood, and Master Robin. 

A travelling tinker came at length upon the talk of the town. He hadbeen sitting on the bench without the "Sign of the Sixteen Does, "dozing and drinking, and at last seeking to do both at once. 

Mine host stood near by, discussing the eternal Robin. 

"Folk do say that Master Monceux has sent into Lincoln for moremen-at-arms and horses, and that when he has these to hand he will soonscourge Captain Hood from our forest. "

"Of whom speak you?" asked the tinker, suddenly waking up. 

"Of this Robin of the Greenwood, " said the innkeeper, "but you willnever earn the Sheriff's hundred pieces!"

Then the tinker arose upon his dignity, and eyed the innkeeperreproachfully. 

"And why will I not earn the hundred pieces, gossip?" said he, with adeadly calm in his manner. 

"Where our Sheriff has failed, and a Bishop also, it is not likely thata mere tinker will succeed, " mine host answered. "Pay me for your ale, gossip, and go on your way. "

The tinker approached and laid a heavy hand upon the innkeeper's fatshoulder. "Friend, " he said, impressively, "I am one not noted eitherfor dullness or lack of courage. I do perpend that to earn these piecesof which you speak one must perform some worthy business. Tell it to me, and you and Nottingham shall see then what Middle the Tinker thinks onit. "

At this a great clacking began, so that Master Middle only came to thegist of it in an hour. He valiantly proclaimed his intention, so soon ashe _did_ understand, of taking Robin Hood single-handed. "Why send intoLincoln and the shires when Middle the Tinker will do this business foryou, gossips? I will go into your Sherwood this very day. Give me thewarrant, and I'll read it to Robin to purpose, I promise you!"

They pushed him, laughing and jesting between themselves, towardsNottingham Castle, and there thrust him into the hall. 

"Here is a champion come to take your pieces, Master Monceux, " someonecalled out. "Here is Middle, the pot-valiant, " cried another. 

Master Middle asked for the warrant, and obtained it. Then he salliedforth, accompanied by the customers from the "Sign of the Sixteen Does"as far as the gates of the city. There he made them a long speech andleft them. 

They watched him making determinedly along the white road towardsBarnesdale; then returned to their tankards and their talk. 

Master Middle reached Gamewell without mishap; and the brisk air havingrevived him much, he gradually came into a placid frame of mind. 

In this happy condition he encountered presently a comely youth, with alittle beard and a friendly tongue. 

"Give you good-den, gossip, " cried the youth. "I hear there is sad newsabroad. I fear all is not well with the world. "

"Since I live in Banbury, good friend, " the tinker replied, "I cannotspeak for the world. But Banbury is always willing to listen, andlearn. "

"Harkee, then--this is the news I have heard: that in Nottingham townthey have put two tinkers in the stocks for drinking too much ale andbeer!"

"If that is all, " said Middle, contemptuously, "your news is not worth agroat; while as for drinking good ale, 'tis not you who would willinglylose your part of it. "

"By my faith, gossip, you are right!" laughed the youth. "But now giveme your news, since mine is worth so little. You who go from town totown, must come by many strange items. "

"All that I have heard, " the tinker said, thinking of the Sheriff'spieces, "is very good. I am in search of an outlaw whom men call RobinHood. In my wallet I have a warrant to take him wherever I can; and ifyou can tell me where he is I will make a man of you, friend. "

"Let me see the warrant, " said Robin, for 'twas he, "and if I find it tobe right I will take you to him this very day. "

"That I will not do, " cried Middle, readily, "I will trust no man withmy warrant; and if you will not help me, gossip, why, pass on and goodriddance to you. "

He began to stride along the road again, and until Robin had called himthrice would not turn about. "If you will come with me to a certain innon Watling Street, good friend, " called Robin, encouragingly, "I'll e'enshow you Robin o' th' Hood!"

At this, Middle turned his head, and then came back to Robin. "Lead theway, gossip, " said he, at length. "I'll walk behind you. I have mystick. "

Robin made no reply, but started at a good pace. He led the tinkerthrough the forest by many devious ways until they had arrived at alittle inn on Watling Street. It was styled the "Falcon, " and mine hostcame willingly to serve these guests. 

The tinker asked for ale, Robin for wine. They sat at talk for near anhour, Robin explaining much about this Robin o' th' Hood. The tinkerdrank his ale and listened; then pronounced his plan for taking theoutlaw. This made a lengthy history, and was so dry withal that MasterMiddle must needs fill and empty his tankard many times. 

In the end he fell asleep. Robin deftly opened his pouch then, took outthe warrant, read it, and put it into his own wallet. He called minehost, and, telling him that the tinker would pay the reckoning so soonas he awoke, Robin left the "Falcon" and Master Middle together. 

Having leisure for the whimsey, Robin bethought him to stay awhile andsee what Middle might do, for in a way he had taken Robin's fancy. 

So Robin hid and waited events. 

Presently the tinker awoke and called for the landlord. "Gossip, " saidhe to mine host, "I have a grave charge to lay upon you. In this house, whilst I did rest in the thought that you were an honest man and oneloving the King, my pouch has been opened and many matters of importancetaken from it. I had in it, item, a warrant, granted under the hand andseal of my lord the Sheriff of Nottingham, authorizing the arrest of anotorious rascal, one Robin Hood of Barnesdale. Item, a crust of bread. Item, six single keys, useful withal. Item, twelve silver pennies, thewhich I have earned this week in fair labor----"

"I wonder to hear you speak so of Robin Hood, friend, " answered thelandlord. "Was he not with you just now? And did he not clink glasseswith you in all amity?"

"Was Robin o' th' Hood _that_ little bag of bones?" cried Middle, ingreat vexation. "God-a-mercy, but now I see it all. He has taken mywarrant and my pennies! Let me go after him, gossip; be sure that I willbring him back right soon. "

"There is first the reckoning to be paid, good friend, " said thelandlord. 

"Why, I would pay you with all pleasure, had I the means, " the tinkerreplied. "At this moment I have but my stick and my bag of tools. I willleave them with you as hostages. "

"Give me your leathern coat as well, " said mine host, sharply; "thehammer and tools are as naught to me. "

"It would seem that I am fallen from one thief to another, " snappedMiddle. "If you will walk with me to the green I'll give you such acrack as shall drive some honesty into your thick skull. "

"You are wasting your breath and my leisure, " the other retorted, contemptuously. "Get you gone after your quarry. "

Middle thought this to be good advice, and he strode forth from the"Falcon" in a black mood. 

Ere he had gone half a mile upon the road he perceived Robin demurelywalking under the trees a little in front of him. "Ho there! youvillain!" shouted Middle. "Stay your steps. I am most desperately inneed of you this day!"

Robin turned about with a surprised face. "Well met again, tinker, "cried he. "Have you found Robin Hood?"

"Marry, that have I!" roared Middle, plunging at him. 

Robin had his sword at his side and tried to draw it; but the tinkerwas too speedy for him. Middle laid on his blows with so much vigor thatfor a while he had Robin at his mercy. 

The greenwood rang with the noise of the fight, for now Robin hadplucked out his sword. 'Twas steel against oak; brute force matchedagainst skill. Indignation gave Middle the advantage, and he fought withsuch fury that Robin's sides began to ache. 

"Hold your hand, tinker, " called Robin, at last. "I cry a boon of you. "

"I would rather hang you upon this tree ere granting it to you, " saidMiddle, commencing afresh. 

But Robin had had time to blow his horn in urgent summons of Stuteleyand Little John. 

In a brief space they appeared, with most of the greenwood men at theirheels, and Master Middle was seized and disarmed rudely enough. 

"This rascal tinker had made my bones quite sore, " said Robin, ruefully. 

"Is that your trouble?" said Little John. "Let me discover now if I maynot do the like for him. "

"Not so, Little John, " Robin said then. "This was my own quarrel, and Ideserved all that this rogue has bestowed on me. He had a warrant for myarrest, which I have stolen from him. "

"With twelve silver pennies, a crust of bread, and six little keys, "remarked Middle, with emphasis. 

"Here are the keys and the crust, gossip, " answered Robin, smilingly. "And here the pennies, turned by me into gold. Here also, if you will, is my hand. "

"I take it heartily, with the pence!" cried Middle, seizing the slim, frank hand of the outlaw. "By my leathern coat, by my pots and pans, Iswear I like you, friend Hood, and will serve you and your men honestly!Do you want a tinker? Nay; but I'll swear you do--who else can mend andgrind your swords and patch your pannikins? Will you take me, littleman, who can fight so well, and who knows how to play a bold game?"

"Marry, I will take you, tinker--if the rest be willing, and you willswear the oath. But it rests not with me, for this is a band of freemen, without a leader. "

"Not so, Robin, " cried Little John, glancing up from close perusal ofthe Sheriff's warrant. "We have a leader, and you are the man! MasterMonceux of Nottingham has ordained it. Herein you are described as Robino' th' Hood, leader and captain of that band of evil robbers infestingBarnesdale and our forest of Sherwood! The Bishop of Hereford has puthis blessing on the Sheriff's choice by excommunicating you. Shall wenot accept Monceux's word for it, comrades all?" he added turning round. "He has named a leader for us whom we can trust. "

It was carried with acclamation, and Robin found himself leader of thegreenwood men willy-nilly, for good and all. Warrenton was hugelydelighted; and the tinker seemed pleased that he had helped in bringingabout so excellent an arrangement. Master Middle swore the oath ofallegiance in good set terms, and they all repaired to Barnesdale tocall a full council and ratify their choice of captain. 

CHAPTER XXII

Within the next few days came Allan-a-Dale into Barnesdale with his ladyand her two maids. Allan had the story to tell of the Bishop's encounterwith him and the baron's onslaught upon his house in Southwell. Allanexplained that, although he had triumphed over his enemies for thepresent, tidings had been brought to him that the Bishop was plottingfresh mischief against them at Southwell, and had already excommunicatedboth Allan-a-Dale and his pretty wife. 

"In that case you must take up your life with us, " said Robin. "Thegreenwood is the abode of liberty and justice; 'tis _our_ commonwealth, in truth, and a happy enough place to live in even in winter-time. Wewill find you a cave. "

"There's Fennel, " explained Allan, dubiously; "I do not think that shewill like to live in a cave. "

This presented a difficulty. So Allan went over to where Fennel stoodwaiting with her maids, and explained things to her. "So long as I amwith you, dear heart, " answered Fennel, laughing, "I do not care if Ilive under a tree or in a house. Do that which you think best for us. "

Therefore, they came into the greenwood, and were found a cave openingfrom one of the larger passages--a dry and excellent home in these longsummer months. 

In the meantime little Midge had fallen sick, and Much the Miller weptloudly over him as he lay, pale and languid, on a rude couch of dryleaves. All the company sorrowed over this small Lincoln fellow, for hehad been a merry companion, and Robin himself sought to bring him backto health with such simple remedies as he knew. 

"Captain, " said Much, with a woebegone countenance, "'tis all useless, our doctoring--I am about to lose the best friend that ever I haveknown. Can you get a priest to pray beside Midge's bed?"

"I did know of a right worthy priest, " Robin answered, sorrowfully, "buthe has gone from these parts. He would have been just the one to cheerus all. "

"I have heard tell of a jovial fellow who has but lately come to ourparish, " said Middle the Tinker. "You must know, comrades, that I wasborn near to Fountain's Abbey, in York, and that once a year at least Ivisit my old mother there. Now, I promise you, that never such afrolicsome priest did you know as this one who has come to our priory. He can bend a bow with any man, and sing you a good song. "

"I would dearly love such a man to minister to me, " pleaded poor Midge. "I believe on my soul that he could cast out the fever from my bones. Bring him to me, Much, as you love me. "

This settled matters forthwith. "I will go to the world's end for you, if there be need, " sobbed the honest miller. "Give me leave, captain, togo in search of this worthy friar. "

"I will go with you, Much, and Little John shall come also, " beganRobin; but now a fresh difficulty arose. All of them wished to gowherever Robin went; he was their captain, they said, and so must beprotected. 

In the end it was arranged that Stuteley should remain with two score ofmen in Barnesdale, to guard their caves and keep the Sheriff at bay ifoccasion arose. (In truth, however, Master Monceux had full hands justnow with affairs of state, although the greenwood men did not know ofthis. The King was grievously ill; and Monceux had gone to London, withthe Bishop of Hereford and many of the neighboring barons, under Royalcommand. )

Robin asked Mistress Fennel to give the sick man such nursing as shewould to Allan himself; and she sweetly promised that Midge shouldsuffer in no way by his captain's absence. Then Robin, with the rest ofthe band--fifteen in all--set off for York. 

It so happened that Master Simeon Carfax was departing from the old townat nigh the same moment, with _his_ face set nodding homewards. 

Warrenton, Little John, Much the Miller, and Master Middle were ofRobin's company. Also there was John Berry, the forester, and that onecalled Hal, who had been so much at the right hand of poor Will o' th'Green in other days. 

This little company travelled speedily, and within three days they hadbrought themselves over the borders into the county of York. 

Another two days brought them within a league of Fountain's Abbey orDale, as some folk call it. 

As they neared the Abbey Robin walked on in front of the rest and heldhis bow free in his hand. 

Presently he came to a stream, and heard sounds of a jovial songfloating towards him. He hid under a bush and watched alertly. Atlength, approaching the far bank, Robin espied a knight, clad in chainarmor and very merry. 

He sang, in a lusty voice, a hearty woodland song. "Now by my bones!"thought Robin, puzzled, "but I have heard this song before. "

He peeped forth again, and saw that the knight filled up the spaces ofhis song with bites from a great pasty which he held in his hand. Hisface was turned from Robin. 

Robin called out suddenly upon him, fitting an arrow to his bow as hedid so. "I pray you, Sir Knight, to carry me across this stream, " saidRobin, covering the stranger with his weapon. 

"Put down your bow, forester, " shouted the knight, "and I will safelycarry you across the brook. 'Tis our duty in life to help each other, and I do see that you are a man worthy of some attention. "

His voice troubled Robin as his song had done; but whilst he wassearching his memory to fit a name to this courteous knight the latterhad waded across to him. "Jump upon my back, forester, and I'll bringyou to shore. " He spoke through the bars of his closed visor. 

Robin had cast down his bow; and now, without thinking, jumped upon theknight's shoulders. The knight carried him safely over the brook. 

"Now, gossip, you shall carry me over this stream, " said the knight, serenely; "one good turn deserves another, as you know. "

"Nay, but I shall wet my feet, " Robin commenced. 

"No more than I have wetted mine, " retorted the other. "Besides, yonderis your bow, and small use are your arrows without it. "

Robin perceived then that he had been too hasty. He considered for amoment. "Leave your sword behind as I do my bow, Sir Knight, " he said, presently, "and I will carry you across the river. "

The knight laughed and agreed, and Robin took him upon his back. It wasall that Robin could do to bring himself and his load to the bank; butat last he managed it. He set the knight down, then seized his bow. "Now, friend, yonder is your sword. I'll e'en crave that you shall carryme on your shoulders once more!"

The knight eyed Robin solemnly. "'Tis written in the Scriptures, forester, that we should not be weary in well-doing, " he observed, "sofor this reason I will do your behest. Get upon my back once more. "

This time Robin carried his bow and smiled within himself. He found, however, that the knight was holding him very lightly. Just as he hadopened his mouth in expostulation, the knight suddenly released his holdof Robin's legs, and shook him into the running water. Then, laughingheartily, he regained the other bank and his broadsword. 

Robin, with wet skin and spoiled bow, struggled back to the bankwherefrom he had first started out. He began to revile the knight in setterms, and challenged him to fight. 

"'Tis only fair, forester, that we should go half-way to each other, "answered the knight, unconcernedly, "if so be we are able to fight. Iwill come to the middle of the stream, and if I do not find you there, Ishall know you to be afraid. "

Robin waded out to him with drawn sword; and there in the center of thestream they fought together valiantly for near a quarter of an hour. "Icrave a boon of you, Sir Knight, " cried Robin, then feeling himself indanger of being drowned. 

"'Tis yours, forester, " spluttered the knight, still holding fast to hismanner of courtesy. 

Forthwith Robin found his horn, and blew it somehow, all wet as it was. 

"I too claim a boon, " cried the knight. 

"'Tis yours, " answered Robin, hearing joyfully the approach of his men. 

The knight produced a whistle and caused a shrill note to issue forthfrom it. Even as Warrenton and the rest came leaping to Robin's rescueon one hand, twenty and five great dogs sprang out of the bushes on theopposite bank. 

Warrenton and his fellows immediately sped a volley of arrows at theyelping beasts; but, jumping and leaping they caught the arrows in theirmouths, even as they flew!

"I never have seen the like of this in my days!" cried Little John, amazed. "'Tis rank sorcery and witchcraft. "

"Take off your dogs, friar, " cried Middle, who was the least surprisedof them all, "else ill will befall both them and you. "

"He calls you friar, " said Robin, astounded; "are you not a knight, insooth?"

"I am but a poor anchorite, a curtal friar, " replied the other, pushingout for his side of the river. "By name Friar Tuck of Fountain's Dale. Are these your men, forester?"

"This is Robin Hood, come in all amity and peace from Nottingham tobring you to a sick-bedside, " the tinker told him. "'Tis a sorry welcomethat you accord to him!"

"I am Robin Fitzooth, " said Robin, having in his turn regained theriver-bank. "And surely your name is _not_ Tuck, as you say. "

The knight then lifted his visor, and Robin gave a cry of joy. It wasthe merry face of the Clerk of Copmanhurst that beamed upon him fromunder the mailed cap. "God save you, dear friend, why did you not say'twas you?"

"To tell truth, Robin, " answered the clerk, comically, "you scarce gaveme pause to eat my pie, let alone announce myself. Do I see Master Hal, and my good friend Warrenton? Wait until I have chained my dogs, and Iwill give you all such welcome as this place does know. "

 * * * * *

They stayed with the worthy friar of Fountain's Dale long enough forthem to be all refreshed and rested; then started upon the returnjourney into Barnesdale with good speed. Friar Tuck--for so we must knowhim now--said he would go with them gladly, and bring his dogs also, fora year had been sufficient for his liking of Fountain's Abbey. The placewas too quiet and deadly; and although he had succeeded to these dumband faithful friends, he had employed much time in the training of them. 

Robin bethought him of poor Midge waiting patiently their return, and soallowed no pause. 

They came back to Barnesdale within three days, having encountered andlevied toll upon some rich merchants--penitents bound with presents forthe Priory of York. 

Midge was found to be vastly recovered from his sickness, thanks to thenursing of Mistress Fennel and her maids. He welcomed the friar in hisown droll way, begging to be forgiven by Master Tuck for not giving himreason to perform prayers for an outlaw's soul, and offering to beshrived, notwithstanding, if the priest felt aggrieved. 

Little John, remembering his own words of many days afore, said: "'Tis apity indeed that the good friar should have made this grievous longjourney--all for naught! By my faith, but here is a notion for the useof him and for yourself, Robin. Your name is not your own until MotherChurch has put it properly upon you. So therefore let us have achristening, since by good fortune we may not have a burying. "

"I am the man to fix your new name upon you right bravely, " cried Tuck, whistling to his dogs. "Come, we will have such a christening as thesewoods have ne'er dreamed of. Get me a basin of water and a book. "

"Nay, " said Robin, laughing, "I think that you baptized me heartilyenough in the river by Fountain's Dale! 'Twill be fitting, to my mind, if now we have the feast which follows upon all christenings. Bring outof our best, comrades, and let good cheer and the right wine fill ourbodies. Afterward we can hold carnival, and the friar shall show how hecan use the bow. "

"Ay, marry, friend, " laughed the fat clerk, "and I have learned otherthings in this year beside that. You are wondering to see me so changed, doubtless, but I must tell you that the life at Fountain's Dale has notbeen an easy one. I have had to hold mine own against the earls andsquires of the borders, who have sought to rob me often enough, thinking that every son of Mother Church must needs be wealthy. So Ihave learned to use the broadsword and quarter-staff as well as thebow. "

"Father, " exclaimed Hal, "you knew how to play all these very prettilywhen you were Clerk of Copmanhurst, though then you chose to have folksbelieve that naught but holiness was in you. "

"A man should not boast of all there is in him, " answered the friar. "But now, since I am found out, you know me for what I am. "

"I am well content with you, anyway, " Robin told him. 

The worthy friar would not stay altogether with them in Barnesdale. Heleft his dogs there--save three--and returned to Copmanhurst, when thelittle hermitage knew him again as master. Each day he would come intoBarnesdale, howbeit, to give news to Robin and hear the items that thegreenwood men had for him. 'Twas from Friar Tuck that the outlawslearned much as to travellers through Sherwood ere inquiring of themwhether they were rich, whether worthy, or whether they were poor anddeserving of help rather than taxing. 

CHAPTER XXIII

Master Carfax had by this time arrived in Nottingham, all eager to marryhis cold bride. He found, however, that this was a happiness not yet tobe, for matters were in a grievous state in the Sheriff's household. 

My lord of Hereford was very wrath with them all, and had sent Monceuxback to his native city with much to think upon. The Bishop had takenthe opportunity of laying formal complaint at Court before the King; andhis Majesty had told Master Monceux that when he went back to Nottinghamit must be to keep the Royal forest free of all evil-doers. Otherwise anew Sheriff would be found for Nottingham, and that right soon. 

Henry, the King, was near to his own end, and had become very irritablein consequence of his illness. His sons tried his scanty patience sorelywith their waywardness and their ingratitude. So Monceux had none toopleasant a reception at Court, and returned therefrom with a heavyheart. 

Simeon Carfax was therefore despatched into Sherwood to find the tinker, so that Middle might be whipped and put into the stocks for havingfailed; also Carfax was to secure Robin and the ringleaders at allhazard. To this end Master Simeon was given command of the Sheriff's ownmen-at-arms, and a great body of citizens from the town wards, each manhaving the promise of a large reward and freedom thenceforth from alltaxes. 

The news soon came to Robin, and he and his men retired at once into theinnermost parts of Barnesdale, and secured their caves by covering themouths of them with barricades artfully concealed behind green boughsand the like. 

So Carfax and his fellows searched without avail for near three weeks, only occasionally having evidence of the greenwood men by finding thefeet and antlers of the King's deer lying here and there in the forest. The Sheriff's men laid many traps for Robin, but all in vain. 

Stuteley, being of venturesome mind, must needs attempt all manner oftricks upon this motley company of soldiers. He would dig a pit withLittle John and Much, and hide it up with branches and earth, so thatMaster Carfax might stray into it and haply break his neck. 

At last Carfax bethought him of a good plot. He had nigh fallen into oneof Will Stuteley's pits, but suddenly stayed his men from demolishingit. He planned instead to pretend to be trapped in the pit that verynight; and, having hidden his fellows all round about, he walked outboldly at dusk with but three of them, and fell a-talking loudly of hisschemes for capturing Robin Hood. 

He walked carelessly up to the hidden pit and with great outcry fellinto it, the others with him running off then as if in deadly alarm. Then Master Carfax began a loud lament, and made such a noise thatStuteley must hear it. 

Young Will came bounding joyfully to the pit's edge, and, spying Carfaxtherein, fell into an ecstasy of delight. He railed at Simeon verypleasantly, and made merry at the other's supposed mishap. But presentlyCarfax blew his horn, and shortly Stuteley found the position reversed. After a desperate struggle he was overpowered and carried off, althoughnot without being seen by another of Robin's men. This man brought Robinthe bad news within an hour of Will Stuteley's capture. 

The greenwood men flung prudence to the winds and sallied forth. Theypursued and came up with the rear-guard of the enemy, and a terriblebattle was fought. Thirteen of Robin's brave fellows were wounded, fiveof them so grievously as to die soon afterward of their wounds, and asmany of the Nottingham soldiery also were slain. 

Carfax returned to Nottingham, however--this time in some triumph. Hismen had beaten back the outlaws, and he had secured the lieutenant ofthe band, a "desperate villain, next to Robin Hood himself in deeds ofviolence and disorder. "

So all agreed; and by dint and hard swearing soon wove a noose to fitWill Stuteley's thin neck. Monceux, in grave satisfaction, ordered thattheir prisoner should be hanged and quartered, within a week, in thestreets of Nottingham, as a warning and example to all wrong-doers. 

The Sheriff gave a feast to all the soldiery and doubled the reward uponRobin's head. Until _he_ was caught Monceux could but remain uneasy, forHenry of England was a man of his word. 

Robin was sorely grieved at the loss of Stuteley, and swore that hewould save his little squire or die. He went, therefore, to Gamewell todiscover from Marian precisely how they had arranged for the hanging ofStuteley, for she was able to go into Nottingham in her page's dress. 

Marian had learned it all. "First, he will be tortured to tell thesecret of your hiding-place, dear heart, " she told Robin, in batedbreath. "Then he will suffer the full penalty, and will be hanged from agallows with three other poor wretches. Last of all he is to bequartered, and his body flung to the people. "

She burst into weeping, and sobbed so grievously that Robin was hard putto it to keep back his own tears. "Did you learn who these others mightbe?" he asked her, to change her thoughts and to satisfy himself that noother friend was with little Will. 

"They are the three sons of a poor widow, who lives in the forest. Theyfound the body of one of the deer, and, being very hungry, were carryingit from the forest to their little home. Someone, passing by, accusedthem of having first killed it, and this quarrel came to the Sheriff'sears. Master Carfax then affected to recognize them as being threegreenwood men; and they have been tried summarily and found guilty, andwill be hanged together with Will. "

"I swear that this shall not be, " cried Robin, in heat, "since no doubtI am to blame for leaving the slain deer in their way. "

"It was, I believe, the very stag that I did kill, " said Marian, in atroubled voice. "They have been in prison for near a month; and thebeast was found without part of the woods, " said Marian. "Shall I not goand give myself up in their place? Since I have had this dreadfulguilty thought in my mind I have known no moment's peace; but, cowardlike, I do not dare to be honest with myself. "

"Be of good courage, dear maid, " said Robin. "We have killed many of theKing's deer since the day I first did meet with Master Gilbert of Blois. For we are hungry every day, prithee, and the beasts are many. Also inthis season they are very wild and ferocious--'tis like this one waskilled in a battle royal between itself and another stag. But to makeall sure, we will rescue the widow's three sons with my Stuteley fromthe Sheriff's foul clutches. "

"Go not into danger, dear heart, for my sake, " Marian pleaded, and sheheld him close to her as though she never would let him depart again. 

 * * * * *

Robin went back to his men, and they made their plans. Little John wasgiven the second place of command, and it was agreed that upon themorning on which Stuteley and the others were to be hanged the greenwoodmen should risk all by marching into Nottingham to the rescue. 

The dawn of this eventful morning broke bright and sunny. Robin wasclothed in a gay scarlet dress and his men wore their mantles ofLincoln-green cloth. They were armed with broadswords, and each carrieda full quiver of new arrows, fashioned for them during the past winterby the cunning hands of Warrenton. 

They marched boldly towards Nottingham, leaving Allan-a-Dale with hislittle dame and six of the outlaws to keep house for them, as it were. When they were within a mile of Nottingham gates, Robin called a halt, and said: "I hold it good, comrades, that we stay here in hiding, andsend forth someone to hear the news. There comes upon the road apalmer--see you him near by the gates? Who will go forth and engage himin talk?"

"I will, " said Midge, at once; "for I am used to deal with holy men. "

So Midge went out from them, whilst they all hid themselves and waited. When he was close to the palmer, Midge said, amiably: "I pray you, oldpalmer, tell me if you know where and when these robbers are to die?Doubtless you have passed the very spot?"

"That have I, indeed, " answered the palmer, sadly, "and 'tis a sorrysight to see. By the Sheriff's castle, out upon the roadway, they havebuilt an angled gallows-tree to bear the four of them at once. They areto die at noon, after the torturing is done. I could not bear the sight;and so have turned my back upon it. "

The palmer spoke in a muffled voice; and as his hood had been pulledwell over his head, Midge could not see what manner of man he mightexactly be. He carried his long stick with its little cross at the top;and had sandalled feet, like any monk. Midge noticed idly how small hisfeet were for a man of his size, but gave no second thought to thematter. 

"Who will shrive these poor fellows, then, if you have turned your backupon them?" asked Midge, reproachfully. This seemed to present itself asa new idea to the palmer. 

"Do you think, friend, " he enquired, in a troubled way, "that I shouldundertake the office?"

"By Saint Peter and Saint Mary, I do indeed, " cried Midge, roundly. "Would you leave them to the empty prayers which the Sheriff's chaplainwill pour coldly over them? Nay, in sooth, if your heart be turned tosympathy, surely you are the man to administer this last consolation tothese poor fellows. "

"If it might be permitted I would dearly love to shrive them, " said thepalmer, still hesitating. "But I am only a poor palmer. "

"Keep close to me, " Midge told him, valiantly, "and you shall shrivethese good fellows an it become necessary. That I promise you. "

He returned to Robin and told him that the execution had been fixed totake place outside Nottingham Castle at noon. "We must hasten then, "said Robin. "Go you first, Little John; and we will tread close uponyour heels. "

Little John swam the moat, and sprang upon the warder of the city gatessuddenly, whilst he was craning his neck to get a view of the Sheriff'sprocession of death. The big outlaw seized his victim from behind, andclapped his great hand over his mouth. Very soon the warder was prisonerin the round tower by the gate; and Little John had slipped himself intohis uniform. 

Little John then lowered the bridge quietly, and passed the rest of theminto Nottingham. Midge and the palmer came last of all. "Now spreadyourselves about into groups of twos and threes, " said Robin, "and haveyour swords ready when you hear my horn. Little John, prithee draw thebridge again, so that none may suspect us; but leave the winch loose, for we may have to use it hastily. Go you first, and Heaven speed thee. "

Will Stuteley at length came out of the castle surrounded by theSheriff's guards; and behind him walked dejectedly the widow's threesons. Poor Will looked ghastly pale, and marks of the torturings showedupon his skin. His face was drawn and lined with anguish. 

Monceux was there, dressed out in his best; and was blowing out his fatcheeks in vast self-importance. Beside the Sheriff was Master Carfax, lean-faced as ever. They were mounted on white horses; and behind themwere two score of archers and pikemen. 

Stuteley, seeing that no help appeared at hand, asked, in a weak voice, that he might have words with the Sheriff. 

Monceux went up to him and bade him speak out. 

Stuteley said, in a sad tone: "Sheriff, seeing that I must die to-day, grant me this one boon, that I may not be hanged upon a gallows-tree, but rather that I die with my sword in my hand, fighting you and allyour men to the last. "

The Sheriff laughed coarsely: "Not so, my man; you shall die instead ashameful death, and after you your master, Robin Hood, that falsebutcher, so soon as I have him fast. "

"That you will never do, " answered Stuteley, with prophecy, in his weakvoice. "But unbind my hands, Sheriff, for your soul's sake, and let memeet my end valiantly. "

"To the gallows with him!" roared Monceux, giving the sign to theexecutioner; and Stuteley was hustled into the rude cart which was tobear him under the gallows until his neck had been leashed. Then itwould be drawn roughly away and the unhappy man would swing out overthe tail of it into another world. 

Two fellows had great knives with them ready to cut him down, andquarter his body whilst life was in it, as the cruel sentence hadordained. 

"Let me, at the least, shrive this man's soul ere it be hurled intoeternity, " said the palmer, stepping forward. 

Monceux's face grew black with rage; and yet he scarcely liked torefuse, for fear it should injure him too much in the eyes of thepeople. "Perform the duty quickly then, Sir Priest, " he snarled; andthen rode back to Carfax. "Watch the palmer narrowly, " he told him, "anddo you secure him afterwards. Methinks he is some ally of these rascaloutlaws; and, in any case, we shall do no harm in questioning him. "

The palmer had hardly begun to string his beads when Little Johncommenced to elbow a path for himself through the crowd. He roughlythrust the soldiers aside as if they had been so many children, and cameup to the edge of the cart. "I pray you, Will, take leave of your truefriend here before you die, " cried Little John. 

The palmer had fallen back at his approach; and stood in some hesitancy. In a moment Monceux saw what happened. "Seize that man!" he shouted tohis pikemen. "He is that villain who did rob us of our gold plate, whonearly slew Roger, our cook. He is of the band--seize him; and he tooshall hang!"

"Not so fast, gossip, " Little John answered, with an ugly look; "I mustneeds borrow my friend of you for a while. "

He had cut Stuteley's bands with two quick strokes of his dagger, andhaving wrenched a pike from out of one of the soldiers' hands, flung itto little Will. "Now, by my freedom, here's your prayer answered, comrade, " cried Little John. "I have found you a weapon--do your bestwith it!"

The soldiers had recovered from their temporary surprise and flungthemselves upon the prisoner and his would-be rescuer. Robin, from theback of the Sheriff's bowmen, sounded his horn, and instantly all becameconfusion and riot. In the mêlée the palmer sought to slip awayunnoticed, but was detected by the keen eyes of Carfax. Master Simeonrode round with six of his fellows and caused them to seize the holyman, and bind him fast with leathern thongs. 

But this small success was more than outweighed by the reverse sufferedby Monceux and his men. Taken in assault at the rear, they had no chancewith the greenwood men. Robin himself had released the widow's threesons, and they had not been slow in arming themselves. Some of those inthe crowd, having secret sympathy with the outlaws and hating theSheriff heartily for many small injustices, also flung themselves intothe fray. 

The greenwood men cleared the green square before the Sheriff's home byrepeated rushes and desperate chargings. Broken heads and cut kneesthere were in plenty; and lucky the man who escaped with so little asthese. Carfax won a place of safety for Master Monceux, and fell backslowly, with him the unwilling palmer, until shelter of the castle gateshad been attained. Then the soldiers and pikemen grew very valiant, andshot out clouds of arrows, through the loopholes in the castle towers, upon townsmen and rioters alike. 

Half a score of men were killed ere this day was ended, amongst thembeing that very apprentice who had wrestled on the day of NottinghamFair with little Stuteley, the tumbler, for Squire o' th' Hall's purse. Robin had an arrow through his hand, and nigh broke the shaft in pullingit out. 

The greenwood men, well satisfied with the day's work, commenced anorderly retreat. Little John lowered the bridge for them, when theyreached the city gates, and all fell back into Sherwood in good style. Stuteley had been rescued, and walked joyfully by the side of hismaster. Next to him was Little John, and near him the widow's threesons. They had already asked for and obtained permission to take up afree life in the woods of Sherwood. 

Two of the band had been killed by the murderous arrows of the Sheriff'sfellows, and most of the outlaws bore wounds of some sort. Yet they werenot cast down. Sorrow sat upon them for the loss of those two bravehearts, but for their own hurts they cared naught. The bodies of theircomrades were being carried with them into the free and happy woods, andthere should find rest. 

"Tell me, Midge, " said Robin, presently, and looking round for him, "what did become of the palmer who was so wishing to be of service toour Stuteley? He seemed a likeable old man, and I would not that weshould seem ungrateful. "

"I much fear me that Monceux's fellows did capture him, the same whobore off thee, Will, " said Midge. "But they will scarcely do him hurt, being a holy man. "

"I have no trust in either of them, " Robin answered, vexed, "and I amgrievously angry with you, Midge, for keeping this news to yourself. The palmer must be recovered from Monceux, and at once. I will bethinkme upon some plan to this end. "

They walked on in silence. After a while, "I ne'er thought, master, "said Stuteley, brokenly, "that I should see these woods again--nor meetLittle John, either in quarrel or in friendship, nor see any of yourdear faces again. "

"By my crown, which is the hardest part of me, " Little John cried, "Iswear that in future you shall meet me how you will, gossip. Here's myhand on it. "

Thus began the great friendship between these two, which was to lastthem all their days. Robin was glad enough of it; but the doubtful fateof the palmer still troubled him sorely. If he had known then thatbitter truth which he was to learn very shortly he would have riddenback forthwith into Nottingham town, there to end this story at once. Life had, however, many years and queer twists in it yet for Robin Hoodof Barnesdale. 

CHAPTER XXIV

The time of Nottingham Fair had come round once more, and again theSheriff would give a prize. Monceux determined to make the prize a goodone, such as might tempt any archer. He hoped thus that Robin might belured into Nottingham. 

He smiled to himself in grim satisfaction, and rubbed his hands softlytogether. To tell truth, he had been expecting Robin any moment duringthese last ten days, and had wondered why he had not come. The palmershould have proved a bait in himself, so the Sheriff imagined. 

But Robin only learned on the eve of the Fair the whole truth about thatholy man. 

It was in this way. For ten nights had Robin waited at the trystingplace for sight of Marian; and had waited in vain. 

At last doubt grew into suspicion, and suspicion into fierce terror. HadMarian been abducted by Monceux, and did the Squire fear to tell him?

On the night before the Fair he took courage and marched up to thecastle entrance, then wound his horn for the bridge to be lowered. Now, if Monceux could but have known, Robin would have been easy prey. 

He rushed across the bridge soon as it had fallen, clangingly, upon thebuttresses. The same old servant met him at the gates, holding it openjust a little way so that he might peer forth. Robin pulled his cloakabout himself. 

"I would see Master Montfichet, and at once, " he began. 

"My master is in London, " replied the man, eyeing him. 

"Did he journey alone? Did not Mistress Fitzwalter go with him? When didthey go?"

Robin's questions came all of a rush. "My master hath been gone near twoweeks. He went alone from here. But tell me who you are, clamoring sonoisily with your questioning?"

"I am Robin Hood, " said Robin, in desperation, "and now, for the love ofHeaven, give me news of Mistress Fitzwalter. "

"She left here on the day after my lord's departure. "

"Hath left Gamewell?" Robin gasped. "How? In what way?"

The man sniggered. "To tell truth, excellence, she did leave us instrange guise. I have pondered more than ever upon the ways of womensince the day. Mistress would have our maids make her a monk's gown, andI was bid to fashion her a staff such as these palmers carry in theirhands. Then with sandalled feet----"

"Did she go forth from here upon the day of the rioting in Nottingham, when Stuteley and the others escaped?"

"It was upon the morning of that day, " the man replied; "and I promiseyou, we have not seen her since. "

Robin turned abruptly from him. Next minute he was running blindly underthe night towards the city gates. 

 * * * * *

The Sheriff's prize had been announced far and wide. For the best archerthere was an Arab horse, coal-black and worth a bag of gold, and withthe horse there would be a saddle of silver and fine leather. Also asilk purse, worked by the demoiselle Marie, containing a hundred pieces. 

There were other rewards for the quarter-staff and single-stick, butthis year there would be no tourney. 

It was a fête-day, and folk crowded into Nottingham by all gates. Thesehad been lowered hospitably and were to remain down all day. The stageshad been erected for quarter-staff. 

There was a fellow, one Nat of Nottingham, who was believed to be thefinest player at the game for many miles around. Several had tried theirskill with Nat, but he had soon knocked every man of them off the stagerudely to the ground. He began boasting then of his prowess, and calledthem all cowardly and the like. 

A lame beggar who had pushed himself well to the front of the ring aboutthe stage came in for a share of Nat's abuse. This was a strange-lookingfellow, with very dirty ragged clothes upon him, and a black patch overone eye. He wore a beard, pointed and untrimmed, and he listened verycalmly to the other's noisy chattering. 

"Come up here, you dirty villain; and I'll dust your rags for you, "cried Nat, flourishing his staff. 

"If you will use a shorter staff than this, Master Wind-bag, " said thebeggar, quietly, and showing his stick, "I'll take all the beating _you_can give me. "

With scornful laughter Nat accepted this challenge. 

The beggar took off his ragged coat and limped painfully on to thestage. 

[Illustration: ROBIN HOOD DEFEATS NAT OF NOTTINGHAM AT QUARTER-STAFF

_The beggar dealt his foe a back-thrust so neatly, so heartily, and soswiftly that Nat was swept off the stage into the crowd as a fly off atable. _]

They fenced for an opening, both playing well. The beggar, for allhis limp and one eye, had a pretty notion of the sport, but he had thequeerest gait upon him; and as he hobbled round and round the stageunder Nat's blows the people laughed continuously. 

Nat caught him smartly upon the right arm a sounding thwack. The beggarmade as if to drop his staff forthright, and Nat lifted himself foranother and crushing blow. 

But the one-eyed man recovered his guard, sprang suddenly on one side, and, as Nat's staff was descending vainly, the beggar dealt his foe aback-thrust so neatly, so heartily, and so swiftly that Nat was sweptoff the stage into the crowd as a fly off a table. 

The beggar waited the full time for him to return; and then claimed theprize. 

The victory of this queer unknown was popular. Nat was a great bully andbraggart, and many of them had suffered insult at his hands. Therefore, when the beggar went to fetch his prize from the Sheriff's own hands, there was great cheering and applause. He found Monceux seated in ahandsome booth, with his daughter and her maids, near by the archeryrings. Here the shooting was in progress. 

The Sheriff narrowly watched each competitor, and glanced often towardsMistress Monceux. The demoiselle Marie had one of her women sitting nearher feet, so that every movement she made might be observed. TheSheriff's daughter signalled "No, " and "No" again to her father as thevarious bowmen took their places. 

The beggar paused to watch the contest. It seemed to amuse himexceedingly. 

Master Patch was thus for some minutes close to the Sheriff's tent. Hispatched eye was turned towards it, and he seemed to be blissfullyunaware of the great man's near presence. But he had taken due note, nevertheless, of Master Monceux and his cold daughter, and the maidsitting so forlornly upon the hard ground at the latter's feet. 

One of the Nottingham men, a tanner by trade, had so far been mostsuccessful, and, like Nat, he began to be disdainful of the rest, and toswagger it somewhat each time his turn to shoot came round. "The prizewill surely be thine, Arthur-à-Bland, " cried Monceux, loudly clappinghis hands together after this fellow had made a fair shot. 

"Indeed, I do not think that Master Hood himself would beat me to-day, "admitted Arthur-à-Bland, conceitedly. 

The beggar heard both remark and answer. "Thou speakest well, gossip, "he said, "here in Nottingham town; yet I would venture to advise thee, were this pretty place in Sherwood and the bold Robin within earshot. "

The archer turned towards him. "What do _you_ know, old Patch-and-Rags, of Robin Hood?" he sneered, angrily. 

"I know too much of him, " answered the beggar. "Once, like you, gossip, I boasted of my skill with the bow--'twas in Sherwood, whilst I waswalking with a stranger who had met me very civilly upon the road. Sayshe: 'If you can hit yon mark I'll know you a better archer than RobinHood. ' So I flew my shaft arrogantly, and 'twas a tidy shot, near twohundred paces. My arrow struck the mark fairly. 'What say you, stranger?' says I. He made for reply such a bowshot as never I have seenbefore; for, having stepped back a score of yards, he yet was able tospeed his arrow so cleverly as to split mine own from end to end. 'Thouart Robin Hood, ' I said then, and I had fear upon me. "

"What then?" asked Arthur-à-Bland, composedly. 

"For my boasting he gave me a drubbing, " the beggar went on, "and for myarchery five silver crowns. "

"Then thou canst bend the bow?" said Arthur. "Will you not attempt mylord Sheriff's prize, old Patch-and-Rags?"

"Marry, I would most willingly, " cried the beggar, "but for my lame legand blind eye. "

"One does not need a leg to shoot arrows, nor yet two eyes. Take aim, gossip, and show us how you played the sport in Sherwood on that day. "

The archer's tone was mocking; but the beggar only replied that he hadalready won a prize and was content. 

Just then one of the Sheriff's guards approached him. 

"My master would have speech with you, friend, " said he. 

"And so you have met bold Robin Hood?" asked Monceux, so soon as thebeggar stood before him. 

"Well do I know it, " the beggar answered, writhing his eye in fieryglance about the Sheriff's tent. "My body is full sore yet from thebeating he gave me. "

"Are you sure 'twas Robin Hood?"

"That am I. He is a slim, slight man with long hair, and small, fairbeard. "

"If you could lead me to him, friend, I would reward you well, " said theSheriff, in malicious tones. 

"I will show the place where we met soon as you will, excellence, "replied the beggar. 

Monceux nodded, and made a sign of dismissal. "I will speak further withyou later, friend, " he said. 

The beggar went back to the archer and said that now he would take ashot with him. "I may as well win two prizes as one, " he continued, affably, "for the horse will help me carry my pieces. "

Arthur-à-Bland was greatly incensed at this speech, and took aim withhands that trembled with anger. However, he made a pretty shot, and around of cheering met his effort. 

The beggar took the bow which one of the archers held out to him, andfitted his arrow to it with a great show of care. When at last hereleased the arrow all got ready to laugh and jeer at him. 

He contrived, however, to surprise them once again, for his arrow wasfound to be a full inch nearer the middle of the mark than all theothers. 

They shot again and again, and at length Arthur-à-Bland lodged his shaftin the center of the target. "Now mend that shot, Master Patch, an youcan, " cried he. 

"Nay, I fear that I must now yield the prize to you, gossip, " declaredthe beggar. "Yet I will even do my best. "

He aimed with every circumstance of effort, and flew his shaft with aloud sigh. It rose up high in the air as though it must fly altogetherwide of the target, and folk had already opened their mouths to laugh, when suddenly it dropped in a graceful curve towards the mark, the steelpoint struck exactly on the point of the other's arrow, just where ithad lodged loosely in the bull, and Master Bland's arrow came tumblingto the ground, leaving the beggar's shaft shaking in the very hole itsopponent's arrow had made. 

This wondrous feat of archery evoked the loudest applause, and had notthe Sheriff been so foolish a man, must have awakened suspicion in hisbreast. But, no--Master Monceux pompously gave over the Arab horse withits saddle, and the purse of gold to the victorious beggar; and thenturned to leave the sports. 

He bade Master Carfax to see that the beggar did not go far away. TheSheriff did not mean to lose his gifts so easily. But the beggar wasvery willing to keep near to the Sheriff, and asked very humbly that hemight be given a place in Monceux's household, instead of taking thishorse, which was of small use to one of his trade. 

"I will accept your offer, " said Monceux, "on the understanding that youwill take the captaincy of my archers. "

With such a fellow as this in his household Monceux felt that he wouldsoon lay Robin Hood by the heels. So he strutted to his horse, and waslifted thereon in fine self-satisfaction. His daughter mounted herpalfrey, and Carfax led the beast gently, whilst the maids had to hurryover the rough stones as best they might. 

The beggar gripped his staff and limped along beside the women. Hisroving eye implored a glance from the grey-blue eyes of the maid who hadsat so uncomfortably at her mistress's knee. She moved, with downcastlooks, after the rest, and only dared once peep at this strange raggedfellow. 

His lips moved, making her a signal, then were shut resolutely. 

 * * * * *

That night Monceux kept open house and grew noisy in his cups. He sworethat Robin Hood was both coward and villain not to have come intoNottingham to take his chance of winning the horse and purse. 

Even as he spoke an arrow came flying in through one of the narrowwindows of the Sheriff's hall, and, curving, fell with a rattle upon thetable in front of the startled Monceux. Attached to it was an emptypurse, Monceux's own--that one indeed which had that morn held thehundred pieces so comfortably! "Where is that rascal beggar?" cried theSheriff, suddenly having his doubts. 

"Where is my maid?" shrilled the demoiselle Marie, rushing in upon herfather. 

"I did not send for her, " shouted Monceux, seeing it all. "Haste thee, Simeon, pursue them. They cannot be far away. "

"Excellence, the Arab steed hath been stolen, and by thy beggar guest, "cried one of the servants, running in at the other door. "Even now hehas gained the bridge, carrying your new maid a-pillion, mistress. Nonemay hope to catch them on that fleet horse. "

"They cannot win through the gates. After them, Simeon, as you love me. I never will look on you again if you do not capture Robin Hood and thisgirl. "

Mistress Monceux was quite beside herself with fury. 

"Alas, mistress, " said the servant, "the gates of Nottingham standwide; did not my master order it so but this very morn?"

"Silence!" roared Monceux; and, unable to control his rage, he struckthe fellow to the ground. "After them, Simeon, and take what men youwill. "

Master Carfax had other duty before him, however, for his gentle ladyhad relapsed into a screaming hysteria. They slapped her hands andpoured wine between her lips, and finally her maids had to cut her lacesand put her to bed. 

CHAPTER XXV

Days passed into weeks and weeks into months, and Robin Hood was stillto seek. The Sheriff waged an intermittent warfare with him, scoring afew minor successes; then Robin moved himself and his men fartherafield. Many of the Nottingham apprentices and other roving spiritsjoined when they might with Robin and his band. 

Arthur-à-Bland, the tanner, who had so nearly won the Sheriff's prize, had often in these days envious thoughts for the outlaws in their freelife. Anything was better, to his mind, than oak-bark and ditch-waterand the smell of half-tanned hides. Also he was ambitious to beat Robinat his own game. By dint of perseverance Arthur had once come very nighto emulating that masterly feat of archery by which Robin had wrestedthe purse of gold and the Arab horse from him. Vastly elated at thispromise of success, the tanner had flung down his trade and had marchedoff towards Barnesdale, armed with his bow and a long pike-staff. Hestrode across the close turf, browning now under an August sun, and wassoon far away from the highroad and the small protection it afforded. Heespied a herd of deer, and prepared himself to shoot one of them. Justas his bow was bent Robin came out of the bushes on his left hand; and, not noticing the tanner, the young outlaw began to move stealthily roundto the windward side of the beasts in order that they might make afairer mark for his arrows. 

"What makes you here so like a thief, gossip?" enquired Arthur-à-Bland, arrogantly. "I am a keeper in this forest, and it is my duty to stayyou. "

"Have you any assistants, friend?" Robin asked, scarcely glancingtowards him. "For it is not one man alone who will stop me. "

"Truly, gossip, " cried Arthur, "I have no better assistant than thisgood oak-graff; but he will do all that I want. For your sword and yourarrows I care not one straw--if I can get but a knock at your poll youwill ask me no further question. "

Robin unbuckled his belt at this; and, flinging his bow upon the ground, tore down a young sapling that was growing near by. With his dagger hequickly lopped it into shape; and then strode up to the tanner. 

"Eight foot and a half, and 'twill knock down a calf, " sang Arthur, flourishing his staff still more, "and I hope it will knock down you. "

Robin sparred with him for a little, and then, making a sudden feint, bestowed such a blow on Master Bland that the blood ran down his cheekfrom his broken pate. 

But the tanner did not accept this favor without making some return, andsoon was giving Robin as good as he gave. The wood rang with the noiseof their blows, and the tanner laid on his strokes as if he were beatinghides. 

"Hold your hand, " cried Robin, at last. "You have done enough, and Iwill make you free of these woods. "

"Why, God-a-mercy, " said Arthur, "I may thank my staff for that, goodfellow; not you. "

"Well, well, gossip, let that be as it may. But ere we continue, tellme your name and trade, at the least. I fain would know who 'tis whohath beaten me so well. "

"I am a tanner, gossip, " replied Arthur, jovially now, "and by my soul, if you will come to my pits I will tan your hide for naught. "

"In sooth you have already done me that service, " said Robin, ruefully. "But, harkee, if you will leave your tanpots and come with me, as sureas my name is Robin Hood, you shall not want gold or fee. "

"If you be Robin Hood, " said Arthur, "then I am Arthur-à-Bland; and Ihave come to live with you and my cousin Little John, in the free woodsof Barnesdale. That is, if you will have me. "

"I have already given you freedom of the woods, and you shall see whatwelcome Little John can offer, " answered Robin. "But tell me, friend, are you not that archer who so nearly won the Sheriff's horse from me inNottingham town?"

The tanner acknowledged himself to be the man, and since Robin put it sohandsomely to him he forgot all his hard thoughts about the defeat. Theyjoined hands in friendship and went together to find Little John, whoseemed right glad to find his cousin ready to join the band. 

The day was spent in the usual free and happy manner. And when time forsupper came round with the dusk Robin asked Little John for the name andstyle of their guest at supper this night. "For, " said Robin, "you musthave got me at least a bishop, a baron, or a knight, or some squire fromthe north country, to meet our new comrade to-night. "

"We have no guest, master, " answered Little John, regretfully. 

"Then have I no stomach for my supper, " Robin cried. "Go you at once, Little John, and you, Stuteley, and you also, Much, and find us such aguest, worthy of our company, and well able to pay for the pleasure ofit. "

"Where may they find so desirable a man?" asked the little ferret Midge, eagerly. 

"Go into Watling Street, " Robin told them. "At this time o' th' yearthere are many people passing that way. "

"May Heaven send us a guest speedily, " said Arthur-à-Bland, "for I amgrowing wondrous hungry. "

The three outlaws started off at once and in high spirits, the adventurebeing one much to their liking. They had scarcely watched the greathighroad known to all as Watling Street (and which runs from Dover inKent to Chester town) for many minutes, when they espied a knight ridingby in a very forlorn and careless manner. One foot was in the stirrups, the other out; his visor was raised above his eyes, and his face waspinched and woebegone. 

Little John approached the stranger and bade him stay; for who can judgeof a man's wealth by his looks? The outlaw saluted the knightcourteously and informed him that his master was fasting, having waitedsupper for him a full three hours. 

The knight reined in his sorry steed, and glanced toward his questionerwith lack-lustre eye. Little John repeated his speech. 

"And who is your master?" asked the knight then. 

"None other than Robin Hood, of Barnesdale, " Little John returned, laying his great hand on the knight's bridle. "He bids us speed you tothe feast. "

Seeing the other two, the knight shrugged his shoulders. 

"'Tis clear that this is an invitation which will brook no refusal, " hesaid. "So I will go with you, friends. "

When they were returned to Barnesdale, Robin saluted the knight verymagnificently; and his horse having been cared for, all sat down to aplentiful supper of venison, pheasants, and various small birds. 

After partaking liberally of the good cheer, the knight brightened upconsiderably and declared that he had not enjoyed so good a meal fornigh three weeks; and he vowed that if ever Robin and his comradesshould come to his country he would entertain them with an equallyworthy and honorable repast. 

This was not, however, the exact payment which Robin had intended. Hethanked the knight, therefore, and reminded him that a yeoman likehimself might hardly offer such a supper to a knight as a gift ofcharity. 

"I have no money, Master Hood, nevertheless, " answered the knight, frankly. "I have so little of this world's goods in sooth that I shouldbe ashamed to offer that which I have. "

"Money, however little, always finds a welcome from us, " said Robin, smiling. "Will you deem me too impertinent, Sir Knight, if I ask whatmoneys you have?"

"I have, of my own, ten silver pennies, " said the knight. "Here theyare, and I wish they were a hundred times as many. " He handed LittleJohn his pouch; and the big fellow soon had knowledge of its contents. It was as the knight said, no more nor less. 

Robin filled his guest a bumper of wine, and made a sign for Little Johnto hand back the pouch. 

"Pledge me, Sir Knight, " cried the merry outlaw, "and pledge meheartily, for these be sorry times. I see that your armor is bent andthat your clothes are worn. Tell me now, were you a yeoman and made aknight by force? Or have you been bad steward to yourself and wastedyour property in lawsuits and the like? Be not bashful with me, we shallnot betray your secrets. "

"I am a Norman knight in my own right; and I have always lived a soberand quiet life, " the sorrowful knight replied. "My father, and hisfather, and his father's father were all knights of the King; but, as isoften the case, friend Robin, rich men sometimes find their riches flyaway from them. Until within this last year I have contrived by dint ofcare and labor, to live on the few hundreds of rent and the like whichfall to me year by year; but now I have only these ten pennies of silverand my wife and children three. "

Robin asked how his moneys had gone from him. 

"I lost them through misfortune and naught else, " the knight declared, sighing. "I have a son--a good youth--who, when he was but twenty yearsof age, could play prettily in jousts and tournaments and other knightlygames. He had the ill luck to push his sports too far; and did kill aknight of Lancashire in a battle _à outrance_. To save my boy I had tosell my lands and mortgage my estates; and this not being enough, inthe end I have had to borrow money from my lord of Hereford. "

"A most worthy Bishop, " said Robin, ironically; "I know him well. "

"He seemeth to be a hard man in law, " said the knight; "and since Icannot pay him the four hundred pieces he has promised to foreclose hismortgage on our home. "

"Have you not any friends who would become a surety for you, SirKnight?" queried Robin, thoughtfully. 

"None. My friends have fallen away from me in mine adversity as leavesfrom an autumn tree. "

"Fill your goblet again, Sir Knight, " Robin commanded; and he turned towhisper a word in Marian's ear. She nodded, and beckoned Little John andMuch the Miller to her side. 

"Here is health and prosperity to you, gallant Robin, " the knight said, tilting his goblet, "and my best thanks for your cheer. Would that Imight make better recompense. "

The two outlaws, with Mistress Marian, had now consulted the others, andall seemed to be agreed. Warrenton, as treasurer to the band, was sentinto one of the inner caves, and presently returned, bearing a bag ofgold. He counted it out before the knight; and there were four times onehundred golden pieces. 

"Take this loan from us, Sir Knight, and pay your debt to the Bishop, "Robin told him. "Nay, no thanks; you are but exchanging creditors. Mayhap we shall not be so hard on you as was the Christian Bishop; yetagain, we may be harder. Who can say, where human nature is concerned?"

Much now appeared, dragging a bale of cloth. "The knight should have asuit worthy of his rank, master, do you not think?"

"Measure him twenty ells of it, " Robin ordered. 

"Give him your Arab horse also, " whispered Marian; "it is a gift whichwill come back to you fourfold, for this is a worthy man. My father dothknow him well. "

So the horse was given also, and Robin bade Arthur-à-Bland ride asesquire to the knight; to be good use and to fulfil his first duty asone of the band. 

The knight was sorrowful no longer. He could scarcely voice his thanksto them; and was nigh overcome when time for his departure came round onthe following morning. 

"God save you, comrades, " said he, with deep feeling in his tones, "andgive me a grateful heart. "

"We shall wait for you twelve months from to-day, here in this place, "said Robin, smiling cheerfully. "And then you will repay us for the loanof the gold. "

"I shall return it to you within a year, " replied the knight, firmly. "So sure as I am Sir Richard of the Lee, the money shall be returned, with interest beside. Look for me in the early days of March, friends, for then I expect to have good news of my son. "

"Then, or later, Sir Knight, as you will, " said Robin. 

CHAPTER XXVI

The Sheriff having failed to ensnare Robin Hood, and Master Simeonhaving done so little better, it became clear that a more wise personthan either must attempt the business. The demoiselle Marie hadrecovered from her fit of anger, and announced her intention of showingthem both how such an affair should be approached. To this end sheemployed herself in archery and won some accomplishment in the sport;then she caused Master Fitzwalter's house to be searched thoroughly andany writings of his to be brought to her. 

Mistress Monceux engaged her fingers next in a pretty schooling, teaching them to hold a pen as awkwardly as might Master Fitzwalterhimself. So she produced at last a writing purporting to come from himto Maid Marian, his daughter. She wrote it simply and in few words:--

 * * * * *

 "This to my dear child Marian, from her affectionate father, Henry Fitzwalter, now in the Court of St. James, in London town. I send you all greetings, and am well both in mind and spirit. I pray God that He has kept you as jealously in my long absence from home. This is to tell you, dear heart, that, after all, I shall return to Nottingham, mayhap very soon, and that you are to provide accordingly. I have had tidings of you given to me by my lord Bishop of Hereford, and now send you this by the hand of his man, who returns to Nottingham on other business of my lord's. I pray you to remain closely in Nottingham during my absence. 

 "(Signed) FITZWALTER, Warden of the City Gates. "The twenty-fifth day of August, 1188. "

The demoiselle Marie had made several attempts before she had succeededin producing a letter so entirely to her satisfaction; and when she hadsealed the above with the Fitzwalter arms and had addressed it, she feltsuch a glow of pride in it that she could scarce bring herself to partwith the missive. 

At length she bade one of her maids fetch Master Simeon to her. When, all delighted, he stood before her, his love handed him the note. 

"Take this, dear fool, " said she, kindly, "and bring it to the hand ofthe maid Fitzwalter. She is with the outlaws in Barnesdale, hidden inone of their deeps, no doubt. I care not how you give it to her so longas you are speedy. "

"I will send it by the hand of Roger, your father's cook. He is wellacquainted with their hiding-places. "

"That would be to spoil my plot at its outset, " Marie answered, cuttingly. "Gather your wandering wits, and bethink you of some morelikely messenger. Have you not someone in this town who can be trusted?"

"I have the very man for it, " suddenly cried Carfax. "There is a youngknight, one who hath been exiled by the King for plotting with PrinceJohn. He is the only son of our fiery neighbor Montfichet. He hath donesecret work for the Prince, and will do it again if he believes that hehath need for it. "

"You are for ever employed in doubtful business, " said Marie, crossly. "I do not like your fiddling with Prince John. You may be sure thatRichard will succeed to the throne; and then we shall see where yourplottings have brought you. "

"Richard hath already succeeded, " said Carfax, whisperingly. "I had thenews but an hour since. Old Henry of Angevin is King no more--he isdead. And Richard, _Coeur de Lion_, as the commoners do call him, hathgone to Palestine, all unknowing that he is King!"

"So you think that John may seize the throne?" sneered Marie Monceux, unconvinced. "Let it be, I tell you, Simeon. In any case we must destroythese outlaws of Sherwood or they will destroy us. If they be notexterminated by the end of this year my father will cease to beSheriff. "

"May the Lord forbid!" cried Carfax, startled. 

"Ay, and we shall be poor folk, Simeon, unworthy of you, no doubt. Butthat is not yet. Take this note, and send it how you will so long as itcomes to this girl's hands within two days. "

Carfax accepted the charge; and went into the lodgings of one who hadentered the town within the last few hours--none other, indeed, thanGeoffrey de Montfichet, who had brought Master Simeon the startling newsof the King's sudden death. 

Geoffrey perceived that he might openly show himself now if the Sheriffwould but ignore the dead King's decree of exile passed upon him. He wassounding Carfax in the matter, and the wily go-between was temporizingin his usual way--trying to make some gain to himself out of one or theother of them. 

"If you will but carry this letter to Mistress Fitzwalter, who is withthy cousin Robin Fitzooth in Barnesdale, Sir Knight, " said Simeon, plausibly, "you will win the gratitude of the Sheriff's daughter, at theleast; and she doth rule the roost here, as I can tell you. 'Tis but aletter from Master Fitzwalter to his child. "

"I know the woods and will take the note, " Geoffrey said. "See to itthat Monceux does not move against me. "

"His girl will tie his hands, if need be, " grinned Carfax. "Ay, she candrive us all. God speed you, Sir Knight. "

 * * * * *

It fell out that whilst Robin was walking alone near the highroad toYork, close to that very bridge whereon he had fought with Little John, he perceived a smart stranger dressed in scarlet and silk. Just as Robinespied this gay gentleman and was marvelling at his daring in walkingthese woods so coolly, unattended by squire or guard, the knight deftlyfitted an arrow to his bow, and with a clever shot brought down a finestag. 

"Well hit, " cried Robin, who could never abstain from admiration of agood bowman. "You have used your bow full well, Sir Knight. "

The scarlet knight turned towards Robin, and, taking him for somehusbandman or hind, called out in high tones, asking how he dared tospeak to his betters in that insolent way. 

"How is one to know one's betters, Sir Knight?" queried Robin, cheerfully. "A noble is not always known by his dress, but rather by hismanners and his deeds. "

"Your insolence shall be well paid for, " returned the other, putting byhis bow and drawing his sword. Without further argument he approachedRobin angrily, and struck at him with meaning. 

Robin was too quick for him, however, and caught the blow upon the edgeof his own trusty blade. After a few passes Robin feinted, and, catchingthe other unawares, dealt him a thwack with the flat of his blade. Thescarlet stranger reeled under the blow. 

"I find you are not so mean a person as I had thought, " observed he, ina series of gasps. "Yet, even now, 'tis not amiss that you should have alesson. "

With that the two engaged heartily, and fought for nigh an hour, withouteither side gaining an advantage. 

At length he succeeded in pricking Robin on the cheek. 

"Hast enough, fellow?"

"A rest would be welcome, " admitted Robin, with a laugh. 

They called a truce and sat down side by side beneath a tree. Thestranger eyed Robin thoughtfully; and Robin glanced back at him, withhis suspicions slowly growing to certainty. Presently:

"You are he whom they call Robin Hood, I take it, " said the stranger, "although I do not know you by such a strange name. "

"It is my own name, " replied the outlaw, "and I am proud of it. Are younot Geoffrey of Gamewell?"

"That _was_ my name, cousin, even as yours was once Robin Fitzooth, butnow I call myself Will Scarlett. 'Tis a whimsey; but since GeoffreyMontfichet has a bigger price on his head than I can afford to pay, why, I have buried him under a prettier name! But tell me why you aredressed so plainly. On my life, I did not know you when first we met. "

"A man should have clothes to suit his work, cousin, " argued Robin. "And'tis a wonder to me that you should have been able to kill yon stag withsuch a wild color upon you. Howbeit, thy arrow was shrewd enough, andI'll say no more than to tell how well pleased I am to have fallen inwith you again. Here's my hand in all true affection, cousin Scarlett. "

"And mine, cousin Hood. "

They carried the stag between them to Barnesdale; and Robin learned thathis cousin had a letter with him for Marian. When Robin heard who hadgiven it to Will Scarlett his suspicions were immediately awakened. 

"However, let us give Marian the letter, and see what she may think uponit, " he observed. "There cannot be much harm in that. "

Thus did Mistress Monceux succeed admirably in the first part of herscheme. 

 * * * * *

Soon as Marian had had her letter she was all agog to go back intoNottingham. She showed the scroll to Robin, and though his heart misgavehim he could hardly say her nay. No doubt as to the genuineness of theletter occurred to Marian: she knew her father's peculiarly awkwardhandwriting too well. Certainly the phrasing of it seemed a little tooeasy for so plain a man, yet since he had been so long in London he had, of course, acquired Court ways. 

On the third week in September Marian determined to return to her oldhome, and take the risk of any treachery. 

"Allan-a-Dale and Fennel shall go with you, dear heart, " said Robin. "Why not? They can appear as your father's guests, and the two maidswill help you keep house. Also Warrenton shall go as Allan's man. I canbe sure that these faithful ones will guard my pretty love from allharm. "

"Am I indeed your pretty love?" asked Marian, in foolish happiness; "areyou sure that you would not have some other maid--to wit, the demoiselleMarie? She hath an eye for you, as I know--for all she seemeth so muchour enemy. Trust a woman for finding out another woman's secret!"

Mistress Fennel was not loth to leave the greenwood. In the summermonths the life was none too bad a one, but now that September mists andrains were upon Barnesdale, the young wife shivered and complained. "Hereford is the only one we need fear, after all, " Allan admitted;"your old baron would never look for us in Nottingham. "

"And the Bishop is in London, " said Marian, showing her letter. "Seewhat my father saith. "

Therefore Robin and his men were left to their own devices in the matterof cooking and kitchen work soon as September's third week had come andgone. Allan-a-Dale, Warrenton, the two girls and their two maids, alltravelled into Nottingham on the best horses that the outlaws couldprovide, under escort so far as Gamewell. They were secretly watchedinto the town, that Robin might be sure no one attempted any treachery. 

It was arranged that Allan should come himself to Gamewell, and seek theSquire's friendship on some near occasion. Then he might tell the oldman about Marian and how she had left his roof. 

Montfichet would not be vexed with her, Marian felt. If he were, shewould come herself, and coax him. Also either Allan or Warrenton wouldfind means to send Robin news of the household, and tell him whetherFitzwalter returned as the latter promised. 

So all safeguards that wit could devise were taken, and Robin, havingkissed her little fingers very tenderly, left Marian with her cortège, upon the road by Gamewell, and having satisfied himself that all hadgained safe entrance to Nottingham, journeyed back to the caves atBarnesdale with quiet mien. His heart told him to suspect some evilplot--yet where could he find one? Scarlett, his own cousin, had broughtthe letter, and Marian had recognized the writing. 

Oh, how dull the caves and the woods seemed without her! Tuck and themiller had employed themselves in cooking them all a royal dinner; andStuteley tried his best to lighten the gloom. Robin laughed with them, and sought to hide his grief, feeling it to be unmanly. 

But never had he enjoyed a feast so little in the free woods as thisone. Good food and good company he had, but not that salt with which tosavor them--a merry heart. 

CHAPTER XXVII

The autumn ripened into winter. Allan found means to send Robin news ofthem often: Master Fitzwalter had not returned; but had sent anotherletter saying that he would do so ere long. They all were happy andunmolested in the city. Of the Sheriff and his daughter they had seennothing. That Warrenton was well, and that they had gotten them aman-cook and other servants. 

Marian wrote little crabbed messages to him. Brief and ill-spelt as theywere, they became Robin's chiefest treasures. Marian forebore making anyattempt to see her love, for fear that she might be watched andfollowed, and so bring about Robin's capture. She fretted sorely at thisrestraint placed upon her by Allan's more prudent hands. 

The demoiselle Marie had made a miscalculation. She knew that presentlyRobin would seek Marian, even in the lion's mouth. _Then_ would come theday of the Sheriff's triumph. 

The little house of the Fitzwalters was spied upon from within. No onebethought them of this new cook. Had Little John once espied him therewould have been a different tale to tell, however. 

He had offered his services to Warrenton at a small premium, saying thathe had lost his last place with being too fond of his bed. 

He said his name was Roger de Burgh, and that he came of good family. The wages he asked were so small, and he seemed so willing, and had beenso frank as to his failing, that Marian bade him take up his quartersforthwith in her father's house. 

Life passed uneventfully for them in the Fitzwalter household. It wasneither happy nor unhappy. Mistress Fennel found it vastly more amusingthan the draughty caves of Barnesdale; but then Mistress Fennel had herdear--and Marian had not. She was vaguely disturbed at her father'slengthened absence. Surely he should by now have determined where hewould live--Nottingham or London. 

The months crawled on and Christmas came and went. 

Marian was still tied to Nottingham streets and Robin to Barnesdalewoods. This state of inactivity had told much upon the greenwoodmen--upon Little John most of all. 

At last the big fellow fell out with Friar Tuck, and began to grumble ateveryone in turn. Robin, in despair, bade him go into Nottingham, to seehow the land lay there. "If you must be breaking someone's head, LittleJohn, let it be one of our enemies who shall suffer. But have a care, for your tongue is as long as your body. Choose a cunning disguisetherefor. "

"I will go as a beggar, " said Little John, brightening up at theprospect of adventure. "For a beggar may chatter as much as hewill--'tis part of his trade. "

So clad all in rags, and bent double as though with age, Little Johnwent forth from their caves upon a February morning. He supportedhimself with a stout oak staff, and carried two great bags upon hisshoulders. One held his food, and the other was to be refuge foranything of note that he might find left about--such as Sheriff's plate, to wit, or a Bishop's valuables. 

He encountered four fellows of the like profession near by Nottinghamnorth gate. One was dumb, another blind, the other two halt and lame. "Give you good morrow, brothers, " said he, in a gruff voice. "It's myfortune that brings me to you, for I am in sore need of company. What isthere a-doing in Nottingham since the bells be ringing a-merrily? Arethey hanging a man, or skinning a beggar?"

"Neither one nor the other, you crooked churl, " replied one of thecrippled beggars. "The Sheriff is returned from London with hisdaughter, and the folk are giving him a welcome, such as you will neverhave from the city! Stand back, for there is no room for you there. Fourof us as it is are too many, and we have come here to settle who shallgo on and who turn back. "

"And how will you settle such a knotty point, gossip?"

"Marry, with our sticks, " retorted the beggar, threateningly. "But firstwe will dispose of you;" and he made a fierce blow at Little John. 

"If it be a fight that your stomachs are yearning for--why, I am the manfor you all, " Little John said at once, "and I will beat the four of youheartily, whether you be friends or enemies. " Then he began to twirl hisstaff right merrily, and gave the dumb fellow such a crack upon hiscrown that he began to roar lustily. 

"Why, I am a doctor, then, since I can cure dumbness, " cried theoutlaw. "Now let me see whether I can mend your broken leg, gossip, " andhe cut the first cripple so suddenly across the shins that he droppedhis staff and commenced to dance with pain. "Now for your eyes, friend. "

But the blind one did not wait for the cure. He took to his heelsforthwith, running surprisingly straight. The other lame one ran afterhim full as fast. 

Little John caught them after a short chase, and dusted their ragsthoroughly. 

"Give you good day, brothers, " said he, then, well satisfied. "Now I amgoing to welcome the Sheriff, and, as you say Nottingham is too small aplace for us all, therefore speed you towards Lincoln; 'tis a prettytown and none too far for such strong legs. "

His flourishing stick spoke even more eloquently. The four of themshuffled away speedily, sore in their minds and bodies. 

Nottingham was gay indeed. The Sheriff had returned from London, wherehe had been in order to gain more time for the capture of Robin Hood andhis men. His daughter had complete faith in her scheme--it was bound inthe end to be successful. 

"Be patient, and all will be well, " she told her father. But Christmaswas the end of the time which Prince John had allowed Monceux forRobin's capture. Therefore, both the Sheriff and his daughter hadjourneyed to Court to see what instructions had been left, and whetherthey might not get the time extended. 

They contrived by spending much money in bribes, and in giving grandentertainments, to achieve their ends. King Richard was away in theHoly Land. Prince John was well employed in stirring up the barons toespouse him as King while there was such an opening. There was thus noactual monarch, and none in the Court to care much about the Sheriff orRobin. Those high in authority accepted the Sheriff's bribes, and badehim take till Doomsday. 

Squire Montfichet, who was, as we know, a staunch supporter of the oldorder of things, would recognize no other King than Richard. As a matterof fact, the old man had no great love for him, but he was, after all, the true King, and Montfichet threw all his weight into the scaleagainst John. The Saxon nobles were also active, feeling that now wastheir chance to recover power. 

So Monceux and the demoiselle saw for themselves that they had nothingto fear from the Court, at any rate. They had stayed and enjoyedthemselves in the city, and the Sheriff was able to make himselfpresently very useful. 

The Princess of Aragon, one of the Court beauties, had need of an escortto York. She was going there to be married (much against her royal will)to one of the great Saxon notables. This was an arrangement made by theRichard party, in the hopes of winning the Saxons to themselves, asagainst John, who had already Salisbury, De Bray, and the cunningFitzurse upon his side. 

The Sheriff had arrived with his train in great state, just as LittleJohn entered Nottingham. The outlaw came in by the north gate, asMonceux, proud of escorting the pretty Princess, entered by the south. Nottingham was gay with bunting and flags, and the bells were ringingnoisily. 

It was a royal procession, and soon as Little John was able to join withit his bag began to swell rapidly. Many a pocket did his sharp knifeslice away from the side of unsuspecting wealthy citizens. 

Sports were held in the fields, and the beggar had a merry time of it. Towards nightfall his bags were both filled, and he began to think itabout time to attend to the commissions which Robin had laid upon him. This was to convey a letter to Marian, and to discover how Allan-a-Daleand his little wife were faring. 

Little John shuffled with his bags along the narrow streets until hecame to the house. He began to cry his wares, calling out that he wasready to change new goods for old ones, that he would buy old clothesand give good money for them. 

Marian and the rest had, however, gone to see the sights, for there wereto be illuminations. Only Roger the cook had been left in charge, andhe, having glanced once at the noisy beggar, angrily bade him begone. 

Little John only shouted the louder, and the cook furiously flung to thecasement windows. The beggar passed by the house slowly, still calling"old clothes, " as if he had not even noticed the angry cook. 

Yet Roger's few angry words had awoke sharp recognition in Little John. "By my rags and bags, " muttered he, amazed, "this rascal needeth muchkilling!" The scene in the Sheriff's kitchen arose before him. "Thistime I will fling you into the river, Master Roger--be sure of it. Iwonder what evil hath brought you to this house of all others! If bychance you have harmed any one of them vengeance shall fall upon youswift and deadly. "

A thin rain had commenced to fall, and so the beggar turned back. 

The house was dark and silent. The beggar stopped in front of ituncertainly, grumbling under his breath at the driving rain. Just as hewas about to move towards the door, the click of its latch warned him tojump back into the shadows of the next house. 

A white face looked out of the Fitzwalter home, stealthily peering rightand left. Little John crept farther into the shadows. 

The cook came out into the wet road. He seemed to be scared andtroubled. After a moment's pause he returned to the house, entered itsilently, and Little John heard the latch click once more. 

"Now, what mischief is in the air?" thought Little John. "Some knavishbusiness doubtless, or my friend Roger would not be in it. By my faith, I do mistrust that man. "

He went back into the middle of the road with his sacks, and commencedcrying his wares afresh. Almost at once Roger opened the door again. "Amurrain upon you, noisy rascal, " he called; "can you not be still?"

"Ay, truly, an it pay me, " answered Little John, lurching towards him, as though he were tipsy. "Can I strike a bargain with you, gossip?"

"What have you in the sacks, beggar?"

"Everything in the world, brother. I have gifts for the rich, presentsfor the poor. "

"Have you anything fit for a cook?" asked Roger. 

"I have a basting spoon and a spit. "

"I will give you meat and bread--much as you can carry--if you have sucha spoon as my kitchen lacks, " whispered Roger. 

Little John dived his hand into a sack, and brought out a silver ladle, which he had stolen from a shop that day. Roger took it eagerly, and hisfingers were icy cold. 

"Put your sacks down by the door, dear gossip, " said Roger, after amoment's pause. "_Here_ they will be out of the rain. I must go withinto examine this ladle. "

"Have you not a tankard of ale to give me?" begged Little John, "I amworn with the day. "

"Enter, friend, " Roger said then. "Tread lightly, for fear we disturb myfolk. " He took Little John into the dark passage. "I'll bring your sacksin for you, whilst you are here, " continued Roger, very obligingly; andbefore the other could say him yea or nay, he had pulled the sacks intothe house and had closed the door tightly. 

It was very dark, and Little John thought it only prudent to keep hisfingers on his knife. He heard the cook rustling about near to him, andpresently came a faint sound as if one of the sacks had bulged forwardand shifted its contents. "Hasten with the ale, good friend, " whisperedLittle John, hoarsely. "I feel mighty drowsy in this close place; soon Ishall be asleep. "

Roger's voice answered him then softly from the end of the narrow hall, and almost at once the cook appeared with a lantern. He came creakinglyover the boards, and handed Little John a mug of beer. "Your ladle isof the right sort, dear gossip, " he announced, "and I will give you apenny for it. "

"Twenty silver pennies is my price for the spoon, " answered Little John, tossing off the ale at a draught. "Give it to me, brother, or return memy spoon. I do not find your ale to my taste, " he added, wiping hismouth. 

Roger opened the door roughly. "Then begone, ungrateful churl, " hecried, forgetting his caution. He tried to push Little John roughly outinto the night. "What! would you try to steal my bags?" roared LittleJohn, suddenly snatching hold of Roger by the scruff of his neck. "Youvillain--you rascally wretch--you withered apple!"

He tossed and shook Roger like a rat, and finally flung him into thecenter of the muddy road. "Help! help!" screamed the cook, at the fullpitch of his voice. "Help! a thief, a thief! Help! murder! help!"

His cries at once attracted notice. The dull, dead street becameinstantly alive. With an angry exclamation Little John dashed into thepassage, seized up his bags, and fled, stepping upon the writhing bodyof the cook as he ran. 

Little John turned the first corner at top speed. Three men rushed athim with drawn swords. He swung his bags right and left and felled twoof them. The third he butted with his head, and the man asked no more. 

Under the wet driving night Little John ran. The bags sadly impeded him, but he would not let them go. He darted down a little court to avoid adozen clutching hands, and fancied he had now safety. 

He paused, drawing in his breath with a sob. The race had tried himterribly. The court was all dark, and his pursuers had overshot it; nextinstant, however, they recovered the scent and were upon him full cry. 

Little John, snatching his bags, dashed up to the end of the alley. There was a door, which yielded to him. 

Next instant he had plunged into the open lighted space beforeNottingham Castle, into the midst of a shouting throng. Theilluminations had not been a success, owing to the rain, but they gaveenough light to achieve Little John's undoing. The beggar was seized andhis bags were torn from him, just as those other pursuers sprang outthrough the alley. 

"He hath robbed a house, and killed a man, " shouted the foremost. "Holdhim fast and sure. "

"Nay--I have killed no one, " cried the giant, struggling hopelessly anddesperately. "Take my bags an you will; I was but bearing them to mymaster. "

"Pretty goods to be carrying, indeed, " said a voice, as someone turnedone bag upside down. On to the hard wet stones rolled a number of thingscollected by this industrious outlaw--pockets, daggers, purses, knives, pieces of gold, and pennies of silver, a motley company of valuables. 

"They are my master's, " panted Little John, furiously. "Let them be. "

"See what he hath in the other sack, " cried another. "He seemeth to haverobbed our butchers also. " The sack was opened, and the contents laidbare. 

A sudden silence fell upon the crowd, a silence of horror and hate. Thena thousand tongues spoke at once, and Little John, frozen cold withloathing, saw under the flickering lamps a dreadful thing. 

Out of the second sack had fallen the limbless trunk of a dead man, coldand appalling even in this uncertain light. A head, severed through thejugular arteries, rolled at his feet, grinning and ghastly. 

"'Tis Master Fitzwalter, " whispered one, in a lull. "Dead anddishonored----"

The clamor became deafening, and Little John felt his senses failingfast. He was beaten and struck at by them all; they tore at him, andcursed him. 

Their blows and their rage were as nothing beside the thought of thatawful thing upon the ground. The crowd and the lamps reeled and swambefore the outlaw's eyes and became blurred. 

But the grim vision of that dreadful body became plainer and plainer tohim. It assumed terrible proportions, shutting out all else. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

As the days sped on and nothing was heard of Little John, Robin began togrow more and more anxious. He made up his mind to go himself intoNottingham and there see Marian, and discover and (if need be) rescuehis faithful herdsman. 

All the greenwood men were against him in this, however, and for oncehad their own way. "Let me go, Master, " begged Stuteley; "for my life isof little account compared with yours. "

"I will go, " said Scarlett. "There is no such animus in the Sheriff'smind against me as he hath against the rest of you. I can ask for MasterCarfax and he will perforce treat me fairly. "

"I am not so sure of it, " said Robin, significantly; "I would not trustMaster Simeon further than a rope would hold him. Still, what you say isfair enough, cousin, and if you will go into the city for us we shallall be grateful. For my part, I would dearly like to accompany you. "

"Your duty is here, " answered Scarlett. "Rely on me. I will find outwhat hath chanced to Little John, and will also attend MistressFitzwalter. "

Will Scarlett started at once, and bore himself so well that he madesight of Gamewell within two hours. He paused for a moment without hisfather's house, regarding the old place with half scornful eyes. Then, "What is to be, must be, " said Will, to hearten himself. 

He walked on toward Nottingham meditatively. If he could have met oldGamewell then and there he would have stopped him and asked hisforgiveness. 'Twas in the morning, the sweet fresh morn, in the happywoods, wherein birds fluttered and sang tenderly, and the peaceful deerfed placidly on the close grass of the glades. 

This sylvan picture was disturbed rudely for him. A stag, wild andfurious, dashed out suddenly from amongst the trees, scattering the doesin terrified alarm. The vicious beast eyed Will in his bright dress, and, lowering its head, charged at him furiously. Will nimbly sprangaside, and having gained shelter of an oak, scrambled hurriedly into itsbranches. 

The stag turned about and dashed itself at the tree. 

"Now am I right glad not to be in your path, gentle friend, " murmuredScarlett, trying to fix himself on the branches so that he might be ableto draw an arrow. "Sorry indeed would be anyone's plight who shouldencounter you in this black humor. "

Scarcely had he spoken when he saw the stag suddenly startle and fix itsglances rigidly on the bushes to the left of it. These were parted by adelicate hand, and through the opening appeared the figure of a younggirl. She advanced, unconscious alike of Will's horrified gaze and theevil fury of the stag. 

She saw the beast, standing as if irresolute, there, and held out herhand to it with a pretty gesture, making a little sound with her lips asif to call it to her side. "For the love of God, dear lady----" criedWill. 

And then the words died on his throat. With a savage snort of rage thebeast had rushed at this easy victim, and with a side blow of itsantlers had stretched her upon the ground. It now lowered its head, preparing to gore her to death. 

Already its cruel horns had brushed across her once. A piteous cry rangthrough the woods. Will set his teeth, and swung himself to the groundnoiselessly. 

Then he quickly dropped to his knee, and was aiming his shaft whilst thestag was making ready for a more deadly effort. Will's arrow struck itwith terrific force full in the center of its forehead. The stag felldead across the body of the fainting maid. 

Will Scarlett had soon dragged the beast from off the girl, and hadpicked her up in his strong arms. He bore her swiftly to the side of oneof the many brooks in the vale. 

He dashed cool water upon her face, roughly almost, in his agony of fearthat she was already dead, and he could have shed tears of joy to seethose poor closed eyelids tremble. He redoubled his efforts; andpresently she gave a little gasp: "Where am I, what is't?"

"You are here, dear maid, in the forest of Sherwood, and are safe. "

She opened her eyes then, and sat up. "Methinks that there was dangerabout me, and death, " she said, wonderingly. Then recognition shone inher face, and she incontinently began to bind her fallen hair and tidyher disordered dress. "Is it you, indeed, Master Scarlett?" she asked. 

"Ay, 'tis I. And, thank Heaven, in time to do you a service. " Will'stones were deep and full of feeling. 

"I am always in your debt, Master Will, " she said, pouting, "and now youhave me at grievous disadvantage. Tell me where you have been, and whyyou did leave cousin Richard and France?"

"Once I had no safety there, " replied Will, with meaning, "neither formyself nor for my heart. As for my leaving Richard's Court, why, foolishly, I would be always where you are. "

"So you have followed me, then; is that what I am to believe?" The maidsmiled. "I will confess, I did know that you were come to London, and Iwas glad, Will, for I had not too many friends in England, nor have themnow, it would seem. But why was there no safety for you in London? Andwhere have you hidden yourself of late?"

"There is a price upon my head. I am in exile. You know me as WillScarlett, but in sooth my name is not so Saxon. "

"I hate the Saxons, " said the maid, pettishly. She had risen to herfeet, but still was troubled about her tumbled hair. "I am to be marriedto one, and so have run away. That is why I am wandering in this stupidwood. "

"Call it not stupid, it hath brought you to me once more, " whisperedWill, taking her hands; "and so you do not love this man after all? Isit so? Had I but known!"

"Didst leave London because of _that_?" asked she, lightly. "Ay, but menknow how to cozen us! I'll not believe a foolish thing, not if you wereto tell it me a thousand times. "

"I'll tell it to you once, sweetheart. I did leave London because Ilearned that you were to be married to another. Life had no more toteach me than that one thing, and it was enough. For what was left forme to learn? I had loved you and loved you so well, and had loved you invain. "

"Had loved, Will? Is thy love so small, then, that it burns out like acandle, within an hour? I had believed----"

But Master Scarlett suddenly took this wilful maid to his heart. "I dolove you, oh, my dear, with all my body and my life--till the end ofends, in waking and sleeping. And so I pledge my troth. "

She struggled out of his arms. "I am encumbered with wild beasts at eachstep, " cried she, all rosy and breathless. "One would kill me for blindrage, the other for love. Oh, I do not know which to fear the most. There, you may kiss my hand, Will, and I will take you for my man, sinceit seems that I am to be married whether I will or no. But _you_ mustcarry the tidings to my Saxon in York, and, beshrew me, I hope he willnot take it too hardly, for your sake. "

"And yours also. " Scarlett was holding her again. 

"I like you well enough to be sorry if he should hurt you, " said thisteasing little Princess. She looked up at him, and then dropped herlashes. "Do you _truly_ love me, Will? For truly do I love you. "

And so the Princess of Aragon elected to marry Geoffrey of Montfichet, notwithstanding the politic choice of husband made for her by the wiseold men in London town. 

They walked on together towards Nottingham, quietly, and in deep contentwith the world. 

They encountered a stately little cavalcade near by the gates of thecity, and knew themselves observed ere they could hope to avoid them. Putting a bold face on it, the lovers stood on one side, to permit thiscompany to pass them. 

An old man, richly dressed, came first, followed at a respectfuldistance by six horsemen. 

The Princess watched them in happy indifference. Her frank glance rovedfrom one to the other of the would-be steadfast faces before her. Sheturned her head to gaze again at the absorbed old man who led thecompany. 

Then she checked herself in a little exclamation; and hastily avertedher face. It was too late, the old fellow had been roused from hisapathy. He reined in his grey horse, and asked over his shoulder: "Whoare these, Jacquelaine?"

The esquire so addressed at once rode forward, but before he could speakhis master had discovered an answer for himself. He had fixed fierceeyes upon Master Scarlett, and made a scornful gesture. "So 'tis you, Geoffrey, daring death now for the sake of some country wench? Ay, butyou will end upon the gallows, for sure. "

"I shall not ask you to pray at my bedside, " retorted Scarlett, bitterly. 

The Princess suddenly whipped round. "Who are you, Sir Churl, to talk ofgallows and the like to us? Hast come from a hanging thyself? There isone a foot in Nottingham, I mind me. "

It was now the turn of the old knight to exclaim. "Princess, _you_?"gasped he, in sheer amaze. He tumbled from his horse to the ground, andwith old-fashioned courtesy knelt before her. She put out her hand forhim to kiss. 

"Rise, Master Montfichet, I pray you, 'tis not your place to kneel tome, " she said, with her little Court smile. 

The other horsemen had dismounted and now stood apart from the trio. ThePrincess was the first to speak, so soon as the old Squire had risen. "Master Montfichet and Will Scarlett, pray let me make you known to eachother, " she said, prettily. "This is Squire George of Gamewell, a goodfriend and honest adviser to me, although I do not always listen to himas I should, " she laughed, easily. "_This_ is Master Will Scarlett, whomI have known both in France and now again in England. He hath but nowsaved me from a dreadful death. "

She paused; then added quickly and a little nervously: "My life is his, in short, Master Montfichet, and so--and so I have given it to him. Weare to be married, and live in the greenwood. Therefore, you are not tospeak slightingly of Master Scarlett in my presence. "

Consternation, astonishment and gratification struggled togethermightily in the Squire's breast. "Geoffrey, you!" he said again. "Butthis is beyond belief. "

"Therefore believe it, " spoke the Princess, lightly; "for _that_ willshow you to be no common man. "

"Sir, " said Geoffrey, kneeling before his father, "I pray you forgiveboth my rash words just now and all my seeming ingratitude. I am veryfain to be friends again with you, and I do swear to be more dutiful inthe years to come. Will you take my hand?"

"Ay, freely as it is offered. God save us; but who am I to be stubbornof will, in the face of these miracles?"

"Do the miracles work happiness for you, Master Montfichet?" enquiredthe maid, archly. 

"Ay, marry. But the King will never consent to this business, be sure ofit. _You_ marrying my son--a commoner!"

"Your son?" It was now the Princess's turn to be amazed. But soon thematter was explained to her. "So, Will, you have begun by deceiving me;a bad beginning. "

"I was trying to tell you, dear heart, when we made this encounter. WasI not saying that my father lived near by here? Did I not tell you thathe was a Norman----"

"There, there, do not fret your dear self. I will marry you, whether yoube Will Scarlett or Geoffrey of Montfichet. It is yourself I need, afterall. "

"Take my steed and ride with us to Gamewell. There, at least, I mustkeep thee, Princess, until the King hath given his sanction to thismarriage. _You_ to rule over Gamewell? In sooth I will be a joyful manupon that day. "

"And I, " murmured Master Scarlett. 

So they turned back towards Gamewell, and only when they were in sightof it did Scarlett remember poor Little John. Then he stopped short, reining in the horse which one of the knights had lent to him. ThePrincess had accepted loan of the esquire Jacquelaine's palfrey. 

Will soon had told them this errand which he had come so near toforgetting altogether. "If this be the man they call John LittleNailor, " said the Princess, sorrowfully, "why, he is in perilous plight. You have but just ridden through Nottingham, I take it, MasterMontfichet, and have some of its news?"

"They do not seem yet to know of your adventurings, Princess. "

"No, surely; for what is a woman, missing or to hand, when there is redmurder abroad? This poor fellow, whom I do believe to be innocent, wasaccused of theft by a rascally cook, and was pursued. 'Twas the night ofour return. They chased him from pillar to post, and presently caughthim close to the castle. He had two bags with him. "

"'Tis Little John, then, " cried Scarlett; "I saw him go out with thesacks across his back. "

"In one of them they found many things that other folk had strangelylost, " said the Princess, with a little grimace. "In the other there wasthe dead, dishonored body of a good citizen foully done to death. "

Her listeners stared in their amazement. "It is a Master Fitzwalter whohath been so cruelly murdered, " continued the Princess, her color comingand going. "This Little John swears that the cook did kill his master;and whilst he, Little John, was resting in Fitzwalter's house thisrascal fellow must have changed the sacks. "

"Fitzwalter, the warden of the gates? I knew him well. Why, he left usbut three weeks since to travel to Nottingham. It seems that he had senta messenger to his girl there that she was to follow him, but either hisletter miscarried or the maid would not. So poor Fitzwalter, busy as hewas, must needs return to meet his death. "

"Who is this cook?" asked Scarlett. 

"An evil character, he hath altogether. Once he was of an outlaw robberband, headed here in these very woods under one Will of Cloudesley. "

"Tell me, is he called Roger de Burgh?" asked Will. 

"That is his name, " answered the Princess, surprised; "do you know aughtof him?"

"I know much evil of him, " replied her lover; and then he told them howthis very Roger had planned to take his (Will's) life, and how Robin hadsaved him. 

The Squire nodded. "I remember, " said he, slowly. 

"Ay, Robin was always a good lad. This news of yours will stagger him, for he is betrothed to Mistress Fitzwalter, daughter of him who hath sodreadfully met his end. "

"The two of them were arraigned, I must tell you, " went on the Princess, "and both were to be racked. But they did not put it too hardly uponMaster Roger, as I have reason to know, wherefore he was able tomaintain his innocence; whilst the other, in his bitter anguish, madeconfession of a crime which he did never commit. "

"And they are hanging him whilst I stand idly here, " cried Scarlett, turning to horse. "I must leave you, sweet; forgive me. Here is a man'slife in the balance. "

"What would you, Will?" she asked, fearfully. "The hanging is fixed forthe Thursday in next week. "

"Before then he shall be free, " said Will Scarlett, firmly. "Farewell, dear heart. Wait for me here at Gamewell; my father will be good host toyou, I know. "

"The maid Fitzwalter was lodging with us when I was called to London, "the Squire began. 

"She is now in Nottingham, sir. It is a story which I will tell youlater. Now give me farewell, and your blessing. "

"God's blessing be in you, Geoffrey, my son, " said the Squire. It wasthe first time for many years that he had called Geoffrey by that name. 

"And take all my heart with you, Will. " The voice of this littlePrincess was husky; and a sob sounded in her throat. "Be cautious, andreturn soon to me. "

She watched his swift retreating figure as he sped towards Nottingham, there to argue it with Master Carfax. 

CHAPTER XXIX

The day after Scarlett's departure found Robin in frantic mood. Twoemissaries had he sent out to gain news of Marian, and neither hadreturned. He had had now no direct tidings of her for nigh on threemonths. Little John's silence, too, disturbed him. 

Robin determined that he would see Marian, at least, this day, or die inthe attempt. So, notwithstanding all that the rest could urge, theirleader started away on foot towards the city. 

He walked quickly, and his mind was so filled with dreadful thoughtsthat he exercised little of his usual care. Emerging suddenly upon thehigh road, he plunged almost into the arms of his enemy, the Lord Bishopof Hereford. 

It was too late for Robin to retreat, and he was too far away for him towind his horn in the hope of rousing his men. The Bishop rode at thehead of a goodly company and had already espied him. 

About a mile away, near by the roadside, was a little tumble-downcottage. Robin remembered it and saw his only chance of safety. At oncehe doubled back through the underwood, much to the surprise of theBishop, who thought he had truly disappeared by magic. In a few minutesRobin had come to the little cottage. The owner of the place, a littlecrabbed old woman, rose up with a cry of alarm. 

"'Tis I, Robin Hood; where are your three sons?"

"They are with you, Robin. Well do you know that. Do they not owe lifeto you?"

"Help now repay the debt, " said Robin, in a breath. "The Bishop willsoon be without, and he has many men. "

"I will save you, Robin, " cried the old woman, bustlingly. "We willchange raiment, and you shall go forth as the poor lone woman of thiscot. Go without and strip yourself speedily; and throw me your clothesthrough the doorway. "

Robin was in the garden and had slipped out of his Lincoln green in amoment. He clad himself with equal celerity in the old woman's rags, asshe flung them out to him one by one. 

The Bishop perceived an old decrepit woman hobbling across the road, ashe with his company came hastening down it. He bade one of his fellowsto stay her, and ask if she had seen such and such a man. The soldiergave her a full and vivid description of Robin Hood. The old woman, thusrudely prevented from gathering her sticks--already she had a littlehandful of them--answered that there _was_ a man within her cottage; andthat she would be right glad if my lord Bishop would cause him to bedriven out of it. "In sooth, my good gentlemen, he is none other thanthat vagabond Robin Hood, " piped she. 

"Enough!" cried the Bishop, triumphantly. "Enter the cottage, men; beatdown the door, if need be. A purse of gold pieces is already offered forthe capture of Robin Hood, and I will give a hundred beside!"

The old woman was released, and went on gathering twigs for her fire. Little by little she edged towards the forest, and while the Bishop'smen were beating down her cottage door she vanished between the trees. 

Then she began to run, with surprising quickness, towards Barnesdale. 

Stuteley encountered her presently, and was at first prepared to treather in rough fashion. "Hold your hand, sweet Will, " cried Robin, "it isI, your master. Summon our fellows, and return with me speedily. My lordof Hereford is come again to Sherwood. "

When Will had done laughing he blew his horn. "Why, mistress, " said he, turning his grinning face to Robin as though seized with a notion, "isnot this the day when the knight Sir Richard of the Lee--he to whom yougave Arthur-à-Bland--swore he would return to pay us our moneys?"

"'Tis near the time, in sooth, " admitted Robin. 

"Then surely he hath sent the Bishop to us, not being able to comehimself?" argued Will. "We will see if the Bishop is carrying fourhundred gold pennies with him. If it be so, then I am right, indeed. "

 * * * * *

The Bishop, for all his bold words, had not yet nerved himself to givethe necessary command of death against the person of Robin Hood. Sincehe would not come out of the cottage, the door must be beaten down. 

When this had been done the Bishop's men had peeped in. "He is here, hiding, " they cried, exultingly. "Shall we slay him with our pikes?"

"Nay, keep watch upon and guard this cottage against all comers. Go, oneof you, to Nottingham, with all speed, and bring the Sheriff to us, with many men. Say that I bid him here to settle matters with RobinHood. "

The good Bishop of Hereford did not intend to give this villain a singlechance. Were he brought out into the open, he might, by some magic, contrive an escape. Lying in this hut under the pikes of the Bishop'smen he was safe, and if the worst came to the worst might readily beslain. 

The messenger detached from his escort had not carried the Bishop'smessage to the Sheriff very far ere his master would have wished tochange it. In a moment, whilst my lord of Hereford was complacentlygloating over his capture--whilst indeed he was himself peering into thedark cottage in order to catechise his prisoner--there appeared on thehigh road the shabby figure of that very old woman who had innocentlyhelped to set the trap. 

She called out in a strident voice to the soldiers about her dwelling. "Stand by, lazy rascals, " cried she, "stand away from my gates. What areyou doing on my ground?"

"Madam, " answered the Bishop, turning round to her, "these are my men, and I have given them the order to guard this cottage. "

"God-a-mercy!" swore the beldame, harshly. "Things have come to a passin sooth when our homes may be treated like common jails. Take away thisrobber and your fellows from my house on the instant, or I will curseyou all in eating and drinking and sleeping. "

"Not so fast, mother, " argued the Bishop, smiling easily at hersimulated rage. "All this has been done by my orders, and is thereforein law. "

The old woman clapped her hands impatiently. At the signal the greenwoodmen sprang out on all sides of the cottage. The Bishop saw himself andhis men-at-arms trapped; but he determined to make a fight for it. "Ifone of you but stir an inch towards me, rascals, " he cried, spitefully, "it shall be to sound the death of your master Robin Hood. My men havehim here under their pikes, and I will command them to kill himforthwith. Further, he shall be killed an you do not at once disperse. "

Then Robin stepped out before his men. He flung off the old crone's capwhich he had worn so cleverly. "Come, kill me, then, lord, " he called, cheerfully. "Here am I, waiting for your pikes and their pokes. Hastento make sure business of it, for I am in no gentle humor. "

The old woman, who, in the garb of Robin Hood, had been lying silent andstill so long within the cottage, jumped up then quite nimbly. In allthe bald absurdity of her disguise she came to the door of the cottageand looked forth. "Give you good-den, my lord Bishop, " piped she; "andwhat make _you_ at so humble a door as this? Do you come to bless me andgive me alms?"

"Ay, marry, that does he!" said Stuteley, coming forward. "To you, mother, and to us also. You must know that my lord bears with him a bagof four hundred pieces from Sir Richard of the Lee, who did borrow thismoney from us to lend it to my lord. "

"Now, by all the saints----" began the Bishop. 

"They are watching you, brother, " said Stuteley, impudently, "so be waryin your speech. Give into my hand the four hundred pieces which youtook from the knight I have named. You cannot deny that you _did_ takethem from him in the June of last year?"

"The knight owed them to me, villain, " said the Bishop, furiously. Hesaw that his men were outnumbered, and that all the outlaws had drawnbows aimed against them and him. A word not to the liking of thesedesperate fellows would loosen fifty horrid shafts upon him. "SirRichard did owe them to me, " he repeated, omitting the epithet. 

"Hark now to that!" said Robin, still in his disguise. "Listen to it, friends, for ye all were witnesses that Sir Richard swore to me that theBishop had robbed him, and sought to rob him more. Did not you, inhonest truth, lend the knight four hundred pieces, my lord?"

"I did not lend him that precise amount, " admitted the Bishop. "Fourhundred pieces included also the interest of the sum I gave. "

"Ho! you gave?" Robin snapped up the word. "You gave it, my lord?"

"I will not bandy words with you, you false villain, " shouted theBishop, suddenly losing control of himself. "Why do you not charge them, men? Take the word from me, and hew these fellows down as they stand. "

"They will be well advised to remain as they are, " spoke Robin. "See nowhow we command you all!" He took a bow and arrow out of Much's hands, and sped a shaft so truly towards the purpling Bishop that his mitredcap was sent spinning from off his bald head. 

My lord turned green and yellow. He had thought himself dead almost. "Take my money, rascals, " he quavered, feebly; and Stuteley approachedhim, cap in hand. 

"Tied to the saddle of my palfrey you will find my all, " murmured theBishop, sighing deeply. 

Stuteley took a well-filled bag from under my lord's empty saddle. Hespread his cloak upon the road and counted out four hundred pieces intoit. "The interest, master?" asked Will, twinkling to Robin. 

"Pay that to this old woman who hath befriended and saved me; and giveher, further, two hundred of the pieces on thy cloak, " commanded Robin. "We will share with her, even as she hath already shared with me thisday. "

The outlaws then withdrew, taking with them the old woman and theBishop's gold. They left him in no great humor; but forebore to provokehim further. 

This adventure had, however, banished all hope of Robin making hisprojected journey into Nottingham. He had perforce to return to thecaves at Barnesdale, to get changed again into a more befitting dress. The day was old when he was ready to go out once more; and at Stuteley'sentreaty Robin consented to wait until the morning. 

The Bishop lost no time in making Nottingham. He and his men were soashamed of having been overcome so easily by the greenwood men that theyhad perforce to magnify Robin's band and its prowess twenty-fold. 

Amongst the many knights who had followed, hopelessly, in the Princess'strain was one whose attentions had ever been very noxious to her. Thiswas a coarse, over-fed, over-confident Norman, brutally skilful in thegames at tourneys and ruthless in battles _à outrance_. His name wasGuy of Gisborne, and he hailed from the borders of Lancashire. To himhad fallen the rich fat acres of Broadweald, that place for which poorHugh Fitzooth had wrestled vainly for so long. 

He had persecuted her unavailingly--'twas through a scene with him thatScarlett had come so much into the maid's favor. Sir Guy had followedher to Nottingham, meaning to steal her from the Sheriff at firstchance. "No Saxon churl shall hope to carry off this prize from me, "thought Sir Guy. "Her beauty pleaseth me, and her fortune will help mineown. Therefore, I will follow her meekly until we come nearer to my ownland. Then, perhaps, one night pompous Monceux may find her flown. Hewill be blamed; and none need know whither the little bird has gone andby whom she hath been trapped. "

Sir Guy of Gisborne found another in the field with him; the Princesshad not waited for him to steal her. The little bird had flown ere SirGuy's trap had been set. 

So the Bishop of Hereford found both the Sheriff and Sir Guy in evilhumor. My lord told his story, raging against Robin; the Sheriff had hiscomplaint--directed against the Princess in general and no man inparticular. 

"Depend on it, Monceux, this rascal hath stolen away your charge, " saidthe Bishop, in order to stir the Sheriff to greater lengths againstRobin. "How can you sit here so idly, first losing your gold plate tohim and then your gold? Now, with one blow goeth this Princess who wasmost solemnly committed to your charge, and with her your good name. For, without doubt, this matter will cost you your office. "

Monceux was overcome with terror; his eyes started out from his head. "Idid hear them speak of some girl betwixt themselves, now that I think onit, " continued the Bishop, artfully, noting the effect he had made. "'This woman shall share with us'--ay, those were Robin's very words. The Princess hath been stolen by him. "

"She last was seen walking towards the woods, 'tis true, " murmured theunhappy Sheriff. "But, truly, I am not to blame in this plagueybusiness. "

"I will encounter the villain for you, Sheriff, " said Sir Guy, with acunning glance. "And if I do rid you of him, will you swear to stand byme in another matter?"

"Surely, surely. "

"Your word on it, then--here in my lord's holy presence, " Sir Guy wenton. "This girl hath been told by a council of wiseacres that she mustmarry some Saxon noble. But her heart is given to another--to myself, inshort. Swear that you both will help me to win her, and I will take herfrom your merry Robin and kill him afterward. "

They both promised readily that they would do all that he could ask--ifonly he would kill Robin Hood outright. The Bishop had great influenceat Court, and Sir Guy intended that he should smooth matters for himafter the abduction of the Princess. The Sheriff was to hold fast to anystory that might be necessary, and to swear to the little Princess thatSir Guy of Gisborne was the very Saxon whom she had been ordered tomarry. 

"All this is settled between us, " observed the knight, comfortably. "Give me a number of men, all of them good archers, and put them at mysole command. I will go forth to-morrow in a disguise such as willdeceive even your wonderful Robin. "

"We will hold over the hanging and flaying of the other rascal until hismaster can dance beside him, " cried the Sheriff, conceiving Robin to bealready caught. 

CHAPTER XXX

Robin started out early in the day towards the city. This time nothingshould stay him from entering it--and finding Marian. The demoiselleMarie's plan would surely have succeeded on this day, for Robin wascareless of all things but the hope of seeing his dear. 

Sir Guy of Gisborne was there, however, as Robin's good angel, as we areto see, although Sir Guy had, in truth, no very merciful feelingstowards the outlaw. 

Robin perceived upon the highroad a very strange figure coming towardshim. It seemed to be a three-legged monster at first sight, but oncoming nearer one might see that 'twas really a poorly clad man, who fora freak had covered up his rags with a capul-hide, nothing more nor lessthan the sun-dried skin of a horse, complete with head and tail andmane. 

The skin of the horse's head made a helmet for the man; and the tailgave him the three-legged appearance. 

"Good morrow, gossip, " said Robin, cheerily; "by my bow and by myarrows, I could believe you to be a good archer--you have the shape ofone. "

The man took no offence at this greeting, but told Robin that he hadlost his way and was anxious to find it again. 

"By my faith, I could have believed that you had lost your wits, "thought Robin, laughing quietly to himself. "What is your business, friend?" he asked, aloud; "you are dressed in strange clothes and yetseem by your speech to be of gentle blood. "

"And who are you, forester, to ask me who I am?"

"I am one of the King's rangers, " replied Robin; "and 'tis my part tolook after the King's deer and save them from the wicked arrows of RobinHood. "

"Do you know Robin Hood?" asked the man, shrewdly eyeing him. 

"That do I; and last night I heard that he would be coming alone in acertain part of this wood to meet a maid. "

"Is that so indeed?" cried the man, eagerly. 

"'Tis very truth, " answered Robin. "And I, knowing this, am going totake him, and carry off both the girl and the reward upon his head. "

"Tell me, friend, is this girl a little creature, royal looking and verybeautiful?"

"Marry, she appeared to me a very Princess, " cried Robin, withenthusiasm. 

"We are well met, " remarked the yeoman, presently, and speaking as ifcome to a decision. "Now I will tell you, friend, that I am in search ofRobin Hood myself, and will help you to take him. I am Sir Guy ofGisborne, and can make your fortune for you. "

"And I am Robin Hood, so, prithee, make it quickly for me!" cried Robin, imprudently. 

Sir Guy was not taken so much aback as Robin had hoped. Quickly he drewhis sword from underneath the capul-hide, and he smote at Robin full andfoul. 

Robin parried the thrust with his own true blade, and soon they were ata fierce contest. They fought by the wayside for a long while in adeadly anger, only the sharp clashing of their blades breaking thesilence. 

Then Robin stumbled over the projecting root of a tree; and Sir Guy, whowas quick and heavy with his weapon, wounded Robin in his side. 

The outlaw recovered himself adroitly; and, full of sudden rage, stabbedat the knight under and across his guard. The capul-hide hindered SirGuy in his attempt at a parry--the horse head fell across his eyes. 

Next instant Sir Guy of Gisborne went staggering backward with a deepgroan, Robin's sword through his throat. 

"You did bring this upon yourself, " muttered Robin, eyeing the body ofthe knight in vain regret. "Yet you did fall bravely, and in fair fight. You shall be buried honorably. "

He dragged the body into the bushes; and, having taken off the horsehide, slipped it upon himself. He then perceived that, hanging from thedead man's belt, there was a little silver whistle. "What may this be?"thought Robin. 

Sir Guy, clothed in old and ragged dress, looked to be a plain yeoman, slain in defence of his life, or mayhap a forester. Pulling the hidewell over himself Robin put the little whistle to his lips and blew itshrilly. 

Instantly, far off to the right of him, sounded an answering note, andagain from behind him there was reply. In about four or five minutestwenty of the Sheriff's best archers came running through the wood toRobin's side. 

"Didst signal for us, lording?" asked the leader of them, approachingRobin. 

"Ay, see him! I have encountered and slain one of your robber fellowsfor ye, " answered Robin, simulating Sir Guy's voice and manner. "I wouldhave you take up his body upon your shoulders and bear him along thislittle path, wherefrom he sprang upon me. "

The archers obeyed him immediately, "Do you follow us, lording?" theyasked. 

"I will lead ye, " cried Robin, waving his red sword truculently, "Followme speedily. "

Thus he led them after him through the secret paths into Barnesdale, andthere blew his horn so suddenly that Stuteley and his fellows were uponthe Sheriff's men ere they might drop Sir Guy's dead body to the earth. 

Robin bade his men disarm the archers, and tie such of them as would notprove amenable. 

Thus the Sheriff was robbed of his best archers; for these fellows, finding the greenwood men to be of such friendly mind, soon joined inwith them. 

"This is well done, in sooth, " said Robin, gently, to himself. "A goodday's work; and Monceux will have cause to regret his share in it. Yetam I no nearer Nottingham after all, tho' I have twice sworn that naughtshould stay me. Stuteley, " added he, aloud, calling his squire to hisside, "see you that this dead knight be buried with all respect; hefought me well and fairly. "

"It shall be done, master, " answered Will Stuteley; "you may be easyabout it. But I would have you listen to the talk of these archers--theyhave grave news of our comrade Little John. It seems that the Sheriffhath seized him for the killing of thy maid's father, and willpresently have him dreadfully hanged and burned. "

Robin uttered an exclamation of horror. Soon the terrible story was toldhim, and his brain reeled under the shock of it. All that night he pacedthe woods until the dawn, then fell incontinently into a deep and heavyslumber. 

"Disturb him not nor let him take action until I do return, " said thecomfortable Friar Tuck, in business-like manner. "I know how hisdistemper will play upon him, and how he will bring us all to grief ifhe attempts the city again. Now I may go in and out as I will, being acurtal friar and not now remembered in these parts. I will visit theSheriff and ask for leave to confess Master Little John. Then I willcome back to you with the best news I may. "

 * * * * *

Geoffrey of Montfichet had ridden into Nottingham on the day before SirGuy had left it. Carfax had known where the Princess might be found allthe while his master, with the Bishop, was busy persuading the Knight ofGisborne that the maid was with Robin. One might be sure, however, thatneither Monceux nor Carfax gave out any hint of this knowledge, for todo that would have stayed Sir Guy in his praiseworthy attempt upon thebold outlaw. 

Geoffrey--Master Scarlett--had found difficult work before him, but heintended to save Little John. He was convinced that the cook had slainFitzwalter, most likely at the command of some other person interestedin the death. 

Who might this be? Who had profited by the death of so unassuming a manas the late city warden?

Carfax treated Scarlett with scant ceremony. The lean-faced fellowdevoured the item that the Princess of Aragon was safe at Gamewell, butgave nothing in return. Scarlett had been left to cool his heels in thegreat hall of Nottingham Castle for near an hour afterward, whilstSimeon Carfax was closeted with the Sheriff. 

They were having a tidying of the rooms in honor of the Bishop's visit. Whilst Scarlett impatiently waited the good pleasure of Master Carfaxthe maids were busy carrying many things to and fro; fresh rushes tostrew my lord's rooms, candles and tapers, silks and cloths, and brownewers of water. All the rubbish and sweepings of the floors were borneout in great baskets to the courtyard. 

One of the maids, a plump, roguish, lazy wench, would only carry herbasket so far as the hearth of the hall. A fire was there, why not useit? Also she could ogle and throw sidelong looks at Master Scarlett, who, for his beard and thirty-five grave years, was none so bad a man. 

This girl was throwing into the open hearth a lot of ends of silk andcombings from her mistress's room. She tossed the rubbish on the fire, at the same time eyeing Master Scarlett. Then, finding that he would notnotice her, she poutingly returned with her basket upon a fresh journey. 

Scarlett came over to the fire to pick up some of the burning scraps. They were drifting over the hearth into the room dangerously, thanks tothe maid's carelessness. 

He found in his hand a half-burned piece of parchment, which stillfizzled and crackled in quaint malicious fashion. 

Upon the parchment was an awkward writing, and some of the words showedup very black under the heat. Half idly, Scarlett tried to make sense ofthem:

"This ... Dear child Marian, ... Her affectionate father ... Court of... In London town. "

So far did Master Scarlett read before suddenly the beginnings of thetruth flashed upon him. This was the very letter which he had borne toMarian. 

How had it come into the castle? By what strange magic? Could Marianhave carried it here herself?

He remembered that she had given it to Robin, and that he had put itinto his bosom. 

"Mistress, you seem indeed to be very busy this day, " said MasterScarlett, affably, to the girl next time she appeared. "Do you prepareme a chamber, for it seems that I am to wait here for a week at least. "

"I am tidying my mistress's room, and have had hard work I promise you, "replied the girl, impudently. "Mayhap you will give me a help whilst youwait, Sir Taciturn? This is the fifth basket of rubbish I have bornefrom the demoiselle Marie's little cupboard. "

"I will readily help you if you will help me, " said Scarlett, pleasantly. "Canst tell me who wrote this little paper? The writingseemeth familiar to mine eyes. "

"'Tis a piece of my lady's jesting, " said the girl, after a glance atthe parchment. "'Twas written in imitation of Master Fitzwalter's handafter we had searched his house last year. Ah, poor man, who would havethen imagined so hard a fate for him?" She sighed prodigiously, androlled her eyes. 

"Tell me the story of this murder, mistress, I pray you. "

She was not loth to fall a-chattering, and she told Scarlett all sheknew of it. From the rambling history he discovered another strangefact, that Roger de Burgh had been cook in the Sheriff's householdbefore he had gone to the Fitzwalter house. Slowly he began to see thatthe letter he had so blithely put into Marian's hand was a forgery, doneby the clever fingers of the demoiselle Marie. 

"So, " thought he, swiftly, "Mistress Fitzwalter was persuaded to returnto this place in order that Robin Hood might visit her secretly. Thehouse was watched by a spy from the Sheriff's own kitchen. Soon as Robincame, this spy was to give warning; or, if matters pressed, kill him. But after many months of waiting, _Fitzwalter_ came instead. "

His quick mind, used to the intrigues and plots of a capricious Court, had unravelled the mystery. Yet how could he act upon this knowledge inthe midst of the enemy's camp? If the Sheriff could stoop already tosuch foul business as this, to what further lengths would he not go?Dismissing himself through the girl, Scarlett strode out of the castle. The air seemed fresher and more wholesome without. He enquired and foundhis way to the house of grief, and there asked audience with its littleheart-broken mistress. 

 * * * * *

Whilst Scarlett was plotting and inventing a hundred schemes to saveLittle John, a poor wandering priest appeared one evening before thegates of Nottingham Castle. Most humbly he begged a little bread and adrink of water; and, having received these, he blessed the place and allwithin it. 

"You should not bless _all_ within this castle, Sir Priest, " theSheriff told him. Monceux had pompously administered to the man's simplewants with his own hands. "There is a villain in our cells who hath donewicked murder. "

The ragged friar asked who that might be; and when he had heard, saidthat at the least he would confess this poor misguided fellow and sodeliver his soul from everlasting punishment. 

The Sheriff was rather doubtful, but seeing that the priest had noweapon upon him, he gave a sign that he should be admitted to LittleJohn's cell. 

There the friar found the big outlaw very dejected. "Give you goodcheer, brother, " said the friar, gently; "I have come to pray with you. "

"What assistance can your prayers be to me?" asked Little John, sharply;"I am to be hanged to-morrow morn, and all your prayers will scarcealter that. "

"Anger is a great sin, " replied the priest. 

"I have no sins against God, " said Little John; "I have alwaysendeavored to live easily and justly. " Then the friar came up close tohim, and whispered something in his ear. The outlaw's expression alteredat once. "By the Sheriff's rope, " muttered he, quite in his old manner, "but I swear that if thou canst get me a weapon----"

"Here is a little dagger, " said Friar Tuck, pulling it out from underhis gown. "'Tis small, but to-morrow it may be of use. I can do no morenow; but be ready for us to-morrow, when the last moments are come. Robin Hood will not easily let you die, be sure of it. "

The friar, after he had left the prison, ran all the way to Barnesdale, under the stars. 

CHAPTER XXXI

It was hardly dawn when a strong guard of soldiers was drawn up withoutNottingham Castle, and the prisoner was dragged forth from his cell. Monceux had wisely come to the conclusion that Sir Guy of Gisborne hadalso failed, and he saw no reason to delay Little John's execution. 

Early as was the hour, yet both the Sheriff and the Bishop of Herefordwere present. The space before the castle was thronged with people. Beside the prisoner walked the castle chaplain. 

The crowd swayed and roared, and a small disturbance broke out on theright of the Sheriff. At once the soldiers hurried to quell it. 

As the prisoner neared the gallows, the crowd so bore upon the cart inwhich he stood upright that progress for a few minutes was out of allquestion. 

Another disturbance broke out in the rear of the procession. Nextinstant the prisoner was seen to have free hands. He stooped and slicedthe cords about his feet, and, releasing himself, all at once he sprangout of the cart. 

Then was an uproar indeed. The soldiers had strict orders that theepisode of Stuteley's escape was not to be repeated. But whilst theyexerted themselves desperately a sudden hail of arrows fell upon themfrom the sky, as it were. Robin Hood's horn was heard blowing merrily, and the Sheriff saw the huge mob of people break up into billows ofcontending portions under his very eyes. 

"Lock the gates of the city, " screamed Carfax, at this juncture. "Wehave them trapped at last. "

Little John was free and had seized an axe. Much and Middle had broughtbags of meal with them, and both repeated the miller's old trick offlinging the white meal into the eyes of the enemy. 

Robin had broken up his band into small parties, and all were engagedsimultaneously. 

In less time than it takes to tell, the space without the castle wasturned to pandemonium. 

Again and again Robin's horn sounded, calling them together, and slowlybut surely his small parties formed up into a whole, beating their waythrough the crowd with their swords and axes. So soon as they weretogether, with Little John safely in the middle of them, they fell totheir bows and sped a cloud of arrows amongst the Sheriff's men. 

Then they turned to retreat, and fell back so suddenly that they hadmade good start ere Monceux had divined their intent. They sped towardsthe north gate, that one being nearest to Barnesdale. 

Crafty Carfax had forestalled them, however. The north gate was closedhard and fast, and the bridge drawn. 

The outlaws doubled on their track and charged at their pursuers withlowered pikes and waving axes. The crowd before them yielded sullenlyand allowed them passage. 

"To the west gate, Robin, hasten, " cried a shrill voice. "'Tis moreeasily opened than the rest, and the bridge is down--someone hathsmashed the winch. "

Robin's heart leaped in his body--'twas the voice of Gilbert of Blois!"Marian, " breathed he, overcome with terror for her, "oh, my dearest!"

"Follow, follow!" she cried, with flashing eyes; "there is not a momentto be lost. "

Robin saw that it was a matter of life or death now in any case. "To thewest gate!" he called, "Locksley! a Locksley!"

It was the old battle cry, and only a few of them remembered it. Yet itserved and served well. The greenwood men formed up into close ranks, and all followed the little page, shouting lustily, "Locksley! aLocksley!"

In the rush and hurry Robin saw that Scarlett was there, and Warrentonand Allan-a-Dale. And with the little page ran another, a fair-hairedboy, with strangely familiar face. 

"'Tis Fennel, " whispered Allan, at Robin's side. "She would not beleft. "

He spoke as they ran, with the enemy now in full pursuit of them. Everynow and again the outlaws turned and sped a hail of arrows into the mobbehind them. 

The west bridge was gained, and Scarlett had dispossessed the warder ofhis keys in a moment. He unlocked the gates and flung them wide open. 

The two boys--for so they seemed--raced through and over the brokenbridge, and Allan followed next. The outlaws were soon free of the town, and once more in their own element, but Little John must needs go backto cover the retreat with Stuteley. 

Carfax and the Sheriff were close at hand with their men, furious anddetermined. Even as the last of Robin's men gained and fell over thebridge, Little John was wounded seriously by a shaft from SimeonCarfax's bow. 

His cry brought Robin back to his side. In a moment Robin's arms wereabout him. "Lean on my shoulder, dear heart, " cried Robin, and sure'twas a ludicrous sight to see this stripling seeking to hold up thegreat form of Little John. 

They ran along in this way, and the outlaws formed a bodyguard aboutthem. Allan and those in front had fired the dry furze and grasses, andthe smoke began to roll heavily against the faces of the soldiers. 

This gave the greenwood men a small advantage, and they gained the opencountry; but not for long did the honors of this day rest on one side orthe other. The Sheriff and his fellows broke through the fire; and thenit was seen that some of them were mounted on fleet horses. 

Little John begged to be left behind; and again did Robin try to rallyhim. Onward they ran; and presently found themselves approaching a hill, thickly wooded about the base. 

They gained cover of these trees, and turned at bay. Hidden behindtree-trunks they sent forth a death volume of peacock-shafts to theSheriff. Master Carfax was seen to fall, and with him six of thehorsemen. 

The soldiers halted and prepared their crossbows. A volley of theirarrows crashed and splintered the trees, whilst Carfax rose up stifflyto give fresh orders. A duello commenced of longbow against crossbow;and as the freebooters could deliver near a dozen shafts to each bolt, they more than held their own. 

When a bolt _did_ strike, however, death was instant. A man was shotnear to Marian, and fell with his head shattered and ghastly. She gave alittle scream, and put her hands over her eyes. 

Robin bade her keep near to him--"Behind me, sweetheart, " cried he, feverishly, "that naught may hurt you save through me. "

So they fought for near an hour; and then the greenwood men saw thatreinforcements were coming to their enemies. Robin's horn gave once morethe order for retreat. 

Slowly they fell back through the woods and up the rising ground. "Alas, alas!" cried poor Mistress Fennel, wringing her hands in utterforgetfulness that now she was dressed as a man. "We are undone! Herecome others to meet us, with pikes and many men!"

Robin saw that upon the hill-top there was a grey castle. From its opengate there poured out a motley crowd of men armed rudely with pikes andwith staves. They rushed downward to intercept the outlaws as it seemed, and Robin thought that, in truth, he and his merry men were trapped atlast. 

But--oh, joyful sight!--foremost among those coming from the castle wasthe once mournful knight Sir Richard of the Lee. He was smiling now andvery excited. "A Hood! a Hood!" he cried. "To the rescue. A Hood!"

Never was there more welcome sight and hearing than this. Without a wordthe outlaws raced up to meet their timely friends, and gained shelter ofthe castle, whilst Sir Richard kept the Sheriff and his fellows at bay. Then, when all were safely across the little drawbridge, the knight gavethe word, and fell back upon his stronghold also. The bridge was drawnand the gates clashed together, almost in the frantic, hideous face ofMaster Simeon, upon whose features showed streaks of blood from hiswound and rage commingled. 

 * * * * *

The knight stationed his men about the walls. Soon appeared Monceuxbeneath them alone, and demanding speech. He commanded the knight todeliver up Robin and his men upon pain of assault and burning of thecastle with fire. 

Sir Richard replied briefly. "Show me your warrant, Sir Malapert, and Iwill consider it, " he said, from within the gates. And Master Monceuxhad no warrant with him. 

"My word is enough for you, Richard of the Lee, " roared he, furiously. "Am I not Sheriff of Nottingham?"

"You cannot be the Sheriff of Nottingham, good man, " answered theknight, getting ready to close the wicket, "for he is Master Monceux, and is busy escorting the Princess of Aragon towards York. Go to andmend your manners, rascal, and call away these ruffians with you. "

Then Sir Richard snapped to the wicket gate, and returned to Robin. "Well met, bold Robin, " he cried, taking him by both hands. "Well met, indeed. I had intended to ride forth this very day to your home in thewoods, to pay you your moneys with my thanks added thereto; but you havehappily saved me and mine the journey. Welcome to my castle, recoveredto me by your generosity. "

[Illustration: LITTLE JOHN SINGS A SONG AT THE BANQUET

_That evening, whilst Monceux raged and stormed without, they all sat toa great feast. _

[** "D. McK. " (the illustrator?), below and to the left of theillustration, is probably a part of the illustration. The c isunderlined and superscripted. The period after the K is not evident. ]]

Sir Richard presented his wife to Robin, and his son, who had but justreturned from the Holy Land. The knight told him how the last few monthshad been most prosperous with him, instead of going so badly as he hadfeared; and explained that now, from one source and another, he wasas rich as of yore. "So when we have feasted I will take you to mytreasury, and there count you out thy money and its interest faithfully. Yet in ridding myself of this debt I do not free my life of theobligation. "

"You need say no more, Sir Richard, " interposed Robin. "'Tis we who owe_all_ to you. As for your debt, why, it hath been repaid me already bymy lord of Hereford. Is it not so, Stuteley?"

The little esquire protested solemnly that the Bishop had paid it tothem as conscience-money. "Then I will pay it again, " cried the knight, cheerfully, "sooner than be outdone by a Bishop in the matter ofhonesty; and I have a few presents for you, but these I will show youlater. "

Robin thanked him gratefully, and, taking him on one side, told howboy's clothes were covering Mistress Marian and Dame Fennel at thisinstant. Would the knight's wife take charge of them, and find them someapparel as would ease one of them at least from most uneasy feelings?

That evening, whilst Monceux raged and stormed without, they all sat toa great feast. Little John was already so much recovered of his wound asto sing them a song, whilst Robin made sweet accompaniment upon a harp. 

The knight showed Robin presently his treasury, and again implored himto take the four hundred pieces of gold, if he would take no interest. But his guest was firm: "Keep the money, for it is your own. I have butmade the Bishop return to you that which he had first stolen from yourhands. "

Sir Richard again expressed his thanks, and now led them to his armory. Therein Robin saw, placed apart, a hundred strong bows with fine waxensilk strings, and a hundred sheaves of arrows. Every shaft was an elllong, and dressed with peacock's feathers and notched with silver. Beside them were a hundred suits of red and white livery, finely madeand stitched. "These are the poor presents we have made for you, Robin, "said Sir Richard. "Take them from us, with ten thousand times theirweight in gratitude. "

One of the knight's own men came forward to give a sheaf of the arrowsinto Robin's hand, and, behold, it was Arthur-à-Bland!

CHAPTER XXXII

A searching rain continued all that night. They well expected to findthe Sheriff and his army encamped against them on the morrow. 

Strangely enough, the morning showed the countryside quiet and peacefulas of old. Monceux and his fellows, if there, were well hidindeed--nothing might be seen of them. 

From the castle battlements, afar off, mysterious under grey opaquemorning, lay Nottingham. The old town seemed to be yet asleep; but therewas plenty of movement within its gates for all that. A messenger hadcome out hastily to Monceux, even while he and Carfax had beenperfecting details of the siege which they intended to apply to theknight's castle. This man brought the Sheriff news of such moment as tocause him to give up the hope of catching Robin without another effort. My lord of Hereford had had the news from York--he had sped it toMonceux: "The King is abroad; take care of thyself. "

That was the item even as it had come in to Prince John from his cousinPhilip of France: "The King is abroad. "

Richard of England, the Lion Heart, he whom all thought to be safely outof the country--some said in a foreign prison, others that he wasfighting the paynims in the Holy Land. In any case, he had returned, andnow all such as the Sheriff and the Bishop of Hereford must put theirhouses in order, and say, once and for all, that they would be loyal andfaithful and plot no more with fickle princes behind their true King'sback. 

Sir Richard of the Lee, whose son had so lately come home to hisfather's castle, could, an he had liked, have explained much to them. Heknew that the King was in England; for had he not but a few hours since, parted from him with a pardon in his hand and happiness in his heart?

 * * * * *

Friar Tuck, having been forced to run all night in order that he mightbe able to bring the news as to Little John in to Robin, had compensatedhimself for the loss of his repose by lying abed the better part of thenext day. Stirring things were going forward in the old city ofNottingham, as we know; but only at dusk, when all was over and Robinand them all were safely lodged in Sir Richard's stronghold, did theworthy friar open his little wicket gate and remember him of his fastingdogs. 

He fed them and passed the remaining hours of day in putting themthrough their tricks; then, feeling that he had well earned a good meal, the friar took out some sumptuous fare from his larder and arranged itconveniently upon the small wooden bench in his cell. He then lit ataper, as the night was at hand, bolted and barred his door, and drewhis seat close to the promising board. 

He uprolled his eyes, and had commenced a Latin grace, when suddenlycame interruption unpleasant and alarming. One of his dogs began tobark, deeply and resentfully. The others followed him in the same note, changing the calm stillness of the night into discordant, frenziedclamor. "Now, who, in the name of all the saints, cometh here?"exclaimed Tuck, wrathfully, proceeding to bundle his supper back intothe small larder. "May perdition and all the furies grant that he mayevermore know the pangs of an empty stomach!"

His pious wishes were rudely interrupted by a loud knocking upon thedoor of his hermitage. "Open, open!" cried a strident voice. 

"I have no means of helping you, poor traveller, " roared the friar. "Goyour way into Gamewell, 'tis but a few miles hence upon a straightroad. "

"I will not stir another yard, " said the voice, determinedly; "open yourdoor, or I will batter it down with the hilt of my sword. "

The priest then, with anger glowing in his eyes, unbarred the door, andflung it open. Before him stood the figure of a knight, clad in blackarmor and with vizor down. 

The Black Knight strode into the friar's cell without waiting forinvitation. 

"Have you no supper, brother?" asked the knight, curtly. "I must beg abed of you this night, and fain would refresh my body ere I sleep. "

"I have naught but half of mine own supper to offer you, " replied Tuck;"a little dry bread and a pitcher of water. "

"Methinks I can smell better fare than that, brother;" and the BlackKnight offered to look into the larder. 

This was more than Tuck could bear, so he caught up his staff and flunghimself before his guest in a threatening attitude. "Why, then, if you_will_, " cried the knight, and he struck the priest smartly with theflat of his sword. 

The friar put down his staff. "Now, " said he, with meaning, "since youhave struck me we will play this game to a fair finish. Wherefore, ifyou are a true knight, give me your pledge that you will fight me onto-morrow morn with quarter-staff until one of us shall cry 'Enough. '"

"With all my soul, " cried the knight, readily. "And will give moreknocks than ever you have given your dogs. "

"One gives and takes, " retorted Tuck, sententiously; "put up your swordand help me to lay supper, for I am passing hungry. "

They spread the supper table between them, and once again the friar satdown hopefully. He spoke his grace with unction, and was surprised tohear his guest echo the Latin words after him. The knight unlaced hishelm and took it off. He appeared as a bronzed and bearded man, stern-looking and handsome. 

They then attacked the venison pasty right valiantly, and pledged eachother in a cup of wine. The good food and comfort warmed them both, andsoon they were at a gossip, cheerful and astounding. So they passed thetime until the hour grew late; and both fell asleep together, almost intheir places, by the despoiled supper table. 

In the morning they breakfasted on the remains, and then they washedtheir faces in the jumping brook. The knight told the priest that he hadleft his companions at Locksley on the previous evening. He asked somany questions as to Robin Hood and his men that the priest had to fencevery skilfully. 

If the knight had been in a hurry before he seemed now to have changedhis mind. He said that he would wait for his companions, if the priestcould bear with him, and Friar Tuck, having taken a great liking to thisgenial traveller, made no complaint. 

"I must presently journey forth to visit a poor man who lieth on a sickbed, " said the friar, thinking of Robin. 

"Mayhap we may travel together?" suggested the knight. "I am going, sosoon as friends have found me, into Gamewell. "

"I go into Barnesdale, " said Tuck, quickly, "which is in quite anotherdirection. "

At last the knight said he must go on, with or without his fellows, andhe took up his sword. The friar then got out two quarter-staves, fullnine feet long. Without a word he handed one to the knight. 

He took it, and eyed the friar whimsically; then, seeing no sign ofrelenting in him, shrugged his shoulders. He put off his helm again, andboth going out to the little glade by the ruined shrine of St. Dunstan, they prepared for a bout with the staves. 

For all his plumpness Tuck was no mean opponent at the game. He skippedand flourished about and around the knight in a surprising way; and gavehim at last such a crack upon his crown as made the tears start. 

Then the Black Knight struck in mighty wrath, and soon the blows oftheir staves were making the welkin ring. So busy they were as to giveno heed of the approach of a goodly company of men. 

It was Sir Richard of the Lee, with his son and retinue, journeying in aroundabout way in order to throw Monceux off the scent, and so giveRobin a chance to reach his stronghold in Barnesdale. Both knightspaused in amazement to see this furious combat. 

At last the Black Knight brought down his staff with a noise likefelling timber upon the shoulder of the priest. Tuck staggered, anddropped his staff. "Enough, enough, " he cried; then fell in a heap uponthe wet grass. 

The knight flung away his staff and ran to help him. He lifted up thepriest's head and put it on his knee. Glancing up, he espied them allstaring at him. "Run, one of you, and bring me some water. "

Sir Richard of the Lee started when he heard that voice. He turned tohis son, but already the young man had doffed his helm and was fillingit with water from the brook. He brought it quickly to the Black Knight, and, offering it, kneeled before him in deepest respect and affection. 

"I thank you, child, " spoke the Black Knight, graciously. "See, thisgood fellow hath but swooned and already doth revive. Are these yourmen, and this the father who gave his all for you?"

Sir Richard drew nearer and kneeled as his son had done, whilst theservitors looked on in strange fear. "Arise, honest man, " said the BlackKnight, with feeling, "I know your story, and have pardoned your son. What can I give to you to show you how we esteem a man just andfaithful, even in adversity?"

"Sire, " faltered Sir Richard, rising and standing with bared head beforehim. "If I might ask aught of you I would crave amnesty for myself andfor my men. You will hear ere long how we have befriended one RobinHood, an outlaw of these woods. Through his generous help I was able todisencumber my estates, and yesterday, seeing him hard pressed, I openedmy hall to him. "

"I will hear the story, " the Black Knight said, briefly, "and then Iwill judge. " He turned to Tuck, who now was sitting up, and gazing abouthim in bewildered fashion. "Take my hand, brother; let me help you toyour feet. "

"Tell me, " said the friar, leaning on the knight, after he had risen, "was that a bolt from the sky which just now did strike me down?"

"I do fear it was this staff, brother, " answered the other, smiling, "with my poor arm to guide it. 'Twas an ill-requital for yourhospitality, and I ask your forgiveness. "

"So small a thing as man's forgiveness of man, " spoke Tuck, sententiously, "I freely accord to you. " He peeped at Sir Richard, andrecognized him at once as the knight of the woeful visage. He made nosign of this knowledge, however. "Are these your companions, Sir Knight, of whom you did tell me last night?" he asked, indicating the otherswith a wide gesture. 

"Why, yes, and no, brother, " replied the knight, whimsically. "They arenot my companions in a sense, and yet I do purpose to make them suchforthwith. But come, 'tis time for me to be stirring an I would make anend of my quest. I will be frank with you, brother. I seek Robin Hood, and had hoped that he might be attending you to-day in this very place. "

The friar put up his hands with an exclamation of horror. "I am a loverof peace, Sir Knight, and do not consort with such as these. "

"Nay, I think no harm of Master Hood, " the knight hastened to say, "butI much yearn to see and speak with him. "

"If that be all, and you will come with me, " said Tuck, scenting a goodprey for Robin, "I will undertake to show you where these villains saytheir nightly Mass. I could not live long in this wood without knowingsomewhat of Master Hood, be sure; and matters of religion have perforcemy most earnest attention. "

"I will go with you, brother, " said the Black Knight. 

The friar led the three to his cell. "Bid all the men return to yourcastle, " the Black Knight commanded, loudly, "save four of those most tobe trusted. " Under his breath he bade Sir Richard tell his fellows topretend to disperse, and to follow stealthily after their master soon asan hour was gone. 

Friar Tuck had produced some old monkish gowns from under a bench. Hebade the seven of them put them on, the three knights and the fourchosen men. "We will attend the Mass as brothers of my order, which isDominican, as you may see, " explained Tuck, easily. "You, Sir Knight ofthe iron wrist, shall wear this dress, which was an abbot's once. Iwould we had a horse for you; it would be more seemly, and less like torouse suspicion. "

Sir Richard said that there were horses with his men in plenty; and onewas readily obtained for the Black Knight's use. The little cavalcadeset out for Barnesdale, the friar joyfully leading the way. Theservitors affected to return to Sir Richard's castle, but hid themselvesin the bushes instead. 

After going deeper and deeper into the forest they came at last to apart of Watling Street, and there was Robin Hood with a score of hismen. He was watching the road for Monceux, having a notion that theSheriff would try now to take them in the rear. 

Recognizing Tuck at once, Robin walked boldly up to them. "By yourleave, brothers, " cried he, taking hold of the bridle of the knight'shorse and stopping him, "we are poor yeomen of the forest, and have nomeans of support, thanks to the tyranny and injustice of the Normannobles in this land. But you abbots and churchmen have both finechurches and rents, and plenty of gold without. Wherefore, for charity'ssake, give us a little of your spending money. "

"We are poor monks, good Master Hood, " cried Tuck, in a wheedling tone;"I pray you do not stay us. We are journeying with all speed to amonastery in Fountain's Dale, which we hear hath been deserted by itsowners. "

"I can tell you much concerning this very place, " said Robin. "Give mealms, and I will open my lips to purpose. "

The pretended abbot spoke now. "I have been journeying, good MasterHood, with the King, " said he, in full deep voice, "and I have spent thegreater part of my moneys. Fifty golden pieces is all that I have withme. "

"It is the very sum I would ask of thee, Sir Abbot, " said Robin, cheerily. 

He took the gold which the other freely offered, and divided it into twoeven sums. One half he gave to those with him, bidding them take it tothe treasury, the other he returned to the knight. "For thy courtesy, Sir Abbot, keep this gold for thine own spending. 'Tis like that youwill journey with the King again, and need it. "

"I will tell you now, " said the pretended abbot, "for I see that you aretruly Robin Hood, although so small a man, that Richard of the LionHeart is returned to England, and hath bid me seek you out. He hathheard much of you, and bids you, through me, to come into Nottingham andthere partake of his hospitality. "

Robin laughed heartily. "That is where we may not venture, Sir Abbot, since we value our skins. But where is your authority?"

The knight produced the King's seal from under his abbot's gown. Robinlooked at it, and fell at once upon his knees. "I love a true man, "cried he, "and by all hearing my King is such an one. Now that he iscome to take sovereignty over us we may hope for justice, even inNottingham town. I thank you for your tidings, Sir Abbot; and for thelove I have of valor and all true kingly virtues, I bid you and yourfellows to sup freely with us under my trystal tree. " He then offered tolead them into Barnesdale; and the pretended monks, after a shortdiscussion, agreed to accept his offer. 

They soon were come before the caves of Barnesdale, and were presentedto those of the band already there. Presently Robin blew two blasts uponhis horn, and the rest of the greenwood men made their appearance. Allwere dressed in their new livery, and carried new bows in their lefthands. Each one knelt for a moment before Robin, as leader of them, eretaking his place. 

A handsome, dark-haired page stood at Robin's right hand, to hold hiscup for him and pour him wine. The signal was given, Robin graciouslyplaced the abbot in the place of honor; and under the cool freshevening, bright still with the aftermath of the day, the banquet wasbegun. 

The Black Knight was struck with astonishment. "By all the saints, "thought he, "this is a wondrous sight. There is more obedience shown tothis outlaw man than my fellows have shown to me. "

CHAPTER XXXIII

After supper Robin signalled to his men to bend their bows. The knightwas startled, for he thought they intended to choose him for theirtarget. 

He was quickly undeceived, however, for two arrows were set up as buttsfor these archers. The knight marvelled indeed to see so small a markgiven in this waning light. A garland of leaves was balanced on the topof each arrow, and Robin laid down the rules. Whoever failed to speedhis shaft through this garland--and it was to be done without knockingit off the arrow--was to yield up his own shaft to Robin, and receivealso buffet from the hand of Friar Tuck. 

"Master, " said Stuteley, "that may not be, for the good friar is not yetcome to confess us this day. " He winked his eyes at Robin, well knowingthat the friar sat near to the other monks. 

"Doubtless he will be here ere the game be ended, " replied Robin, smiling. "I prithee commence soon as I clap my hands. "

Little John, limping, Stuteley and old Warrenton each flew their arrowstruly through the garlands, as did many of the rest. Poor Midge andArthur-à-Bland were not so fortunate, for though both came near to doingit, the garlands unkindly fell off an instant after their shafts hadflown through them. 

"Where is the friar?" cried Robin, affecting to peer into the distance, already blue-grey with twilight. "Surely he is late to-night. "

Then Tuck could bear it no longer, but stood up in his place. "Come nearto me, thou villainous archers, " he roared, "and I will buffet you rightwell. "

"Ah, brother, what are you saying?" cried the knight, anxiously. "Surelyyou forget our vows and our cloth. "

"I forget neither the one nor the other, " returned Tuck. "But I would beno true man did I submit to watch quietly such bungling as these fellowshave done. Come hither, Midge. "

"You know them--you are of this company?" continued the knight, as if inalarm. 

"I am very proud to be of it, brother, " said the friar. 

"I crave a boon, " the knight then said, turning to Robin. "This is alittle man who will receive the buffets; and though I seem a priest, yetam I willing to take the blow instead. "

"If you would care to have a buffet from me, " the friar cried, "you aremost welcome. For though my arm is sore still from our play of thismorn, I warrant me there is still some strength left in it;" and herolled up his sleeve. 

"Take, then, the first blow, " said the knight, "and I promise you I willreturn it you with interest. "

A smile lit up the face of the jolly friar. He turned up the sleeve ofhis cassock still further, and smote the false abbot such a blow aswould have felled an ox. 

"Thou hittest well, brother, " the knight remarked, coolly. 

The friar was amazed to see him withstand such a blow, and so was Robin. "Now, 'tis my turn, " the knight said; and, baring his arm, he dealt Tucksuch a blow as to send him flat upon his back. 

There was a general laugh at this; but the exertion had caused theabbot's cowl to slip away from his head. The strong face and light beardof the Black Knight showed plainly to them all. "Alas, your majesty, "cried Sir Richard of the Lee, springing up; "you have betrayedyourself. "

"It is the King!" cried Scarlett, in sheer surprise; and reverently heknelt before the Black Knight. Robin glanced questioningly towards thegreenwood men; then knelt himself beside Scarlett. At once the wholecompany fell upon their knees also. 

"My lord King, " said Robin, in hushed voice, "I crave mercy for my menand for myself. We have not chosen this life from any wickedness, butrather have come to it perforce. "

The King towered amongst them. "Swear, " cried he, in clear, loud voice. "Swear that you will forsake your wild ways, Robin Fitzooth, and willcome with your men into my Court, and be good and faithful subjects fromthis night, and I will give you all the pardon that you crave. "

"We will come into your Court and into your service, sire, " answeredRobin, gratefully, "nor ask anything better in this world than that. "

The King bade them rise and continue their sports. "Night is come and Imust ask a lodging of you--even as your chaplain gave me of hishospitality yester e'en, " he said, comfortably. "And tell me, Robin, where is your Marian? What laggard in love are you to be here withouther?"

"Nay, sire, " said the little page, coming forward, "Robin is no laggard, nor am I far to seek. He is a very valiant, honorable man, and shouldindeed be a knight of this realm, if all men had their deserts. "

Richard smiled then, and bent his haughty head to kiss the little handshe had extended to him. "Thou speakest truth, lady, " he answered. "AndI had not forgotten how the fair lands of Broadweald once were in HughFitzooth's honest keeping. It may be that they will return to his sonone day, for folks tell me that Guy of Gisborne is no more. "

He turned to Scarlett. "And you are Master Geoffrey of Montfichet, " saidhe, fixing his keen eyes on the other's face, "son of my father'sfriend, George Montfichet of Gamewell? And prithee, Master Geoffrey, what have you done with my little cousin, Aimée of Aragon?"

Scarlett confusedly explained that she was safe in his father's hall atGamewell. "It seemeth, then, that you also have stolen from our Sheriffat Nottingham, Master Scarlett?" Richard observed, quizzing him. "Surelyall men's hands are against Monceux!"

"Even as all men's hands are against venomous reptiles and the like, "observed the friar, nodding his head. He had recovered from the buffetwhich Richard's hand had dealt, and had seated himself conveniently towatch the scene. He was truly the one least put about by it. 

The King eyed him, and smiled to note his quiet self-possession. "Whatcan I find for you, brother?" he asked, indulgently. "Some fat living, where there are no wicked to chastise, and where the work is easy andwell endowed?"

"I only wish for peace in this life, " replied the friar. "Mine is asimple nature, and I care not for the gewgaws and shams of Court. Giveme a good meal and a cup of the right brew, health, and enough for theday, and I ask no more either of my God or of my King. "

Richard sighed. "You ask the greatest thing in the world, brother--contentment. It is not mine to give or to deny. Yet if I canhelp you to find that wondrous jewel, I will do it right heartily. " Heglanced curiously from one to the other of the greenwood men. "Which ofyou is called Allan-a-Dale?" he asked; and when Allan had come forward, "So, " said Richard, half sternly, "you are the man who stole a bridefrom her man at my church doors of Plympton. What have you to say inexcuse of this wickedness?"

"Only that I loved her, sire, and that she loved me, " said Allan. "YourNorman baron would have forced her to wed with him, desiring her lands. "

"Which since hath been forfeited by my lord of Hereford, " said Richard, quickly. "I know your story, Allan. Take back your lands and hers fromme this night, and live in peace and loyalty upon them with your dame. Fennel, she is called, is't not so? 'Tis a pretty name. "

"I thank you humbly, sire, " said Allan-a-Dale, joyfully. "And Fennelshall thank you for herself. She will do it far better than I, be sureof it. "

"Where is your dame?" said the King, looking about and half expecting tofind her clad like Marian in boy's attire. 

"She also is at Gamewell, " said Sir Richard, hastily. "We left her therethis morning when on our way to Copmanhurst. The Princess will take herinto her train, and protect both Mistress Fennel and her lord. "

"Our Princess will need a protector for her own self, I am thinking, "said the King, thoughtfully. "Come hither, Scarlett, and kneel beforeme!"

Geoffrey wonderingly did so. "Arise, Geoffrey Earl of Nottingham, " criedRichard, striking his shoulder with the flat of his sword; "take backyour freedom from my hands, and be no more ashamed to attend our Courtdisguised and in false pretence. From this moment you have theoverlordship of this forest for your father's sake and mine, and you areworthy to ask the hand of any woman in this realm. "

It was impossible not to perceive the King's gracious meaning, althoughGeoffrey could scarce believe in his good fortune. He thanked his Kingin a voice full of gratitude and affection. "You did say that thePrincess of Aragon might need a protector, sire, " he added, trembling athis own audacity. "Will you grant me permission to be her champion anddefy the world?"

"'Tis what I had promised for you, my lord of Nottingham, " said Richard, quietly, "and best reason for your knight-hood! Watch well over her, andguard her from herself--if need be. "

For Much the Miller, for Middle the Tinker, for Little John, Stuteleyand old Warrenton the King had kindly words. He knew them all, itseemed; and they marvelled more and more amongst themselves to hear howhe was aware of all their histories. There was no adventurer, no man ofthem whom he did not know by name and fame, at least; and this Kingproved so gracious and royal a man that all of them loved him forthwithand dubbed him in their hearts a right worthy monarch. 

They built a great fire, having now no more fear of Monceux or Hereford, or any one of them. The Sheriff would hold his office from WillScarlett's hands from now!

The archers from Nottingham who had been held as prisoners were at oncereleased, and the King signalled for Sir Richard's followers to appear. This they did with a rush, and Robin saw then how the King had held themall truly in his hand, for these fellows, and even Sir Richard of theLee, their master, would have had to obey him had he ordered them toengage the greenwood men in sudden combat. 

As it was, all were merry and boon companions. Laughter and song floatedupward as the jumping flames of the camp fire they had built. The friarsang them the song which Robin had heard so often, and Robin himselfplayed upon the harp. Night came and they slept--King of England and hissubjects together, in all joy and happiness. The fire burned low, anddeep Sherwood watched over them--forest mother of them all. 

 * * * * *

Next morning the King asked if they had any spare liveries of thescarlet and white. "For, " said he, "'tis only fair that I should leadyou into the city of Nottingham clad as you are yourselves, since nowyou are my bodyguard. "

So Nottingham awoke to find a great company of men approaching it. Foremost came a number of archers dressed all in bright liveries andcarrying their bows unslung in token of peace. Behind them marched amotley host--the servitors of Sir Richard and of old George of Gamewell, and last of all the Sheriff's own archers. 

Monceux came out to meet them with Master Simeon, whilst my lord ofHereford watched furtively from the city walls. The chief of theapproaching host rode forward, and his stern, dark face was plain tosee. 

"'Tis the King!" cried Carfax, who knew Richard well. "Now may ourtongues be politic and say the right words. "

"Go to meet him, Simeon, " whispered the Sheriff, all in a flutter offear and hope. "'Tis like that he hath encountered Sir Richard of theLee, and so will know his story of things. Be prudent, be humble. "

But Richard waved Carfax haughtily aside. "I will speak with yourmaster, fellow, " he said, harshly. Carfax shrank cringingly to one side, and Monceux dismounted from his milk-white horse to meet his King. 

"Greetings and welcome, sire, from this your faithful city, " beganMonceux, very hurriedly. "The joyful tidings of your return were broughtto me two days agone, and at once I did prepare for your coming. "

"With a-hanging to wit, and murderous attack upon the castle of thisfaithful knight, " said Richard. "A welcome not much to our mind, Sheriff. "

"Sire, when the hanging was going forward I did not then know you wereso near, " explained Monceux, making matters worse. "And, for the matterof that, 'twas for foul murder that I would have hanged the villain, whodid escape through your knight's evil practices. Thereby I do accuse SirRichard of offending against the laws. "

"Enough, Master Monceux, " interrupted the King, contemptuously. "Themurder was not done by the man whose life you did seek so earnestly toend. The killing of Fitzwalter, my warden of these gates, was due to thefoul hands of your own cook, Roger de Burgh. As you have stomach for ahanging, see to it that this fellow be brought to book. Know you thiswriting?"

And Richard showed him the parchment which Will Scarlett had found inthe hearth of the hall at Nottingham Castle. 

Monceux turned green and white, and gasped for air. "I had no hand inthis dreadful business, sire, I swear it, " he gurgled. "We did conspirebetween us to entice the maid Fitzwalter into Nottingham, I confess, hoping that Robin Hood, the outlaw, would come to visit her, and wemight so trap him. He hath been the author of this mischief, I promiseyou, and is a villainous wretch. If Roger killed Master Fitzwalter, 'twas done in the belief that he was engaged with Hood. "

"As I thought, " muttered the new Earl of Nottingham, under his breath. 

"Therefore, " said Richard, slowly, "you, Monceux, knew all along thatLittle John was not guilty, and yet did seek to hang him. "

"Sire, he stole my plate also, and had been excommunicated by my lord ofHereford. "

"Take Roger and hang him speedily, " cried the King, to end it. "Andbring me to the Bishop. Stay!" he called to the quickly retreatingSheriff; "ere you go, Monceux, learn that from henceforward you mustlook for patronage from this my lord of Nottingham, " he added, with agesture. "He will be your master, and you will hold the feof ofNottingham Castle at his hands. "

"Will Scarlett--Master Geoffrey of Montfichet--you?" gasped Monceux. 

"Even I, Master Sheriff, " replied the man of many names. 

"Know also, Monceux, " added Richard, indicating Robin and his men, "these are my archers and especial guards. From now the ban ofexcommunication must be removed. "

The Bishop had come down from the walls and had drawn nigh. "Fetch mebook and candle, Carfax, " said he, "and I will remove the ban. "

"You will be wise to do so, my lord, " the King said, significantly. TheBishop deemed it prudent to give no particular heed to his sire's tone. At once he proceeded to take off the ban of excommunication he had sohastily pronounced upon Robin Hood and the rest of his merry men. 

"Now, Robin, take payment for your entertainment of me in the woods, "the King said, in a voice that would brook no denial. Robin drew nearand kneeled before him, doubtfully. "Rise, Robin of Huntingdon, firstEarl of the shire!" cried Richard, tapping him with the point of hisblade. "Take rank amongst my knights, and learn that thy Kingrecognizeth above the other neither Saxon nor Norman of hissubjects--all to me are English; and I love the man who is brave and whodealeth fairly as he may with his fellow men. You have kept the spiritof liberty alive in this my land, and I hold no anger against youbecause you have been impatient under wrong. "

His proud voice was silent; while Robin Earl of Huntingdon seized hisKing's hand to his lips and kissed it in a wonderment of gratitude. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

It was the wedding-day of four happy people. The day was bright, the skyblue, and Sherwood had taken upon itself early summer raiment. 

The old church of Nottingham was already crowded to excess. 

The newly banded guard of Royal bowmen, gay in their scarlet and whitelivery, were formed up in two straight lines from the church door to thelych gate. 

So soon as the weddings were over all would go back to a great feast, given at Gamewell Hall, in honor of the day. Then afterward the twocouples would go with the king into London, to be followed within sevendays by the rest of the Royal guard. Richard meant to employ thesefellows shrewdly and test their loyalty. Not for reasons of sentimentonly had he forgiven Robin and his men. 

The hour was reached, and at once a small company was seen issuing forthfrom Nottingham Castle. Against his will Master Monceux had given use ofthe castle to the two bridegrooms--the newly made Earls of Nottinghamand Huntingdon. 

With Robin and Geoffrey were, firstly, old George of Gamewell, proudabove all others in knowing that he had now a son who would ensure honorto the race of Montfichet all their days. The Squire was happy andradiant. He walked between them, and turned his head ever and again inlaughing speech with Sir Richard of the Lee and his heir. Stuteley andLittle John were next, the long and short of it; and after them thejovial Friar of Copmanhurst. Arthur-à-Bland, with a gold chain about hisneck, given him by the knight Sir Richard, walked with Middle the Tinkeron his left and Much the Miller on his right. Close behind trotted thesmall complaisant Midge, dressed up very fine in a livery of purpledoublet and green hose. 

They came to the lych gate, and the crowd jostled itself in itsadmiration. As they walked, rather consciously, up the narrow pathbetween the smiling ranks of their fellows the crowd cheered themradiantly. 

"A Hood! A Montfichet!" was called and called again. Some maids from theopposite windows threw them kisses and waved pretty kerchiefs in theirhonor. 

Within the church, waiting for them soberly at the chancel steps, was mylord of Hereford, dressed out in his finest and richest robes, andbeside him Friar Tuck. For Robin Hood and Will Scarlett the Bishop hadenmity and contempt, but towards the Earls of Huntingdon and Nottinghamthis time-serving man could only profess an abundance of respect. 

The brides were to be escorted from Gamewell by no other person than theKing himself. He was to give them both in marriage, and had promisedthem jewels and to spare when they were come to Court. 

Loud cheering and noise from the mob without the church told of theirapproach. The people were wild with joy at having their King amongstthem like this. 

Citizens, burgesses, apprentices were all in their best, their wives andtheir sweethearts all dressed out in splendid attire. As the King jumpeddown from his horse before the lych gate, and held out his strong handto help the brides from off their milk-white mares, the whole placebecame alive with excitement and rapture. 

Little maids, with baskets of violets and primroses, flung theirofferings prettily under the feet of the two beauteous blushing brides, who leaned so timidly upon the King's proud arms. 

At last the service was begun and both couples were well nigh wed. TheBishop had spoken the Latin service impressively and with unction. 

In the first row stood Monceux, in all the pomp of his shrievalty, withhis councilmen and aldermen. Master Simeon, with face leaner than everand inturning eyes, glared impotently at the chief actors in thishistoric scene. 

Alone missing from it was the cold, colorless beauty of the demoiselleMarie. She had taken herself to her room this morn, and had sworn neverto leave it again. But now that the double marriage was nearly made shesuddenly appeared, thrusting her way rudely through the gathered crowdat the church door. She was wild-eyed, dishevelled, her dress fastenedall awry. Folks looked once at her, and then exchanged glances betweenthemselves. 

"Stay this mockery of marriage, my lord, " she cried, fiercely facing theBishop. She had elbowed a path for herself to the chancel steps. "I doforbid the marrying of these two. " She pointed a trembling finger fromRobin to Marian. "This woman is blood-guilty, and Holy Church may notcountenance her. " She shrilled, desperately, "'Twas she who foullykilled Master Fitzwalter, her own father, and I have proof of it!"

"'Tis false!" roared Robin, then beside himself. "You viper--youmean-souled spy! Is no crime too great for you?"

"There is no need for defence, " spoke the King; "the charge is too wildand foolish an one. Seize this woman, some of you, and take her without. I will deal with her later. " He imperiously signed to his guards, and atonce the demoiselle was gripped harshly by both arms. 

"Be gentle with her, " pleaded Marian; "she is distraught, and hath notcommand upon herself. I beg of you, sire, to forgive this; I have noquarrel with Mistress Monceux. "

The demoiselle had suddenly become quiet under the fierce hands of Muchand Little John. She allowed them to thrust her ignominiously forth. Atthe door of the church she turned once as though to renew herpreposterous charges, but contented herself merely with a single glancetowards them of malignant hate. Then she was gone; and people stirredthemselves uneasily, as folks do when having been within touch of theplague. 

The Sheriff had stared with protruding eyes of horror and dismay uponhis daughter. When he saw that she was gone, that the dreadful episodewas done, he gasped hurriedly and sat down. His mind became confused, his vision obscured as by a cloud. The service was finished. Robin andMarian, Geoffrey and Aimée (no longer of Aragon) were joined togetherfor the rest of their lives. The Bishop pronounced a blessing; andforgetting himself utterly in the emotion of the moment, spoke ferventlyand with purpose. 

The King kissed the brides, and after him their husbands kissed themalso. Then all signed their names in the church books, and thetrumpeters and heralds made music for them. 

They returned through the streets of Nottingham, gay now with flags andmerry with a joyful populace. Loud cheerings rent the air, and peopleshowered flowers and blessings upon them. Before the happy couples ransix of the greenwood men, loyal subjects now, flinging largesse upon thepeople right and left from out of well-filled bags. All the treasurethat they had accumulated in their caves at Barnesdale the King's bowmenfreely distributed this day. All were happy--the nightmare of unjustdealings, of Norman oppression, of laws for the poor and none for therich, was ended. The King had said it, and the King had already madegood the promise in his words. 

Afterward, at Gamewell, Richard conferred upon Montfichet full rank asBaron of the Realm, with power to speak and vote in the Upper Court ofAppeal, the highest rank in the land, next to the King himself. SirRichard of the Lee and his son became members of the Star Chamber, withgrants of land in perpetuity. 

Turning to Marian, the King wished her every joy that she could wishherself, and gave to her the lands of Broadweald in Lancashire to holdin her own right for ever. "Thus you shall have wealth to share withyour Robin; and I counsel you both to make good use of your days. Mysubjects who are loyal to me shall have no cause to regret it. I willgive you, Aimée, the Castle of Acquitaine, which I held under myfather's grant until his death. You know how fair a spot it is, and howsweet the sky of France! Help her to administer her riches, Geoffrey, wisely and well; and be you all ready when I shall call upon you. NowGod save you all. Amen. "

EPILOGUE

In all sincerity there should be no more of this tale, seeing that wehave found ourselves at last come from beginning to end of Robin'squarrelings with the Sheriff. Most histories end, and end properly, withjust such a marriage as we have seen. 

Yet, to tell the truth, however strange and distressful, is the businessof a good historian; and so it must be written that in the end of it saddays came again for Robin Hood. For five years he lived in peace andprosperity, a faithful, loyal subject, having two sons born to him inhis home in Broadweald. Then came the plague, raging and furious, andclaimed amongst many victims Marian Countess of Huntingdon. 

For a time Robin was as one distraught. He had no joy left to him. Hewas as one without energy or hope; a miser robbed of his gold, suddenlyand cruelly. He gave his two boys into the charge of Geoffrey ofNottingham, and went on a journey to London, there to beg of the Kingthat he might find him active employment, instead of being but one of aguard of honor, as he and his men had so truly become. 

Richard had already gone to France, and John was acting as Regent ofEngland in his absence. "Go, shoot some more of my brother's deer, "sneered the Prince, having heard Robin impatiently. "Doubtless if you dobut slay enough of them he will make you Privy Councillor at the leastwhen he returns. "

This great insult fired Robin's blood; he had been in a strangedistemper ever since the fatal day of his beloved's death. He answeredthe disdainful Prince scornfully; and John, growing white with anger, bade his guards to seize upon him. 

Faithful Stuteley helped his master to win freedom from the prison intowhich he had been flung; and, with the majority of his men, Robinreturned to the greenwood life. The King's guard was broken up, for theKing had no need of it, nor never would again. 

Legends are told of Robin's scorned defiance of the laws, but they areintangible and unauthentic. It is a sure thing, howbeit, that he did notrevert to Sherwood and Barnesdale as some aver, but rather took up hisquarters near Haddon Hall, in Derbyshire. There is a curious pile ofstones and rocks shown to this day as the ruins of Robin's Castle, wherethe bold outlaw is believed to have lived and defied his enemies for ayear at least. Two stones stand higher than the others. These aresupposed to be the seats in the hall of this vanished stronghold whereonRobin and Little John sat delivering judgment on matters of forest law. 

Another chronicle gives these stones as being the scene of a wondrousleap done by Robin, to show his men that strength and will were his yet. "Robin Hood's stride, " folks say. 

One thing is sure--that Prince John did not easily forgive or forgethim. After many attempts made upon them at Haddon--some desperate enoughin all conscience, Robin and his men were allowed to be at peace. In oneof these encounters Robin was sorely wounded; and none but Little Johnknew of it. 

The wound was in Robin's breast, and looked but a small place. It bledlittle, yet would not heal; and slowly became inflamed in wider circles. Inwardly it burned him as with a consuming fire, his strength was sappedout from him and his eyes began to lose their shrewdness. No longercould he split an arrow at forty paces, as in olden days. 

At last he took Little John on one side. "Dear heart, " said he, "I donot feel able to shoot another arrow, and soon the rest will know I amstricken sore. I have it in me to return to London and there give myselfto the Prince. Mayhap if I did this he would give you all amnesty here. "

"Sooner would I see you dead than you should do such a thing, " criedLittle John; "I swear it by my soul and by my body! Now listen, dearmaster, and I will tell you that I have heard of a wondrous cure forthee. An old beggar came this morn through the woods, and, strangely, when he spied me, asked if there was not one amongst us ill andhopeless. "

"This beggar--where is he?"

"He waits below, " said Little John, hurriedly. "I bethought me to talkwith Stuteley on the matter. The beggar told me that the Abbess ofKirklees had stayed him as he was travelling past her Priory: 'Go toHaddon, brother, and there you will find Robin Hood sick unto death. Saythat in the woods near by there is one who is practising magic upon him, having made a little image of Robin Hood. At each change of the moonthis rascal doth stick a needle into the waxen heart of this image, andso doth Robin slowly die. Tell him that the name of the man is SimeonCarfax. '"

"Ay, by my soul, but I thought as much. What villainy! What foulvillainy! Get me a horse, John, and one each for thyself and Stuteley. "

The beggar had gone when they went to the hall. None had offered to stayhim. "Let us go quietly, swiftly, " said Robin, "for I feel that my hoursare short. "

They rode all through the day and night, and came upon the Priory inearly dawn--a quaint, strange building, surrounded by heavy trees. 

The journey and fierce excitement told upon Robin. His wound was beatingred-hot irons into his heart; hardly could they get him from his horseto the gate of Kirklees. 

Stuteley rang the bell loudly, and anon the door was opened by a womanshrouded in black. She spoke in a cold low voice. "Is this Robin Earl ofHuntingdon?" asked she. "I pray God that it may be true, for at thismoment the wizard is meditating his very death. "

"Tell us where this miscreant doth make his sorcery, good mother, " criedStuteley and Little John together, "and not all the magic in the worldshall save him from our swords!"

"Go out yonder to the left, where ye will find a little stream; near byit is a tree blasted by Heaven's fires. Under the tree is the manCarfax[A]--I have watched and known him for many days. Go quickly, and Iwill tend your master. See, already he swoons--the hour is very nigh!"

[Footnote A: Carfax was then actually in France, acting againstRichard. ]

The two men gave Robin into her keeping, with a fury of impatience;then, with brandished swords, ran swiftly in search of the wizard. Robinhad swooned, and lay a dead weight in the arms of the Prioress. 

With amazing strength and tenderness she lifted his slight body and boreit to a little room, near to the entrance of the Priory. She laid theunconscious man upon a couch, then hastily bared his right arm. 

She paused an instant to throw back her hood; then taking the scissorsof her chatelaine, suddenly and resolutely gashed the great artery inhis arm. He gave a cry of pain and started up. "Be still, be still, " shemuttered, soothing him. "The pain is naught, it will cure thee--lie backand sleep--sleep. "

"Who are you?" he asked, feebly, and with swimming eyes. Then blacknesscame upon him again, and he fell back upon the couch. Out of the nightof pain the cold face of the demoiselle Marie smiled mockingly at him!

She raised herself and softly withdrew. As she locked the door upon himshe smiled thinly, wickedly. "So, Robin--at last, Robin, " she murmured, "I am avenged. "

Two hours later Little John returned. Behind him was Stuteley, anxiousand ashamed. They had found a man in the woods, and had killed himinstantly, in their blind rage, only to discover then that he was but ayeoman, and not him whom they sought. 

"I did hear my master's horn, mother, " cried Little John, when thePrioress had opened the wicket to them. "Three blasts it gave. "

[Illustration: THE PASSING OF ROBIN HOOD

_Leaning heavily against Little John's sobbing breast, Robin Hood flewhis last arrow out through the window, far away into the deep green oftrees. _]

"'Twas the wind in the trees, " said she, serenely. "He sleeps. " Sheprepared to close the wicket quietly. "Disturb him not. "

But Little John was alarmed and began to fear a trap. With his sword hehewed and hacked at the stout oak door, whilst Stuteley sought to priseit open. 

When it yielded they rushed in upon a sorry scene. Robin lay by thewindow in a pool of blood, his face very white. 

"A boon, a boon!" cried Little John, with the tears streaming from hiseyes. "Let me slay this wretch and burn her body in the ruins of thisplace. "

His master answered him with a voice from the grave: "'Twas always mypart never to hurt a woman, John. I will not let you do so now. Look tomy wishes, both of you. Marian's grave--it is to be kept well andhonorably. And my two sons--but Geoffrey will care for them. For me, dear hearts, bury me near by, in some quiet grave. I could not bearanother journey. "

They sought to lift him up. "Give me my bow, " said Robin, suddenly, "anda good true shaft. " He took them from Stuteley's shaking hands, and, leaning heavily against Little John's sobbing breast, Robin Hood flewhis last arrow out through the window, far away into the deep green ofthe trees. 

A swift remembrance lit up the dying man's face. "Ah, well, " he cried, "Will o' th' Green--you knew! Marian, my heart ... And that day whenfirst we met, beside the fallen deer! And she is gone, and my last arrowis flown.... It is the end, Will----" He fell back into Little John'sarms. "Bury me, gossips, " he murmured, faintly, "where my arrow hathfallen. There lay a green sod under my head and another beneath my feet, and let my bow be at my side. "

His voice became presently silent, as though something had snappedwithin him. His head dropped gently upon Little John's shoulder. 

"He sleeps, " whispered Stuteley, again and again, trying to make himselfbelieve it was so. "He is asleep, Little John--let us lay him quietlyupon his bed. "

So died Robin Fitzooth, first Earl of Huntingdon, under treacheroushands. Near by Kirklees Abbey they laid to his last rest this bravest ofall brave men--the most fearless champion of freedom that the land hadever known. 

Robin Hood is dead, and no man can say truly where his grave may be. Atthe least it but holds his bones. His name lives in our ballads, ourhistory, our hearts--so long as the English tongue is known.