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