n unhappy union. Within a year came black-eyed Robin to
them, and they worshipped their child. But as time passed, and Hugh's
claims were again put aside, his nature began to go sour once more. Now
they were lonely, unfriendly folk, with no society other than that of
the worthy Clerk of Copmanhurst--a hermit too. He had taught Robin his
Latin grace, and had given him a fair knowledge of Norman, Saxon, and
the middle tongues.

"Say that we all may go to-morrow, father," cried Robin, breaking the
silence. "I have never seen Nottingham Fair, sir, and you have promised
to take me often."

"I cannot leave this place; for there is my work, and robbers are to be
found even here. I have to post my foresters each day in their tasks,
and see that the deer be not killed and stolen."

He paused, and then, noting the disappointment in his son's face,
relented. "Yet, since there is the Fair, and I have promised it, Robin,
you shall go with your mother to Gamewell, if so be the Friar of
Copmanhurst can go also. So get ready your clothes, for I know that you
would wish to be at your best in our brother's hall. I will speed you
to-morrow so far as Copmanhurst, and will send two hinds to serve you to
Nottingham gates."

"Warrenton, my brother's man, spoke grievously of the outlaw bands near
Gamewell, and told how he had to journey warily," So spoke Mistress
Fitzooth, trying yet to bring her husband to say that he too would go.

"The Sheriff administers his portion of the forest very abominably
then," returned Fitzooth. "We have no fears and whinings here; but I do
not doubt that Warrenton chattered with a view to test our courage, or
perchance to make more certain of my refusal."

"But we _are_ to go, are we not, sir?" Robin was anxious again, for his
father's tone had already changed.

"I have said it; and there it ends," said Fitzooth, shortly. "If the
clerk will make the journey you shall make it too. Further, an the
Squire will have you, you shall stay at Gamewell and learn the tricks
and prettinesses of Court and town. But look to your bow for use in
life, and to your own hands and eyes for help. Kiss me, Robin, and get
to bed. Learn all you can; and if Warrenton can show you how to fashion
arrows within the year I'll ask no more of brother George of
Gamewell."

"You shall be proud of me, sir; I swear it. But I will not stay longer
than a month; for I am to watch over my mother's garden."

"Never will shafts such as yours