AstheSherifflookedaroundereheorderedhismentostringthethreeyouthsuptotheoaktree，hiseyesfelluponthisstrangeoldman。Thenhisworshipbeckonedtohim，saying，"Comehither，father，Ihaveafewwordstosaytothee。"
SoLittleJohn，foritwasnoneotherthanhe，cameforward，andtheSherifflookeduponhim，thinkingthattherewassomethingstrangelyfamiliarinthefacebeforehim。
"How，now，"saidhe，"methinksIhaveseentheebefore。
Whatmaythynamebe，father？"
"PleaseYourWorship，"saidLittleJohn，inacrackedvoicelikethatofanoldman，"mynameisGilesHobble，atYourWorship'sservice。"
"GilesHobble，GilesHobble，"mutteredtheSherifftohimself，turningoverthenamesthathehadinhismindtotrytofindonetofittothis。
"Iremembernotthyname，"saidheatlast，"butitmattersnot。
Hastthouamindtoearnsixpencethisbrightmorn？"
"Ay，marry，"quothLittleJohn，"formoneyisnotsoplentywithmethatIshouldcastsixpenceawayanIcouldearnitbyanhonestturn。
WhatisitYourWorshipwouldhavemedo？"
"Why，this，"saidtheSheriff。"Herearethreementhatneedhangingasbadlyasanye'erIsaw。IfthouwiltstringthemupIwillpaytheetwopenceapieceforthem。Ilikenotthatmymen-at-armsshouldturnhangmen。
Wiltthoutrythyhand？"
"Insooth，"saidLittleJohn，stillintheoldman'svoice，"Iha'
neverdonesuchathingbefore；butanasixpenceistobeearnedsoeasilyImightaswellha'itasanybody。But，YourWorship，arethesenaughtyfellowsshrived？"
"Nay，"saidtheSheriff，laughing，"neverawhit；butthoumaystturnthyhandtothatalsoifthouartsominded。
Buthasten，Iprythee，forIwouldgetbacktomineinnbetimes。"
SoLittleJohncametowherethethreeyouthsstoodtrembling，and，puttinghisfacetothefirstfellow'scheekasthoughhewerelisteningtohim，hewhisperedsoftlyintohisear，"Standstill，brother，whenthoufeelestthybondscut，butwhenthouseestmethrowmywoolenwigandbeardfrommyheadandface，castthenoosefromthyneckandrunforthewoodlands。"
Thenheslylycutthecordthatboundtheyouth'shands；
who，uponhispart，stoodstillasthoughhewereyetbound。
Thenhewenttothesecondfellow，andspoketohiminthesameway，andalsocuthisbonds。Thishedidtothethirdlikewise，butallsoslylythattheSheriff，whosatuponhishorselaughing，wottednotwhatwasbeingdone，norhismeneither。
ThenLittleJohnturnedtotheSheriff。"PleaseYourWorship，"
saidhe，"willyougivemeleavetostringmybow？
ForIwouldfainhelpthesefellowsalongtheway，whentheyareswinging，withanarrowbeneaththeribs。"
"Withallmyheart，"saidtheSheriff，"only，asIsaidbefore，makethouhasteinthydoings。"
LittleJohnputthetipofhisbowtohisinstep，andstrungtheweaponsodeftlythatallwonderedtoseeanoldmansostrong。
Nexthedrewagoodsmootharrowfromhisquiverandfittedittothestring；then，lookingallaroundtoseethatthewaywasclearbehindhim，hesuddenlycastawaythewoolfromhisheadandface，shoutinginamightyvoice，"Run！"Quickasaflashthethreeyouthsflungthenoosesfromtheirnecksandspedacrosstheopentothewoodlandsasthearrowspeedsfromthebow。LittleJohnalsoflewtowardthecovertlikeagreyhound，whiletheSheriffandhismengazedafterhimallbewilderedwiththesuddendoing。
ButeretheyeomanhadgonefartheSheriffrousedhimself。
"Afterhim！"heroaredinamightyvoice；forheknewnowwhoitwaswithwhomhehadbeentalking，andwonderedthathehadnotknownhimbefore。
LittleJohnheardtheSheriff'swords，andseeingthathecouldnothopetoreachthewoodlandsbeforetheywouldbeuponhim，hestoppedandturnedsuddenly，holdinghisbowasthoughhewereabouttoshoot。"Standback！"criedhefiercely。
"Thefirstmanthatcomethafootforward，ortouchethfingertobowstring，dieth！"
AtthesewordstheSheriff'smenstoodasstillasstocks，fortheyknewrightwellthatLittleJohnwouldbeasgoodashisword，andthattodisobeyhimmeantdeath。InvaintheSheriffroaredatthem，callingthemcowards，andurgingthemforwardinabody；theywouldnotbudgeaninch，butstoodandwatchedLittleJohnashemovedslowlyawaytowardtheforest，keepinghisgazefixeduponthem。
ButwhentheSheriffsawhisenemythusslippingbetwixthisfingershegrewmadwithhisrage，sothathisheadswamandheknewnotwhathedid。
Thenofasuddenheturnedhishorse'shead，andplunginghisspursintoitssideshegaveagreatshout，and，risinginhisstirrups，camedownuponLittleJohnlikethewind。ThenLittleJohnraisedhisdeadlybowanddrewthegraygoosefeathertohischeek。
Butalasforhim！For，erehecouldloosetheshaft，thegoodbowthathadservedhimsolong，splitinhishands，andthearrowfellharmlessathisfeet。Seeingwhathadhappened，theSheriff'smenraisedashout，and，followingtheirmaster，camerushingdownuponLittleJohn。ButtheSheriffwasaheadoftheothers，andsocaughtupwiththeyeomanbeforehereachedtheshelterofthewoodlands，thenleaningforwardhestruckamightyblow。
LittleJohnduckedandtheSheriff'sswordturnedinhishand，buttheflatofthebladestrucktheotherupontheheadandsmotehimdown，stunnedandsenseless。
"Now，Iamrightglad，"saidtheSheriff，whenthemencameupandfoundthatLittleJohnwasnotdead，"thatIhavenotslainthismaninmyhaste！
Iwouldratherlosefivehundredpoundsthanhavehimdiethusinsteadofhanging，assuchavilethiefshoulddo。Go，getsomewaterfromyonderfountain，William，andpouritoverhishead。"
Themandidashewasbidden，andpresentlyLittleJohnopenedhiseyesandlookedaroundhim，alldazedandbewilderedwiththestunoftheblow。
Thentheytiedhishandsbehindhim，andliftinghimupsethimuponthebackofoneofthehorses，withhisfacetoitstailandhisfeetstrappedbeneathitsbelly。SotheytookhimbacktotheKing'sHeadInn，laughingandrejoicingastheywentalong。
Butinthemeantimethewidow'sthreesonshadgottensafelyaway，andwerehiddeninthewoodlands。
OncemoretheSheriffofNottinghamsatwithintheKing'sHeadInn。
Hisheartrejoicedwithinhim，forhehadatlastdonethatwhichhehadsoughttodoforyears，takenLittleJohnprisoner。
Quothhetohimself，"ThistimetomorrowtherogueshallhanguponthegallowstreeinfrontofthegreatgateofNottinghamTown，andthusshallImakemylongscorewithhimeven。"Sosaying，hetookadeepdraughtofCanary。ButitseemedasiftheSheriffhadswallowedathoughtwithhiswine，forheshookhisheadandputthecupdownhastily。"Now，"hemutteredtohimself，"Iwouldnotforathousandpoundshavethisfellowslipthroughmyfingers；yet，shouldhismasterescapethatfoulGuyofGisbourne，thereisnoknowingwhathemaydo，forheisthecunningestknaveinalltheworld——thissameRobinHood。BelikeIhadbetternotwaituntiltomorrowtohangthefellow。"Sosaying，hepushedhischairbackhastily，andgoingforthfromtheinncalledhismentogether。
Quothhe，"Iwillwaitnolongerforthehangingofthisrogue，butitshallbedoneforthwith，andthatfromtheverytreewhencehesavedthosethreeyoungvillainsbysteppingbetwixtthemandthelaw。
Sogetyereadystraightway。"
ThenoncemoretheysatLittleJohnuponthehorse，withhisfacetothetail，andso，oneleadingthehorsewhereonhesatandtheothersridingaroundhim，theywentforwardtothattreefromthebranchesofwhichtheyhadthoughttohangthepoachers。
Ontheywent，rattlingandjinglingalongtheroadtilltheycametothetree。HereoneofthemenspaketotheSheriffofasudden。
"YourWorship，"criedhe，"isnotyonfellowcomingalongtowardusthatsameGuyofGisbournewhomthoudidstsendintotheforesttoseekRobinHood？"AtthesewordstheSheriffshadedhiseyesandlookedeagerly。"Why，certes，"quothhe，"yonfellowisthesame。Now，Heavensendthathehathslainthemasterthief，aswewillpresentlyslaytheman！"
WhenLittleJohnheardthisspeechhelookedup，andstraightwayhisheartcrumbledawaywithinhim，fornotonlyweretheman'sgarmentsallcoveredwithblood，butheworeRobinHood'sbuglehornandcarriedhisbowandbroadsword。
"Hownow！"criedtheSheriff，whenRobinHood，inGuyofGisbourne'sclothes，hadcomenightothem。"Whatluckhathbefallentheeintheforest？
Why，man，thyclothesarealloverblood！"
"Anthoulikestnotmyclothes，"saidRobininaharshvoicelikethatofGuyofGisbourne，"thoumaystshutthineeyes。
Marry，theblooduponmeisthatofthevilestoutlawthatevertrodthewoodlands，andonewhomIhaveslainthisday，albeitnotwithoutwoundtomyself。"
ThenoutspakeLittleJohn，forthefirsttimesincehehadfallenintotheSheriff'shands。"Othouvile，bloodywretch！
Iknowthee，GuyofGisbourne，forwhoistherethathathnotheardoftheeandcursedtheeforthyviledeedsofbloodandrapine？
Isitbysuchahandasthinethatthegentlestheartthateverbeatisstilledindeath？Truly，thouartafittoolforthiscowardSheriffofNottingham。NowIdiejoyfully，nordoIcarehowIdie，forlifeisnoughttome！"SospakeLittleJohn，thesalttearsrollingdownhisbrowncheeks。
ButtheSheriffofNottinghamclappedhishandsforjoy。
"Now，GuyofGisbourne，"criedhe，"ifwhatthoutellestmeistrue，itwillbethebestday'sdoingsfortheethateverthouhastdoneinallthylife。"
"WhatIhavetoldtheeissooth，andIlienot，"saidRobin，stillinGuyofGisbourne'svoice。"Look，isnotthisRobinHood'ssword，andisnotthishisgoodbowofyew，andisnotthishisbuglehorn？
ThinkestthouhewouldhavegiventhemtoGuyofGisbourneofhisownfreewill？"
ThentheSherifflaughedaloudforjoy。"Thisisagoodday！"criedhe。
"Thegreatoutlawdeadandhisright-handmaninmyhands！
Askwhatthouwiltofme，GuyofGisbourne，anditisthine！"
"ThenthisIaskofthee，"saidRobin。"AsIhaveslainthemasterIwouldnowkilltheman。Givethisfellow'slifeintomyhands，SirSheriff。"
"Nowthouartafool！"criedtheSheriff。"Thoumightsthavehadmoneyenoughforaknight'sransomifthouhadstaskedforit。
Ilikeilltoletthisfellowpassfrommyhands，butasIhavepromised，thoushalthavehim。"
"Ithanktheerightheartilyforthygift，"criedRobin。"Taketheroguedownfromthehorse，men，andleanhimagainstyondertree，whileIshowyouhowwestickaporkerwhenceIcome！"
AtthesewordssomeoftheSheriff'smenshooktheirheads；
for，thoughtheycarednotawhitwhetherLittleJohnwerehangedornot，theyhatedtoseehimbutcheredincoldblood。
ButtheSheriffcalledtotheminaloudvoice，orderingthemtotaketheyeomandownfromthehorseandleanhimagainstthetree，astheotherbade。
WhiletheyweredoingthisRobinHoodstrungbothhisbowandthatofGuyofGisbourne，albeitnoneofthemtooknoticeofhisdoingso。Then，whenLittleJohnstoodagainstthetree，hedrewGuyofGisbourne'ssharp，double-edgeddagger。
"Fallback！fallback！"criedhe。"Wouldyecrowdsoonmypleasure，yeunmannerlyknaves？Back，Isay！Fartheryet！"
Sotheycrowdedback，asheordered，manyofthemturningtheirfacesaway，thattheymightnotseewhatwasabouttohappen。
"Come！"criedLittleJohn。"Hereismybreast。Itismeetthatthesamehandthatslewmydearmastershouldbutchermealso！
Iknowthee，GuyofGisbourne！"
"Peace，LittleJohn！"saidRobininalowvoice。"Twicethouhastsaidthouknowestme，andyetthouknowestmenotatall。
Couldstthounottellmebeneaththiswildbeast'shide？Yonder，justinfrontofthee，liemybowandarrows，likewisemybroadsword。
TakethemwhenIcutthybonds。Now！Getthemquickly！"
Sosaying，hecutthebonds，andLittleJohn，quickasawink，leapedforwardandcaughtupthebowandarrowsandthebroadsword。
AtthesametimeRobinHoodthrewbackthecowlofhorse'shidefromhisfaceandbentGuyofGisbourne'sbow，withakeen，barbedarrowfittedtothestring。"Standback！"criedhesternly。
"Thefirstmanthattouchethfingertobowstringdieth！
Ihaveslainthyman，Sheriff；takeheedthatitisnotthyturnnext。"Then，seeingthatLittleJohnhadarmedhimself，heclappedhisbuglehorntohislipsandblewthreeblastsbothloudandshrill。
NowwhentheSheriffofNottinghamsawwhosefaceitwasbeneathGuyofGisbourne'shood，andwhenheheardthosebuglenotesringinhisear，hefeltasifhishourhadcome。
"RobinHood！"roaredhe，andwithoutanotherwordhewheeledhishorseintheroadandwentoffinacloudofdust。
TheSheriff'smen，seeingtheirmasterthusfleeingforhislife，thoughtthatitwasnottheirbusinesstotarrylonger，so，clappingspurstotheirhorses，theyalsodashedawayafterhim。
ButthoughtheSheriffofNottinghamwentfast，hecouldnotoutstripaclothyardarrow。LittleJohntwangedhisbowstringwithashout，andwhentheSheriffdashedinthroughthegatesofNottinghamTownatfullspeed，agraygooseshaftstuckoutbehindhimlikeamoultingsparrowwithonefeatherinitstail。
ForamonthafterwardthepoorSheriffcouldsituponnoughtbutthesoftestcushionsthatcouldbegottenforhim。
ThustheSheriffandascoreofmenranawayfromRobinHoodandLittleJohn；
sothatwhenWillStutelyandadozenormoreofstoutyeomenburstfromoutthecovert，theysawnoughtoftheirmaster'senemies，fortheSheriffandhismenwerescurryingawayinthedistance，hiddenwithinacloudofdustlikealittlethunderstorm。
Thentheyallwentbackintotheforestoncemore，wheretheyfoundthewidow'sthreesons，whorantoLittleJohnandkissedhishands。
Butitwouldnotdoforthemtoroamtheforestatlargeanymore；
sotheypromisedthat，aftertheyhadgoneandtoldtheirmotheroftheirescape，theywouldcomethatnighttothegreenwoodtree，andthenceforthbecomemenoftheband。
KingRichardComestoSherwoodForestNOTMOREthantwomonthshadpassedandgonesincethesestirringadventuresbefellRobinHoodandLittleJohn，whenallNottinghamshirewasamightystirandtumult，forKingRichardoftheLion'sHeartwasmakingaroyalprogressthroughmerryEngland，andeveryoneexpectedhimtocometoNottinghamTowninhisjourneying。
MessengerswentridingbackandforthbetweentheSheriffandtheKing，untilatlastthetimewasfixeduponwhenHisMajestywastostopinNottingham，astheguestofhisworship。
Andnowcamemorebustlethanever；agreatrunninghitherandthither，arappingofhammersandababbleofvoicessoundedeverywherethroughtheplace，forthefolkwerebuildinggreatarchesacrossthestreets，beneathwhichtheKingwastopass，andweredrapingthesearcheswithsilkenbannersandstreamersofmanycolors。
GreathubbubwasgoingonintheGuildHallofthetown，also，forhereagrandbanquetwastobegiventotheKingandthenoblesofhistrain，andthebestmastercarpenterswerebusybuildingathronewheretheKingandtheSheriffweretositattheheadofthetable，sidebyside。
ItseemedtomanyofthegoodfolkoftheplaceasifthedaythatshouldbringtheKingintothetownwouldnevercome；
butallthesameitdidcomeinitsownseason，andbrightshonethesundownintothestonystreets，whichwereallalivewitharestlessseaofpeople。Oneithersideofthewaygreatcrowdsoftownandcountryfolkstoodpackedasclosetogetherasdriedherringinabox，sothattheSheriffsmen，halberdsinhands，couldhardlypressthembacktoleavespacefortheKing'sriding。
"Takecarewhomthoupushestagainst！"criedagreat，burlyfriartooneofthesemen。"Wouldstthoudigthineelbowsintome，sirrah？
By'rLadyoftheFountain，anthoudostnottreatmewithmoredeferenceIwillcrackthyknave'spateforthee，eventhoughthoubeoneofthemightySheriff'smen。"
AtthisagreatshoutoflaughterarosefromanumberoftallyeomeninLincolngreenthatwerescatteredthroughthecrowdthereabouts；butonethatseemedofmoreauthoritythantheothersnudgedtheholymanwithhiselbow。
"Peace，Tuck，"saidhe，"didstthounotpromiseme，erethoucamesthere，thatthouwouldstputacheckuponthytongue？"
"Ay，marry，"grumbledtheother，"but'adidnotthinktohaveahard-footedknavetrampleallovermypoortoesasthoughtheywerenomorethansomanyacornsintheforest。"
Butofasuddenallthisbickeringceased，foraclearsoundofmanybuglehornscamewindingdownthestreet。Thenallthepeoplecranedtheirnecksandgazedinthedirectionwhencethesoundcame，andthecrowdingandthepushingandtheswayinggrewgreaterthanever。
Andnowagallantarrayofmencamegleamingintosight，andthecheeringofthepeoplerandownthecrowdasthefirerunsindrygrass。
Eightandtwentyheraldsinvelvetandclothofgoldcameridingforward。
Overtheirheadsflutteredacloudofsnow-whitefeathers，andeachheraldboreinhishandalongsilvertrumpet，whichheblewmusically。
Fromeachtrumpethungaheavybannerofvelvetandclothofgold，withtheroyalarmsofEnglandemblazonedthereon。Afterthesecameridingfivescorenobleknights，twobytwo，allfullyarmed，savingthattheirheadswereuncovered。Intheirhandstheyboretalllances，fromthetopsofwhichflutteredpennonsofmanycolorsanddevices。
Bythesideofeachknightwalkedapagecladinrichclothesofsilkandvelvet，andeachpageboreinhishandshismaster'shelmet，fromwhichwavedlong，floatingplumesoffeathers。NeverhadNottinghamseenafairersightthanthosefivescorenobleknights，fromwhosearmorthesunblazedindazzlinglightastheycameridingontheirgreatwarhorses，withclashingofarmsandjinglingofchains。Behindtheknightscamethebaronsandthenoblesofthemid-country，inrobesofsilkandclothofgold，withgoldenchainsabouttheirnecksandjewelsattheirgirdles。
Behindtheseagaincameagreatarrayofmen-at-arms，withspearsandhalberdsintheirhands，and，inthemidstofthese，tworiderssidebyside。
OneofthehorsemenwastheSheriffofNottinghaminhisrobesofoffice。
Theother，whowasaheadtallerthantheSheriff，wascladinarichbutsimplegarb，withabroad，heavychainabouthisneck。Hishairandbeardwerelikethreadsofgold，andhiseyeswereasblueasthesummersky。
Asherodealonghebowedtotherighthandandtheleft，andamightyroarofvoicesfollowedhimashepassed；forthiswasKingRichard。
Then，aboveallthetumultandtheshoutingagreatvoicewasheardroaring，"Heaven，itssaintsblessthee，ourgraciousKingRichard！andlikewiseOurLadyoftheFountain，blessthee！"
ThenKingRichard，lookingtowardthespotwhencethesoundcame，sawatall，burly，strappingprieststandinginfrontofallthecrowdwithhislegswideapartashebackedagainstthosebehind。
"Bymysoul，Sheriff，"saidtheKing，laughing，"yehavethetallestpriestsinNottinghamshirethate'erIsawinallmylife。
IfHeavenneveransweredprayersbecauseofdeafness，methinksIwouldneverthelesshaveblessingsbestoweduponme，forthatmanyonderwouldmakethegreatstoneimageofSaintPeterrubitsearsandhearkenuntohim。
IwouldthatIhadanarmyofsuchashe。"
TothistheSheriffansweredneveraword，butallthebloodlefthischeeks，andhecaughtatthepommelofhissaddletokeephimselffromfalling；forhealsosawthefellowthatsoshouted，andknewhimtobeFriarTuck；and，moreover，behindFriarTuckhesawthefacesofRobinHoodandLittleJohnandWillScarletandWillStutelyandAllanaDaleandothersoftheband。
"Hownow，"saidtheKinghastily，"artthouill，Sheriff，thatthougrowestsowhite？"
"Nay，YourMajesty，"saidtheSheriff，"itwasnoughtbutasuddenpainthatwillsoonpassby。"Thushespake，forhewasashamedthattheKingshouldknowthatRobinHoodfearedhimsolittlethathethusdaredtocomewithintheverygatesofNottinghamTown。
ThusrodetheKingintoNottinghamTownonthatbrightafternoonintheearlyfallseason；andnonerejoicedmorethanRobinHoodandhismerrymentoseehimcomesoroyallyuntohisown。
Eventidehadcome；thegreatfeastintheGuildHallatNottinghamTownwasdone，andthewinepassedfreely。
Athousandwaxenlightsgleamedalongtheboard，atwhichsatlordandnobleandknightandsquireingoodlyarray。
Attheheadofthetable，uponathroneallhungwithclothofgold，satKingRichardwiththeSheriffofNottinghambesidehim。
QuoththeKingtotheSheriff，laughingashespoke，"Ihaveheardmuchspokenconcerningthedoingsofcertainfellowshereabouts，oneRobinHoodandhisband，whoareoutlawsandabideinSherwoodForest。Canstthounottellmesomewhatofthem，SirSheriff？ForIhearthatthouhasthaddealingswiththemmorethanonce。"
AtthesewordstheSheriffofNottinghamlookeddowngloomily，andtheBishopofHereford，whowaspresent，gnawedhisnetherlip。
QuoththeSheriff，"IcantellYourMajestybutlittleconcerningthedoingsofthosenaughtyfellows，savingthattheyaretheboldestlawbreakersinalltheland。"
ThenupspakeyoungSirHenryoftheLea，agreatfavoritewiththeKing，underwhomhehadfoughtinPalestine。"MayitpleaseYourMajesty，"
saidhe，"whenIwasawayinPalestineIheardofttimesfrommyfather，andinmostcasesIheardofthisveryfellow，RobinHood。IfYourMajestywouldlikeIwilltellyouacertainadventureofthisoutlaw。"
ThentheKinglaughinglybadehimtellhistale，whereuponhetoldhowRobinHoodhadaidedSirRichardoftheLeawithmoneythathehadborrowedfromtheBishopofHereford。AgainandagaintheKingandthosepresentroaredwithlaughter，whilethepoorBishopwaxedcherryredinthefacewithvexation，forthematterwasasorethingwithhim。
WhenSirHenryoftheLeawasdone，othersofthosepresent，seeinghowtheKingenjoyedthismerrytale，toldothertalesconcerningRobinandhismerrymen。
"Bythehiltofmysword，"saidstoutKingRichard，"thisisasboldandmerryaknaveaseverIheardtellof。Marry，Imusttakethismatterinhandanddowhatthoucouldstnotdo，Sheriff，towit，cleartheforestofhimandhisband。"
ThatnighttheKingsatintheplacethatwassetapartforhislodgingwhileinNottinghamTown。WithhimwereyoungSirHenryoftheLeaandtwootherknightsandthreebaronsofNottinghamshire；
buttheKing'smindstilldwelleduponRobinHood。"Now，"quothhe，"Iwouldfreelygiveahundredpoundstomeetthisroguishfellow，RobinHood，andtoseesomewhatofhisdoingsinSherwoodForest。"
ThenupspakeSirHubertofgingham，laughing："IfYourMajestyhathsuchadesireuponyouitisnotsohardtosatisfy。
IfYourMajestyiswillingtoloseonehundredpounds，Iwillengagetocauseyounotonlytomeetthisfellow，buttofeastwithhiminSherwood。"
"Marry，SirHubert，"quoththeKing，"thispleasethmewell。
ButhowwiltthoucausemetomeetRobinHood？"
"Why，thus，"saidSirHubert，"letYourMajestyandusherepresentputontherobesofsevenoftheOrderofBlackFriars，andletYourMajestyhangapurseofonehundredpoundsbeneathyourgown；
thenletusundertaketoridefromheretoMansfieldTowntomorrow，and，withoutIammuchmistaken，wewillbothmeetwithRobinHoodanddinewithhimbeforethedaybepassed。"
"Ilikethyplan，SirHubert，"quoththeKingmerrily，"andtomorrowwewilltryitandseewhethertherebevirtueinit。"
SoithappenedthatwhenearlythenextmorningtheSheriffcametowherehisliegelordwasabiding，topayhisdutytohim，theKingtoldhimwhattheyhadtalkedofthenightbefore，andwhatmerryadventuretheyweresetuponundertakingthatmorning。
ButwhentheSheriffheardthishesmotehisforeheadwithhisfist。
"Alas！"saidhe，"whatevilcounselisthisthathathbeengiventhee！
OmygraciouslordandKing，youknownotwhatyoudo！
Thisvillainthatyouthusgotoseekhathnoreverenceeitherforkingorking'slaws。"
"ButdidInotheararightwhenIwastoldthatthisRobinHoodhathshednobloodsincehewasoutlawed，savingonlythatofthatvileGuyofGisbourne，forwhosedeathallhonestmenshouldthankhim？"
"Yea，YourMajesty，"saidtheSheriff，"youhaveheardaright。Nevertheless——"
"Then，"quoththeKing，breakinginontheSheriffsspeech，"whathaveItofearinmeetinghim，havingdonehimnoharm？
Truly，thereisnodangerinthis。Butmayhapthouwiltgowithus，SirSheriff。"
"Nay，"quoththeSheriffhastily，"Heavenforbid！"
ButnowsevenhabitssuchasBlackFriarswearwerebrought，andtheKingandthoseabouthimhavingcladthemselvestherein，andHisMajestyhavinghungapursewithahundredgoldenpoundsinitbeneathhisrobes，theyallwentforthandmountedthemulesthathadbeenbroughttothedoorforthem。
ThentheKingbadetheSheriffbesilentastotheirdoings，andsotheysetforthupontheirway。Onwardtheytraveled，laughingandjesting，untiltheypassedthroughtheopencountry；
betweenbareharvestfieldswhencetheharvesthadbeengatheredhome；
throughscatteredgladesthatbegantothickenastheywentfartheralong，tilltheycamewithintheheavyshadeoftheforestitself。
Theytraveledintheforestforseveralmileswithoutmeetinganyonesuchastheysought，untiltheyhadcometothatpartoftheroadthatlaynearesttoNewsteadAbbey。
"BytheholySaintMartin，"quoththeKing，"IwouldthatI
hadabetterheadforrememberingthingsofgreatneed。
Herehavewecomeawayandbroughtneversomuchasadropofanythingtodrinkwithus。NowIwouldgivehalfahundredpoundsforsomewhattoquenchmythirstwithal。"
NosoonerhadtheKingsospoken，thanoutfromthecovertattheroadsidesteppedatallfellowwithyellowbeardandhairandapairofmerryblueeyes。"Truly，holybrother，"
saidhe，layinghishandupontheKing'sbridlerein，"itwereanunchristianthingtonotgivefittinganswertosofairabargain。
Wekeepaninnhereabouts，andforfiftypoundswewillnotonlygivetheeagooddraughtofwine，butwillgivetheeasnobleafeastaseverthoudidstticklethygulletwithal。"
Sosaying，heputhisfingerstohislipsandblewashrillwhistle。
Thenstraightwaythebushesandbranchesoneithersideoftheroadswayedandcrackled，andthreescorebroad-shoulderedyeomeninLincolngreenburstoutofthecovert。
"Hownow，fellow，"quoththeKing，"whoartthou，thounaughtyrogue？
Hastthounoregardforsuchholymenasweare？"
"Notawhit，"quothmerryRobinHood，forthefellowwashe，"forinsoothalltheholinessbelongingtorichfriars，suchasyeare，onecoulddropintoathimbleandthegoodwifewouldneverfeelitwiththetipofherfinger。
Asformyname，itisRobinHood，andthoumaysthavehearditbefore。"
"Nowoutuponthee！"quothKingRichard。"Thouartaboldandnaughtyfellowandalawlessonewithal，asIhaveoftenheardtell。Now，prythee，letme，andthesebrethrenofmine，travelforwardinpeaceandquietness。"
"Itmaynotbe，"saidRobin，"foritwouldlookbutillofustoletsuchholymentravelonwardwithemptystomachs。
ButIdoubtnotthatthouhastafatpursetopaythyscoreatourinnsincethouofferestfreelysomuchforapoordraughtofwine。
Showmethypurse，reverendbrother，orImayperchancehavetostripthyrobesfromtheetosearchforitmyself。"
"Nay，usenoforce，"saidtheKingsternly。"Hereismypurse，butlaynotthylawlesshandsuponourperson。"
"Hut，tut，"quothmerryRobin，"whatproudwordsarethese？
ArtthoutheKingofEngland，totalksotome？Here，Will，takethispurseandseewhatthereiswithin。"
WillScarlettookthepurseandcountedoutthemoney。ThenRobinbadehimkeepfiftypoundsforthemselves，andputfiftybackintothepurse。
ThishehandedtotheKing。"Here，brother，"quothhe，"takethishalfofthymoney，andthankSaintMartin，onwhomthoudidstcallbefore，thatthouhastfallenintothehandsofsuchgentleroguesthattheywillnotstriptheebare，astheymightdo。Butwiltthounotputbackthycowl？
ForIwouldfainseethyface。"
"Nay，"saidtheKing，drawingback，"Imaynotputbackmycowl，forwesevenhavevowedthatwewillnotshowourfacesforfourandtwentyhours。"，"Thenkeepthemcoveredinpeace，"saidRobin，"andfarbeitfrommetomakeyoubreakyourvows。"
Sohecalledsevenofhisyeomenandbadethemeachonetakeamulebythebridle；then，turningtheirfacestowardthedepthsofthewoodlands，theyjourneyedonwarduntiltheycametotheopengladeandthegreenwoodtree。
LittleJohn，withthreescoreyeomenathisheels，hadalsogoneforththatmorningtowaitalongtheroadsandbringarichguesttoSherwoodglade，ifsuchmightbehisluck，formanywithfatpursesmusttraveltheroadsatthistime，whensuchgreatdoingsweregoingoninNottinghamshire，butthoughLittleJohnandsomanyothersweregone，FriarTuckandtwoscoreormorestoutyeomenwereseatedorlyingaroundbeneaththegreattree，andwhenRobinandtheotherscametheyleapedtotheirfeettomeethim。
"Bymysoul，"quothmerryKingRichard，whenhehadgottendownfromhismuleandstoodlookingabouthim，"thouhastinverytruthafinelotofyoungmenaboutthee，Robin。MethinksKingRichardhimselfwouldbegladofsuchabodyguard。"
"Thesearenotallofmyfellows，"saidRobinproudly，"forthreescoremoreofthemareawayonbusinesswithmygoodright-handman，LittleJohn。But，asforKingRichard，Itellthee，brother，thereisnotamanofusallbutwouldpouroutourbloodlikewaterforhim。
YechurchmencannotrightlyunderstandourKing；butweyeomenlovehimrightloyallyforthesakeofhisbravedoingswhicharesolikeourown。"
ButnowFriarTuckcamebustlingup。"Gi'yegoodden，brothers，"saidhe。
"Iamrightgladtowelcomesomeofmyclothinthisnaughtyplace。
Truly，methinkstheseroguesofoutlawswouldstandbutanillchancewereitnotfortheprayersofHolyTuck，wholaborethsohardfortheirwell-being。"
Herehewinkedoneeyeslylyandstuckhistongueintohischeek。
"Whoartthou，madpriest？"saidtheKinginaseriousvoice，albeithesmiledbeneathhiscowl。
AtthisFriarTucklookedallaroundwithaslowgaze。"Lookyounow，"
quothhe，"neverletmehearyousayagainthatIamnopatientman。
Hereisaknaveofafriarcallethmeamadpriest，andyetIsmitehimnot。
MynameisFriarTuck，fellow——theholyFriarTuck。"
"There，Tuck，"saidRobin，"thouhastsaidenow。Prythee，ceasethytalkandbringsomewine。Thesereverendmenareathirst，andsin'
theyhavepaidsorichlyfortheirscoretheymuste'enhavethebest。"
FriarTuckbridledatbeingsocheckedinhisspeech，neverthelesshewentstraightwaytodoRobin'sbidding；
sopresentlyagreatcrockwasbrought，andwinewaspouredoutforalltheguestsandforRobinHood。ThenRobinheldhiscupaloft。
"Stay！"criedhe。"TarryinyourdrinkingtillIgiveyouapledge。
HereistogoodKingRichardofgreatrenown，andmayallenemiestohimbeconfounded。"
ThenalldranktheKing'shealth，eventheKinghimself。
"Methinks，goodfellow，"saidhe，"thouhastdrunktothineownconfusion。"
"Neverawhit，"quothmerryRobin，"forItelltheethatweofSherwoodaremoreloyaltoourlordtheKingthanthoseofthineorder。
Wewouldgiveupourlivesforhisbenefiting，whileyearecontenttoliesnuginyourabbeysandprioriesletreignwhowill。"
AtthistheKinglaughed。Quothhe，"PerhapsKingRichard'swelfareismoretomethanthouwottestof，fellow。Butenoughofthatmatter。
Wehavepaidwellforourfare，socanstthounotshowussomemerryentertainment？Ihaveoftheardthatyearewondrousarchers；
wiltthounotshowussomewhatofyourskill？"
"Withallmyheart，"saidRobin，"wearealwayspleasedtoshowourguestsallthesportthatistobeseen。AsGafferSwantholdsayeth，`'Tisahardheartthatwillnotgiveacagedstarlingofthebest'；
andcagedstarlingsyearewithus。Ho，lads！Setupagarlandattheendoftheglade。"
Then，astheyeomenrantodotheirmaster'sbidding，Tuckturnedtooneofthemockfriars。"Hearestthouourmaster？"quothhe，withaslywink。
"WheneverhecomethacrosssomepoorpieceofwithestraightwaylayethitontheshouldersofthisGafferSwanthold——whoeverhemaybe——
sothatthepoorgoodmangoethtravelingaboutwithalltheoddsandendsandtagsandragsofourmaster'sbrainpackedonhisback。"
ThusspakeFriarTuck，butinalowvoicesothatRobincouldnothearhim，forhefeltsomewhatnettledatRobin'scuttinghistalksoshort。
Inthemeantimethemarkatwhichtheyweretoshootwassetupatsixscorepacesdistance。Itwasagarlandofleavesandflowerstwospansinwidth，whichsamewashunguponastakeinfrontofabroadtreetrunk。
"There，"quothRobin，"yonisafairmark，lads。Eachofyoushootthreearrowsthereat；andifanyfellowmissethbysomuchasonearrow，heshallhaveabuffetofWillScarlet'sfist。"
"Hearkentohim！"quothFriarTuck。"Why，master，thoudostbestowbuffetsfromthystrappingnephewasthoughtheywerelovetapsfromsomebouncinglass。Iwarrantthouartsafetohitthegarlandthyself，orthouwouldstnotbesofreeofhiscuffing。"
FirstDavidofDoncastershot，andlodgedallthreeofhisarrowswithinthegarland。"Welldone，David！"criedRobin，"thouhastsavedthineearsfromawarmingthisday。"
NextMidge，theMiller，shot，andhe，also，lodgedhisarrowsinthegarland。ThenfollowedWat，theTinker，butalasforhim！
Foroneofhisshaftsmissedthemarkbythebreadthoftwofingers。
"Comehither，fellow，"saidWillScarlet，inhissoft，gentlevoice，"IowetheesomewhatthatIwouldpayforthwith。"
ThenWat，theTinker，cameforwardandstoodinfrontofWillScarlet，screwinguphisfaceandshuttinghiseyestightly，asthoughhealreadyfelthisearsringingwiththebuffet。
WillScarletrolleduphissleeve，and，standingontiptoetogivethegreaterswingtohisarm，hestruckwithmightandmain。
"WHOOF！"camehispalmagainsttheTinker'shead，anddownwentstoutWattothegrass，heelsoverhead，asthewoodenimageatthefairgoesdownwhentheskillfulplayerthrowsacudgelatit。
Then，astheTinkersatupuponthegrass，rubbinghisearandwinkingandblinkingatthebrightstarsthatdancedbeforehiseyes，theyeomenroaredwithmirthtilltheforestrang。
AsforKingRichard，helaughedtillthetearsrandownhischeeks。
Thusthebandshot，eachinturn，somegettingoffscotfree，andsomewinningabuffetthatalwayssentthemtothegrass。Andnow，lastofall，Robintookhisplace，andallwashushedasheshot。
Thefirstshaftheshotsplitapiecefromthestakeonwhichthegarlandwashung；thesecondlodgedwithinaninchoftheother。
"Bymyhalidom，"saidKingRichardtohimself，"Iwouldgiveathousandpoundsforthisfellowtobeoneofmyguard！"
Andnow，forthethirdtimeRobinshot；but，alasforhim！
Thearrowwasill-feathered，and，waveringtooneside，itsmoteaninchoutsidethegarland。
Atthisagreatroarwentup，thoseoftheyeomenwhosatuponthegrassrollingoverandoverandshoutingwithlaughter，forneverbeforehadtheyseentheirmastersomisshismark；
butRobinflunghisbowuponthegroundwithvexation。
"Now，outuponit！"criedhe。"Thatshafthadanillfeathertoit，forIfeltitasitleftmyfingers。Givemeacleanarrow，andIwillengagetosplitthewandwithit。"
Atthesewordstheyeomenlaughedlouderthanever。
"Nay，gooduncle，"saidWillScarletinhissoft，sweetvoice，"thouhasthadthyfairchanceandhastmissedthineaimoutandout。
Iswearthearrowwasasgoodasanythathathbeenloosedthisday。
Comehither；Iowetheesomewhat，andwouldfainpayit。"
"Go，goodmaster，"roaredFriarTuck，"andmaymyblessinggowiththee。
ThouhastbestowedtheselovetapsofWillScarlet'swithgreatfreedom。
Itwerepityanthougottestnotthineownshare。"
"Itmaynotbe，"saidmerryRobin。"Iamkinghere，andnosubjectmayraisehandagainsttheking。ButevenourgreatKingRichardmayyieldtotheholyPopewithoutshame，andeventakeatapfromhimbywayofpenance；thereforeIwillyieldmyselftothisholyfriar，whoseemethtobeoneinauthority，andwilltakemypunishmentfromhim。"
Thussaying，heturnedtotheKing，"Iprythee，brother，wiltthoutakemypunishingintothyholyhands？"
"Withallmyheart，"quothmerryKingRichard，risingfromwherehewassitting。"Iowetheesomewhatforhavingliftedaheavyweightoffiftypoundsfrommypurse。
Somakeroomforhimonthegreen，lads。"
"Anthoumakestmetumble，"quothRobin，"Iwillfreelygivetheebackthyfiftypounds；butItellthee，brother，ifthoumakestmenotfeelgrassallalongmyback，Iwilltakeeveryfarthingthouhastforthyboastfulspeech。"
"Sobeit，"saidtheKing，"Iamwillingtoventureit。"Thereuponherolleduphissleeveandshowedanarmthatmadetheyeomenstare。ButRobin，withhisfeetwideapart，stoodfirmlyplanted，waitingtheother，smiling。
ThentheKingswungbackhisarm，and，balancinghimselfamoment，hedeliveredabuffetatRobinthatfelllikeathunderbolt。DownwentRobinheadlonguponthegrass，forthestrokewouldhavefelledastonewall。
Thenhowtheyeomenshoutedwithlaughtertilltheirsidesached，forneverhadtheyseensuchabuffetgiveninalltheirlives。
AsforRobin，hepresentlysatupandlookedallaroundhim，asthoughhehaddroppedfromacloudandhadlitinaplacehehadneverseenbefore。
Afterawhile，stillgazingabouthimathislaughingyeomen，heputhisfingertipssoftlytohisearandfeltallaroundittenderly。
"WillScarlet，"saidhe，"countthisfellowouthisfiftypounds；
Iwantnothingmoreeitherofhismoneyorofhim。Amurrainseizehimandhisbuffeting！IwouldthatIhadtakenmyduesfromthee，forIverilybelievehehathdeafenedmineearfromeverhearingagain。"
Then，whilegustsoflaughterstillbrokefromtheband，WillScarletcountedoutthefiftypounds，andtheKingdroppeditbackintohispurseagain。
"Igivetheethanks，fellow，"saidhe，"andifeverthoushouldstwishforanotherboxoftheeartomatchtheonethouhast，cometomeandI
willfittheewithitfornought。"
SospakethemerryKing；but，evenasheended，therecamesuddenlythesoundofmanyvoices，andoutfromthecovertburstLittleJohnandthreescoremen，withSirRichardoftheLeainthemidst。
Acrossthegladetheycamerunning，and，astheycame，SirRichardshoutedtoRobin："Makehaste，dearfriend，gatherthybandtogetherandcomewithme！KingRichardleftNottinghamTownthisverymorning，andcomethtoseektheeinthewoodlands。
Iknownothowhecometh，foritwasbutarumorofthisthatreachedme；nevertheless，Iknowthatitisthetruth。
Thereforehastenwithallthymen，andcometoCastleLea，fortherethoumaystliehiddentillthypresentdangerpasseth。
Whoarethesestrangersthatthouhastwiththee？"
"Why，"quothmerryRobin，risingfromthegrass，"thesearecertaingentlegueststhatcamewithusfromthehighroadoverbyNewsteadAbbey。Iknownottheirnames，butIhavebecomerightwellacquaintwiththislustyrogue'spalmthismorning。
Marry，thepleasureofthisacquaintancehathdostmeadeafearandfiftypoundstoboot！"
SirRichardlookedkeenlyatthetallfriar，who，drawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，lookedfixedlybackattheknight。
ThenofasuddenSirRichard'scheeksgrewpale，forheknewwhoitwasthathelookedupon。Quicklyheleapedfromoffhishorse'sbackandflunghimselfuponhiskneesbeforetheother。
Atthis，theKing，seeingthatSirRichardknewhim，threwbackhiscowl，andalltheyeomensawhisfaceandknewhimalso，fortherewasnotoneofthembuthadbeeninthecrowdinthegoodtownofNottingham，andhadseenhimridingsidebysidewiththeSheriff。Downtheyfellupontheirknees，norcouldtheysayaword。ThentheKinglookedallaroundrightgrimly，and，lastofall，hisglancecamebackandrestedagainuponSirRichardoftheLea。
"Howisthis，SirRichard？"saidhesternly。"Howdarestthoustepbetweenmeandthesefellows？AndhowdarestthouofferthyknightlyCastleoftheLeaforarefugetothem？
WiltthoumakeitahidingplaceforthemostrenownedoutlawsinEngland？"
ThenSirRichardoftheLearaisedhiseyestotheKing'sface。
"Farbeitfromme，"saidhe，"todoaughtthatcouldbringYourMajesty'sangeruponme。Yet，soonerwouldIfaceYourMajesty'swraththansufferaughtofharmthatIcouldstaytofalluponRobinHoodandhisband；
fortothemIowelife，honor，everything。ShouldI，then，deserthiminhishourofneed？"
Eretheknighthaddonespeaking，oneofthemockfriarsthatstoodneartheKingcameforwardandkneltbesideSirRichard，andthrowingbackhiscowlshowedthefaceofyoungSirHenryoftheLea。ThenSirHenrygraspedhisfather'shandandsaid，"Herekneelsonewhohathservedtheewell，KingRichard，and，asthouknowest，hathsteppedbetweentheeanddeathinPalestine；
yetdoIabidebymydearfather，andhereIsayalso，thatI
wouldfreelygivesheltertothisnobleoutlaw，RobinHood，eventhoughitbroughtthywrathuponme，formyfather'shonorandmyfather'swelfareareasdeartomeasmineown。"
KingRichardlookedfromonetotheotherofthekneelingknights，andatlastthefrownfadedfromhisbrowandasmiletwitchedatthecornersofhislips。"Marry，SirRichard，"
quoththeKing，"thouartabold-spokenknight，andthyfreedomofspeechweighethnotheavilyagainsttheewithme。
Thisyoungsonofthinetakethafterhissirebothinboldnessofspeechandofdeed，for，ashesayeth，hesteppedonetimebetwixtmeanddeath；whereforeIwouldpardontheeforhissakeevenifthouhadstdonemorethanthouhast。
Riseallofyou，foryeshallsuffernoharmthroughmethisday，foritwerepitythatamerrytimeshouldendinamannerastomaritsjoyousness。"
ThenallaroseandtheKingbeckonedRobinHoodtocometohim。
"Hownow，"quothhe，"isthineearstilltoodeaftohearmespeak？"
"MineearswouldbedeafenedindeatheretheywouldceasetohearYourMajesty'svoice，"saidRobin。"AsfortheblowthatYourMajestystruckme，Iwouldsaythatthoughmysinsarehaplymany，methinkstheyhavebeenpaidupinfullthereby。"
"Thinkestthouso？"saidtheKingwithsomewhatofsternnessinhisvoice。"NowItelltheethatbutforthreethings，towit，mymercifulness，myloveforastoutwoodsman，andtheloyaltythouhastavowedforme，thineears，mayhap，mighthavebeenmoretightlyclosedthaneverabuffetfrommecouldhaveshutthem。
Talknotlightlyofthysins，goodRobin。Butcome，lookup。
Thydangerispast，forherebyIgivetheeandallthybandfreepardon。But，insooth，Icannotletyouroamtheforestasyehavedoneinthepast；thereforeIwilltaketheeatthyword，whenthoudidstsaythouwouldstgivethyservicetome，andthoushaltgobacktoLondonwithme。WewilltakethatboldknaveLittleJohnalso，andlikewisethycousin，WillScarlet，andthyminstrel，AllanaDale。Asfortherestofthyband，wewilltaketheirnamesandhavethemdulyrecordedasroyalrangers；
formethinksitwerewisertohavethemchangedtolaw-abidingcaretakersofourdeerinSherwoodthantoleavethemtorunatlargeasoutlawedslayersthereof。Butnowgetafeastready；
Iwouldseehowyeliveinthewoodlands。"
SoRobinbadehismenmakereadyagrandfeast。Straightwaygreatfireswerekindledandburnedbrightly，atwhichsavorythingsroastedsweetly。
Whilethiswasgoingforward，theKingbadeRobincallAllanaDale，forhewouldhearhimsing。SowordwaspassedforAllan，andpresentlyhecame，bringinghisharp。
"Marry，"saidKingRichard，"ifthysingingmatchthylooksitisfairenough。Prythee，strikeupadittyandletushaveatasteofthyskill。"
ThenAllantouchedhisharplightly，andallwordswerehushedwhilehesangthus：
"`_Oh，wherehasthoubeen，mydaughter？
Oh，wherehastthoubeenthisdayDaughter，mydaughter？'
`Oh，Ihavebeentotheriver'sside，Wherethewaterslieallgrayandwide，Andthegrayskybroodso'ertheleadentide，Andtheshrillwindsighsastraining。'
"`Whatsawestthouthere，mydaughter？
Whatsawestthoutherethisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
`Oh，Isawaboatcomedriftingnigh，Wherethequiveringrusheshissandsigh，Andthewatersoughsasitgurglesby，Andtheshrillwindsighsastraining。'
"`Whatsailedintheboat，mydaughter？
Whatsailedintheboatthisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
`Oh，therewasoneallcladinwhite，Andabouthisfacehungapallidlight，Andhiseyesgleamedsharplikethestarsatnight，Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining。'
"`Andwhatsaidhe，mydaughter？
Whatsaidhetotheethisday，Daughter，mydaughter？'
`Oh，saidhenought，butdidhethis：
Thriceonmylipsdidhepressakiss，Andmyheartstringsshrunkwithanawfulbliss，Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining，。'
"`Whygrowestthousocold，mydaughter？
Whygrowestthousocoldandwhite，Daughter，mydaughter？'
Oh，neverawordthedaughtersaid，Butshesatallstraightwithadroopinghead，Forherheartwasstilledandherfacewasdead：
Andtheshrillwindsighedastraining_。"
Alllistenedinsilence；andwhenAllanaDalehaddoneKingRichardheavedasigh。"Bythebreathofmybody，Allan，"quothhe，"thouhastsuchawondroussweetvoicethatitstrangelymovesmyheart。
Butwhatdolefuldittyisthisforthelipsofastoutyeoman？
Iwouldratherheartheesingasongofloveandbattlethanasadthinglikethat。Moreover，Iunderstanditnot；whatmeanestthoubythewords？"
"Iknownot，YourMajesty，"saidAllan，shakinghishead，"forofttimesIsingthatwhichIdonotclearlyunderstandmineownself。"
"Well，well，"quoththeKing，"letitpass；onlyItelltheethis，Allan，thoushouldstturnthysongstosuchmattersasIspokeof，towit，loveorwar；forinsooththouhastasweetervoicethanBlondell，andmethoughthewasthebestminstrelthateverIheard。"
Butnowonecameforwardandsaidthatthefeastwasready；soRobinHoodbroughtKingRichardandthosewithhimtowhereitlayallspreadoutonfairwhitelinenclothswhichlayuponthesoftgreengrass。
ThenKingRichardsathimdownandfeastedanddrank，andwhenhewasdonehesworeroundlythathehadneversatatsuchalustyrepastinallhislifebefore。
ThatnighthelayinSherwoodForestuponabedofsweetgreenleaves，andearlythenextmorninghesetforthfromthewoodlandsforNottinghamTown，RobinHoodandallofhisbandgoingwithhim。
Youmayguesswhatastirtherewasinthegoodtownwhenallthesefamousoutlawscamemarchingintothestreets。
AsfortheSheriff，heknewnotwhattosaynorwheretolookwhenhesawRobinHoodinsuchhighfavorwiththeKing，whileallhisheartwasfilledwithgallbecauseofthevexationthatlayuponhim。
ThenextdaytheKingtookleaveofNottinghamTown；soRobinHoodandLittleJohnandWillScarletandAllanaDaleshookhandswithalltherestoftheband，kissingthecheeksofeachman，andswearingthattheywouldoftencometoSherwoodandseethem。
TheneachmountedhishorseandrodeawayinthetrainoftheKing。
EpilogueTHUSENDtheMerryAdventuresofRobinHood；for，inspiteofhispromise，itwasmanyayearerehesawSherwoodagain。
AfterayearortwoatcourtLittleJohncamebacktoNottinghamshire，wherehelivedinanorderlyway，thoughwithinsightofSherwood，andwhereheachievedgreatfameasthechampionofallEnglandwiththequarterstaff。WillScarletafteratimecamebacktohisownhome，whencehehadbeendrivenbyhisunluckykillingofhisfather'ssteward。
Therestofthebanddidtheirdutyasroyalrangersrightwell。
ButRobinHoodandAllanaDaledidnotcomeagaintoSherwoodsoquickly，forthusitwas：
Robin，throughhisgreatfameasanarcher，becameafavoritewiththeKing，sothathespeedilyroseinranktobethechiefofalltheyeomen。
AtlasttheKing，seeinghowfaithfulandhowloyalhewas，createdhimEarlofHuntingdon；soRobinfollowedtheKingtothewars，andfoundhistimesofullthathehadnochancetocomebacktoSherwoodforevensomuchasaday。AsforAllanaDaleandhiswife，thefairEllen，theyfollowedRobinHoodandsharedinallhisupsanddownsoflife。
Andnow，dearfriend，youwhohavejourneyedwithmeinallthesemerrydoings，Iwillnotbidyoufollowmefurther，butwilldropyourhandherewitha"goodden，"ifyouwishit；
forthatwhichcomethhereafterspeaksofthebreakingupofthings，andshowshowjoysandpleasuresthataredeadandgonecanneverbesetupontheirfeettowalkagain。
Iwillnotdwelluponthematteroverlong，butwilltellasspeedilyasmaybeofhowthatstoutfellow，RobinHood，diedashehadlived，notatcourtasEarlofHuntingdon，butwithbowinhand，hisheartinthegreenwood，andhehimselfarightyeoman。
KingRicharddieduponthebattlefield，insuchawayasproperlybecamealion-heartedking，asyouyourself，nodoubt，know；so，afteratime，theEarlofHuntingdon——orRobinHood，aswestillcallhimasofold——
findingnothingforhisdoingabroad，camebacktomerryEnglandagain。
WithhimcameAllanaDaleandhiswife，thefairEllen，forthesetwohadbeenchiefofRobin'shouseholdeversincehehadleftSherwoodForest。
ItwasinthespringtimewhentheylandedoncemoreontheshoresofEngland。Theleavesweregreenandthesmallbirdssangblithely，justastheyusedtodoinfairSherwoodwhenRobinHoodroamedthewoodlandshadeswithafreeheartandalightheel。
AllthesweetnessofthetimeandthejoyousnessofeverythingbroughtbacktoRobin'smindhisforestlife，sothatagreatlongingcameuponhimtobeholdthewoodlandsoncemore。
SohewentstraightwaytoKingJohnandbesoughtleaveofhimtovisitNottinghamforashortseason。TheKinggavehimleavetocomeandtogo，butbadehimnotstaylongerthanthreedaysatSherwood。SoRobinHoodandAllanaDalesetforthwithoutdelaytoNottinghamshireandSherwoodForest。
ThefirstnighttheytookuptheirinnatNottinghamTown，yettheydidnotgotopaytheirdutytotheSheriff，forhisworshipboremanyabittergrudgeagainstRobinHood，whichgrudgeshadnotbeenlessenedbyRobin'sriseintheworld。
Thenextdayatanearlyhourtheymountedtheirhorsesandsetforthforthewoodlands。AstheypassedalongtheroaditseemedtoRobinthathekneweverystickandstonethathiseyeslookedupon。
Yonderwasapaththathehadofttimestrodofamellowevening，withLittleJohnbesidehim；herewasone，nownighchokedwithbrambles，alongwhichheandalittlebandhadwalkedwhentheywentforthtoseekacertaincurtalfriar。
Thustheyrodeslowlyonward，talkingabouttheseold，familiarthings；
oldandyetnew，fortheyfoundmoreinthemthantheyhadeverthoughtofbefore。Thusatlasttheycametotheopenglade，andthebroad，wide-spreadinggreenwoodtreewhichwastheirhomeforsomanyyears。
Neitherofthetwospokewhentheystoodbeneaththattree。
Robinlookedallabouthimatthewell-knownthings，solikewhattheyusedtobeandyetsodifferent；for，whereoncewasthebustleofmanybusyfellowswasnowthequietnessofsolitude；and，ashelooked，thewoodlands，thegreensward，andtheskyallblurredtogetherinhissightthroughsalttears，forsuchagreatyearningcameuponhimashelookedonthesethingsaswellknowntohimasthefingersofhisrighthand
thathecouldnotkeepbackthewaterfromhiseyes。
Thatmorninghehadslunghisgoodoldbuglehornoverhisshoulder，andnow，withtheyearning，cameagreatlongingtosoundhisbugleoncemore。
Heraisedittohislips；heblewablast。"Tirila，lirila，"
thesweet，clearnoteswentwindingdowntheforestpaths，comingbackagainfromthemoredistantboskyshadesinfaintechoesofsound，"Tirila，lirila，tirila，lirila，"untilitfadedawayandwaslost。
NowitchancedthatonthatverymornLittleJohnwaswalkingthroughaspuroftheforestuponcertainmattersofbusiness，andashepacedalong，sunkinmeditation，thefaint，clearnotesofadistantbuglehorncametohisear。
Asleapsthestagwhenitfeelsthearrowatitsheart，soleapedLittleJohnwhenthatdistantsoundmethisear。
Allthebloodinhisbodyseemedtorushlikeaflameintohischeeksashebenthisheadandlistened。Againcamethebuglenote，thinandclear，andyetagainitsounded。
ThenLittleJohngaveagreat，wildcryofyearning，ofjoy，andyetofgrief，and，puttingdownhishead，hedashedintothethicket。
Onwardheplunged，cracklingandrending，asthewildboarrushesthroughtheunderbrush。Littlereckedheofthornsandbriersthatscratchedhisfleshandtorehisclothing，forallhethoughtofwastoget，bytheshortestway，tothegreenwoodgladewhenceheknewthesoundofthebuglehorncame。Outheburstfromthecovert，atlast，ashoweroflittlebrokentwigsfallingabouthim，and，withoutpausingamoment，rushedforwardandflunghimselfatRobin'sfeet。
Thenheclaspedhisarmsaroundthemaster'sknees，andallhisbodywasshakenwithgreatsobs；neithercouldRobinnorAllanaDalespeak，butstoodlookingdownatLittleJohn，thetearsrollingdowntheircheeks。
Whiletheythusstood，sevenroyalrangersrushedintotheopengladeandraisedagreatshoutofjoyatthesightofRobin；
andattheirheadwasWillStutely。Then，afterawhile，camefourmore，pantingwiththeirrunning，andtwoofthesefourwereWillScathelockandMidge，theMiller；
forallofthesehadheardthesoundofRobinHood'shorn。
AlltheserantoRobinandkissedhishandsandhisclothing，withgreatsoundofweeping。
AfterawhileRobinlookedaroundhimwithtear-dimmedeyesandsaid，inahuskyvoice，"Now，IswearthatneveragainwillIleavethesedearwoodlands。Ihavebeenawayfromthemandfromyoutoolong。
NowdoIlaybythenameofRobert，EarlofHuntingdon，andtakeuponmeonceagainthatnoblertitle，RobinHood，theYeoman。"Atthisagreatshoutwentup，andalltheyeomenshookoneanother'shandsforjoy。
ThenewsthatRobinHoodhadcomebackagaintodwellinSherwoodasofoldspreadlikewildfirealloverthecountryside，sothaterease'ennighthadpassednearlyallofhisoldyeomenhadgatheredabouthimagain。
ButwhenthenewsofallthisreachedtheearsofKingJohn，hesworebothloudanddeep，andtookasolemnvowthathewouldnotrestuntilhehadRobinHoodinhispower，deadoralive。
Nowtherewaspresentatcourtacertainknight，SirWilliamDale，asgallantasoldieraseverdonnedharness。SirWilliamDalewaswellacquaintedwithSherwoodForest，forhewasheadkeeperoverthatpartofitthatlaynightogoodMansfieldTown；sotohimtheKingturned，andbadehimtakeanarmyofmenandgostraightwaytoseekRobinHood。LikewisetheKinggaveSirWilliamhissignetringtoshowtotheSheriff，thathemightraiseallhisarmedmentoaidtheothersintheirchaseofRobin。SoSirWilliamandtheSheriffsetforthtodotheKing'sbiddingandtosearchforRobinHood；
andforsevendaystheyhuntedupanddown，yetfoundhimnot。
Now，hadRobinHoodbeenaspeacefulasofold，everythingmighthaveendedinsmoke，asothersuchventureshadalwaysdonebefore；buthehadfoughtforyearsunderKingRichard，andwaschangedfromwhatheusedtobe。
Itgalledhispridetothusfleeawaybeforethosesentagainsthim，asachasedfoxfleesfromthehounds；sothusitcameabout，atlast，thatRobinHoodandhisyeomenmetSirWilliamandtheSheriffandtheirmenintheforest，andabloodyfightfollowed。ThefirstmanslaininthatfightwastheSheriffofNottingham，forhefellfromhishorsewithanarrowinhisbrainerehalfascoreofshaftshadbeensped。
ManyabettermanthantheSheriffkissedthesodthatday，butatlast，SirWilliamDalebeingwoundedandmostofhismenslain，hewithdrew，beaten，andlefttheforest。Butscoresofgoodfellowswereleftbehindhim，stretchedoutallstiffbeneaththesweetgreenboughs。
ButthoughRobinHoodhadbeatenoffhisenemiesinfairfight，allthislayheavilyuponhismind，sothathebroodedoverituntilafeverseizeduponhim。Forthreedaysitheldhim，andthoughhestrovetofightitoff，hewasforcedtoyieldatlast。
Thusitcamethat，onthemorningofthefourthday，hecalledLittleJohntohim，andtoldhimthathecouldnotshakethefeverfromhim，andthathewouldgotohiscousin，theprioressofthenunnerynearKirklees，inYorkshire，whowasaskillfulleech，andhewouldhaveheropenaveininhisarmandtakealittlebloodfromhim，forthebetteringofhishealth。ThenhebadeLittleJohnmakereadytogoalso，forhemightperchanceneedaidinhisjourneying。
SoLittleJohnandhetooktheirleaveoftheothers，andRobinHoodbadeWillStutelybethecaptainofthebanduntiltheyshouldcomeback。
ThustheycamebyeasystagesandslowjourneyinguntiltheyreachedtheNunneryofKirklees。
NowRobinhaddonemuchtoaidthiscousinofhis；foritwasthroughKingRichard'sloveofhimthatshehadbeenmadeprioressoftheplace。
Butthereisnoughtintheworldsoeasilyforgotasgratitude；
so，whenthePrioressofKirkleeshadheardhowhercousin，theEarlofHuntingdon，hadthrownawayhisearldomandgonebackagaintoSherwood，shewasvexedtothesoul，andfearedlesthercousinshipwithhimshouldbringtheKing'swrathuponheralso。
ThusithappenedthatwhenRobincametoherandtoldherhowhewishedherservicesasleech，shebeganplottingillagainsthiminhermind，thinkingthatbydoingeviltohimshemightfindfavorwithhisenemies。
Nevertheless，shekeptthiswelltoherselfandreceivedRobinwithseemingkindness。Sheledhimupthewindingstonestairtoaroomwhichwasjustbeneaththeeavesofahigh，roundtower；
butshewouldnotletLittleJohncomewithhim。
Sothepooryeomanturnedhisfeetawayfromthedoorofthenunnery，andlefthismasterinthehandsofthewomen。
But，thoughhedidnotcomein，neitherdidhegofaraway；
forhelaidhimdowninalittlegladenearby，wherehecouldwatchtheplacethatRobinabided，likesomegreat，faithfuldogturnedawayfromthedoorwherehismasterhasentered。
AfterthewomenhadgottenRobinHoodtotheroombeneaththeeaves，thePrioresssentalloftheothersaway；then，takingalittlecord，shetiedittightlyaboutRobin'sarm，asthoughshewereabouttobleedhim。Andsoshedidbleedhim，buttheveinsheopenedwasnotoneofthosethatliecloseandbluebeneaththeskin；
deepershecutthanthat，forsheopenedoneofthoseveinsthroughwhichthebrightredbloodrunsleapingfromtheheart。
OfthisRobinknewnot；for，thoughhesawthebloodflow，itdidnotcomefastenoughtomakehimthinkthattherewasanythingillinit。
Havingdonethisviledeed，thePrioressturnedandlefthercousin，lockingthedoorbehindher。AllthatlivelongdaythebloodranfromRobinHood'sarm，norcouldhecheckit，thoughhestroveineverywaytodoso。Againandagainhecalledforhelp，butnohelpcame，forhiscousinhadbetrayedhim，andLittleJohnwastoofarawaytohearhisvoice。
Sohebledandbleduntilhefelthisstrengthslippingawayfromhim。
Thenhearose，tottering，andbearinghimselfupbythepalmsofhishandsagainstthewall，hereachedhisbuglehornatlast。
Thricehesoundedit，butweaklyandfaintly，forhisbreathwasflutteringthroughsicknessandlossofstrength；nevertheless，LittleJohnhearditwherehelayintheglade，and，withaheartallsickwithdread，hecamerunningandleapingtowardthenunnery。Loudlyheknockedatthedoor，andinaloudvoiceshoutedforthemtolethimin，butthedoorwasofmassiveoak，stronglybarred，andstuddedwithspikes，sotheyfeltsafe，andbadeLittleJohnbegone。
ThenLittleJohn'sheartwasmadwithgriefandfearforhismaster'slife。
Wildlyhelookedabouthim，andhissightfelluponaheavystonemortar，suchasthreemencouldnotliftnowadays。LittleJohntookthreestepsforward，and，bendinghisback，heavedthestonemortarupfromwhereitstooddeeplyrooted。Staggeringunderitsweight，hecameforwardandhurleditcrashingagainstthedoor。Inburstthedoor，andawayfledthefrightenednuns，shrieking，athiscoming。
ThenLittleJohnstrodein，andneverawordsaidhe，butupthewindingstonestepsherantillhereachedtheroomwhereinhismasterwas。
Herehefoundthedoorlockedalso，but，puttinghisshoulderagainstit，heburstthelocksasthoughtheyweremadeofbrittleice。
Therehesawhisowndearmasterleaningagainstthegraystonewall，hisfaceallwhiteanddrawn，andhisheadswayingtoandfrowithweakness。Then，withagreat，wildcryofloveandgriefandpity，LittleJohnleapedforwardandcaughtRobinHoodinhisarms。
Upheliftedhimasamotherliftsherchild，andcarryinghimtothebed，laidhimtenderlythereon。
AndnowthePrioresscameinhastily，forshewasfrightenedatwhatshehaddone，anddreadedthevengeanceofLittleJohnandtheothersoftheband；
thenshestanchedthebloodbycunningbandages，sothatitflowednomore。
AllthewhileLittleJohnstoodgrimlyby，andaftershehaddonehesternlybadehertobegone，andsheobeyed，paleandtrembling。
Then，aftershehaddeparted，LittleJohnspakecheeringwords，laughingloudly，andsayingthatallthiswasachild'sfright，andthatnostoutyeomanwoulddieatthelossofafewdropsofblood。
"Why，"quothhe，"givetheease'ennightandthouwiltberoamingthewoodlandsasboldlyasever。"
ButRobinshookhisheadandsmiledfaintlywherehelay。
"MineowndearLittleJohn，"whisperedhe，"Heavenblessthykind，roughheart。But，dearfriend，wewillneverroamthewoodlandstogetheragain。"
"Ay，butwewill！"quothLittleJohnloudly。"Isayagain，ay——outuponit——
whodaressaythatanymoreharmshallcomeuponthee？AmInotby？Letmeseewhodarestouch"——Herehestoppedofasudden，forhiswordschokedhim。
Atlasthesaid，inadeep，huskyvoice，"Now，ifaughtofharmbefallstheebecauseofthisday'sdoings，IswearbySaintGeorgethattheredcockshallcrowovertherooftreeofthishouse，forthehotflamesshalllickeverycrackandcrannythereof。Asforthesewomen"——herehegroundhisteeth——
"itwillbeanilldayforthem！"
ButRobinHoodtookLittleJohn'srough，brownfistinhiswhitehands，andchidhimsoftlyinhislow，weakvoice，askinghimsincewhattimeLittleJohnhadthoughtofdoingharmtowomen，eveninvengeance。
Thushetalkedtill，atlast，theotherpromised，inachokingvoice，thatnoillshouldfallupontheplace，nomatterwhathappened。
Thenasilencefell，andLittleJohnsatwithRobinHood'shandinhis，gazingoutoftheopenwindow，everandanonswallowingagreatlumpthatcameinhisthroat。Meantimethesundroppedslowlytothewest，tillalltheskywasablazewitharedglory。
ThenRobinHood，inaweak，falteringvoice，badeLittleJohnraisehimthathemightlookoutoncemoreuponthewoodlands；
sotheyeomanliftedhiminhisarms，ashebade，andRobinHood'sheadlayonhisfriend'sshoulder。Longhegazed，withawide，lingeringlook，whiletheothersatwithbowedhead，thehottearsrollingoneafteranotherfromhiseyes，anddrippinguponhisbosom，forhefeltthatthetimeofpartingwasnearathand。
Then，presently，RobinHoodbadehimstringhisstoutbowforhim，andchooseasmoothfairarrowfromhisquiver。ThisLittleJohndid，thoughwithoutdisturbinghismasterorrisingfromwherehesat。
RobinHood'sfingerswrappedlovinglyaroundhisgoodbow，andhesmiledfaintlywhenhefeltitinhisgrasp，thenhenockedthearrowonthatpartofthestringthatthetipsofhisfingersknewsowell。
"LittleJohn，"saidhe，"LittleJohn，mineowndearfriend，andhimIlovebetterthanallothersintheworld，mark，Iprythee，wherethisarrowlodges，andthereletmygravebedigged。
LaymewithmyfacetowardtheEast，LittleJohn，andseethatmyrestingplacebekeptgreen，andthatmywearybonesbenotdisturbed。"
Ashefinishedspeaking，heraisedhimselfofasuddenandsatupright。
Hisoldstrengthseemedtocomebacktohim，and，drawingthebowstringtohisear，hespedthearrowoutoftheopencasement。Astheshaftflew，hishandsankslowlywiththebowtillitlayacrosshisknees，andhisbodylikewisesankbackagainintoLittleJohn'slovingarms；
butsomethinghadspedfromthatbody，evenasthewingedarrowspedfromthebow。
ForsomeminutesLittleJohnsatmotionless，butpresentlyhelaidthatwhichheheldgentlydown，then，foldingthehandsuponthebreastandcoveringuptheface，heturneduponhisheelandlefttheroomwithoutawordorasound。
UponthesteepstairwayhemetthePrioressandsomeofthechiefamongthesisters。Tothemhespokeinadeep，quiveringvoice，andsaidhe，"Anyegowithinascoreoffeetofyonderroom，Iwillteardownyourrookeryoveryourheadssothatnotonestoneshallbeleftuponanother。Bearmywordswellinmind，forImeanthem。"
Sosaying，heturnedandleftthem，andtheypresentlysawhimrunningrapidlyacrosstheopen，throughthefallingofthedusk，untilhewasswallowedupbytheforest。
TheearlygrayofthecomingmornwasjustbeginningtolightentheblackskytowardtheeastwardwhenLittleJohnandsixmoreofthebandcamerapidlyacrosstheopentowardthenunnery。
Theysawnoone，forthesisterswereallhiddenawayfromsight，havingbeenfrightenedbyLittleJohn'swords。
Upthestonestairtheyran，andagreatsoundofweepingwaspresentlyheard。Afterawhilethisceased，andthencamethescufflingandshufflingofmen'sfeetastheycarriedaheavyweightdownthesteepandwindingstairs。
Sotheywentforthfromthenunnery，and，astheypassedthroughthedoorsthereof，agreat，loudsoundofwailingarosefromthegladethatlayalldarkinthedawning，asthoughmanymen，hiddenintheshadows，hadlifteduptheirvoicesinsorrow。
ThusdiedRobinHood，atKirkleesNunnery，infairYorkshire，withmercyinhishearttowardthosethathadbeenhisundoing；
forthusheshowedmercyfortheerringandpityfortheweakthroughallthetimeofhislivingHisyeomenwerescatteredhenceforth，butnogreatillbefellthemthereafter，foramoremercifulsheriffandonewhoknewthemnotsowellsucceedingtheonethathadgone，andtheybeingseparatedhereandtherethroughoutthecountryside，theyabidedinpeaceandquietness，sothatmanylivedtohanddownthesetalestotheirchildrenandtheirchildren'schildren。
AcertainonesayeththatuponastoneatKirkleesisanoldinscription。
ThisIgiveintheancientEnglishinwhichitwaswritten，andthusitruns：
HEARUNDERNEADDISLAITLSTEANLAISROBERTEARLOFHUNTINGTUNNEAARCIR
VERASHIESAEGEUDANPIPLKAULDIMROBINHEUDSICKUTLAWSASHIANIS
MENVILENGLANDNIDIRSIAGENOBIIT24KAL。DEKEMBRIS1247。
Andnow，dearfriend，wealsomustpart，forourmerryjourneyingshaveended，andhere，atthegraveofRobinHood，weturn，eachgoinghisownway。
End