to confront the others. JOHN picks up a dagger
and makes as if to stab ROBIN in the back. At the same
instant, bugles are heard in the distance. The red-cross
knight flashes between the trees and seizing JOHN'S arm
in his gauntleted hand, disarms him, then turns to help
ROBIN._]

KNIGHT

What, four on one! Down with your blades, you curs,
Or, by Mahound!--

[_The three men take to flight. JOHN stands staring at the newcomer.
The FORESTERS appear, surrounding the
glade._]

JOHN

[_Muttering._]

What? Thou? Thou? Or his ghost?
No--no--it cannot be.

ROBIN

Let them yelp home,
The pitiful jackals. They have left behind
The prime offender. Ha, there, my merry lads,
All's well; but take this villain into the cave
And guard him there.

[_The FORESTERS lead PRINCE JOHN into the cave._]

JOHN

[_To the FORESTERS._]

Answer me one thing: who
Is yonder red-cross knight?

A FORESTER

No friend of thine,
Whoe'er he be!

KNIGHT

[_To ROBIN._]

I need not ask _his_ name.
I grieve to know it!

ROBIN

Sir, I am much beholden
To your good chivalry. What thanks is mine
To give, is all your own.

KNIGHT

Then I ask this!
Give me that prisoner! I think his life is mine.

ROBIN

You saved my own, and more, you saved much more
Than my poor life is worth. But, sir, think well!
This man is dangerous, not to me alone,
But to the King of England; for he'll yet
Usurp the throne! Think well!

KNIGHT

I ask no more.
I have more reasons than you know.

ROBIN

So be it.
Ho! Bring the prisoner back!

[_The FORESTERS bring PRINCE JOHN back. He stares at
the KNIGHT as if in fear._]

Sir, you shall judge him.
This prisoner is your own.

KNIGHT

Then--let him go!

FORESTERS

What! Set him free?

ROBIN

Obey!

[_They release PRINCE JOHN._]

KNIGHT

Out of my sight;
Go!

PRINCE JOHN

What man is this?