Robin Hood

od is to Not

k a down a

met with the

ng along

about the church to keep him company; two of them being locked in a tiny crypt, three in the belfry, "to ring us a wedding peal," as Robin said; and the others under quire seats or in the vestry. The bride's brother at her entreaty was released, but

hop and the old knight, stiff as they were, did not delay longer than for breakfast, but so great was their rage and shame-made straight to Nottingham and levied the Sheriff's forces. The Sheriff himself was not anxious

of outlaws hunting, and instantly gave chase. But they could not surround the outlaws, who kept well in the lead, ever and anon dropping behind a log or boulder to speed back a shaft which meant mischief to the

's three sons, Stout Will, and Lester, and John. The pause was an unlucky one for them, as a party of Sheriff's men got above them and cut them off from their fellows. Swordsmen came up in th

on the point of hewing the stout outl

them to the town jail. But I promise ye the biggest public hangi

hree sons and carried them

he scene of the fight, or with his men; so

the camp he was met by the widow her

an?" said Robin hastily but cou

eep ye from the fate that has met my three sons! The Sher

ter, and merry John! The earliest friends I had in the band, and

me that it is for tomorro

mory of the old days when you freely bade me sup and dine would spur me on, even if t

erself on the ground

"and yet I knew your brave true heart would answer me. Heaven

skirmish-how that his men had been out-numbered five to one, but got off safely, as the

quoth Robin, "even from out t

set to work to de

he was sore troubled-when whom should he meet but an old begging palmer, one of a devo

in and asked alms of him; since Robin h

foolish old man?" said Robin

lmer, "are condemned to die. Belike that is grea

sought idea came t

," he said, "and I'll give thee forty shilli

nd mine is ragged and torn. The holy church teaches

apparel with mine. Here are twenty pieces of good

n its old age; and his breeches, which had been sewed over with so many patterns that the original was scarce discernible; and his tattered hose; and his shoes, cobbled above and below. An

y parted company that day. Nathless, Robin's own mo

the gates were open country-folk began to pour in; for a triple hanging was

strolled up and down and around the town as though he had never been there before in all

r, my son?" asked he of a

ere Robin himself, 'twould be thrice as high I warrant ye. But

r crossed

he is a bold fe

nough out behind stumps i' the forest, bu

e three poor wretche

his own questions." And the soldier came to stiff attention as the S

the palmer. "Heaven protect you! What will you

llow?" asked the

But I can shrive their souls and

is thirteen pence; and I will add thereunto some

he went with the soldier to the jail

emned came forth. Down through the long lines of packed people they walked to the market-pla

ffering last words of consolation; and the three men, with arms bound tigh

red to hear the last words uttered to the victims. But Robin's voice did not quaver forth weakly, a

, nor do I now intend to begin that trade. Accurst be he who first set th

hunting-knife flew forth and in a trice, Stout Will, Lester, and merry John were free men a

eamed the Sheriff, "an hundred pou

hundred!" roare

, when "A rescuer" shouted Will Stutely's clear voice on one side of them, and "A rescue!" bellowed Little John's on the other; and down through the terror-stricken crowd rushed fourscore men in Lincoln green, their force seeming twice that number in the confus

's name!" shrieked the S

order been carried out. But Will Scarlet and Allan-a-Dale had

open, and toward them th

their center. But the retreating force turned thrice and sent such volleys of keen

otecting greenwood itself. The soldiers dared come no farther. And the widow's three son