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