But，master，Iknowfromhim，andhegotitfromtheSheriff\'smanRalpho\'
theScar，thatthissameknavishSheriffhathbutlaidatrapfortheeinthisshootingmatchandwishesnothingsomuchastoseetheethere。
Sogonot，goodmaster，forIknowrightwellhedothseektobeguilethee，butstaywithinthegreenwoodlestweallmeetdoleandwoe。\"
\"Now，\"quothRobin，\"thouartawiseladandkeepestthineearsopenandthymouthshut，asbecomethawiseandcraftywoodsman。
ButshallweletitbesaidthattheSheriffofNottinghamdidcowboldRobinHoodandsevenscoreasfairarchersasareinallmerryEngland？Nay，goodDavid，whatthoutellestmemakethmetodesiretheprizeevenmorethanIelseshoulddo。
ButwhatsayethourgoodgossipSwanthold？Isitnot`Ahastymanburnethhismouth，andthefoolthatkeepethhiseyesshutfallethintothepit\'？Thushesays，truly，thereforewemustmeetguilewithguile。Nowsomeofyouclotheyourselvesascurtalfriars，andsomeasrusticpeasants，andsomeastinkers，orasbeggars，butseethateachmantakethagoodboworbroadsword，incaseneedshouldarise。Asformyself，Iwillshootforthissamegoldenarrow，andshouldIwinit，wewillhangittothebranchesofourgoodgreenwoodtreeforthejoyofalltheband。
Howlikeyoutheplan，mymerrymenall？\"
Then\"Good，good！\"criedallthebandrightheartily。
AfairsightwasNottinghamTownonthedayoftheshootingmatch。
Allalonguponthegreenmeadowbeneaththetownwallstretchedarowofbenches，oneabovetheother，whichwereforknightandlady，squireanddame，andrichburghersandtheirwives；
fornonebutthoseofrankandqualityweretositthere。
Attheendoftherange，nearthetarget，wasaraisedseatbedeckedwithribbonsandscarfsandgarlandsofflowers，fortheSheriffofNottinghamandhisdame。Therangewastwoscorepacesbroad。
Atoneendstoodthetarget，attheotheratentofstripedcanvas，fromthepoleofwhichflutteredmany-coloredflagsandstreamers。
Inthisboothwerecasksofale，freetobebroachedbyanyofthearcherswhomightwishtoquenchtheirthirst。
Acrosstherangefromwheretheseatsforthebetterfolkwereraisedwasarailingtokeepthepoorerpeoplefromcrowdinginfrontofthetarget。Already，whileitwasearly，thebencheswerebeginningtofillwithpeopleofquality，whokeptconstantlyarrivinginlittlecartsoruponpalfreysthatcurvetedgailytothemerrytinkleofsilverbellsatbridlereins。
Withthesecamealsothepoorerfolk，whosatorlayuponthegreengrassneartherailingthatkeptthemfromofftherange。
Inthegreattentthearchersweregatheringbytwosandthrees；
sometalkingloudlyofthefairshotseachmanhadmadeinhisday；somelookingwelltotheirbows，drawingastringbetwixtthefingerstoseethattherewasnofrayuponit，orinspectingarrows，shuttingoneeyeandpeeringdownashafttoseethatitwasnotwarped，butstraightandtrue，forneitherbownorshaftshouldfailatsuchatimeandforsuchaprize。
AndneverwassuchacompanyofyeomenasweregatheredatNottinghamTownthatday，fortheverybestarchersofmerryEnglandhadcometothisshootingmatch。
TherewasGillo\'theRedCap，theSheriff\'sownheadarcher，andDicconCruikshankofLincolnTown，andAdamo\'theDell，amanofTamworth，ofthreescoreyearsandmore，yethaleandlustystill，whoinhistimehadshotinthefamousmatchatWoodstock，andhadtherebeatenthatrenownedarcher，Clymo\'
theClough。Andmanymorefamousmenofthelongbowwerethere，whosenameshavebeenhandeddowntousingoodlyballadsoftheoldentime。
Butnowallthebencheswerefilledwithguests，lordandlady，burgheranddame，whenatlasttheSheriffhimselfcamewithhislady，heridingwithstatelymienuponhismilk-whitehorseandsheuponherbrownfilly。Uponhisheadheworeapurplevelvetcap，andpurplevelvetwashisrobe，alltrimmedaboutwithrichermine；
hisjerkinandhosewereofsea-greensilk，andhisshoesofblackvelvet，thepointedtoesfastenedtohisgarterswithgoldenchains。Agoldenchainhungabouthisneck，andathiscollarwasagreatcarbunclesetinredgold。
Hisladywasdressedinbluevelvet，alltrimmedwithswan\'sdown。
Sotheymadeagallantsightastheyrodealongsidebyside，andallthepeopleshoutedfromwheretheycrowdedacrossthespacefromthegentlefolk；sotheSheriffandhisladycametotheirplace，wheremen-at-arms，withhauberkandspear，stoodabout，waitingforthem。
ThenwhentheSheriffandhisdamehadsatdown，hebadehisheraldwinduponhissilverhorn；whothereuponsoundedthreeblaststhatcameechoingcheerilybackfromthegraywallsofNottingham。Thenthearcherssteppedforthtotheirplaces，whileallthefolksshoutedwithamightyvoice，eachmancallinguponhisfavoriteyeoman。\"RedCap！\"criedsome；
\"Cruikshank！\"criedothers；\"HeyforWilliamo\'Leslie！\"shoutedothersyetagain；whileladieswavedsilkenscarfstourgeeachyeomantodohisbest。
Thentheheraldstoodforthandloudlyproclaimedtherulesofthegameasfollows：
\"Shooteachmanfromyonmark，whichissevenscoreyardsandtenfromthetarget。Onearrowshootetheachmanfirst，andfromallthearchersshallthetenthatshooteththefairestshaftsbechosenfortoshootagain。
Twoarrowsshootetheachmanoftheseten，thenshallthethreethatshootthefairestshaftsbechosenfortoshootagain。Threearrowsshootetheachmanofthosethree，andtohimthatshooteththefairestshaftsshalltheprizebegiven。\"
ThentheSheriffleanedforward，lookingkeenlyamongthepressofarcherstofindwhetherRobinHoodwasamongthem；butnoonewastherecladinLincolngreen，suchaswaswornbyRobinandhisband。
\"Nevertheless，\"saidtheSherifftohimself，\"hemaystillbethere，andImisshimamongthecrowdofothermen。
Butletmeseewhenbuttenmenshoot，forIwothewillbeamongtheten，orIknowhimnot。\"
Andnowthearchersshot，eachmaninturn，andthegoodfolkneversawsucharcheryaswasdonethatday。Sixarrowswerewithintheclout，fourwithintheblack，andonlytwosmotetheouterring；sothatwhenthelastarrowspedandstruckthetarget，allthepeopleshoutedaloud，foritwasnobleshooting。
Andnowbuttenmenwereleftofallthosethathadshotbefore，andoftheseten，sixwerefamousthroughouttheland，andmostofthefolkgatheredthereknewthem。ThesesixmenwereGilberto\'
theRedCap，Adamo\'theDell，DicconCruikshank，Williamo\'
Leslie，Huberto\'Cloud，andSwithino\'Hertford。TwootherswereyeomenofmerryYorkshire，anotherwasatallstrangerinblue，whosaidhecamefromLondonTown，andthelastwasatatteredstrangerinscarlet，whoworeapatchoveroneeye。
\"Now，\"quoththeSherifftoaman-at-armswhostoodnearhim，\"seestthouRobinHoodamongthoseten？\"
\"Nay，thatdoInot，YourWorship，\"answeredtheman。
\"SixofthemIknowrightwell。OfthoseYorkshireyeomen，oneistootallandtheothertooshortforthatboldknave。
Robin\'sbeardisasyellowasgold，whileyontatteredbeggarinscarlethathabeardofbrown，besidesbeingblindofoneeye。
Asforthestrangerinblue，Robin\'sshoulders，Iween，arethreeinchesbroaderthanhis。\"
\"Then，\"quoththeSheriff，smitinghisthighangrily，\"yonknaveisacowardaswellasarogue，anddaresnotshowhisfaceamonggoodmenandtrue。\"
Then，aftertheyhadrestedashorttime，thosetenstoutmensteppedforthtoshootagain。Eachmanshottwoarrows，andastheyshot，notawordwasspoken，butallthecrowdwatchedwithscarceabreathofsound；butwhenthelasthadshothisarrowanothergreatshoutarose，whilemanycasttheircapsaloftforjoyofsuchmarvelousshooting。
\"NowbyourgraciousLadyfair，\"quotholdSirAmyaso\'
theDell，who，bowedwithfourscoreyearsandmore，satneartheSheriff，\"ne\'ersawIsucharcheryinallmylifebefore，yethaveIseenthebesthandsatthelongbowforthreescoreyearsandmore。\"
Andnowbutthreemenwereleftofallthosethathadshotbefore。
OnewasGillo\'theRedCap，onethetatteredstrangerinscarlet，andoneAdamo\'theDellofTamworthTown。Thenallthepeoplecalledaloud，somecrying，\"HoforGilberto\'theRedCap！\"
andsome，\"HeyforstoutAdamo\'Tamworth！\"Butnotasinglemaninthecrowdcalleduponthestrangerinscarlet。
\"Now，shootthouwell，Gilbert，\"criedtheSheriff，\"andifthinebethebestshaft，fivescorebroadsilverpennieswillIgivetotheebesidetheprize。\"
\"TrulyIwilldomybest，\"quothGilbertrightsturdily。
\"Amancannotdoaughtbuthisbest，butthatwillIstrivetodothisday。\"Sosaying，hedrewforthafairsmootharrowwithabroadfeatherandfitteditdeftlytothestring，thendrawinghisbowwithcarehespedtheshaft。
Straightflewthearrowandlitfairlyintheclout，afinger\'s-breadthfromthecenter。\"AGilbert，aGilbert！\"
shoutedallthecrowd；and，\"Now，bymyfaith，\"criedtheSheriff，smitinghishandstogether，\"thatisashrewdshot。\"
Thenthetatteredstrangersteppedforth，andallthepeoplelaughedastheysawayellowpatchthatshowedbeneathhisarmwhenheraisedhiselbowtoshoot，andalsotoseehimaimwithbutoneeye。
Hedrewthegoodyewbowquickly，andquicklyloosedashaft；
soshortwasthetimethatnomancoulddrawabreathbetwixtthedrawingandtheshooting；yethisarrowlodgednearerthecenterthantheotherbytwicethelengthofabarleycorn。
\"NowbyallthesaintsinParadise！\"criedtheSheriff，\"thatisalovelyshaftinverytruth！\"
ThenAdamo\'theDellshot，carefullyandcautiously，andhisarrowlodgedclosebesidethestranger\'s。Thenafterashortspacetheyallthreeshotagain，andoncemoreeacharrowlodgedwithintheclout，butthistimeAdamo\'theDell\'swasfarthestfromthecenter，andagainthetatteredstranger\'sshotwasthebest。Then，afteranothertimeofrest，theyallshotforthethirdtime。ThistimeGilberttookgreatheedtohisaim，keenlymeasuringthedistanceandshootingwithshrewdestcare。
Straightflewthearrow，andallshoutedtilltheveryflagsthatwavedinthebreezeshookwiththesound，andtherooksanddawsflewclamoringabouttheroofsoftheoldgraytower，fortheshafthadlodgedclosebesidethespotthatmarkedtheverycenter。
\"Welldone，Gilbert！\"criedtheSheriffrightjoyously。
\"FainamItobelievetheprizeisthine，andrightfairlywon。
Now，thouraggedknave，letmeseetheeshootabettershaftthanthat。\"
Noughtspakethestrangerbuttookhisplace，whileallwashushed，andnoonespokeorevenseemedtobreathe，sogreatwasthesilenceforwonderwhathewoulddo。Meanwhile，also，quitestillstoodthestranger，holdinghisbowinhishand，whileonecouldcountfive；
thenhedrewhistrustyyew，holdingitdrawnbutamoment，thenloosedthestring。
Straightflewthearrow，andsotruethatitsmoteagraygoosefeatherfromoffGilbert\'sshaft，whichfellflutteringthroughthesunlitairasthestranger\'sarrowlodgedclosebesidehisoftheRedCap，andintheverycenter。
Noonespokeawordforawhileandnooneshouted，buteachmanlookedintohisneighbor\'sfaceamazedly。
\"Nay，\"quotholdAdamo\'theDellpresently，drawingalongbreathandshakinghisheadashespoke，\"twoscoreyearsandmorehaveI
shotshaft，andmaybenotalltimesbad，butIshootnomorethisday，fornomancanmatchwithyonstranger，whosoe\'erhemaybe。\"
Thenhethrusthisshaftintohisquiver，rattling，andunstrunghisbowwithoutanotherword。
ThentheSheriffcamedownfromhisdaisanddrewnear，inallhissilksandvelvets，towherethetatteredstrangerstoodleaninguponhisstoutbow，whilethegoodfolkcrowdedaroundtoseethemanwhoshotsowondrouslywell。\"Here，goodfellow，\"quoththeSheriff，\"takethoutheprize，andwellandfairlyhastthouwonit，Ibow。
Whatmaybethyname，andwhencecomestthou？\"
\"MendocallmeJocko\'Teviotdale，andthenceamIcome，\"
saidthestranger。
\"Then，byOurLady，Jock，thouartthefairestarcherthate\'ermineeyesbeheld，andifthouwiltjoinmyserviceIwillclothetheewithabettercoatthanthatthouhastuponthyback；thoushalteatanddrinkofthebest，andateveryChristmastidefourscoremarksshallbethywage。
ItrowthoudrawestbetterbowthanthatsamecowardknaveRobinHood，thatdarednotshowhisfaceherethisday。Say，goodfellow，wiltthoujoinmyservice？\"
\"Nay，thatwillInot，\"quoththestrangerroughly。
\"Iwillbemineown，andnomaninallmerryEnglandshallbemymaster。\"
\"Thengettheegone，andamurrainseizethee！\"criedtheSheriff，andhisvoicetrembledwithanger。\"Andbymyfaithandtroth，Ihaveagoodpartofamindtohavetheebeatenforthineinsolence！\"
Thenheturneduponhisheelandstrodeaway。
ItwasarightmotleycompanythatgatheredaboutthenoblegreenwoodtreeinSherwood\'sdepthsthatsameday。
Ascoreandmoreofbarefootfriarswerethere，andsomethatlookedliketinkers，andsomethatseemedtobesturdybeggarsandrustichinds；andseateduponamossycouchwasoneallcladintatteredscarlet，withapatchoveroneeye；andinhishandheheldthegoldenarrowthatwastheprizeofthegreatshootingmatch。Then，amidstanoiseoftalkingandlaughter，hetookthepatchfromoffhiseyeandstrippedawaythescarletragsfromoffhisbodyandshowedhimselfallclothedinfairLincolngreen；andquothhe，\"Easycomethesethingsaway，butwalnutstaincomethnotsospeedilyfromyellowhair。\"
Thenalllaughedlouderthanbefore，foritwasRobinHoodhimselfthathadwontheprizefromtheSheriff\'sveryhands。
ThenallsatdowntothewoodlandfeastandtalkedamongthemselvesofthemerryjestthathadbeenplayedupontheSheriff，andoftheadventuresthathadbefalleneachmemberofthebandinhisdisguise。
Butwhenthefeastwasdone，RobinHoodtookLittleJohnapartandsaid，\"TrulyamIvexedinmyblood，forIheardtheSheriffsaytoday，`ThoushootestbetterthanthatcowardknaveRobinHood，thatdarednotshowhisfaceherethisday。\'Iwouldfainlethimknowwhoitwaswhowonthegoldenarrowfromouthishand，andalsothatIamnocowardsuchashetakesmetobe。\"
ThenLittleJohnsaid，\"Goodmaster，takethoumeandWillStutely，andwewillsendyonfatSheriffnewsofallthisbyamessengersuchashedothnotexpect。\"
ThatdaytheSheriffsatatmeatinthegreathallofhishouseatNottinghamTown。Longtablesstooddownthehall，atwhichsatmen-at-armsandhouseholdservantsandgoodstoutvillains，[1]inallfourscoreandmore。Theretheytalkedoftheday\'sshootingastheyatetheirmeatandquaffedtheirale。
TheSheriffsatattheheadofthetableuponaraisedseatunderacanopy，andbesidehimsathisdame。
[1]Bond-servants。
\"Bymytroth，\"saidhe，\"IdidreckonfullroundlythatthatknaveRobinHoodwouldbeatthegametoday。Ididnotthinkthathewassuchacoward。
Butwhocouldthatsaucyknavebewhoansweredmetomybeardsobravely？
IwonderthatIdidnothavehimbeaten；buttherewassomethingabouthimthatspokeofotherthingsthanragsandtatters。\"
Then，evenashefinishedspeaking，somethingfellrattlingamongthedishesonthetable，whilethosethatsatnearstartedupwonderingwhatitmightbe。Afterawhileoneofthemen-at-armsgatheredcourageenoughtopickitupandbringittotheSheriff。Theneveryonesawthatitwasabluntedgraygooseshaft，withafinescroll，aboutthethicknessofagoosequill，tiedneartoitshead。
TheSheriffopenedthescrollandglancedatit，whiletheveinsuponhisforeheadswelledandhischeeksgrewruddywithrageasheread，forthiswaswhathesaw：
\"_NowHeavenblessThyGracethisdaySayallinsweetSherwoodForthoudidstgivetheprizeawayTomerryRobinHood_。\"
\"Whencecamethis？\"criedtheSheriffinamightyvoice。
\"Eventhroughthewindow，YourWorship，\"quoththemanwhohadhandedtheshafttohim。
WillStutelyRescuedbyHisCompanionsNOWWHENTHESHERIFFfoundthatneitherlawnorguilecouldovercomeRobinHood，hewasmuchperplexed，andsaidtohimself，\"FoolthatIam！
HadInottoldourKingofRobinHood，Iwouldnothavegottenmyselfintosuchacoil；butnowImusteithertakehimcaptiveorhavewrathvisiteduponmyheadfromhismostgraciousMajesty。Ihavetriedlaw，andIhavetriedguile，andIhavefailedinboth；soIwilltrywhatmaybedonewithmight。\"
Thuscommuningwithinhimself，hecalledhisconstablestogetherandtoldthemwhatwasinhismind。\"Nowtakeyeeachfourmen，allarmedinproof，\"
saidhe，\"andgetyegonetotheforest，atdifferentpoints，andlieinwaitforthissameRobinHood。Butifanyconstablefindstoomanymenagainsthim，lethimsoundahorn，andthenleteachbandwithinhearingcomewithallspeedandjointhepartythatcallsthem。Thus，Ithink，shallwetakethisgreen-cladknave。Furthermore，tohimthatfirstmeetethwithRobinHoodshallonehundredpoundsofsilvermoneybegiven，ifhebebroughttomedeadoralive；andtohimthatmeetethwithanyofhisbandshalltwoscorepoundsbegiven，ifsuchbebroughttomedeadoralive。
So，beyeboldandbeyecrafty。\"
SothustheywentinthreescorecompaniesoffivetoSherwoodForest，totakeRobinHood，eachconstablewishingthathemightbetheonetofindtheboldoutlaw，oratleastoneofhisband。
Forsevendaysandnightstheyhuntedthroughtheforestglades，butneversawsomuchasasinglemaninLincolngreen；fortidingsofallthishadbeenbroughttoRobinHoodbytrustyEadomo\'
theBlueBoar。
Whenhefirstheardthenews，Robinsaid，\"IftheSheriffdaresendforcetomeetforce，woewillitbeforhimandmanyabettermanbesides，forbloodwillflowandtherewillbegreattroubleforall。
ButfainwouldIshunbloodandbattle，andfainwouldInotdealsorrowtowomenfolkandwivesbecausegoodstoutyeomenlosetheirlives。
OnceIslewaman，andneverdoIwishtoslayamanagain，foritisbitterforthesoultothinkthereon。SonowwewillabidesilentlyinSherwoodForest，sothatitmaybewellforall，butshouldwebeforcedtodefendourselves，oranyofourband，thenleteachmandrawbowandbrandwithmightandmain。\"
Atthisspeechmanyofthebandshooktheirheads，andsaidtothemselves，\"NowtheSheriffwillthinkthatwearecowards，andfolkwillscoffthroughoutthecountryside，sayingthatwefeartomeetthesemen。\"
Buttheysaidnothingaloud，swallowingtheirwordsanddoingasRobinbadethem。
ThustheyhidinthedepthsofSherwoodForestforsevendaysandsevennightsandnevershowedtheirfacesabroadinallthattime；butearlyinthemorningoftheeighthdayRobinHoodcalledthebandtogetherandsaid，\"NowwhowillgoandfindwhattheSheriff\'smenareatbythistime？
ForIknowrightwelltheywillnotbideforeverwithinSherwoodshades。\"
Atthisagreatshoutarose，andeachmanwavedhisbowaloftandcriedthathemightbetheonetogo。ThenRobinHood\'sheartwasproudwhenhelookedaroundonhisstout，bravefellows，andhesaid，\"Braveandtrueareyeall，mymerrymen，andarightstoutbandofgoodfellowsareye，butyecannotallgo，soI
willchooseonefromamongyou，anditshallbegoodWillStutely，forheisasslyase\'eranolddogfoxinSherwoodForest。\"
ThenWillStutelyleapedhighaloftandlaughedloudly，clappinghishandsforpurejoythatheshouldhavebeenchosenfromamongthemall。
\"Nowthanks，goodmaster，\"quothhe，\"andifIbringnotnewsofthoseknavestothee，callmenomorethyslyWillStutely。\"
Thenhecladhimselfinafriar\'sgown，andunderneaththerobehehungagoodbroadswordinsuchaplacethathecouldeasilylayhandsuponit。
Thusclad，hesetforthuponhisquest，untilhecametothevergeoftheforest，andsotothehighway。HesawtwobandsoftheSheriff\'smen，yetheturnedneithertotherightnortheleft，butonlydrewhiscowlthecloseroverhisface，foldinghishandsasifinmeditation。
SoatlasthecametotheSignoftheBlueBoar。\"For，\"quothhetohimself，\"ourgoodfriendEadomwilltellmeallthenews。\"
AttheSignoftheBlueBoarhefoundabandoftheSheriffsmendrinkingrightlustily；so，withoutspeakingtoanyone，hesatdownuponadistantbench，hisstaffinhishand，andhisheadbowedforwardasthoughheweremeditating。
Thushesatwaitinguntilhemightseethelandlordapart，andEadomdidnotknowhim，butthoughthimtobesomepoortiredfriar，sohelethimsitwithoutsayingawordtohimormolestinghim，thoughhelikednotthecloth。\"For，\"saidhetohimself，\"itisahardheartthatkicksthelamedogfromoffthesill。\"
AsStutelysatthus，therecameagreathousecatandrubbedagainsthisknee，raisinghisrobeapalm\'s-breadthhigh。
Stutelypushedhisrobequicklydownagain，buttheconstablewhocommandedtheSheriffsmensawwhathadpassed，andsawalsofairLincolngreenbeneaththefriar\'srobe。
Hesaidnothingatthetime，butcommunedwithinhimselfinthiswise：
\"Yonisnofriarofordersgray，andalso，Iwot，nohonestyeomangoethaboutinpriest\'sgarb，nordothathiefgosofornought。
NowIthinkingoodsooththatisoneofRobinHood\'sownmen。\"
So，presently，hesaidaloud，\"Oholyfather，wiltthounottakeagoodpotofMarchbeertoslakethythirstysoulwithal？\"
ButStutelyshookhisheadsilently，forhesaidtohimself，\"Maybetherebethoseherewhoknowmyvoice。\"
Thentheconstablesaidagain，\"Whithergoestthou，holyfriar，uponthishotsummer\'sday？\"
\"IgoapilgrimtoCanterburyTown，\"answeredWillStutely，speakinggruffly，sothatnonemightknowhisvoice。
Thentheconstablesaid，forthethirdtime，\"Nowtellme，holyfather，dopilgrimstoCanterburyweargoodLincolngreenbeneaththeirrobes？Ha！Bymyfaith，Itaketheetobesomelustythief，andperhapsoneofRobinHood\'sownband！
Now，byOurLady\'sgrace，ifthoumovesthandorfoot，Iwillruntheethroughthebodywithmysword！\"
ThenheflashedforthhisbrightswordandleapeduponWillStutely，thinkinghewouldtakehimunaware；butStutelyhadhisownswordtightlyheldinhishand，beneathhisrobe，sohedrewitforthbeforetheconstablecameuponhim。Thenthestoutconstablestruckamightyblow；
buthestrucknomoreinallthatfight，forStutely，parryingtheblowrightdeftly，smotetheconstablebackagainwithallhismight。
Thenhewouldhaveescaped，butcouldnot，fortheother，alldizzywiththewoundandwiththeflowingblood，seizedhimbythekneeswithhisarmsevenashereeledandfell。Thentheothersrusheduponhim，andStutelystruckagainatanotheroftheSheriff\'smen，butthesteelcapglancedtheblow，andthoughthebladebitdeep，itdidnotkill。
Meanwhile，theconstable，faintingashewas，drewStutelydownward，andtheothers，seeingtheyeomanhamperedso，rusheduponhimagain，andonesmotehimablowuponthecrownsothatthebloodrandownhisfaceandblindedhim。Then，staggering，hefell，andallspranguponhim，thoughhestruggledsomanfullythattheycouldhardlyholdhimfast。
Thentheyboundhimwithstouthempencordssothathecouldnotmoveeitherhandorfoot，andthustheyovercamehim。
RobinHoodstoodunderthegreenwoodtree，thinkingofWillStutelyandhowhemightbefaring，whensuddenlyhesawtwoofhisstoutyeomencomerunningdowntheforestpath，andbetwixtthemranbuxomMakenoftheBlueBoar。ThenRobin\'sheartfell，forheknewtheywerethebearersofilltidings。
\"WillStutelyhathbeentaken，\"criedthey，whentheyhadcometowherehestood。
\"Andisitthouthathastbroughtsuchdolefulnews？\"
saidRobintothelass。
\"Ay，marry，forIsawitall，\"criedshe，pantingastheharepantswhenithasescapedthehounds，\"andIfearheiswoundedsore，foronesmotehimmainshrewdlyi\'thecrown。
TheyhaveboundhimandtakenhimtoNottinghamTown，andereI
lefttheBlueBoarIheardthatheshouldbehangedtomorrowday。\"
\"Heshallnotbehangedtomorrowday，\"criedRobin；\"or，ifhebe，fullmanyaoneshallgnawthesod，andmanyshallhavecausetocryAlack-a-day！\"
Thenheclappedhishorntohislipsandblewthreeblastsrightloudly，andpresentlyhisgoodyeomencamerunningthroughthegreenwooduntilsevenscoreboldbladesweregatheredaroundhim。
\"Nowharkyouall！\"criedRobin。\"OurdearcompanionWillStutelyhathbeentakenbythatvileSheriff\'smen，thereforedothitbehooveustotakebowandbrandinhandtobringhimoffagain；
forIwotthatweoughttorisklifeandlimbforhim，ashehathriskedlifeandlimbforus。Isitnotso，mymerrymenall？\"
Thenallcried，\"Ay！\"withagreatvoice。
SothenextdaytheyallwendedtheirwayfromSherwoodForest，butbydifferentpaths，foritbehoovedthemtobeverycrafty；
sothebandseparatedintopartiesoftwosandthrees，whichwerealltomeetagaininatangleddellthatlayneartoNottinghamTown。Then，whentheyhadallgatheredtogetherattheplaceofmeeting，Robinspoketothemthus：
\"Nowwewillliehereinambushuntilwecangetnews，foritdothbehooveustobecunningandwaryifwewouldbringourfriendWillStutelyofffromtheSheriff\'sclutches。\"
Sotheylayhiddenalongtime，untilthesunstoodhighinthesky。
Thedaywaswarmandthedustyroadwasbareoftravelers，exceptanagedpalmerwhowalkedslowlyalongthehighroadthatledclosebesidethegraycastlewallofNottinghamTown。WhenRobinsawthatnootherwayfarerwaswithinsight，hecalledyoungDavidofDoncaster，whowasashrewdmanforhisyears，andsaidtohim，\"Nowgettheeforth，youngDavid，andspeaktoyonderpalmerthatwalksbesidethetownwall，forhehathcomebutnowfromNottinghamTown，andmaytelltheenewsofgoodStutely，perchance。\"
SoDavidstrodeforth，andwhenhecameuptothepilgrim，hesalutedhimandsaid，\"Goodmorrow，holyfather，andcanstthoutellmewhenWillStutelywillbehangeduponthegallowstree？
Ifainwouldnotmissthesight，forIhavecomefromafartoseesosturdyaroguehanged。\"
\"Now，outuponthee，youngman，\"criedthePalmer，\"thatthoushouldstspeaksowhenagoodstoutmanistobehangedfornothingbutguardinghisownlife！\"Andhestruckhisstaffuponthegroundinanger。\"Alas，sayI，thatthisthingshouldbe！
Foreventhisday，towardevening，whenthesunfallethlow，heshallbehanged，fourscorerodsfromthegreattowngateofNottingham，wherethreeroadsmeet；fortheretheSheriffswearethheshalldieasawarningtoalloutlawsinNottinghamshire。Butyet，Isayagain，Alas！For，thoughRobinHoodandhisbandmaybeoutlaws，yethetakethonlyfromtherichandthestrongandthedishonestman，whilethereisnotapoorwidownorapeasantwithmanychildren，nightoSherwood，buthasbarleyflourenoughalltheyearlongthroughhim。ItgrievesmyhearttoseeoneasgallantasthisStutelydie，forIhavebeenagoodSaxonyeomaninmyday，ereI
turnedpalmer，andwellIknowastouthandandonethatsmitethshrewdlyatacruelNormanoraproudabbotwithfatmoneybags。
HadgoodStutely\'smasterbutknownhowhismanwascompassedaboutwithperils，perchancehemightsendsuccortobringhimoutofthehandofhisenemies。
\"Ay，marry，thatistrue，\"criedtheyoungman。\"IfRobinandhismenbenighthisplace，Iwotrightwelltheywillstrivetobringhimforthfromhisperil。Butfaretheewell，thougoodoldman，andbelieveme，ifWillStutelydie，heshallberightwellavenged。\"
Thenheturnedandstroderapidlyaway；butthePalmerlookedafterhim，muttering，\"Iwotthatyouthisnocountryhindthathathcometoseeagoodmandie。Well，well，perchanceRobinHoodisnotsofarawaybutthattherewillbestoutdoingsthisday。\"
Sohewentuponhisway，mutteringtohimself。
WhenDavidofDoncastertoldRobinHoodwhatthePalmerhadsaidtohim，Robincalledthebandaroundhimandspoketothemthus：
\"NowletusgetstraightwayintoNottinghamTownandmixourselveswiththepeoplethere；butkeepyeoneanotherinsight，pressingasneartheprisonerandhisguardsasyecan，whentheycomeoutsidethewalls。
Strikenomanwithoutneed，forIwouldfainavoidbloodshed，butifyedostrike，strikehard，andseethattherebenoneedtostrikeagain。
ThenkeepalltogetheruntilwecomeagaintoSherwood，andletnomanleavehisfellows。\"
Thesunwaslowinthewesternskywhenabuglenotesoundedfromthecastlewall。ThenallwasbustleinNottinghamTownandcrowdsfilledthestreets，forallknewthatthefamousWillStutelywastobehangedthatday。Presentlythecastlegatesopenedwideandagreatarrayofmen-at-armscameforthwithnoiseandclatter，theSheriff，allcladinshiningmailoflinkedchain，ridingattheirhead。
Inthemidstofalltheguard，inacart，withahalterabouthisneck，rodeWillStutely。Hisfacewaspalewithhiswoundandwithlossofblood，likethemooninbroaddaylight，andhisfairhairwasclottedinpointsuponhisforehead，wherethebloodhadhardened。
Whenhecameforthfromthecastlehelookedupandhelookeddown，butthoughhesawsomefacesthatshowedpityandsomethatshowedfriendliness，hesawnonethatheknew。Thenhisheartsankwithinhimlikeaplummetoflead，butneverthelesshespokeupboldly。
\"Giveaswordintomyhand，SirSheriff，\"saidhe，\"andwoundedmanthoughIbe，Iwillfighttheeandallthymentilllifeandstrengthbegone。\"
\"Nay，thounaughtyvarlet，\"quoththeSheriff，turninghisheadandlookingrightgrimlyuponWillStutely，\"thoushalthavenoswordbutshalldieameandeath，asbeseemethavilethieflikethee。\"
\"ThendobutuntiemyhandsandIwillfighttheeandthymenwithnoweaponbutonlymynakedfists。Icravenoweapon，butletmenotbemeanlyhangedthisday。\"
ThentheSherifflaughedaloud。\"Why，hownow，\"quothhe，\"isthyproudstomachquailing？Shrivethyself，thouvileknave，forImeanthatthoushalthangthisday，andthatwherethreeroadsmeet，sothatallmenshallseetheehang，forcarrioncrowsanddawstopeckat。\"
\"Othoudastardheart！\"criedWillStutely，gnashinghisteethattheSheriff。\"Thoucowardhind！Ifevermygoodmastermeettheethoushaltpaydearlyforthisday\'swork！
Hedothscornthee，andsodoallbravehearts。Knowestthounotthatthouandthynamearejestsuponthelipsofeverybraveyeoman？Suchaoneasthouart，thouwretchedcraven，willneverbeabletosubdueboldRobinHood。\"
\"Ha！\"criedtheSheriffinarage，\"isitevenso？
AmIajestwiththymaster，asthoucallesthim？
NowIwillmakeajestoftheeandasorryjestwithal，forIwillquartertheelimbfromlimb，afterthouarthanged。\"
ThenhespurredhishorseforwardandsaidnomoretoStutely。
Atlasttheycametothegreattowngate，throughwhichStutelysawthefaircountrybeyond，withhillsanddalesallclothedinverdure，andfarawaytheduskylineofSherwood\'sskirts。
Thenwhenhesawtheslantingsunlightlyingonfieldandfallow，shiningredlyhereandthereoncotandfarmhouse，andwhenheheardthesweetbirdssingingtheirvespers，andthesheepbleatinguponthehillside，andbeheldtheswallowsflyinginthebrightair，therecameagreatfullnesstohisheartsothatallthingsblurredtohissightthroughsalttears，andhebowedhisheadlestthefolkshouldthinkhimunmanlywhentheysawthetearsinhiseyes。
Thushekepthisheadbowedtilltheyhadpassedthroughthegateandwereoutsidethewallsofthetown。Butwhenhelookedupagainhefelthisheartleapwithinhimandthenstandstillforpurejoy，forhesawthefaceofoneofhisowndearcompanionsofmerrySherwood；
thenglancingquicklyaroundhesawwell-knownfacesuponallsidesofhim，crowdingcloselyuponthemen-at-armswhowereguardinghim。Thenofasuddenthebloodsprangtohischeeks，forhesawforamomenthisowngoodmasterinthepressand，seeinghim，knewthatRobinHoodandallhisbandwerethere。
Yetbetwixthimandthemwasalineofmen-at-arms。
\"Now，standback！\"criedtheSheriffinamightyvoice，forthecrowdpressedaroundonallsides。\"Whatmeanye，varlets，thatyepushuponusso？
Standback，Isay！\"
Thencameabustleandanoise，andonestrovetopushbetweenthemen-at-armssoastoreachthecart，andStutelysawthatitwasLittleJohnthatmadeallthatstir。
\"Nowstandthouback！\"criedoneofthemen-at-armswhomLittleJohnpushedwithhiselbows。
\"Nowstandthoubackthineownself，\"quothLittleJohn，andstraightwaysmotethemanabuffetbesidehisheadthatfelledhimasabutcherfellsanox，andthenheleapedtothecartwhereStutelysat。
\"Ipraytheetakeleaveofthyfriendserethoudiest，Will，\"
quothhe，\"ormaybeIwilldiewiththeeifthoumustdie，forIcouldneverhavebettercompany。\"Thenwithonestrokehecutthebondsthatboundtheother\'sarmsandlegs，andStutelyleapedstraightwayfromthecart。
\"NowasIlive，\"criedtheSheriff，\"yonvarletIknowrightwellisasturdyrebel！Takehim，Ibidyouall，andlethimnotgo！\"
Sosaying，hespurredhishorseuponLittleJohn，andrisinginhisstirrupssmotewithmightandmain，butLittleJohnduckedquicklyunderneaththehorse\'sbellyandtheblowwhistledharmlesslyoverhishead。
\"Nay，goodSirSheriff，\"criedhe，leapingupagainwhentheblowhadpassed，\"Imuste\'enborrowthymostworshipfulsword。\"
ThereuponhetwitchedtheweapondeftlyfromouttheSheriff\'shand，\"Here，Stutely，\"hecried，\"theSheriffhathlenttheehissword！
Backtobackwithme，man，anddefendthyself，forhelpisnigh！\"
\"Downwiththem！\"bellowedtheSheriffinavoicelikeanangrybull；
andhespurredhishorseuponthetwowhonowstoodbacktoback，forgettinginhisragethathehadnoweaponwithwhichtodefendhimself。
\"Standback，Sheriff！\"criedLittleJohn；andevenashespoke，abuglehornsoundedshrillyandaclothyardshaftwhistledwithinaninchoftheSheriff\'shead。Thencameaswayinghitherandthither，andoaths，cries，andgroans，andclashingofsteel，andswordsflashedinthesettingsun，andascoreofarrowswhistledthroughtheair。
Andsomecried，\"Help，help！\"andsome，\"Arescue，arescue！\"
\"Treason！\"criedtheSheriffinaloudvoice。\"Bearback！
Bearback！Elsewebealldeadmen！\"Thereuponhereinedhishorsebackwardthroughthethickestofthecrowd。
NowRobinHoodandhisbandmighthaveslainhalfoftheSheriff\'smenhadtheydesiredtodoso，buttheyletthempushoutofthepressandgetthemgone，onlysendingabunchofarrowsafterthemtohurrythemintheirflight。
\"Ohstay！\"shoutedWillStutelyaftertheSheriff。\"ThouwiltnevercatchboldRobinHoodifthoudostnotstandtomeethimfacetoface。\"
ButtheSheriff，bowingalonghishorse\'sback，madenoanswerbutonlyspurredthefaster。
ThenWillStutelyturnedtoLittleJohnandlookedhiminthefacetillthetearsrandownfromhiseyesandheweptaloud；andkissinghisfriend\'scheeks，\"OLittleJohn！\"quothhe，\"mineowntruefriend，andhethatIlovebetterthanmanorwomaninalltheworldbeside！
LittledidIreckontoseethyfacethisday，ortomeettheethissideParadise。\"LittleJohncouldmakenoanswer，butweptalso。
ThenRobinHoodgatheredhisbandtogetherinacloserank，withWillStutelyinthemidst，andthustheymovedslowlyawaytowardSherwood，andweregone，asastormcloudmovesawayfromthespotwhereatempesthasswepttheland。
ButtheylefttenoftheSheriff\'smenlyingalongthegroundwounded——
somemore，someless——yetnooneknewwhosmotethemdown。
ThustheSheriffofNottinghamtriedthricetotakeRobinHoodandfailedeachtime；andthelasttimehewasfrightened，forhefelthownearhehadcometolosinghislife；sohesaid，\"ThesemenfearneitherGodnorman，norkingnorking\'sofficers。
Iwouldsoonerlosemineofficethanmylife，soIwilltroublethemnomore。\"Sohekeptclosewithinhiscastleformanyadayanddarednotshowhisfaceoutsideofhisownhousehold，andallthetimehewasgloomyandwouldspeaktonoone，forhewasashamedofwhathadhappenedthatday。
RobinHoodTurnsButcherNOWAFTERallthesethingshadhappened，anditbecameknowntoRobinHoodhowtheSheriffhadtriedthreetimestomakehimcaptive，hesaidtohimself，\"IfIhavethechance，IwillmakeourworshipfulSheriffpayrightwellforthatwhichhehathdonetome。MaybeImaybringhimsometimeintoSherwoodForestandhavehimtoarightmerryfeastwithus。\"
ForwhenRobinHoodcaughtabaronorasquire，orafatabbotorbishop，hebroughtthemtothegreenwoodtreeandfeastedthembeforehelightenedtheirpurses。
ButinthemeantimeRobinHoodandhisbandlivedquietlyinSherwoodForest，withoutshowingtheirfacesabroad，forRobinknewthatitwouldnotbewiseforhimtobeseenintheneighborhoodofNottingham，thoseinauthoritybeingverywrothwithhim。Butthoughtheydidnotgoabroad，theylivedamerrylifewithinthewoodlands，spendingthedaysinshootingatgarlandshunguponawillowwandattheendoftheglade，theleafyaislesringingwithmerryjestsandlaughter：
forwhoevermissedthegarlandwasgivenasoundbuffet，which，ifdeliveredbyLittleJohn，neverfailedtotoppleovertheunfortunateyeoman。
Thentheyhadboutsofwrestlingandofcudgelplay，sothateverydaytheygainedinskillandstrength。
Thustheydwelledfornearlyayear，andinthattimeRobinHoodoftenturnedoverinhismindmanymeansofmakinganevenscorewiththeSheriff。Atlasthebegantofretathisconfinement；
soonedayhetookuphisstoutcudgelandsetforthtoseekadventure，strollingblithelyalonguntilhecametotheedgeofSherwood。There，asherambledalongthesunlitroad，hemetalustyyoungbutcherdrivingafinemareandridinginastoutnewcart，allhungaboutwithmeat。
MerrilywhistledtheButcherashejoggedalong，forhewasgoingtothemarket，andthedaywasfreshandsweet，makinghisheartblithewithinhim。
\"Goodmorrowtothee，jollyfellow，\"quothRobin，\"thouseemesthappythismerrymorn。\"
\"Ay，thatamI，\"quoththejollyButcher，\"andwhyshouldInotbeso？
AmInothaleinwindandlimb？HaveInotthebonniestlassinallNottinghamshire？Andlastly，amInottobemarriedtoheronThursdaynextinsweetLocksleyTown？\"
\"Ha，\"saidRobin，\"comestthoufromLocksleyTown？WelldoIknowthatfairplaceformilesabout，andwelldoIknoweachhedgerowandgentlepebblystream，andevenallthebrightlittlefishestherein，forthereIwasbornandbred。Now，wheregoestthouwiththymeat，myfairfriend？\"
\"IgotothemarketatNottinghamTowntosellmybeefandmymutton，\"
answeredtheButcher。\"ButwhoartthouthatcomestfromLocksleyTown？\"
\"AyeomanamI，andmendocallmeRobinHood。\"
\"Now，byOurLady\'sgrace，\"criedtheButcher，\"welldoIknowthyname，andmanyatimehaveIheardthydeedsbothsungandspokenof。
ButHeavenforbidthatthoushouldsttakeaughtofme！
AnhonestmanamI，andhavewrongedneithermannormaid；
sotroublemenot，goodmaster，asIhavenevertroubledthee。\"
\"Nay，Heavenforbid，indeed，\"quothRobin，\"thatIshouldtakefromsuchasthee，jollyfellow！NotsomuchasonefarthingwouldI
takefromthee，forIloveafairSaxonfacelikethinerightwell——
moreespeciallywhenitcomethfromLocksleyTown，andmostespeciallywhenthemanthatownethitistomarryabonnylassonThursdaynext。
Butcome，tellmeforwhatpricethouwiltsellmeallofthymeatandthyhorseandcart。\"
\"AtfourmarksdoIvaluemeat，cart，andmare，\"quoththeButcher，\"butifIdonotsellallmymeatIwillnothavefourmarksinvalue。\"
ThenRobinHoodpluckedthepursefromhisgirdle，andquothhe，\"Hereinthispursearesixmarks。Now，IwouldfainbeabutcherforthedayandsellmymeatinNottinghamTown。Wiltthoucloseabargainwithmeandtakesixmarksforthineoutfit？\"
\"Nowmaytheblessingsofallthesaintsfallonthinehonesthead！\"
criedtheButcherrightjoyfully，asheleapeddownfromhiscartandtookthepursethatRobinheldouttohim。
\"Nay，\"quothRobin，laughingloudly，\"manydolikemeandwishmewell，butfewcallmehonest。Nowgettheegonebacktothylass，andgiveherasweetkissfromme。\"Sosaying，hedonnedtheButcher\'sapron，and，climbingintothecart，hetookthereinsinhishandanddroveoffthroughtheforesttoNottinghamTown。
WhenhecametoNottingham，heenteredthatpartofthemarketwherebutchersstood，andtookuphisinn[2]inthebestplacehecouldfind。Next，heopenedhisstallandspreadhismeatuponthebench，then，takinghiscleaverandsteelandclatteringthemtogether，hetrolledaloudinmerrytones：
[2]Standforselling。
\"Nowcome，yelasses，andekeyedames，Andbuyyourmeatfromme；
ForthreepennyworthsofmeatIsellForthechargeofonepenny。
\"LambhaveIthathathfeduponnoughtButthedaintydamespied，Andthevioletsweet，andthedaffodilThatgrowfairstreamsbeside。
\"AndbeefhaveIfromtheheatherywords，Andmuttonfromdalesallgreen，Andvealaswhiteasamaiden\'sbrow，Withitsmother\'smilk，Iween。
\"Thencome，yelasses，andekeyedames，Come，buyyourmeatfromme，ForthreepennyworthsofmeatIsellForthechargeofonepenny。\"
Thushesangblithely，whileallwhostoodnearlistenedamazedly。
Then，whenhehadfinished，heclatteredthesteelandcleaverstillmoreloudly，shoutinglustily，\"Now，who\'llbuy？Who\'llbuy？
FourfixedpriceshaveI。ThreepennyworthsofmeatIselltoafatfriarorpriestforsixpence，forIwantnottheircustom；
stoutaldermenIchargethreepence，foritdothnotmattertomewhethertheybuyornot；tobuxomdamesIsellthreepennyworthsofmeatforonepennyforIliketheircustomwell；buttothebonnylassthathathalikingforagoodtightbutcherIchargenoughtbutonefairkiss，forIlikehercustomthebestofall。\"
Thenallbegantostareandwonderandcrowdaround，laughing，forneverwassuchsellingheardofinallNottinghamTown；
butwhentheycametobuytheyfounditashehadsaid，forhegavegoodwifeordameasmuchmeatforonepennyastheycouldbuyelsewhereforthree，andwhenawidoworapoorwomancametohim，hegaveherfleshfornothing；butwhenamerrylasscameandgavehimakiss，hechargednotonepennyforhismeat；
andmanysuchcametohisstall，forhiseyeswereasblueastheskiesofJune，andhelaughedmerrily，givingtoeachfullmeasure。
Thushesoldhismeatsofastthatnobutcherthatstoodnearhimcouldsellanything。
Thentheybegantotalkamongthemselves，andsomesaid，\"Thismustbesomethiefwhohasstolencart，horse，andmeat\"；butotherssaid，\"Nay，whendidyeeverseeathiefwhopartedwithhisgoodssofreelyandmerrily？Thismustbesomeprodigalwhohathsoldhisfather\'sland，andwouldfainlivemerrilywhilethemoneylasts。\"
Andtheselatterbeingthegreaternumber，theotherscameround，onebyonetotheirwayofthinking。
Thensomeofthebutcherscametohimtomakehisacquaintance。
\"Come，brother，\"quothonewhowastheheadofthemall，\"webeallofonetrade，sowiltthougodinewithus？
ForthisdaytheSheriffhathaskedalltheButcherGuildtofeastwithhimattheGuildHall。Therewillbestoutfareandmuchtodrink，andthatthoulikest，orImuchmistakethee。\"
\"Now，beshrewhisheart，\"quothjollyRobin，\"thatwoulddenyabutcher。
And，moreover，Iwillgodinewithyouall，mysweetlads，andthatasfastasIcanhie。\"Whereupon，havingsoldallhismeat，heclosedhisstallandwentwiththemtothegreatGuildHall。
TheretheSheriffhadalreadycomeinstate，andwithhimmanybutchers。
WhenRobinandthosethatwerewithhimcamein，alllaughingatsomemerryjesthehadbeentellingthem，thosethatwereneartheSheriffwhisperedtohim，\"Yonisarightmadblade，forhehathsoldmoremeatforonepennythisdaythanwecouldsellforthree，andtowhatsoevermerrylassgavehimakisshegavemeatfornought。\"
Andotherssaid，\"Heissomeprodigalthathathsoldhislandforsilverandgold，andmeanethtospendallrightmerrily。\"
ThentheSheriffcalledRobintohim，notknowinghiminhisbutcher\'sdress，andmadehimsitclosetohimonhisrighthand；
forhelovedarichyoungprodigal——especiallywhenhethoughtthathemightlightenthatprodigal\'spocketsintohisownmostworshipfulpurse。
SohemademuchofRobin，andlaughedandtalkedwithhimmorethanwithanyoftheothers。
AtlastthedinnerwasreadytobeservedandtheSheriffbadeRobinsaygrace，soRobinstoodupandsaid，\"NowHeavenblessusallandekegoodmeatandgoodsackwithinthishouse，andmayallbutchersbeandremainashonestmenasIam。\"
Atthisalllaughed，theSheriffloudestofall，forhesaidtohimself，\"Surelythisisindeedsomeprodigal，andperchanceImayemptyhispurseofsomeofthemoneythatthefoolthrowethaboutsofreely。\"
ThenhespakealoudtoRobin，saying，\"Thouartajollyyoungblade，andIlovetheemightily\"；andhesmoteRobinupontheshoulder。
ThenRobinlaughedloudlytoo。\"Yea，\"quothhe，\"Iknowthoudostloveajollyblade，fordidstthounothavejollyRobinHoodatthyshootingmatchanddidstthounotgladlygivehimabrightgoldenarrowforhisown？\"
AtthistheSherifflookedgraveandalltheguildofbutcherstoo，sothatnonelaughedbutRobin，onlysomewinkedslylyateachother。
\"Come，fillussomesack！\"criedRobin。\"Letuse\'erbemerrywhilewemay，formanisbutdust，andhehathbutaspantoliveheretillthewormgettethhim，asourgoodgossipSwantholdsayeth；
soletlifebemerrywhileitlasts，sayI。Nay，neverlookdowni\'
themouth，SirSheriff。WhoknowestbutthatthoumayestcatchRobinHoodyet，ifthoudrinkestlessgoodsackandMalmsey，andbringestdownthefataboutthypaunchandthedustfromoutthybrain。
Bemerry，man。\"
ThentheSherifflaughedagain，butnotasthoughhelikedthejest，whilethebutcherssaid，onetoanother，\"BeforeHeaven，neverhaveweseensuchamadrollickingblade。Mayhap，though，hewillmaketheSheriffmad。\"
\"Hownow，brothers，\"criedRobin，\"bemerry！nay，nevercountoveryourfarthings，forbythisandbythatIwillpaythisshotmyself，e\'enthoughitcosttwohundredpounds。
Soletnomandrawuphislip，northrusthisforefingerintohispurse，forIswearthatneitherbutchernorSheriffshallpayonepennyforthisfeast。\"
\"Nowthouartarightmerrysoul，\"quoththeSheriff，\"andIwotthoumusthavemanyaheadofhornedbeastsandmanyanacreofland，thatthoudostspendthymoneysofreely。\"
\"Ay，thathaveI，\"quothRobin，laughingloudlyagain，\"fivehundredandmorehornedbeastshaveIandmybrothers，andnoneofthemhavewebeenabletosell，elseImightnothaveturnedbutcher。
Asformyland，IhaveneveraskedmystewardhowmanyacresIhave。\"
AtthistheSheriff\'seyestwinkled，andhechuckledtohimself。
\"Nay，goodyouth，\"quothhe，\"ifthoucanstnotsellthycattle，itmaybeIwillfindamanthatwillliftthemfromthyhands；
perhapsthatmanmaybemyself，forIloveamerryyouthandwouldhelpsuchaonealongthepathoflife。Nowhowmuchdostthouwantforthyhornedcattle？\"
\"Well，\"quothRobin，\"theyareworthatleastfivehundredpounds。\"
\"Nay，\"answeredtheSheriffslowly，andasifhewerethinkingwithinhimself，\"welldoIlovethee，andfainwouldIhelptheealong，butfivehundredpoundsinmoneyisagoodroundsum；besidesIhaveitnotbyme。
YetIwillgivetheethreehundredpoundsforthemall，andthatingoodhardsilverandgold。\"
\"Nowthouoldmiser！\"quothRobin，\"wellthouknowestthatsomanyhornedcattleareworthsevenhundredpoundsandmore，andeventhatisbutsmallforthem，andyetthou，withthygrayhairsandonefootinthegrave，wouldsttradeuponthefollyofawildyouth。\"
AtthistheSherifflookedgrimlyatRobin。\"Nay，\"quothRobin，\"looknotonmeasthoughthouhadstsourbeerinthymouth，man。
Iwilltakethineoffer，forIandmybrothersdoneedthemoney。
Weleadamerrylife，andnooneleadsamerrylifeforafarthing，soIwillclosethebargainwiththee。Butmindthatthoubringestagoodthreehundredpoundswiththee，forItrustnotonethatdrivethsoshrewdabargain。\"
\"Iwillbringthemoney，\"saidtheSheriff。\"Butwhatisthyname，goodyouth？\"
\"MencallmeRoberto\'Locksley，\"quothboldRobin。
\"Then，goodRoberto\'Locksley，\"quoththeSheriff，\"Iwillcomethisdaytoseethyhornedbeasts。Butfirstmyclerkshalldrawupapaperinwhichthoushaltbeboundtothesale，forthougettestnotmymoneywithoutIgetthybeastsinreturn。\"
ThenRobinHoodlaughedagain。\"Sobeit，\"hesaid，smitinghispalmupontheSheriff\'shand。\"Trulymybrotherswillbethankfultotheeforthymoney。\"
Thusthebargainwasclosed，butmanyofthebutcherstalkedamongthemselvesoftheSheriff，sayingthatitwasbutascurvytricktobeguileapoorspendthriftyouthinthisway。
TheafternoonhadcomewhentheSheriffmountedhishorseandjoinedRobinHood，whostoodoutsidethegatewayofthepavedcourtwaitingforhim，forhehadsoldhishorseandcarttoatraderfortwomarks。
Thentheysetforthupontheirway，theSheriffridinguponhishorseandRobinrunningbesidehim。ThustheyleftNottinghamTownandtraveledforwardalongthedustyhighway，laughingandjestingtogetherasthoughtheyhadbeenoldfriends。ButallthetimetheSheriffsaidwithinhimself，\"ThyjesttomeofRobinHoodshallcosttheedear，goodfellow，evenfourhundredpounds，thoufool。\"
Forhethoughthewouldmakeatleastthatmuchbyhisbargain。
SotheyjourneyedonwardtilltheycamewithinthevergeofSherwoodForest，whenpresentlytheSherifflookedupanddownandtotherightandtotheleftofhim，andthengrewquietandceasedhislaughter。
\"Now，\"quothhe，\"mayHeavenanditssaintspreserveusthisdayfromaroguemencallRobinHood。\"
ThenRobinlaughedaloud。\"Nay，\"saidhe，\"thoumaystsetthymindatrest，forwelldoIknowRobinHoodandwelldoIknowthatthouartinnomoredangerfromhimthisdaythanthouartfromme。\"
AtthistheSherifflookedaskanceatRobin，sayingtohimself，\"Ilikenotthatthouseemestsowellacquaintedwiththisboldoutlaw，andIwishthatIwerewelloutofSherwoodForest。\"
Butstilltheytraveleddeeperintotheforestshades，andthedeepertheywent，themorequietgrewtheSheriff。Atlasttheycametowheretheroadtookasuddenbend，andbeforethemaherdofdundeerwenttrippingacrossthepath。ThenRobinHoodcameclosetotheSheriffandpointinghisfinger，hesaid，\"Thesearemyhornedbeasts，goodMasterSheriff。Howdostthoulikethem？
Aretheynotfatandfairtosee？\"
AtthistheSheriffdrewreinquickly。\"Nowfellow，\"quothhe，\"IwouldIwerewelloutofthisforest，forIlikenotthycompany。
Gothouthineownpath，goodfriend，andletmebutgomine。\"
ButRobinonlylaughedandcaughttheSheriff\'sbridlerein。
\"Nay，\"criedhe，\"stayawhile，forIwouldthoushouldstseemybrothers，whoownthesefairhornedbeastswithme。\"
Sosaying，heclappedhisbugletohismouthandwindedthreemerrynotes，andpresentlyupthepathcameleapingfivescoregoodstoutyeomenwithLittleJohnattheirhead。
\"Whatwouldstthouhave，goodmaster？\"quothLittleJohn。
\"Why，\"answeredRobin，\"dostthounotseethatIhavebroughtgoodlycompanytofeastwithustoday？Fye，forshame！
Doyounotseeourgoodandworshipfulmaster，theSheriffofNottingham？Takethouhisbridle，LittleJohn，forhehashonoredustodaybycomingtofeastwithus。\"
Thenalldoffedtheirhatshumbly，withoutsmilingorseemingtobeinjest，whileLittleJohntookthebridlereinandledthepalfreystilldeeperintotheforest，allmarchinginorder，withRobinHoodwalkingbesidetheSheriff，hatinhand。
AllthistimetheSheriffsaidneverawordbutonlylookedabouthimlikeonesuddenlyawakenedfromsleep；butwhenhefoundhimselfgoingwithintheverydepthsofSherwoodhisheartsankwithinhim，forhethought，\"Surelymythreehundredpoundswillbetakenfromme，eveniftheytakenotmylifeitself，forIhaveplottedagainsttheirlivesmorethanonce。\"
Butallseemedhumbleandmeekandnotawordwassaidofdanger，eithertolifeormoney。
SoatlasttheycametothatpartofSherwoodForestwhereanobleoakspreaditsbrancheswide，andbeneathitwasaseatallmadeofmoss，onwhichRobinsatdown，placingtheSheriffathisrighthand。
\"Nowbuskye，mymerrymenall，\"quothhe，\"andbringforththebestwehave，bothofmeatandwine，forhisworshiptheSheriffhathfeastedmeinNottinghamGuildHalltoday，andIwouldnothavehimgobackempty。\"
AllthistimenothinghadbeensaidoftheSheriff\'smoney，sopresentlyhebegantopluckupheart。\"For，\"saidhetohimself，\"maybeRobinHoodhathforgottenallaboutit。\"
Then，whilebeyondintheforestbrightfirescrackledandsavorysmellsofsweetlyroastingvenisonandfatcaponsfilledtheglade，andbrownpastieswarmedbesidetheblaze，didRobinHoodentertaintheSheriffrightroyally。First，severalcouplesstoodforthatquarterstaff，andsoshrewdweretheyatthegame，andsoquicklydidtheygivestrokeandparry，thattheSheriff，wholovedtowatchalllustysportsofthekind，clappedhishands，forgettingwherehewas，andcryingaloud，\"Wellstruck！
Wellstruck，thoufellowwiththeblackbeard！\"littleknowingthatthemanhecalleduponwastheTinkerthattriedtoservehiswarrantuponRobinHood。
Thenseveralyeomencameforwardandspreadclothsuponthegreengrass，andplacedaroyalfeast；whileothersstillbroachedbarrelsofsackandMalmseyandgoodstoutale，andsettheminjarsuponthecloth，withdrinkinghornsaboutthem。
Thenallsatdownandfeastedanddrankmerrilytogetheruntilthesunwaslowandthehalf-moonglimmeredwithapalelightbetwixttheleavesofthetreesoverhead。
ThentheSheriffaroseandsaid，\"Ithankyouall，goodyeomen，forthemerryentertainmentyehavegivenmethisday。
Rightcourteouslyhaveyeusedme，showingthereinthatyehavemuchrespectforourgloriousKingandhisdeputyinbraveNottinghamshire。Buttheshadowsgrowlong，andImustawaybeforedarknesscomes，lestIlosemyselfwithintheforest。\"
ThenRobinHoodandallhismerrymenarosealso，andRobinsaidtotheSheriff，\"Ifthoumustgo，worshipfulsir，gothoumust；
butthouhastforgottenonething。\"
\"Nay，Iforgotnought，\"saidtheSheriff；yetallthesamehisheartsankwithinhim。
\"ButIsaythouhastforgotsomething，\"quothRobin。\"Wekeepamerryinnhereinthegreenwood，butwhoeverbecomethourguestmustpayhisreckoning。\"
ThentheSherifflaughed，butthelaughwashollow。\"Well，jollyboys，\"
quothhe，\"wehavehadamerrytimetogethertoday，andevenifyehadnotaskedme，IwouldhavegivenyouascoreofpoundsforthesweetentertainmentIhavehad。\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobinseriously，\"itwouldillbeseemustotreatYourWorshipsomeanly。Bymyfaith，SirSheriff，IwouldbeashamedtoshowmyfaceifIdidnotreckontheKing\'sdeputyatthreehundredpounds。
Isitnotso，mymerrymenall？\"
Then\"Ay！\"criedall，inaloudvoice。
\"Threehundreddevils！\"roaredtheSheriff。\"Thinkyethatyourbeggarlyfeastwasworththreepounds，letalonethreehundred？\"
\"Nay，\"quothRobingravely。\"Speaknotsoroundly，YourWorship。IdolovetheeforthesweetfeastthouhastgivenmethisdayinmerryNottinghamTown；
buttherebethoseherewholovetheenotsomuch。IfthouwiltlookdownthecloththouwiltseeWillStutely，inwhoseeyesthouhastnogreatfavor；
thentwootherstoutfellowsarethereherethatthouknowestnot，thatwerewoundedinabrawlnighNottinghamTown，sometimeago——thouwottestwhen；
oneofthemwassorehurtinonearm，yethehathgottheuseofitagain。
GoodSheriff，beadvisedbyme；paythyscorewithoutmoreado，ormaybeitmayfareillwiththee。\"
AshespoketheSheriff\'sruddycheeksgrewpale，andhesaidnothingmorebutlookeduponthegroundandgnawedhisnetherlip。
Thenslowlyhedrewforthhisfatpurseandthrewitupontheclothinfrontofhim。
\"Nowtakethepurse，LittleJohn，\"quothRobinHood，\"andseethatthereckoningberight。WewouldnotdoubtourSheriff，buthemightnotlikeitifheshouldfindhehadnotpaidhisfullscore。\"
ThenLittleJohncountedthemoneyandfoundthatthebagheldthreehundredpoundsinsilverandgold。ButtotheSheriffitseemedasifeveryclinkofthebrightmoneywasadropofbloodfromhisveins。
Andwhenhesawitallcountedoutinaheapofsilverandgold，fillingawoodenplatter，heturnedawayandsilentlymountedhishorse。
\"Neverhavewehadsoworshipfulaguestbefore！\"quothRobin，\"and，asthedaywaxethlate，Iwillsendoneofmyyoungmentoguidetheeoutoftheforestdepths。\"
\"Nay，Heavenforbid！\"criedtheSheriffhastily。\"Icanfindmineownway，goodman，withoutaid。\"
\"ThenIwillputtheeontherighttrackmineownself，\"
quothRobin，and，takingtheSheriff\'shorsebythebridlerein，heledhimintothemainforestpath。Then，beforehelethimgo，hesaid，\"Now，faretheewell，goodSheriff，andwhennextthouthinkesttodespoilsomepoorprodigal，rememberthyfeastinSherwoodForest。`Ne\'erbuyahorse，goodfriend，withoutfirstlookingintoitsmouth，\'asourgoodgafferSwantholdsays。Andso，oncemore，faretheewell。\"
Thenheclappedhishandtothehorse\'sback，andoffwentnagandSheriffthroughtheforestglades。
ThenbitterlytheSheriffruedthedaythatfirsthemeddledwithRobinHood，forallmenlaughedathimandmanyballadsweresungbyfolkthroughoutthecountry，ofhowtheSheriffwenttoshearandcamehomeshorntotheveryquick。
Forthusmensometimesoverreachthemselvesthroughgreedandguile。
LittleJohnGoestoNottinghamFairSPRINGHADGONEsincetheSheriff\'sfeastinSherwood，andsummeralso，andthemellowmonthofOctoberhadcome。
Alltheairwascoolandfresh；theharvestsweregatheredhome，theyoungbirdswerefullfledged，thehopswereplucked，andappleswereripe。ButthoughtimehadsosmoothedthingsoverthatmennolongertalkedofthehornedbeaststhattheSheriffwishedtobuy，hewasstillsoreaboutthematterandcouldnotbeartohearRobinHood\'snamespokeninhispresence。