was vexed.

"Stand away, fellows," said he, "and let us pass on. Else shall you all
be whipped."

Again the leader of the band spoke. "Toll first, lording; tender it
prettily to us, and you shall only tender it once."

"I'll tender it not at all," retorted young Fitzooth. "Fie upon you for
staying a woman upon the King's highroad! Pretty men, forsooth, to
attack in so cowardly a fashion!"

"All must buy freedom of the greenwood, master," answered the man, quite
civilly. "We, who exact the toll, take no heed of sex. Pay us now, and
when you return there shall be no questioning."

"A woman should be a safe convoy and free from all toll," argued Robin.
"Now here are my two men."

"Slaves, master; and they have only your mule and the two pikes. It is
not enough."

"You will leave us nothing then, it seems," said Dame Fitzooth, in
trembling but brave voice.

"There is one thing that we all do value, mistress, and I purpose
sparing you that. We will do no one of you any bodily harm."

"Take my purse, then," sighed Mistress Fitzooth. "There is little enough
in it, for we are poor folk."

"Ask toll of the Church," cried Robin, staying his mother. "The Church
is rich, and has to spare. And afterwards, she can grant absolution to
you all."

Again the robbers laughed, as the clerk began explaining very volubly to
them that they were welcome to all that Mother Church could on this
occasion offer.

"We know better than to stay a monk for toll," said the robber. "Beside,
would your excellence have us commit sacrilege?"

"I would have you leave hold of my bridle," answered Robin, very
wrathfully.

"Pay the toll cheerfully, youngling," cried one of the others, "and be
not so wordy in the business. We have other folk to visit; the day is
already half gone from Sherwood."

"I will shoot with you for the freedom of the forest," said Robin,
desperately. "An I lose, then shall you take all but my mother's jennet.
She shall be allowed to carry my mother into Gamewell, whilst I remain
here, as hostage, for her return."

"Let the dame bring back a hundred crowns in each of her hands, then,"
replied the chief of the robbers.

"It is agreed," answered Robin, after one appealing glance towards the
dame. "Now help me down from my horse, and let the clerk see fair play.
Set us a mark, good father, and pray Heaven to speed my arrows
cunningly."

The clerk, who had kept himself much in the background, now spoke. "This
wager