n it brought them the
harsh noise of desperate and near fighting.

Loud shouts and battle-cries sounded on their left; and, running
speedily in this direction, our four adventurers chanced upon a strange
sight.

It was strange by the manner of their view of it; for, having clambered
up the bank to the top of the gorge, they saw themselves on the highest
edge of a spur of ground--with the low down rocky valley of the river
behind, and before them a little narrow plain--as equally below them as
was the water they had left. On this plain were a number of men engaged
in deadly battle. Round and about were the thick dark woods of
Barnesdale.

A moment's glance showed Robin that they had arrived too late to help
Will o' th' Green by way of warning. The outlaw's foes were upon him,
and seemingly had the robber and his band at a disadvantage.

The ground descended below the four onlookers so abruptly as to cut them
off from the plain. They were near to the battle; and yet altogether
remote from it.

"Our arrows must do duty for us, then," muttered Robin, grimly, soon as
he understood this. "Fit shafts across your bows, friends, and aim with
all your hearts in it. Let not those of either side see us. 'Tis thus
that our services shall be of most value to Master Will."

They dropped to their knees and aimed their arrows carefully. They had
full quivers with them, and Warrenton and Robin felt themselves in a
manner to be pitted one against the other. The battle raged so furiously
below, however, that for a minute these allies were compelled to remain
idle--not daring to loose their shafts for fear of slaying friends as
well as foes.

Sounds of a horn, shrill and impatient, suddenly called the soldiers
back to their ranks beside Master Carfax. Robin spied this worthy now;
and saw that he bestrode a black horse clumsily--as if armored indeed.
Simeon evidently had withdrawn his men from a melee for fear that in it
he might not be properly protected. He was seen to be issuing orders
very peremptorily to the men.

Meanwhile the outlaws rallied themselves to their leader's side. They,
were sadly decreased in numbers; and, whilst the living thus formed
about in battle array, there were many poor fellows of both sides left
upon the field who stirred not even to the imperative commands of their
commanders.

Now was Robin's chance.

"Choose your man, each one of you," said he, in a suppressed eagerness;
"and soon as the soldier