ts. One of the fellows swore
roundly that the learned clerk had given Will o' th' Green a very plain
hint; but this assertion was most properly put aside by all who heard
it.

Robin gave his story of the business, and then, having thanked the
captain of the foresters, would have continued the journey. The clerk
was no longer to be denied, however, from his food: and so it came about
that presently the four of them were at a meal together under the
trees--the captain of the foresters having agreed to join with Robin,
the hermit, and Mistress Fitzooth in an attack upon the good wine and
pasty which the latter had provided.

The foresters returned in twos and threes from their fruitless search,
and stood about in little knots discussing the chase. All agreed that
the outlaws had some stronghold underground, with many entrances and
ways into it; easily to be found by those in the secret, but impossible
of passage to persons in pursuit.

"Do you go to Gamewell, friends?" asked the captain, after the meal had
been finished. When he had been answered yes, he told Mistress Fitzooth
that she might have an escort for the rest of the way; since he and his
men must travel to Gamewell themselves, to report the encounter to
Squire George of Gamewell.

Gladly Mistress Fitzooth heard this, and very cheerfully they all
started afresh upon the journey.

Robin alone was sad; the fact that the robber chief's arrow had flown
more near a woodman's mark than his own rankled within his breast.

Ah, but a time would come when Master Will o' th' Green should see
better archery than he now dreamed of. And Robin should be the master
who would teach the lesson.

Building such day-dreams, he cantered quietly enough beside his mother's
jennet; whilst the clerk and the captain of the foresters chattered
amiably together. The dame listened to their gossip, and put in her own
word and question; she had an easy mind now and could give herself to
talk of Prince John and his impudent rebellion.

"So the barons would really make him King?" asked she, round-eyed: "King
of all these lands and forests?"

"Some of our barons have sworn so much," answered the forester, lightly;
"but men speak best with their swords, dame. Have you not heard of young
Montfichet's doings? He has undone himself indeed----"

"Waldemar Fitzurse is behind it all, and young De Brocy," the clerk
interrupted, loudly, giving him a warning glance.

The friar pointed to Robin.