aged. Here is the arrow plucked from it:
keep it for a trophy."

"Is it a pretty shaft, Warrenton?" asked Robin, carelessly, as the old
servant thrust it into his quiver.

"It is one of Will's own, and that suffices."

After Master Ford had briefly bidden them farewell, they left their
beasts in charge of a fellow inside the gate, bidding him give the
little grey jennet all care and attention.

Here, also, Robin got himself washed and made tidy for the Fair, and had
some meat and drink to restore him. He found that it was to the long
Norman cape he wore that he owed his life. The outlaw's arrow had been
diverted by the flapping garment, and had only pricked him in the fleshy
part of his shoulder. The cape was so ripped, however, as to become
ridiculous in its rags, so Robin asked for the loan of a pair of
shears, and with them trimmed the cape so ruthlessly in his haste as to
make it become more like an old woman's hood.

"You have turned Saxon out of Norman very suddenly, master," laughed
young Stuteley.

It was a full three hours past noon ere they came to the Fair. A great
ring had been made in the centre of it, and huge wooden stands had been
built about this circle. They were covered finely with cloth of red and
gold; and many flags and banners were flying above the tops and about
the stands.

The blare and discord of trumpets rang out over the noise of the people.
A great clamor of voices betokened the arrival of some great man at the
front of the chief stand.

"The Sheriff has arrived," cried Stuteley, who knew the ways at these
affairs. "Hear how the people do cheer him! For sure he must be a man
well liked----"

"These fellows will applaud anyone who has power and office," said
Warrenton, scornfully. "Master Monceux is _not_ beloved of them, for all
that. But hasten, or we shall be shut out. Already they are closing the
gates."

The clouds were heavy and grey, and a few large drops of rain began to
patter down.

"Look to our bows, Warrenton," cried Robin, in alarm.

"Be easy, lording--your bow shall not be at fault if the prize does not
fall to your hand. Follow me."

They were now at the wicket, and Warrenton produced his authority.
Gamewell's name was enough. They were ushered into a small box near by
the Sheriff's own, and there awaited events.

First came bouts of single-stick and quarter-staff, and Master Will was
keen to take part in these contests. Warrenton counselled him to remain
i