"'Tis the lad's cousin, and he does not know
of Geoffrey Montfichet's outlawry," he whispered.

"Some say that the King will establish an assize of arms on his return
from France, whereby every knight, freeholder, and burgess must arm
himself for England's defense," continued the clerk, easily. "'Tis a
pretty notion, and like our King."

"There are tales about our Henry, and ballads more than enough," replied
the forester, shrugging his shoulders. "Will o' th' Green knows a good
one, I am told."

At the mention of the outlaw's name Robin pricked up his ears. He asked
many questions concerning Master Will; and learned that he had been
outlawed by Henry himself for the accidental slaying of a younger
brother in a quarrel years since. Before that he had been a dutiful and
loyal subject, and there were some who vowed that Master Will was as
loyal now as many of Henry's barons. Will shot the King's deer, truly,
but only that he might live: the others conspired against their
monarch's honor, in order that their own might be increased.

The cavalcade came into sight of Gamewell Hall while still at this
gossip. The night was falling and lights burned behind the embrasured
windows of the castle, for such it was in truth, being embattled and
surrounded properly by a moat and heavy walls.

The captain wound his horn to such purpose that the bridge was soon
lowered, and the whole party began to trot over it into the wide
courtyard before the hall. That it was a very magnificent place was
apparent, despite the shadows.

Before the door of the hall Robin sprang lightly from his horse and ran
to help his mother from her saddle with tender care: then moved to give
assistance to the clerk. The latter had bundled himself to firm ground,
however, and now stood stolidly expectant.

Master Montfichet--George of Gamewell, as the country folk called him
mostly--had come down to greet his guests, and was waiting upon them ere
Robin could turn about. The Squire was an old man, with white hair
curling from under a little round cap. He wore long black robes, loose
and rather monkish in their fashion. He seemed as unlike his sister as
Robin could well imagine, besides being so much more advanced in years.
His face was hairless and rather pale; but his eyes shone brightly.
There was a very pleasant expression in the lines about his mouth, and
his manner was perfect. He embraced Robin with kindliness; and real
affection for his sister seeme