ree; and watched with beating hearts their
enemies hurrying onward to Locksley. With the band of soldiers, pikemen,
and foresters were two whom Robin observed narrowly. Sounds of their
talk reached his ears; and, since these two fellows rode somewhat apart
from the rest, Robin was able to distinguish their chattering.

He had unfailing ear for a voice. These were those traitors in Will's
band, the two outlaws whom he had encountered on the day of the
joustings at Nottingham Fair. "Roger and Micah," murmured Robin to
himself, after listening a while. "Yes, those were the names they used
_then_. So, friends, I am forearmed against you, for I will step with
heavy foot in your concerns by-and-by--when I do find Master Will o' th'
Green! Roger--and Micah--I'll not forget."

Soon as they had passed, the three slid quietly to the ground and
thereafter betook themselves very cautiously through the wood. Robin
determined to find Will soon as he might and lay his case before him.
The outlaw would give him refuge, no doubt.

The noise of the soldiers passed away in a murmuring discordance, and
the three fugitives walked now more boldly towards Barnesdale. Ere
sundown they were very heartily tired. They lay themselves down in the
long grasses and while two slumbered the third watched.

Such foods as dry bread and berries were all that they could command;
but there was water in plenty. The evening came, and after it night--and
so to break of the next day.

Robin would have recommenced the flight soon as they had bathed
themselves in a little shallow stream. Ere an hour of daylight was
theirs, sounds of hurried approach warned them to be alert. Someone was
crashing recklessly through the wood, following their trail clearly.
Robin bade Warrenton and little Stuteley hide on either hand whilst he
put himself directly in the path of this pursuer.

It proved to be none other than that one faithful forester of Locksley
who had warned him of the soldiery. Robin welcomed him all the more
gladly when he heard that this good fellow meant to throw in his own
fortunes with those of his unjustly treated young master.

He had news for them, too. It transpired that Master Carfax had several
duties in hand--as was his wont. First, he had to seize Robin and bring
him, alive or dead, to the Sheriff. Next he was to declare all the
Fitzooth property to be confiscated; and, having put seal upon any of it
that might be left from the fire, he had to