the scattered Fair;
nor heeded the mutterings and sour looks of the few who, from a
distance, eyed them.

Nottingham Castle was reached, and admittance was demanded. When the
Sheriff heard who was without his gates he came down himself to greet
them. He was a small, pompous man, very magnificent in his robes of
office, which he was wearing this day in honor of the Fair. In the early
morning he had declared it open; and on the last day would bring his
daughter to deliver the prizes which would be won at the tourney.

Master Monceux, the Sheriff of Nottingham, was mightily put about when
told of the rioting. He protested that the rogues who had conspired to
bring about this scandal should all be thrust into the stocks for two
whole days, and should afterwards be scourged out of the city. He was
profuse in his offers of hospitality to his guests; knowing Montfichet
to have a powerful influence with the King. And Henry might return to
England at any moment.

The strollers and the Squire's retainers had been told to find
refreshment with the Sheriff's men-at-arms in the buttery. Robin
pleaded, however, with the Squire for little Will to be left with them.

"I like this impudent fellow," he said, "and he was very willing to help
us but a little while since. Let him stay with me and be my squire in
the coming tourney."

"Have your will, child, if the boy also wills it," Montfichet answered,
feeling too ill to oppose anything very strongly just then. He made an
effort to hide his condition from them all, and Robin felt his fingers
tighten upon his arm.

"What is it, dear patron?" Robin asked, anxiously.

"Beg me a room of the Sheriff, child, quickly. I do think that my heart
is touched with some distemper."

Robin ran to the Sheriff.

"Sir," said he, "my patron is overcome of the heat and commotion. He
prays that you will quietly grant him some private chamber wherein he
may rest."

"Surely, surely!" said the Sheriff. "Ay, and I will send him a leech--my
own man, and a right skilful fellow. Bid your master use this poor house
as he would his own." The Sheriff spoke with great affectation. "In the
meantime I will see that a proper banquet is served to us within an
hour. But who is this fellow plucking at your sleeve? He should be in
the kitchen with the rest."

"He is my esquire, excellency," returned Robin, with dignity.

Mistress Fitzooth had been carried off by the Sheriff's daughter and her
maids as soon as t