f a lamentable
deficiency of provisions, and had been present that very morning at the
broaching of the last butt of sack. Harpiton groaned in sympathy. The
little friar added, that he knew nothing of what had passed since till
he heard the flames roaring at his elbow.

"Take him away, Harpiton," said the prince, "fill him with sack, and
turn him out."

"Never mind the sack," said the little friar, "turn me out at once."

"A sad chance," said Harpiton, "to be turned out without sack."

But what Harpiton thought a sad chance the little friar thought a merry
one, and went bounding like a fat buck towards the abbey of Rubygill.

An arrow, with a letter attached to it, was shot into the camp, and
carried to the prince. The contents were these:--

"Prince John,--I do not consider myself to have resisted lawful
authority in defending my castle against you, seeing that you are at
present in a state of active rebellion against your liege sovereign
Richard: and if my provisions had not failed me, I would have maintained
it till doomsday. As it is, I have so well disposed my combustibles that
it shall not serve you as a strong hold in your rebellion. If you hunt
in the chases of Nottinghamshire, you may catch other game than my
daughter. Both she and I are content to be houseless for a time, in
the reflection that we have deserved your enmity, and the friendship of
Coeur-de-Lion.

"FITZWATER."

CHAPTER XI

--Tuck, the merry friar, who many a sermon made In praise of
Robin Hood, his outlaws, and their trade.--DRAYTON.

The baron, with some of his retainers and all the foresters, halted at
daybreak in Sherwood forest. The foresters quickly erected tents, and
prepared an abundant breakfast of venison and ale.

"Now, Lord Fitzwater," said the chief forester, "recognise your
son-in-law that was to have been, in the outlaw Robin Hood."

"Ay, ay," said the baron, "I have recognised you long ago."

"And recognise your young friend Gamwell," said the second, "in the
outlaw Scarlet."

"And Little John, the page," said the third, "in Little John the
outlaw."

"And Father Michael, of Rubygill Abbey," said the friar, "in Friar Tuck,
of Sherwood forest. Truly, I have a chapel here hard by, in the shape of
a hollow tree, where I put up my prayers for travellers, and Little John
holds the plate at the door, for good praying deserves good paying."

"I am in fine company," said the baron.

"In the very best