nd Robin and his men were forced to hide.

Weary of inaction, Robin finally bade Will Stutely reconnoiter, report
what the sheriff was doing, and see whether it would be safe for him
and his men to venture out. Garbed as a monk, Will Stutely sought the
nearest inn, where he was quietly seated when some of the sheriff's
men came in. The outlaw was listening intently to their plans when a
cat, rubbing against him, pushed aside his frock, and thus allowed the
constable a glimpse of Lincoln green beneath its folds. To arrest the
outlaw was but the matter of a moment, and Will Stutely was led off to
prison and execution, while a friendly bar-maid hastened off secretly
to the forest to warn Robin of his friend's peril.

Determined to save Will from the gallows at any risk, Robin
immediately set out with four of his best men and let them mingle
among the people assembled near the gallows. Although disguised, the
outlaws were immediately recognized by Will when he arrived with the
sheriff. Pressing forward as if to obtain a better view of the
execution, the outlaws contrived to annoy their neighbors so sorely
that a fight ensued, and, in the midst of the confusion, Little John,
slipping close up to the prisoner, cut his bonds, knocked down the
sheriff, and escaped with all the band!

Life in the forest sometimes proved too monotonous to suit Robin, who
once purchased from a butcher his horse, cart, and meat, and drove off
boldly to Nottingham Fair. There he lustily cried his wares,
announcing churchmen would have to pay double, aldermen cost price,
housewives less, and pretty girls nothing save a kiss! The merry
vender's methods of trading soon attracted so many female customers
that the other butchers became angry, but, deeming Robin a mere
simpleton, invited him to a banquet, where they determined to take
advantage of him.

The sheriff--who was present--blandly inquired of the butcher whether
he had any cattle for sale, and arranged to meet him in the forest and
pay 300 crowns in cash for 500 horned heads. But, when the gullible
sheriff reached the trysting-spot, he was borne captive to Robin's
camp, where the chief, mockingly pointing out the king's deer, bade
him take possession of five hundred horned heads! Then he invited the
sheriff to witness games exhibiting the outlaws' strength and skill,
and, after relieving him of his money, allowed him to depart unharmed.

More determined than ever to obtain revenge, the sher