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