y splendid archer--the first shaft flew so cleanly and so swift that
it pierced the very middle of the target and stuck out on the other side
full half its length.

Robin had to shoot immediately after him, and waited a few moments
whilst the markers were tugging at the Norman's arrow. A sudden
inspiration flashed across the lad's mind; and, advancing a step, he
bade them desist. They wonderingly fell back, leaving Hubert's arrow
fixed spitefully in the target.

One of the heralds cried out that this archer had not yet given in his
name, but even as he spoke, Robin's arrow flew hissing from his bow. A
silence fell upon the onlookers, and even the smiling Prince leaned
forward in his box. Then a great shout went up of amazement and
incredulity. The markers and heralds thronged about the target and hid
it from the general view until they were impatiently pulled away by some
of the Prince's bodyguard.

A marvel was seen then by all eyes--Robin's arrow standing stiffly out
from the center of the target, with Hubert's wand split down on either
side of it flush to the very face of the mark!

Robin himself could scarcely credit his own success. He had done the
thing before, with Warrenton, once out of a dozen times: and he had
essayed it now more out of bravado than aught else.

"'Twas a feat worthy of Hubert himself," said the Sheriff,
bombastically, to the Prince. He had not recognized Robin.

"I have seen Hubert perform just such a trick on many occasions, sir,"
said Carfax. "This fellow has done no uncommon thing, believe me," he
went on. "And after all, he has not bettered Hubert's shot."

"That is true," said the Prince, as if thoughtfully. His face showed
smiling again. "Let the contest go on: and Hubert shall shoot again with
this young trickster."

"The heralds say that he has not given in his name, sire," said one of
the courtiers.

"If that is so, his shooting is of no avail, be it never so good," cried
Carfax, triumphantly. "Tell them that the archer is disqualified, my
lord," he continued, addressing the Sheriff; "and bid them discover who
he may be."

Carfax turned again to the Prince, and began a whispered conversation
with him. The Prince listened, nodding his head in approval.

"Well, Monceux, what do they say?" he asked the Sheriff, languidly, as
the other returned.

"It seems, sire, that the archer is one who came in with a company of
Lincoln bowmen. No one knows him hereabout. I have said tha