chery to be done in Sherwood Forest," he said, "and
I would have you enter there in the lists, and bear away the Prince's
bag of gold, even as you did the Sheriff's arrow."

"Tell me of this, Warrenton," cried Robin, interested at once. "Where
did you learn this item?"

"'Twas told to me a week agone by the Friar of Copmanhurst, a right
worthy, pious gentleman," gabbled Warrenton. "It seems that the young
Prince is already tired of London ways and the Court of his father the
King, and has agreed to come here to us at Nottingham so that he may be
more free. He brings with him many of the fine ladies of the Court; and
full a hundred score of followers. And they do tell me that some of the
barons are with him, Master Fitzurse to wit. Howbeit, 'tis no matter of
ours. We have but to remember that he has offered a purse of a hundred
pieces to the best bowman in Nottingham town. That purse should be
yours, lording."

Robin smiled at the old man's emphatic speech. "When is this prize to be
offered, Warrenton, and what other marvels are there to be?"

The man-at-arms commenced afresh. "There is to be a tourney, held in
Sherwood Forest."

"Ay; but the archery?"

"I have told you that the Prince offers a fine prize. Know also that he
brings with him Hubert, the most renowned of all archers: so that he
deems the prize already won. The Prince puts a hundred gold pieces into
the purse, and Hubert pockets it in advance."

"Is he a fair bowman, this Hubert?"

"I know but one archer better than he, lording--yourself; and I have
seen the finest archery in the world."

"You talk heedlessly, Warrenton," said Robin, rebuking him. Yet secretly
he was flattered by this sincere belief in him.

"I'll go with you to Nottingham--and Stuteley shall stay here, on
guard," said Robin.

But Stuteley begged most earnestly that he should be allowed to go also,
so that Robin came nigh to giving up the plan all together. For he would
not consent to leave the dame unprotected.

In the end Warrenton himself, with fine self-sacrifice, offered to
remain at Locksley.

"It will be wisest that you should go unattended, after all, lording,"
concluded Warrenton. "Enter the lists unknown, unannounced, as though
you were some forester. Master Monceux means no good to you, and surely
he will be there. So be circumspect; and forget not the things that I
have taught you. Beat Hubert if you can, but be not overcome if you
should fail. He is a very prett