was going to turn the tables on them in some treacherous way. "He is a
very proper rogue."

"Be easy, friend," said Will o' th' Green. "Every one is judged here in
fairness. These men," pointing to the shamefaced, miserable foresters,
"were caught in the doing of an evil deed, and so were dealt with
summarily. But this one did not seem to have a hand in it."

"It was he who commanded them, sir," suddenly shrilled the little
Lincoln named Midge. "He is, in sooth, a diabolical villain, and did
very foully strike our companion here whilst men were holding him."

"All testify against you, excellence," said the outlaw, speaking again
to Carfax. "What is your story of it? Speak without fear."

"This rascal did imprudently waylay us on the road with a demand for
money," began Carfax, "and I, riding back at his noise, did recognize
him for one Robin Locksley, a notorious fellow who has defied my lord
the Sheriff's authority; and has also been suspect of being of your
company--which is a thing, saving your presence, Master Cloudesley, that
has been poor recommendation in the past. Further, with our own eyes
have we seen him shoot and kill one of his Majesty's stags, a most
valued beast with sixteen pointed antlers, as you can see. We were but
exercising the law upon him, as is appointed.... That is to say, _Master
Ford_ was directing his men to carry out the law," said Carfax, with his
thin cheeks pale with fear. "I did but counsel prudence, and plead for
the youth."

"Enough," cried Will, with contempt in his tones. "Now tell me the
message which the Prince has sent by so worthy a messenger."

"That is for your private ear," said Simeon, cunningly.

"You may speak plainly before my comrades," said Will. "Doubtless they
are as interested in the Royal words as I myself."

"I was to bid you come at once to the City gate, so many of you as
would," Carfax said, "there to receive the King's pardon from the hands
of our beloved Prince. Indeed, his gracious Highness did well expect to
see you before him three days agone, at the tourney."

"Dressed about with red ribbons, I trow?" enquired the outlaw, as if
helping him.

"Indeed yes, Master Cloudesley. You have said it, indeed. Knowledge of
your loyalty to us was brought to the Prince by me. By me, good friend,"
he repeated, insinuatingly. "And now give back to me my parchment--which,
being writ in the Latin tongue, is truly no more than a cartel to
my lord the Abbot of York