d given the prize to Hubert. 'Tis
a vile injustice, and I have raised my voice furiously. So, alas! has
Master Much the Miller; he is a very worthy gentleman."

"What do you say?" asked Mistress Fitzwalter, in amazement.

"It is even so, lady, that my lord the Sheriff has ruled my master out
of the court, for the reason that he did not give in his name before
drawing his bow!" cried Stuteley. "A wicked conspiracy it is, and
monstrous unjust! 'Tis thus that these prizes are given; the game's
arranged beforehand. Ah, but I know how these Nottingham folk do plot:
thrice now have I found them false and treacherous."

When Stuteley had begun there were many who were ready to side with him,
but his unlucky conclusion turned these possible friends into enemies.
Even Mistress Fitzwalter drew back for an instant.

"Be silent, Will," said Robin, vexed at once. "It is enough to be
juggled out of this prize without your making it worse. I'll go claim it
from Monceux and he shall argue it with me."

"The Prince is asking for you, friend," said Carfax, suddenly appearing.
He touched Robin on the shoulder.

As he turned to depart, his gimlet eyes saw how the girl shrank away
from them into her box. He looked swiftly at her; then at Robin again.
"His Highness graciously condescended to enquire your name and rank,"
said he, pausing.

"Will he give the purse to me, then?" asked Robin, surprised.

"Nay, that has already been won by Master Hubert," answered Carfax, as
if amused at the question. "You cannot win a prize every day.
Master--Locksley."

He spoke at a shrewd guess, and saw that his shaft had hit the mark.
Mistress Fitzwalter's interest in Robin had given him the clue.

"I'll not go to the Prince," said Robin, wrathfully. "Tell him, Master
Fetch-and-Take, that I have won this prize in all fairness; and I will
shoot with Hubert again, if he needs another beating."

"You'll cool your heels in the stocks, Locksley," said Carfax,
viciously: "so much is evident. The Sheriff has a quarrel with you
already, and 'tis well that you are here to answer Master Ford's
complaint. The Prince will send for you in style, since you will not go
kindly to him. Bide but a few minutes. I'll not keep you waiting!"

He strode off, in heat, followed by Stuteley's scornful gibings.

Robin became aware that the people were eyeing them both with none too
friendly glances. He felt that he and Will Stuteley were in a difficult
position. Escape