ThinkestthouthatthelawsoftheKingofEnglandaretobesoevadedbyonepoorknavewithoutfriendsormoney？"
　　ThentheBishopspokeagain，inhissoft，smoothvoice：
　　"Forgivemyboldness，YourMajesty，andbelievethatIhavenoughtbutthegoodofEnglandandYourMajesty'sdesiringsatheart；
　　butwhatwoulditbootthoughmygraciouslorddidrootupeverytreeofSherwood？AretherenototherplacesforRobinHood'shiding？
　　CannockChaseisnotfarfromSherwood，andthegreatForestofArdenisnotfarfromCannockChase。BesidethesearemanyotherwoodlandsinNottinghamandDerby，LincolnandYork，amidanyofwhichYourMajestymightaswellthinktoseizeuponRobinHoodastolayfingeruponaratamongthedustandbrokenthingsofagarret。
　　Nay，mygraciouslord，ifhedothonceplantfootinthewoodland，heislosttothelawforever。"
　　AtthesewordstheKingtappedhisfingertipsuponthetablebesidehimwithvexation。"Whatwouldstthouhavemedo，Bishop？"quothhe。
　　"DidstthounothearmepledgemywordtotheQueen？Thytalkisasbarrenasthewindfromthebellowsupondeadcoals。"
　　"Farbeitfromme，"saidthecunningBishop，"topointthewaytoonesoclear-sightedasYourMajesty；but，wereItheKingofEngland，Ishouldlookuponthematterinthiswise：
　　IhavepromisedmyQueen，letussay，thatforfortydaysthecunningestrogueinallEnglandshallhavefreedomtocomeandgo；but，lo！Ifindthisoutlawinmygrasp；
　　shallI，then，foolishlyclingtoapromisesohastilygiven？
　　SupposethatIhadpromisedtodoHerMajesty'sbidding，whereuponshebademetoslaymyself；shouldI，then，shutmineeyesandrunblindlyuponmysword？ThuswouldIarguewithinmyself。Moreover，Iwouldsayuntomyself，awomanknowethnoughtofthegreatthingsappertainingtostategovernment；
　　and，likewise，Iknowawomaniseverpronetotakeupafancy，evenasshewouldpluckadaisyfromtheroadside，andthenthrowitawaywhenthesavorisgone；therefore，thoughshehathtakenafancytothisoutlaw，itwillsoonwaneawayandbeforgotten。
　　Asforme，IhavethegreatestvillaininallEnglandinmygrasp；
　　shallI，then，openmyhandandlethimslipbetwixtmyfingers？
　　Thus，YourMajesty，wouldIsaytomyself，wereItheKingofEngland。"SotheBishoptalked，andtheKinglenthiseartohisevilcounsel，until，afterawhile，heturnedtoSirRobertLeeandbadehimsendsixoftheyeomenoftheguardtotakeRobinHoodandhisthreemenprisoners。
　　NowSirRobertLeewasagentleandnobleknight，andhefeltgrievedtothehearttoseetheKingsobreakhispromise；nevertheless，hesaidnothing，forhesawhowbitterlytheKingwassetagainstRobinHood；buthedidnotsendtheyeomenoftheguardatonce，butwentfirsttotheQueen，andtoldherallthathadpassed，andbadehersendwordtoRobinofhisdanger。
　　Thishedidnotforthewell-beingofRobinHood，butbecausehewouldsavehislord'shonorifhecould。Thusitcameaboutthatwhen，afterawhile，theyeomenoftheguardwenttothearcheryfield，theyfoundnotRobinandtheothers，andsogotnocakesatthatfair。
　　Theafternoonwasalreadywell-nighgonewhenRobinHood，LittleJohn，Will，andAllansetforthupontheirhomewardway，trudgingalongmerrilythroughtheyellowslantinglight，whichspeedilychangedtorosyredasthesunsanklowintheheavens。Theshadowsgrewlong，andfinallymergedintothegraynessofthemellowtwilight。
　　Thedustyhighwaylayallwhitebetwixtthedarkhedgerows，andalongitwalkedfourfellowslikefourshadows，thepatoftheirfeetsoundingloud，andtheirvoices，astheytalked，ringingclearuponthesilenceoftheair。
　　ThegreatroundmoonwasfloatingbreathlesslyupintheeasternskywhentheysawbeforethemthetwinklinglightsofBarnetTown，sometenortwelvemilesfromLondon。Downtheywalkedthroughthestonystreetsandpastthecosyhouseswithoverhanginggables，beforethedoorsofwhichsattheburghersandcraftsmeninthemellowmoonlight，withtheirfamiliesaboutthem，andsocameatlast，ontheothersideofthehamlet，toalittleinn，allshadedwithrosesandwoodbines。
　　BeforethisinnRobinHoodstopped，forthespotpleasedhimwell。
　　Quothhe，"Herewillwetakeupourinnandrestforthenight，forwearewellawayfromLondonTownandourKing'swrath。
　　Moreover，ifImistakenot，wewillfindsweetfaringwithin。
　　Whatsayye，lads？"
　　"Insooth，goodmaster，"quothLittleJohn，"thybiddingandmydoingeverfittogetherlikecakesandale。
　　Letusin，Isayalso。"
　　ThenupspakeWillScarlet："Iameverreadytodowhatthousayest，uncle，yetIcouldwishthatwewerefartheruponourwayerewerestforthenight。
　　Nevertheless，ifthouthinkestbest，letusinforthenight，sayIalso。"
　　Sointheywentandcalledforthebestthattheplaceafforded。
　　Thenarightgoodfeastwassetbeforethem，withtwostoutbottlesofoldsacktowashitdownwithal。Thesethingswereservedbyasplumpandbuxomalassasyoucouldfindinalltheland，sothatLittleJohn，whoalwayshadaneyeforafairlass，evenwhenmeatanddrinkwereby，stuckhisarmsakimboandfixedhiseyesuponher，winkingsweetlywheneverhesawherlookingtowardhim。
　　Thenyoushouldhaveseenhowthelasstwitteredwithlaughter，andhowshelookedatLittleJohnoutofthecornersofhereyes，adimplecomingineithercheek；forthefellowhadalwaysatakingwaywiththewomenfolk。
　　Sothefeastpassedmerrily，andneverhadthatinnseensuchlustyfeedersasthesefourstoutfellows；butatlasttheyweredonetheireating，thoughitseemedasthoughtheyneverwouldhaveended，andsatloiteringoverthesack。
　　Astheysosat，thelandlordcameinofasudden，andsaidthattherewasoneatthedoor，acertainyoungesquire，RichardPartington，oftheQueen'shousehold，whowishedtoseetheladinblue，andspeakwithhim，withoutlossoftime。
　　SoRobinarosequickly，and，biddingthelandlordnottofollowhim，lefttheothersgazingatoneanother，andwonderingwhatwasabouttohappen。
　　WhenRobincameoutoftheinn，hefoundyoungRichardPartingtonsittinguponhishorseinthewhitemoonlight，awaitinghiscoming。
　　"Whatnewsbearestthou，SirPage？"saidRobin。"Itrustthatitisnotofanillnature。"
　　"Why，"saidyoungPartington，"forthematterofthat，itisillenow。
　　TheKinghathbeenbitterlystirredupagainsttheebythatvileBishopofHereford。HesenttoarresttheeatthearcherybuttsatFinsburyFields，butnotfindingtheethere，hehathgatheredtogetherhisarmedmen，fiftyscoreandmore，andissendingtheminhastealongthisveryroadtoSherwood，eithertotaketheeonthewayortopreventthygettingbacktothewoodlandsagain。
　　HehathgiventheBishopofHerefordcommandoverallthesemen，andthouknowestwhatthouhasttoexpectoftheBishopofHereford——
　　shortshriftandalongrope。Twobandsofhorsemenarealreadyupontheroad，notfarbehindme，sothouhadstbestgettheegonefromthisplacestraightway，for，ifthoutarriestlonger，thouartliketosleepthisnightinacolddungeon。
　　ThiswordtheQueenhathbiddenmebringtothee。"
　　"Now，RichardPartington，"quothRobin，"thisisthesecondtimethatthouhastsavedmylife，andifthepropertimeevercomethIwillshowtheethatRobinHoodneverforgetsthesethings。
　　AsforthatBishopofHereford，ifIevercatchhimnightoSherwoodagain，thingswillbeliketogoillwithhim。
　　ThoumaysttellthegoodQueenthatIwillleavethisplacewithoutdelay，andwillletthelandlordthinkthatwearegoingtoSaintAlbans；
　　butwhenweareuponthehighroadagain，Iwillgoonewaythroughthecountryandwillsendmymentheother，sothatifonefallethintotheKing'shandstheothersmayhaplyescape。Wewillgobydeviousways，andso，Ihope，willreachSherwoodinsafety。
　　Andnow，SirPage，Iwishtheefarewell。"
　　"Farewell，thouboldyeoman，"saidyoungPartington，"andmaystthoureachthyhidinginsafety。"Soeachshooktheother'shand，andthelad，turninghishorse'shead，rodebacktowardLondon，whileRobinenteredtheinnoncemore。
　　Therehefoundhisyeomensittinginsilence，waitinghiscoming；
　　likewisethelandlordwasthere，forhewascurioustoknowwhatMasterPartingtonhadtodowiththefellowinblue。"Up，mymerrymen！"
　　quothRobin，"thisisnoplaceforus，forthoseareafteruswithwhomwewillstandbutanillchanceanwefallintotheirhands。
　　Sowewillgoforwardoncemore，norwillwestopthisnighttillwereachSaintAlbans。"Hereupon，takingouthispurse，hepaidthelandlordhisscore，andsotheylefttheinn。
　　Whentheyhadcometothehighroadwithoutthetown，RobinstoppedandtoldthemallthathadpassedbetweenyoungPartingtonandhimself，andhowthattheKing'smenwereafterthemwithhotheels。
　　Thenhetoldthemthatheretheyshouldpartcompany；theythreegoingtotheeastwardandhetothewestward，andso，skirtingthemainhighroads，wouldcomebydeviouspathstoSherwood。"So，beyewily，"
　　saidRobinHood，"andkeepwellawayfromthenorthwardroadstillyehavegottenwelltotheeastward。Andthou，WillScarlet，taketheleadoftheothers，forthouhastacunningturntothywits。"
　　ThenRobinkissedthethreeuponthecheeks，andtheykissedhim，andsotheypartedcompany。
　　Notlongafterthis，ascoreormoreoftheKing'smencameclatteringuptothedooroftheinnatBarnetTown。Heretheyleapedfromtheirhorsesandquicklysurroundedtheplace，theleaderofthebandandfourothersenteringtheroomwheretheyeomenhadbeen。
　　Buttheyfoundthattheirbirdshadflownagain，andthattheKinghadbeenbalkedasecondtime。
　　"Methoughtthattheywerenaughtyfellows，"saidthehost，whenheheardwhomthemen-at-armssought。"ButIheardthatblue-cladknavesaythattheywouldgostraightforwardtoSaintAlbans；so，anyehurryforward，yemay，perchance，catchthemonthehighroadbetwixthereandthere。"
　　Forthisnewstheleaderofthebandthankedminehostrightheartily，and，callinghismentogether，mountedandsetforthagain，gallopingforwardtoSaintAlbansuponawildgoosechase。
　　AfterLittleJohnandWillScarletandAllanaDalehadleftthehighwayneargarnet，theytraveledtowardtheeastward，withoutstopping，aslongastheirlegscouldcarrythem，untiltheycametoChelmsford，inEssex。Thencetheyturnednorthward，andcamethroughCambridgeandLincolnshire，tothegoodtownofGainsborough。Then，strikingtothewestwardandthesouth，theycameatlasttothenorthernbordersofSherwoodForest，withoutinallthattimehavingmetsomuchasasinglebandoftheKing'smen。Eightdaystheyjourneyedthuseretheyreachedthewoodlandsinsafety，butwhentheygottothegreenwoodglade，theyfoundthatRobinhadnotyetreturned。
　　ForRobinwasnotasluckyingettingbackashismenhadbeen，asyoushallpresentlyhear。
　　Afterhavingleftthegreatnorthernroad，heturnedhisfacetothewestward，andsocamepastAylesbury，tofairWoodstock，inOxfordshire。Thenceheturnedhisfootstepsnorthward，travelingforagreatdistancebywayofWarwickTown，tillhecametoDudley，inStaffordshire。Sevendaysittookhimtojourneythusfar，andthenhethoughthehadgottenfarenoughtothenorth，so，turningtowardtheeastward，shunningthemainroads，andchoosingbywaysandgrassylanes，hewent，bywayofLitchfieldandAshbydelaZouch，towardSherwood，untilhecametoaplacecalledStanton。AndnowRobin'sheartbegantolaughaloud，forhethoughtthathisdangerhadgoneby，andthathisnostrilswouldsoonsnuffthespicyairofthewoodlandsonceagain。Butthereismanyaslipbetwixtthecupandthelip，andthisRobinwastofind。
　　Forthusitwas：
　　WhentheKing'smenfoundthemselvesfoiledatSaintAlbans，andthatRobinandhismenwerenottobefoundhighnorlow，theyknewnotwhattodo。Presentlyanotherbandofhorsemencame，andanother，untilallthemoonlitstreetswerefullofarmedmen。
　　Betwixtmidnightanddawnanotherbandcametothetown，andwiththemcametheBishopofHereford。WhenheheardthatRobinHoodhadoncemoreslippedoutofthetrap，hestayednotaminute，but，gatheringhisbandstogether，hepushedforwardtothenorthwardwithspeed，leavingordersforallthetroopsthatcametoSaintAlbanstofollowafterhimwithouttarrying。
　　OntheeveningofthefourthdayhereachedNottinghamTown，andtherestraightwaydividedhismenintobandsofsixorseven，andsentthemallthroughthecountryside，blockingeveryhighwayandbywaytotheeastwardandthesouthwardandthewestwardofSherwood。TheSheriffofNottinghamcalledforthallhismenlikewise，andjoinedwiththeBishop，forhesawthatthiswasthebestchancethathadeverbefallenofpayingbackhisscoreinfulltoRobinHood。WillScarletandLittleJohnandAllanaDalehadjustmissedtheKing'smentotheeastward，fortheverynextdayaftertheyhadpassedthelineandenteredSherwoodtheroadsthroughwhichtheyhadtraveledwereblocked，sothat，hadtheytarriedintheirjourneying，theywouldsurelyhavefallenintotheBishop'shands。
　　ButofallthisRobinknewnotawhit；sohewhistledmerrilyashetrudgedalongtheroadbeyondStanton，withhisheartasfreefromcareastheyolkofaneggisfromcobwebs。Atlasthecametowherealittlestreamspreadacrosstheroadinashallowsheet，tinklingandsparklingasitfrettedoveritsbedofgoldengravel。
　　HereRobinstopped，beingathirst，and，kneelingdown，hemadeacupofthepalmsofhishands，andbegantodrink。
　　Oneithersideoftheroad，foralongdistance，stoodtangledthicketsofbushesandyoungtrees，anditpleasedRobin'shearttohearthelittlebirdssingingtherein，foritmadehimthinkofSherwood，anditseemedasthoughithadbeenalifetimesincehehadbreathedtheairofthewoodlands。Butofasudden，ashethusstooped，drinking，somethinghissedpasthisear，andstruckwithasplashintothegravelandwaterbesidehim。
　　QuickasawinkRobinsprangtohisfeet，and，atonebound，crossedthestreamandtheroadside，andplungedheadlongintothethicket，withoutlookingaround，forheknewrightwellthatthatwhichhadhissedsovenomouslybesidehisearwasagraygooseshaft，andthattotarrysomuchasamomentmeantdeath。
　　Evenasheleapedintothethicketsixmorearrowsrattledamongthebranchesafterhim，oneofwhichpiercedhisdoublet，andwouldhavestruckdeeplyintohissidebutforthetoughcoatofsteelthathewore。ThenuptheroadcameridingsomeoftheKing'smenatheadlongspeed。TheyleapedfromtheirhorsesandplungedstraightwayintothethicketafterRobin。ButRobinknewthegroundbetterthantheydid，socrawlinghere，stoopingthere，and，anon，runningacrosssomelittleopen，hesoonleftthemfarbehind，comingout，atlast，uponanotherroadabouteighthundredpacesdistantfromtheonehehadleft。
　　Herehestoodforamoment，listeningtothedistantshoutsofthesevenmenastheybeatupanddowninthethicketslikehoundsthathadlostthescentofthequarry。Then，bucklinghisbeltmoretightlyaroundhiswaist，heranfleetlydowntheroadtowardtheeastwardandSherwood。
　　ButRobinhadnotgonemorethanthreefurlongsinthatdirectionwhenhecamesuddenlytothebrowofahill，andsawbeneathhimanotherbandoftheKing'smenseatedintheshadealongtheroadsideinthevalleybeneath。Thenhepausednotamoment，but，seeingthattheyhadnotcaughtsightofhim，heturnedandranbackwhencehehadcome，knowingthatitwasbettertorunthechanceofescapingthosefellowsthatwereyetinthethicketsthantorushintothearmsofthoseinthevalley。
　　Sobackheranwithallspeed，andhadgottensafelypastthethickets，whenthesevenmencameforthintotheopenroad。
　　Theyraisedagreatshoutwhentheysawhim，suchasthehuntergiveswhenthedeerbreakscover，butRobinwasthenaquarterofamileandmoreawayfromthem，coursingoverthegroundlikeagreyhound。
　　Heneverslackenedhispace，butranalong，mileaftermile，tillhehadcomenightoMackworth，overbeyondtheDerwentRiver，nightoDerbyTown。Here，seeingthathewasoutofpresentdanger，heslackenedinhisrunning，andatlastsathimdownbeneathahedgewherethegrasswasthelongestandtheshadethecoolest，theretorestandcatchhiswind。"Bymysoul，Robin，"quothhetohimself，"thatwasthenarrowestmissthate'erthouhadstinallthylife。
　　Idosaymostsolemnlythatthefeatherofthatwickedshafttickledmineearasitwhizzedpast。Thissamerunninghathgivenmeamostcravingappetiteforvictualsanddrink。
　　NowIpraySaintDunstanthathesendmespeedilysomemeatandbeer。"
　　ItseemedasthoughSaintDunstanwasliketoanswerhisprayer，foralongtheroadcameploddingacertaincobbler，oneQuince，ofDerby，whohadbeentotakeapairofshoestoafarmernighKirkLangly，andwasnowcomingbackhomeagain，withafairboiledcaponinhispouchandastoutpottleofbeerbyhisside，whichsamethefarmerhadgivenhimforjoyofsuchastoutpairofshoon。
　　GoodQuincewasanhonestfellow，buthiswitsweresomewhatoftheheavysort，likeunbakeddough，sothattheonlythingthatwasinhismindwas，"Threeshillingssixpenceha'pennyforthyshoon，goodQuince——threeshillingssixpenceha'pennyforthyshoon，"
　　andthistraveledroundandroundinsideofhishead，withoutanotherthoughtgettingintohisnoddle，asapearollsroundandroundinsideanemptyquartpot。
　　"Halloa，goodfriend，"quothRobin，frombeneaththehedge，whentheotherhadgottennighenough，"whitherawaysomerrilythisbrightday？"
　　Hearinghimselfsocalledupon，theCobblerstopped，and，seeingawell-cladstrangerinblue，hespoketohiminseemlywise。
　　"Giveyegoodden，fairsir，andIwouldsaythatIcomefromKirkLangly，whereIha'soldmyshoonandgotthreeshillingssixpenceha'pennyfortheminassweetmoneyaseverthousawest，andhonestlyearnedtoo，Iwouldha'theeknow。
　　ButanImaybesobold，thouprettyfellow，whatdostthoutherebeneaththehedge？"
　　"Marry，"quothmerryRobin，"Isitbeneaththehedgeheretodropsaltonthetailsofgoldenbirds；butinsooththouartthefirstchickofanyworthIha'seenthisblessedday。"
　　AtthesewordstheCobbler'seyesopenedbigandwide，andhismouthgrewroundwithwonder，likeaknotholeinaboardfence。
　　"slack-a-day，"quothhe，"lookye，now！Iha'neverseenthosesamegoldenbirds。Anddostthouinsoothfindtheminthesehedges，goodfellow？Prythee，tellme，aretheremanyofthem？
　　Iwouldfainfindthemmineownself。"
　　"Ay，truly，"quothRobin，"theyareasthickhereasfreshherringinCannockChase。"
　　"Lookye，now！"saidtheCobbler，alldrownedinwonder。
　　"Anddostthouinsoothcatchthembydroppingsaltontheirprettytails？"
　　"Yea，"quothRobin，"butthissaltisofanoddkind，letmetellthee，foritcanonlybegottenbyboilingdownaquartofmoonbeamsinawoodenplatter，andthenonehathbutapinch。
　　Buttellme，now，thouwittyman，whathastthougottenthereinthatpouchbythysideandinthatpottle？"
　　AtthesewordstheCobblerlookeddownatthosethingsofwhichmerryRobinspoke，forthethoughtsofthegoldenbirdhaddriventhemfromhismind，andittookhimsometimetoscrapethememoryofthembackagain。"Why，"saidheatlast，"intheoneisgoodMarchbeer，andintheotherisafatcapon。Truly，QuincetheCobblerwillha'
　　afinefeastthisdayanImistakenot。"
　　"Buttellme，goodQuince，"saidRobin，"hastthouamindtosellthosethingstome？Forthehearingofthemsoundssweetinmineears。IwillgivetheethesegayclothesofbluethatIhaveuponmybodyandtenshillingstobootforthyclothesandthyleatherapronandthybeerandthycapon。
　　Whatsaystthou，bullyboy？"
　　"Nay，thoudostjestwithme，"saidtheCobbler，"formyclothesarecoarseandpatched，andthineareoffinestuffandverypretty。"
　　"NeverajestdoIspeak，"quothRobin。"Come，stripthyjacketoffandIwillshowthee，forItelltheeIlikethyclotheswell。
　　Moreover，Iwillbekindtothee，forIwillfeaststraightwayuponthegoodthingsthouhastwiththee，andthoushaltbebiddentotheeating。"Atthesewordshebeganslippingoffhisdoublet，andtheCobbler，seeinghimsoinearnest，beganpullingoffhisclothesalso，forRobinHood'sgarbtickledhiseye。
　　Soeachputontheotherfellow'sclothes，andRobingavethehonestCobblertenbrightnewshillings。QuothmerryRobin，"Iha'
　　beenamanythingsinmylifebefore，butneverhaveIbeenanhonestcobbler。Come，friend，letusfalltoandeat，forsomethingwithinmecacklesaloudforthatgoodfatcapon。"
　　Sobothsatdownandbegantofeastrightlustily，sothatwhentheyweredonethebonesofthecaponwerepickedasbareascharity。
　　ThenRobinstretchedhislegsoutwithasweetfeelingofcomfortwithinhim。
　　Quothhe，"Bytheturnofthyvoice，goodQuince，Iknowthatthouhastafairsongortworunninglooseinthyheadlikecoltsinameadow。
　　Iprythee，turnoneofthemoutforme。"
　　"AsongortwoIha'，"quoththeCobbler，"poorthings，poorthings，butsuchastheyarethouartwelcometooneofthem。"
　　So，moisteninghisthroatwithaswallowofbeer，hesang：
　　"_Ofallthejoys，thebestIlove，SingheymyfriskingNan，O，Andthatwhichmostmysouldothmove，Itistheclinkingcan，O。
　　"AllotherblissI'dthrowaway，SingheymyfriskingNan，O，Butthis_——"
　　ThestoutCobblergotnofurtherinhissong，forofasuddensixhorsemenburstuponthemwheretheysat，andseizedroughlyuponthehonestcraftsman，haulinghimtohisfeet，andnearlypluckingtheclothesfromhimastheydidso。
　　"Ha！"roaredtheleaderofthebandinagreatbigvoiceofjoy，"havewethencaughttheeatlast，thoublue-cladknave？
　　Now，blessedbethenameofSaintHubert，forwearefourscorepoundsricherthisminutethanwewerebefore，forthegoodBishopofHerefordhathpromisedthatmuchtothebandthatshallbringtheetohim。Oho！thoucunningrascal！thouwouldstlooksoinnocent，forsooth！Weknowthee，thouoldfox。
　　Butoffthougoestwithustohavethybrushclippedforthwith。"
　　AtthesewordsthepoorCobblergazedallaroundhimwithhisgreatblueeyesasroundasthoseofadeadfish，whilehismouthgapedasthoughhehadswallowedallhiswordsandsolosthisspeech。
　　Robinalsogapedandstaredinawonderingway，justastheCobblerwouldhavedoneinhisplace。"Alack-a-daisy，me，"quothhe。
　　"IknownotwhetherIbesittinghereorinNo-man's-land！Whatmeanethallthisstiri'th'pot，deargoodgentlemen？
　　Surelythisisasweet，honestfellow。"
　　"`Honestfellow，'saystthou，clown？"quothoneofthemen"Why，I
　　telltheethatthisisthatsameroguethatmencallRobinHood。"
　　AtthisspeechtheCobblerstaredandgapedmorethanever，fortherewassuchathreshingofthoughtsgoingonwithinhispoorheadthathiswitswereallbefoggedwiththedustandchaffthereof。Moreover，ashelookedatRobinHood，andsawtheyeomanlooksolikewhatheknewhimselftobe，hebegantodoubtandtothinkthatmayhaphewasthegreatoutlawinrealsooth。
　　Saidheinaslow，wonderingvoice，"AmIinverytruththatfellow？——
　　NowIhadthought——butnay，Quince，thouartmistook——yet——amI？——Nay，ImustindeedbeRobinHood！Yet，truly，Ihadneverthoughttopassfromanhonestcraftsmantosuchagreatyeoman。"
　　"Alas！"quothRobinHood，"lookyethere，now！Seehowyourill-treatmenthathcurdledthewitsofthispoorladandturnedthemallsour！
　　I，myself，amQuince，theCobblerofDerbyTown。"
　　"Isitso？"saidQuince。"Then，indeed，Iamsomebodyelse，andcanbenoneotherthanRobinHood。Takeme，fellows；butletmetellyouthatyeha'
　　laidhanduponthestoutestyeomanthatevertrodthewoodlands。"
　　"Thouwiltplaymadman，wiltthou？"saidtheleaderoftheband。
　　"Here，Giles，fetchacordandbindthisknave'shandsbehindhim。
　　IwarrantwewillbringhiswitsbacktohimagainwhenwegethimsafebeforeourgoodBishopatTutburyTown。"ThereupontheytiedtheCobbler'shandsbehindhim，andledhimoffwitharope，asthefarmerleadsoffthecalfhehathbroughtfromthefair。
　　Robinstoodlookingafterthem，andwhentheyweregonehelaughedtillthetearsrolleddownhischeeks；forheknewthatnoharmwouldbefallthehonestfellow，andhepicturedtohimselftheBishop'sfacewhengoodQuincewasbroughtbeforehimasRobinHood。Then，turninghisstepsoncemoretotheeastward，hesteppedoutrightfootforemosttowardNottinghamshireandSherwoodForest。
　　ButRobinHoodhadgonethroughmorethanhewottedof。
　　HisjourneyfromLondonhadbeenhardandlong，andinase'ennighthehadtraveledsevenscoreandmoreofmiles。HethoughtnowtotravelonwithoutstoppinguntilhehadcometoSherwood，buterehehadgoneahalfascoreofmileshefelthisstrengthgivingwaybeneathhimlikeariverbankwhichthewatershaveundermined。
　　Hesathimdownandrested，butheknewwithinhimselfthathecouldgonofartherthatday，forhisfeetfeltlikelumpsoflead，soheavyweretheywithweariness。Oncemorehearoseandwentforward，butaftertravelingacoupleofmileshewasfaintogivethematterup，so，comingtoaninnjustthen，heenteredandcallingthelandlord，badehimshowhimtoaroom，althoughthesunwasonlythenjustsinkinginthewesternsky。
　　Therewerebutthreebedroomsintheplace，andtothemeanestofthesethelandlordshowedRobinHood，butlittleRobincaredforthelooksoftheplace，forhecouldhavesleptthatnightuponabedofbrokenstones。So，strippingoffhisclotheswithoutmoreado，herolledintothebedandwasasleepalmosterehisheadtouchedthepillow。
　　NotlongafterRobinhadsogonetohisrestagreatcloudpeepedblacklyoverthehillstothewestward。Higherandhigheritaroseuntilitpiledupintothenightlikeamountainofdarkness。
　　Allaroundbeneathitcameeverandanonadullredflash，andpresentlyashortgrimmutterofthecomingthunderwasheard。
　　ThenuprodefourstoutburghersofNottinghamTown，forthiswastheonlyinnwithinfivemiles'distance，andtheydidnotcaretobecaughtinsuchathunderstormasthisthatwascominguponthem。
　　Leavingtheirnagstothestableman，theyenteredthebestroomoftheinn，wherefreshgreenrusheslayallspreaduponthefloor，andtherecalledforthegoodliestfarethattheplaceafforded。
　　Afterhavingeatenheartilytheybadethelandlordshowthemtotheirrooms，fortheywereaweary，havingriddenallthewayfromDronfieldthatday。
　　Soofftheywent，grumblingathavingtosleeptwoinabed，buttheirtroublesonthisscore，aswellasallothers，weresoonlostinthequietnessofsleep。
　　Andnowcamethefirstgustofwind，rushingpasttheplace，clappingandbangingthedoorsandshutters，smellingofthecomingrain，andallwrappedinacloudofdustandleaves。
　　Asthoughthewindhadbroughtaguestalongwithit，thedooropenedofasuddenandincameafriarofEmmetPriory，andoneinhighdegree，aswasshownbythesoftnessandsleeknessofhisrobesandtherichnessofhisrosary。Hecalledtothelandlord，andbadehimfirsthavehismulewellfedandbeddedinthestable，andthentobringhimtheverybesttherewasinthehouse。
　　Sopresentlyasavorystewoftripeandonions，withsweetlittlefatdumplings，wassetbeforehim，likewiseagoodstoutpottleofMalmsey，andstraightwaytheholyfriarfelltowithgreatcourageandheartiness，sothatinashorttimenoughtwasleftbutalittlepoolofgravyinthecenteroftheplatter，notlargeenowtokeepthelifeinastarvingmouse。
　　Inthemeantimethestormbroke。Anothergustofwindwentrushingby，andwithitfellafewheavydropsofrain，whichpresentlycamerattlingdowninshowers，beatingagainstthecasementslikeahundredlittlehands。
　　Brightflashesoflightninglitupeveryraindrop，andwiththemcamecracksofthunderthatwentawayrumblingandbumpingasthoughSaintSwithinwerebusyrollinggreatcasksofwateracrossroughgroundoverhead。
　　Thewomenfolksscreamed，andthemerrywagsinthetaproomputtheirarmsaroundtheirwaiststosoothethemintoquietness。
　　Atlasttheholyfriarbadethelandlordshowhimtohisroom；
　　butwhenheheardthathewastobedwithacobbler，hewasasillcontentedafellowasyoucouldfindinallEngland，neverthelesstherewasnothingforit，andhemustsleepthereornowhere；so，takinguphiscandle，hewentoff，grumblinglikethenowdistantthunder。
　　WhenhecametotheroomwherehewastosleepheheldthelightoverRobinandlookedathimfromtoptotoe；thenhefeltbetterpleased，for，instead，ofarough，dirty-beardedfellow，hebeheldasfreshandcleanaladasonecouldfindinaweekofSundays；so，slippingoffhisclothes，healsohuddledintothebed，whereRobin，gruntingandgrumblinginhissleep，maderoomforhim。
　　Robinwasmoresoundasleep，Iwot，thanhehadbeenformanyaday，elsehewouldneverhaverestedsoquietlywithoneofthefriar'ssortsoclosebesidehim。Asforthefriar，hadheknownwhoRobinHoodwas，youmaywellbelievehewouldalmostassoonhavesleptwithanadderaswiththemanhehadforabedfellow。
　　Sothenightpassedcomfortablyenough，butatthefirstdawnofdayRobinopenedhiseyesandturnedhisheaduponthepillow。
　　Thenhowhegapedandhowhestared，fortherebesidehimlayoneallshavenandshorn，sothatheknewthatitmustbeafellowinholyorders。
　　Hepinchedhimselfsharply，but，findinghewasawake，satupinbed，whiletheotherslumberedaspeacefullyasthoughheweresafeandsoundathomeinEmmetPriory。"Now，"quothRobintohimself，"Iwonderhowthisthinghathdroppedintomybedduringthenight。"
　　Sosaying，hearosesoftly，soasnottowakentheother，andlookingabouttheroomheespiedthefriar'sclotheslyinguponabenchnearthewall。Firsthelookedattheclothes，withhisheadononeside，andthenhelookedatthefriarandslowlywinkedoneeye。
　　Quothhe，"GoodBrotherWhat-e'er-thy-name-may-be，asthouhastborrowedmybedsofreelyI'lle'enborrowthyclothesinreturn。"
　　Sosaying，hestraightwaydonnedtheholyman'sgarb，butkindlyleftthecobbler'sclothesintheplaceofit。Thenhewentforthintothefreshnessofthemorning，andthestablemanthatwasupandaboutthestablesopenedhiseyesasthoughhesawagreenmousebeforehim，forsuchmenasthefriarsofEmmetwerenotwonttobeearlyrisers；
　　butthemanbottledhisthoughts，andonlyaskedRobinwhetherhewantedhismulebroughtfromthestable。
　　"Yea，myson，"quothRobin——albeitheknewnoughtofthemule——"andbringitforthquickly，Iprythee，forIamlateandmustbejogging。"
　　Sopresentlythestablemanbroughtforththemule，andRobinmounteditandwentonhiswayrejoicing。
　　Asfortheholyfriar，whenhearosehewasinasprettyastewasanymaninalltheworld，forhisrich，softrobesweregone，likewisehispursewithtengoldenpoundsinit，andnoughtwasleftbutpatchedclothesandaleathernapron。Heragedandsworelikeanylayman，butashisswearingmendednothingandthelandlordcouldnotaidhim，andas，moreover，hewasforcedtobeatEmmetPriorythatverymorninguponmattersofbusiness，hewasfaineithertodonthecobbler'sclothesortraveltheroadinnakedness。
　　Soheputontheclothes，and，stillragingandswearingvengeanceagainstallthecobblersinDerbyshire，hesetforthuponhiswayafoot；
　　buthisillshadnotyetdonewithhim，forhehadnotgonefarerehefellintothehandsoftheKing'smen，whomarchedhimoff，willy-nilly，toTutburyTownandtheBishopofHereford。Invainhesworehewasaholyman，andshowedhisshavencrown；offhemustgo，fornothingwoulddobutthathewasRobinHood。
　　MeanwhilemerryRobinrodealongcontentedly，passingsafelybytwobandsoftheKing'smen，untilhisheartbegantodancewithinhimbecauseofthenearnessofSherwood；sohetraveledeverontotheeastward，till，ofasudden，hemetanobleknightinashadylane。
　　ThenRobincheckedhismulequicklyandleapedfromoffitsback。
　　"Now，wellmet，SirRichardoftheLea，"criedhe，"forratherthananyothermaninEnglandwouldIseethygoodfacethisday！"
　　ThenhetoldSirRichardallthehappeningsthathadbefallenhim，andthatnowatlasthefelthimselfsafe，beingsonightoSherwoodagain。
　　ButwhenRobinhaddone，SirRichardshookhisheadsadly。
　　"Thouartingreaterdangernow，Robin，thanthouhastyetbeen，"
　　saidhe，"forbeforetheeliebandsoftheSheriff'smenblockingeveryroadandlettingnonepassthroughthelineswithoutexaminingthemclosely。Imyselfknowthis，havingpassedthembutnow。
　　BeforetheelietheSheriffsmenandbehindtheetheKing'smen，andthoucanstnothopetopasseitherway，forbythistimetheywillknowofthydisguiseandwillbeinwaitingtoseizeuponthee。
　　Mycastleandeverythingwithinitarethine，butnoughtcouldbegainedthere，forIcouldnothopetoholditagainstsuchaforceasisnowinNottinghamoftheKing'sandtheSheriffsmen。"
　　Havingsospoken，SirRichardbenthisheadinthought，andRobinfelthisheartsinkwithinhimlikethatofthefoxthathearsthehoundsathisheelsandfindshisdenblockedwithearthsothatthereisnohidingforhim。ButpresentlySirRichardspokeagain，saying，"Onethingthoucanstdo，Robin，andoneonly。
　　GobacktoLondonandthrowthyselfuponthemercyofourgoodQueenEleanor。Comewithmestraightwaytomycastle。
　　Dofftheseclothesandputonsuchasmyretainerswear。
　　ThenIwillhiemetoLondonTownwithatroopofmenbehindme，andthoushaltminglewiththem，andthuswillIbringtheetowherethoumaystseeandspeakwiththeQueen。ThyonlyhopeistogettoSherwood，fortherenonecanreachthee，andthouwiltnevergettoSherwoodbutinthisway。"
　　SoRobinwentwithSirRichardoftheLea，anddidashesaid，forhesawthewisdomofthatwhichtheknightadvised，andthatthiswashisonlychanceofsafety。
　　QueenEleanorwalkedinherroyalgarden，amidtherosesthatbloomedsweetly，andwithherwalkedsixofherladies-in-waiting，chatteringblithelytogether。Ofasuddenamanleapeduptothetopofthewallfromtheotherside，andthen，hangingforamoment，droppedlightlyuponthegrasswithin。
　　Alltheladies-in-waitingshriekedatthesuddennessofhiscoming，butthemanrantotheQueenandkneeledatherfeet，andshesawthatitwasRobinHood。
　　"Why，hownow，Robin！"criedshe，"dostthoudaretocomeintotheveryjawsoftheraginglion？Alas，poorfellow！
　　ThouartlostindeediftheKingfindstheehere。
　　Dostthounotknowthatheisseekingtheethroughalltheland？"
　　"Yea，"quothRobin，"IdoknowrightwellthattheKingseeksme，andthereforeIhavecome；for，surely，noillcanbefallmewhenhehathpledgedhisroyalwordtoYourMajestyformysafety。
　　Moreover，IknowYourMajesty'skindnessandgentlenessofheart，andsoIlaymylifefreelyinyourgracioushands。"
　　"Itakethymeaning，RobinHood，"saidtheQueen，"andthatthoudostconveyreproachtome，aswellthoumayst，forI
　　knowthatIhavenotdonebytheeasIoughttohavedone。
　　Iknowrightwellthatthoumusthavebeenhardpressedbyperiltoleapsoboldlyintoonedangertoescapeanother。
　　OncemoreIpromisetheemineaid，andwilldoallIcantosendtheebackinsafetytoSherwoodForest。BidethouheretillIreturn。"
　　Sosaying，sheleftRobininthegardenofroses，andwasgonealongtime。
　　WhenshecamebackSirRobertLeewaswithher，andtheQueen'scheekswerehotandtheQueen'seyeswerebright，asthoughshehadbeentalkingwithhighwords。ThenSirRobertcamestraightforwardtowhereRobinHoodstood，andhespoketotheyeomaninacold，sternvoice。
　　Quothhe，"OurgraciousSovereigntheKinghathmitigatedhiswrathtowardthee，fellow，andhathoncemorepromisedthatthoushaltdepartinpeaceandsafety。Notonlyhathhepromisedthis，butinthreedayshewillsendoneofhispagestogowiththeeandseethatnonearrestthyjourneybackagain。ThoumaystthankthypatronsaintthatthouhastsuchagoodfriendinournobleQueen，for，butforherpersuasionandarguments，thouhadstbeenadeadman，Icantellthee。
　　Letthisperilthatthouhastpassedthroughteachtheetwolessons。
　　First，bemorehonest。Second，benotsoboldinthycomingsandgoings。
　　Amanthatwalkethinthedarknessasthoudostmayescapeforatime，butintheendhewillsurelyfallintothepit。Thouhastputthyheadintheangrylion'smouth，andyetthouhastescapedbyamiracle。
　　Tryitnotagain。"Sosaying，heturnedandleftRobinandwasgone。
　　ForthreedaysRobinabidedinLondonintheQueen'shousehold，andattheendofthattimetheKing'sheadPage，EdwardCunningham，came，andtakingRobinwithhim，departednorthwarduponhiswaytoSherwood。NowandthentheypassedbandsoftheKing'smencomingbackagaintoLondon，butnoneofthosebandsstoppedthem，andso，atlast，theyreachedthesweet，leafywoodlands。
　　RobinHoodandGuyofGisbourneALONGTIMEpassedafterthegreatshootingmatch，andduringthattimeRobinfollowedonepartoftheadviceofSirRobertLee，towit，thatofbeinglessboldinhiscomingsandhisgoings；
　　forthoughmayhaphemaynothavebeenmorehonestasmostfolksregardhonesty，hetookgoodcarenottotravelsofarfromSherwoodthathecouldnotreachitbotheasilyandquickly。
　　Greatchangeshadfalleninthistime；forKingHenryhaddiedandKingRichardhadcometothecrownthatfittedhimsowellthroughmanyhardtrials，andthroughadventuresasstirringasanythateverbefellRobinHood。Butthoughgreatchangescame，theydidnotreachtoSherwood'sshades，forthereRobinHoodandhismendwelledasmerrilyastheyhadeverdone，withhuntingandfeastingandsingingandblithewoodlandsports；
　　foritwaslittletheoutsidestrivingoftheworldtroubledthem。
　　Thedawningofasummer'sdaywasfreshandbright，andthebirdssangsweetlyinagreattumultofsound。
　　SoloudwastheirsingingthatitawakenedRobinHoodwherehelaysleeping，sothathestirred，andturned，andarose。
　　UproseLittleJohnalso，andallthemerrymen；then，aftertheyhadbrokentheirfast，theysetforthhitherandthitheruponthedoingsoftheday。
　　RobinHoodandLittleJohnwalkeddownaforestpathwhereallaroundtheleavesdancedandtwinkledasthebreezetrembledthroughthemandthesunlightcameflickeringdown。
　　QuothRobinHood，"Imakemyvow，LittleJohn，mybloodticklesmyveinsasitflowsthroughthemthisgaymorn。
　　Whatsaystthoutoourseekingadventures，eachoneuponhisownaccount？"
　　"Withallmyheart，"saidLittleJohn。"Wehavehadmorethanonepleasantdoinginthatway，goodmaster。
　　Herearetwopaths；takethoutheonetotherighthand，andIwilltaketheonetotheleft，andthenletuseachwalkstraightaheadtillhetumbleintosomemerrydoingorother。"
　　"Ilikethyplan，"quothRobin，"thereforewewillparthere。
　　Butlookthee，LittleJohn，keepthyselfoutofmischief，forIwouldnothaveillbefalltheeforalltheworld。"
　　"Marry，comeup，"quothLittleJohn，"howthoutalkest！
　　MethinksthouartwonttogetthyselfintotightercoilsthanI
　　amliketodo。"
　　AtthisRobinHoodlaughed。"Why，insooth，LittleJohn，"
　　saidhe，"thouhastablunderinghard-headedwaythatseemethtobringtheerightsideuppermostinallthytroubles；
　　butletusseewhocomethoutbestthisday。"Sosaying，heclappedhispalmtoLittleJohn'sandeachdeparteduponhisway，thetreesquicklyshuttingtheonefromtheother'ssight。
　　RobinHoodstrolledonwardtillhecametowhereabroadwoodlandroadstretchedbeforehim。Overheadthebranchesofthetreeslacedtogetherinflickeringfoliage，allgoldenwhereitgrewthintothesunlight；
　　beneathhisfeetthegroundwassoftandmoistfromtheshelteringshade。
　　HereinthispleasantspotthesharpestadventurethateverbefellRobinHoodcameuponhim；for，ashewalkeddownthewoodlandpaththinkingofnoughtbutthesongsofthebirds，hecameofasuddentowhereamanwasseateduponthemossyrootsbeneaththeshadeofabroad-spreadingoaktree。
　　RobinHoodsawthatthestrangerhadnotcaughtsightofhim，sohestoppedandstoodquitestill，lookingattheotheralongtimebeforehecameforward。Andthestranger，Iwot，waswellworthlookingat，forneverhadRobinseenafigurelikethatsittingbeneaththetree。
　　Fromhisheadtohisfeethewascladinahorse'shide，dressedwiththehairuponit。Uponhisheadwasacowlthathidhisfacefromsight，andwhichwasmadeofthehorse'sskin，theearswhereofstuckuplikethoseofarabbit。Hisbodywascladinajacketmadeofthehide，andhislegswerecoveredwiththehairyskinlikewise。
　　Byhissidewasaheavybroadswordandasharp，double-edgeddagger。
　　Aquiverofsmoothroundarrowshungacrosshisshoulders，andhisstoutbowofyewleanedagainstthetreebesidehim。
　　"Halloa，friend，"criedRobin，comingforwardatlast，"whoartthouthatsittestthere？Andwhatisthatthatthouhastuponthybody？
　　ImakemyvowIha'neverseensuchasightinallmylifebefore。
　　HadIdoneanevilthing，ordidmyconsciencetroubleme，Iwouldbeafraidofthee，thinkingthatthouwastsomeonefromdownbelowbringingamessagebiddingmecomestraightwaytoKingNicholas。"
　　Tothisspeechtheotheranswerednotaword，buthepushedthecowlbackfromhisheadandshowedaknitbrow，ahookednose，andapairoffierce，restlessblackeyes，whichaltogethermadeRobinthinkofahawkashelookedonhisface。Butbesidethistherewassomethingaboutthelinesonthestranger'sface，andhisthincruelmouth，andthehardglareofhiseyes，thatmadeone'sfleshcreeptolookupon。
　　"Whoartthou，rascal？"saidheatlast，inaloud，harshvoice。
　　"Tut，tut，"quothmerryRobin，"speaknotsosourly，brother。
　　Hastthoufeduponvinegarandnettlesthismorningthatthyspeechissostinging？"
　　"Anthoulikestnotmywords，"saidtheotherfiercely，"thouhadstbestbejogging，forItelltheeplainly，mydeedsmatchthem。"
　　"Nay，butIdolikethywords，thousweet，prettything，"
　　quothRobin，squattingdownuponthegrassinfrontoftheother。
　　"Moreover，ItelltheethyspeechiswittyandgamesomeasanyI
　　everheardinallmylife。"
　　Theothersaidnotaword，butheglareduponRobinwithawickedandbalefullook，suchasafiercedogbestowsuponamanereitspringsathisthroat。
　　Robinreturnedthegazewithoneofwide-eyedinnocence，notashadowofasmiletwinklinginhiseyesortwitchingatthecornersofhismouth。
　　Sotheysatstaringatoneanotherforalongtime，untilthestrangerbrokethesilencesuddenly。"Whatisthyname，fellow？"saidhe。
　　"Now，"quothRobin，"Iamrightgladtoheartheespeak，forIbegantofearthesightofmehadstrickentheedumb。
　　Asformyname，itmaybethisoritmaybethat；butmethinksitismoremeetfortheetotellmethine，seeingthatthouartthegreaterstrangerintheseparts。Prythee，tellme，sweetchuck，whywearestthouthatdaintygarbuponthyprettybody？"
　　Atthesewordstheotherbrokeintoashort，harshroaroflaughter。
　　"BythebonesoftheDaemonOdin，"saidhe，"thouarttheboldest-spokenmanthateverIhaveseeninallmylife。
　　IknownotwhyIdonotsmitetheedownwherethousittest，foronlytwodaysagoIskeweredamanoverbackofNottinghamTownforsayingnothalfsomuchtomeasthouhastdone。
　　Iwearthisgarb，thoufool，tokeepmybodywarm；
　　likewiseitisnearasgoodasacoatofsteelagainstacommonsword-thrust。Asformyname，Icarenotwhoknowethit。
　　ItisGuyofGisbourne，andthoumaysthavehearditbefore。
　　IcomefromthewoodlandsoverinHerefordshire，uponthelandsoftheBishopofthatilk。Iamanoutlaw，andgetmylivingbyhookandbycrookinamanneritbootsnotnowtotellof。
　　NotlongsincetheBishopsentforme，andsaidthatifIwoulddoacertainthingthattheSheriffofNottinghamwouldaskofme，hewouldgetmeafreepardon，andgivemetenscorepoundstoboot。
　　SostraightwayIcametoNottinghamTownandfoundmysweetSheriff；andwhatthinkestthouhewantedofme？
　　Why，forsooth，tocomeheretoSherwoodtohuntuponeRobinHood，alsoanoutlaw，andtotakehimaliveordead。
　　Itseemeththattheyhavenooneheretofacethatboldfellow，andsosentallthewaytoHerefordshire，andtome，forthouknowesttheoldsaying，`Setathieftocatchathief。'
　　Asfortheslayingofthisfellow，itgallethmenotawhit，forIwouldshedthebloodofmyownbrotherforthehalfoftwohundredpounds。"
　　ToallthisRobinlistened，andashelistenedhisgorgerose。
　　WellheknewofthisGuyofGisbourne，andofallthebloodyandmurderousdeedsthathehaddoneinHerefordshire，forhisdoingswerefamousthroughoutalltheland。Yet，althoughheloathedtheverypresenceoftheman，heheldhispeace，forhehadanendtoserve。"Truly，"quothhe，"Ihaveheardofthygentledoings。
　　MethinksthereisnooneinalltheworldthatRobinHoodwouldrathermeetthanthee。"
　　AtthisGuyofGisbournegaveanotherharshlaugh。"Why，"quothhe，"itisamerrythingtothinkofonestoutoutlawlikeRobinHoodmeetinganotherstoutoutlawlikeGuyofGisbourne。OnlyinthiscaseitwillbeanillhappeningforRobinHood，forthedayhemeetsGuyofGisbourneheshalldie。"
　　"Butthougentle，merryspirit，"quothRobin，"dostthounotthinkthatmayhapthissameRobinHoodmaybethebettermanofthetwo？
　　Iknowhimrightwell，andmanythinkthatheisoneofthestoutestmenhereabouts。"
　　"Hemaybethestoutestofmenhereabouts，"quothGuyofGisbourne，"yet，Itellthee，fellow，thisstyofyoursisnotthewideworld。
　　IlaymylifeuponitIamthebettermanofthetwo。
　　Heanoutlaw，forsooth！Why，Ihearthathehathneverletbloodinallhislife，savingwhenhefirstcametotheforest。
　　Somecallhimagreatarcher；marry，Iwouldnotbeafraidtostandagainsthimallthedaysoftheyearwithabowinmyhand。"
　　"Why，truly，somefolkdocallhimagreatarcher，"saidRobinHood，"butweofNottinghamshirearefamoushandswiththelongbow。
　　EvenI，thoughbutasimplehandatthecraft，wouldnotfeartotryaboutwiththee。"
　　AtthesewordsGuyofGisbournelookeduponRobinwithwonderingeyes，andthengaveanotherroaroflaughtertillthewoodsrang。
　　"Now，"quothhe，"thouartaboldfellowtotalktomeinthisway。
　　Ilikethyspiritinsospeakinguptome，forfewmenhavedaredtodoso。
　　Putupagarland，lad，andIwilltryaboutwiththee。"
　　"Tut，tut，"quothRobin，"onlybabesshootatgarlandshereabouts。
　　IwillputupagoodNottinghammarkforthee。"
　　Sosaying，hearose，andgoingtoahazelthicketnotfaroff，hecutawandabouttwicethethicknessofaman'sthumb。
　　Fromthishepeeledthebark，and，sharpeningthepoint，stuckitupinthegroundinfrontofagreatoaktree。
　　Thencehemeasuredofffourscorepaces，whichbroughthimbesidethetreewheretheothersat。"There，"quothhe，"isthekindofmarkthatNottinghamyeomenshootat。
　　Nowletmeseetheesplitthatwandifthouartanarcher。"
　　ThenGuyofGisbournearose。"Nowoutuponit！"criedhe。
　　"TheDevilhimselfcouldnothitsuchamarkasthat。"
　　"Mayhaphecouldandmayhaphecouldnot，"quothmerryRobin，"butthatweshallneverknowtillthouhastshotthereat。"
　　AtthesewordsGuyofGisbournelookeduponRobinwithknitbrows，but，astheyeomanstilllookedinnocentofanyillmeaning，hebottledhiswordsandstrunghisbowinsilence。Twiceheshot，butneithertimedidhehitthewand，missingitthefirsttimebyaspanandthesecondtimebyagoodpalm's-breadth。Robinlaughedandlaughed。
　　"Iseenow，"quothhe，"thattheDevilhimselfcouldnothitthatmark。
　　Goodfellow，ifthouartnobetterwiththebroadswordthanthouartwiththebowandarrow，thouwiltneverovercomeRobinHood。"
　　AtthesewordsGuyofGisbourneglaredsavagelyuponRobin。Quothhe，"Thouhastamerrytongue，thouvillain；buttakecarethatthoumakestnottoofreewithit，orImaycutitoutfromthythroatforthee。"
　　RobinHoodstrunghisbowandtookhisplacewithneveraword，albeithisheartstringsquiveredwithangerandloathing。
　　Twiceheshot，thefirsttimehittingwithinaninchofthewand，thesecondtimesplittingitfairlyinthemiddle。
　　Then，withoutgivingtheotherachanceforspeech，heflunghisbowupontheground。"There，thoubloodyvillain！"criedhefiercely，"letthatshowtheehowlittlethouknowestofmanlysports。
　　Andnowlookthylastuponthedaylight，forthegoodearthhathbeenbefouledlongenoughbythee，thouvilebeast！
　　Thisday，OurLadywilling，thoudiest——IamRobinHood。"Sosaying，heflashedforthhisbrightswordinthesunlight。
　　ForatimeGuyofGisbournestareduponRobinasthoughbereftofwits；
　　buthiswonderquicklypassedtoawildrage。"ArtthouindeedRobinHood？"
　　criedhe。"NowIamgladtomeetthee，thoupoorwretch！Shrivethyself，forthouwilthavenotimeforshrivingwhenIamdonewiththee。"
　　Sosaying，healsodrewhissword。
　　AndnowcamethefiercestfightthateverSherwoodsaw；
　　foreachmanknewthateitherheortheothermustdie，andthatnomercywastobehadinthisbattle。
　　Upanddowntheyfought，tillallthesweetgreengrasswascrushedandgroundbeneaththetramplingoftheirheels。
　　MorethanoncethepointofRobinHood'sswordfeltthesoftnessofflesh，andpresentlythegroundbegantobesprinkledwithbrightreddrops，albeitnotoneofthemcamefromRobin'sveins。
　　AtlastGuyofGisbournemadeafierceanddeadlythrustatRobinHood，fromwhichheleapedbacklightly，butinsoleapinghecaughthisheelinarootandfellheavilyuponhisback。
　　"Now，HolyMaryaidme！"mutteredhe，astheotherleapedathim，withagrinofrageuponhisface。FiercelyGuyofGisbournestabbedattheotherwithhisgreatsword，butRobincaughtthebladeinhisnakedhand，and，thoughitcuthispalm，heturnedthepointawaysothatitplungeddeepintothegroundclosebesidehim；then，ereablowcouldbestruckagain，heleapedtohisfeet，withhisgoodswordinhishand。
　　AndnowdespairfelluponGuyofGisbourne'sheartinablackcloud，andhelookedaroundhimwildly，likeawoundedhawk。
　　Seeingthathisstrengthwasgoingfromhim，Robinleapedforward，and，quickasaflash，struckaback-handedblowbeneaththeswordarm。
　　DownfelltheswordfromGuyofGisbourne'sgrasp，andbackhestaggeredatthestroke，and，erehecouldregainhimself，Robin'sswordpassedthroughandthroughhisbody。Roundhespunuponhisheel，and，flinginghishandsaloftwithashrill，wildcry，fellproneuponhisfaceuponthegreensod。
　　ThenRobinHoodwipedhisswordandthrustitbackintothescabbard，and，comingtowhereGuyofGisbournelay，hestoodoverhimwithfoldedarms，talkingtohimselfthewhile。
　　"ThisisthefirstmanIhaveslainsinceIshottheKingsforesterinthehotdaysofmyyouth。Iofttimesthinkbitterly，evenyet，ofthatfirstlifeItook，butofthisIamasgladasthoughIhadslainawildboarthatlaidwasteafaircountry。
　　SincetheSheriffofNottinghamhathsentsuchaoneasthisagainstme，Iwillputonthefellow'sgarbandgoforthtoseewhetherImaynotfindhisworship，andperchancepayhimbacksomeofthedebtIowehimuponthisscore。"
　　Sosaying，RobinHoodstrippedthehairygarmentsfromoffthedeadman，andputthemonhimself，allbloodyastheywere。
　　Then，strappingtheother'sswordanddaggeraroundhisbodyandcarryinghisowninhishand，togetherwiththetwobowsofyew，hedrewthecowlofhorse'shideoverhisface，sothatnonecouldtellwhohewas，andsetforthfromtheforest，turninghisstepstowardtheeastwardandNottinghamTown。Ashestrodealongthecountryroads，men，women，andchildrenhidawayfromhim，fortheterrorofGuyofGisbourne'snameandofhisdoingshadspreadfarandnear。
　　AndnowletusseewhatbefellLittleJohnwhilethesethingswerehappening。
　　LittleJohnwalkedonhiswaythroughtheforestpathsuntilhehadcometotheoutskirtsofthewoodlands，where，hereandthere，fieldsofbarley，corn，orgreenmeadowlandslaysmilinginthesun。
　　Sohecametothehighroadandtowherealittlethatchedcottagestoodbackofaclusteroftwistedcrabtrees，withflowersinfrontofit。Herehestoppedofasudden，forhethoughtthatheheardthesoundofsomeoneinsorrow。
　　Helistened，andfoundthatitcamefromthecottage；so，turninghisfootstepsthither，hepushedopenthewicketandenteredtheplace。
　　Therehesawagray-haireddamesittingbesideacoldhearthstone，rockingherselftoandfroandweepingbitterly。
　　NowLittleJohnhadatenderheartforthesorrowsofotherfolk，so，comingtotheoldwomanandpattingherkindlyupontheshoulder，hespokecomfortingwordstoher，biddinghercheerupandtellhimhertroubles，forthatmayhaphemightdosomethingtoeasethem。
　　Atallthisthegooddameshookherhead；butallthesamehiskindwordsdidsoothehersomewhat，soafterawhileshetoldhimallthatboreuponhermind。Thatthatmorningshehadthreeasfair，tallsonsbesideherasonecouldfindinallNottinghamshire，butthattheywerenowtakenfromher，andwereliketobehangedstraightway；
　　that，wanthavingcomeuponthem，hereldestboyhadgoneout，thenightbefore，intotheforest，andhadslainahindinthemoonlight；
　　thattheKing'srangershadfollowedtheblooduponthegrassuntiltheyhadcometohercottage，andhadtherefoundthedeer'smeatinthecupboard；that，asneitheroftheyoungersonswouldbetraytheirbrother，theforestershadtakenallthreeaway，inspiteoftheoldestsayingthathealonehadslainthedeer；
　　that，astheywent，shehadheardtherangerstalkingamongthemselves，sayingthattheSheriffhadswornthathewouldputacheckuponthegreatslaughterofdeerthathadbeengoingonoflatebyhangingtheveryfirstroguecaughtthereatuponthenearesttree，andthattheywouldtakethethreeyouthstotheKing'sHeadInn，nearNottinghamTown，wheretheSheriffwasabidingthatday，theretoawaitthereturnofacertainfellowhehadsentintoSherwoodtoseekforRobinHood。
　　ToallthisLittleJohnlistened，shakinghisheadsadlynowandthen。
　　"Alas，"quothhe，whenthegooddamehadfinishedherspeech，"thisisindeedanillcase。ButwhoisthisthatgoethintoSherwoodafterRobinHood，andwhydothhegotoseekhim？
　　Butnomatterforthatnow；onlythatIwouldthatRobinHoodwereheretoadviseus。Nevertheless，notimemaybelostinsendingforhimatthishour，ifwewouldsavethelivesofthythreesons。
　　Tellme，hastthouanyclotheshereaboutsthatImayputoninplaceoftheseofLincolngreen？Marry，ifourstoutSheriffcatchethmewithoutdisguise，Iamliketoberunupmorequicklythanthysons，letmetellthee，dame。"
　　Thentheoldwomantoldhimthatshehadinthehousesomeoftheclothesofhergoodhusband，whohaddiedonlytwoyearsbefore。
　　TheseshebroughttoLittleJohn，who，doffinghisgarbofLincolngreen，putthemoninitsstead。Then，makingawigandfalsebeardofuncardedwool，hecoveredhisownbrownhairandbeard，and，puttingonagreat，tallhatthathadbelongedtotheoldpeasant，hetookhisstaffinonehandandhisbowintheother，andsetforthwithallspeedtowheretheSheriffhadtakenuphisinn。
　　AmileormorefromNottinghamTown，andnotfarfromthesouthernbordersofSherwoodForest，stoodthecosyinnbearingthesignoftheKing'sHead。Herewasagreatbustleandstironthisbrightmorning，fortheSheriffandascoreofhismenhadcometostopthereandawaitGuyofGisbourne'sreturnfromtheforest。
　　Greathissandfussofcookingwasgoingoninthekitchen，andgreatrappingandtappingofwinekegsandbeerbarrelswasgoingoninthecellar。TheSheriffsatwithin，feastingmerrilyofthebesttheplaceafforded，andtheSheriff'smensatuponthebenchbeforethedoor，quaffingale，orlaybeneaththeshadeofthebroad-spreadingoaktrees，talkingandjestingandlaughing。
　　Allaroundstoodthehorsesoftheband，withagreatnoiseofstampingfeetandagreatswitchingoftails。TothisinncametheKing'srangers，drivingthewidow'sthreesonsbeforethem。
　　Thehandsofthethreeyouthsweretiedtightlybehindtheirbacks，andacordfromnecktoneckfastenedthemalltogether。
　　SotheyweremarchedtotheroomwheretheSheriffsatatmeat，andstoodtremblingbeforehimashescowledsternlyuponthem。
　　"So，"quothhe，inagreat，loud，angryvoice，"yehavebeenpoachingupontheKing'sdeer，haveyou？NowIwillmakeshortworkofyouthisday，forIwillhangupallthreeofyouasafarmerwouldhangupthreecrowstoscareothersofthekindfromthefield。OurfaircountyofNottinghamhathbeentoolongabreedingplaceforsuchnaughtyknavesasyeare。
　　Ihaveputupwiththesethingsformanyyears，butnowIwillstampthemoutonceforall，andwithyouIwillbegin。"
　　Thenoneofthepoorfellowsopenedhismouthtospeak，buttheSheriffroaredathiminaloudvoicetobesilent，andbadetherangerstotakethemawaytillhehaddonehiseatingandcouldattendtothemattersconcerningthem。
　　Sothethreepooryouthsweremarchedoutside，wheretheystoodwithbowedheadsanddespairinghearts，tillafterawhiletheSheriffcameforth。Thenhecalledhismenabouthim，andquothhe，"Thesethreevillainsshallbehangedstraightway，butnothere，lesttheybreedilllucktothisgoodlyinn。
　　Wewilltakethemoveryondertothatbeltofwoodlands，forI
　　wouldfainhangthemupontheverytreesofSherwooditself，toshowthosevileoutlawsthereinwhattheymayexpectofmeifIeverhavethegoodlucktolayhandsuponthem。"Sosaying，hemountedhishorse，asdidhismen-at-armslikewise，andalltogethertheysetforthforthebeltofwoodlandshehadspokenof，thepooryouthswalkingintheirmidstguardedbytherangers。
　　Sotheycameatlasttothespot，andherenooseswerefastenedaroundthenecksofthethree，andtheendsofthecordsflungoverthebranchofagreatoaktreethatstoodthere。
　　ThenthethreeyouthsfellupontheirkneesandloudlybesoughtmercyoftheSheriff；buttheSheriffofNottinghamlaughedscornfully。
　　"Now，"quothhe，"IwouldthatIhadapriestheretoshriveyou；
　　but，asnoneisnigh，youmuste'entravelyourroadwithallyoursinspackeduponyourbacks，andtrusttoSaintPetertoletyouinthroughthegatesofParadiselikethreepeddlersintothetown。"
　　Inthemeantime，whileallthishadbeengoingforward，anoldmanhaddrawnnearandstoodleaningonhisstaff，lookingon。
　　Hishairandbeardwereallcurlyandwhite，andacrosshisbackwasabowofyewthatlookedmuchtoostrongforhimtodraw。