d we not hold another
shooting-match? 'Tis Fair year, as you know, and another tourney will
be expected. Now we will proclaim a general amnesty, as did King Harry
himself, and say that the field is open and unmolested to all comers.
Belike Robin Hood's men will be tempted to twang the bow, and then--"

"And then," said the Sheriff jumping up with alacrity, "we shall see on
which side of the gate they stop over-night!"

So the Sheriff lost no time in proclaiming a tourney, to be held that
same Fall at the Fair. It was open to all comers, said the proclamation,
and none should be molested in their going and coming. Furthermore, an
arrow with a golden head and shaft of silver-white should be given to
the winner, who would be heralded abroad as the finest archer in all the
North Countree. Also, many rich prizes were to be given to other clever
archers.

These tidings came in due course to Robin Hood, under the greenwood
tree, and fired his impetuous spirit.

"Come, prepare ye, my merry men all," quoth he, "and we'll go to the
Fair and take some part in this sport."

With that stepped forth the merry cobbler, David of Doncaster.

"Master," quoth he, "be ruled by me and stir not from the greenwood. To
tell the truth, I'm well informed yon match is naught but a trap. I know
the Sheriff has devised it to beguile us archers into some treachery."

"That word savors of the coward," replied Robin, "and pleases me not.
Let come what will, I'll try my skill at that same archery."

Then up spoke Little John and said: "Come, listen to me how it shall be
that we will not be discovered."

"Our mantles all of Lincoln-green
Behind us we will leave;
We'll dress us all so several,
They shall not us perceive."

"One shall wear white, another red,
One yellow, another blue;
Thus in disguise to the exercise
We'll go, whate'er ensue."

This advice met with general favor from the adventurous fellows, and
they lost no time in putting it into practice. Maid Marian and Mistress
Dale, assisted by Friar Tuck, prepared some vari-colored costumes, and
'gainst the Fair day had fitted out the sevenscore men till you would
never have taken them for other than villagers decked for the holiday.

And forth went they from the greenwood, with hearts all firm and stout,
resolved to meet the Sheriff's men and have a merry bout. Along the
highway they fell in with many other bold fellows from the countryside,