t upon
the time when he was accounted the best archer in all England, and went
straightway to the King and begged for leave to go on a pilgrimage to
Bernisdale.

"I may not say you nay," answered the King, "seven nights you may be
gone and no more." And Robin thanked him, and that evening set out for
the greenwood.

It was early morning when he reached it at last, and listened thirstily
to the notes of singing birds, great and small.

"It seems long since I was here," he said to himself; "it would give me
great joy if I could bring down a deer once more;" and he shot a great
hart, and blew his horn, and all the outlaws of the forest came
flocking round him. "Welcome," they said, "our dear master, back to
the greenwood tree," and they threw off their caps and fell on their
knees before him in delight at his return.

PART XIII.

THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD.

For two and twenty years Robin Hood dwelt in Sherwood Forest after he
had run away from Court, and naught that the King could say would tempt
him back again. At the end of that time he fell ill; he neither ate
nor drank, and had no care for the things he loved, "I must go to merry
Kirkley," said he, "and have my blood let."

But Will Scarlett, who heard his words, spoke roundly to him. "Not by
my leave, nor without a hundred bowmen at your back. For there abides
an evil man, who is sure to quarrel with you, and you will need us
badly."

"If you are afraid, Will Scarlett, you may stay at home, for me," said
Robin, "and in truth no man will I take with me, save Little John only,
to carry my bow."

"Bear your bow yourself, master, and I will bear mine, and we will
shoot for a penny as we ride."

"Very well, let it be so," said Robin, and they went on merrily enough
till they came to some women weeping sorely near a stream.

"What is the matter, good wives?" said Robin Hood.

"We weep for Robin Hood and his dear body, which to-day must let
blood," was their answer.

"Pray why do you weep for me?" asked Robin; "the Prioress is the
daughter of my aunt, and my cousin, and well I know she would not do me
harm for all the world."

And he passed on, with Little John at his side.

Soon they reached the Priory, where they were let in by the Prioress
herself, who bade them welcome heartily, and not the less because Robin
handed her twenty pounds in gold as payment for his stay, and told her
if he cost her more she was to let him know of it.

Then she bega