son of Robin Hood without peradventure. So he sent word privately
for his men-at-arms to close round the group. But Robin's men also got
wind of the plan.

To keep up appearances, the Sheriff summoned the crowd to form in a
circle; and after as much delay as possible the arrow was presented. The
delay gave time enough for the soldiers to close in. As Robin received
his prize, bowed awkwardly, and turned away, the Sheriff, letting his
zeal get the better of his discretion, grasped him about the neck and
called upon his men to arrest the traitor.

But the moment the Sheriff touched Robin, he received such a buffet
on the side of his head that he let go instantly and fell back several
paces. Turning to see who had struck him, he recognized Little John.

"Ah, rascal Greenleaf, I have you now!" he exclaimed springing at him.
Just then, however, he met a new check.

"This is from another of your devoted servants!" said a voice which he
knew to be that of Much the miller's son; and "Thwack!" went his open
palm upon the Sheriff's cheek sending that worthy rolling over and over
upon the ground.

By this time the conflict had become general, but the Sheriff's men
suffered the disadvantage of being hampered by the crowd of innocent
on-lookers, whom they could not tell from the outlaws and so dared not
attack; while the other outlaws in the rear fell upon them and put them
in confusion.

For a moment a fierce rain of blows ensued; then the clear bugle-note
from Robin ordered a retreat. The two warders at the nearest gate tried
to close it, but were shot dead in their tracks. David of Doncaster
threw a third soldier into the moat; and out through the gate went
the foresters in good order, keeping a respectful distance between
themselves and the advancing soldiery, by means of their well-directed
shafts.

But the fight was not to go easily this day, for the soldiery, smarting
from their recent discomfiture at the widow's cottage, and knowing that
the eyes of the whole shire were upon them, fought well, and pressed
closely after the retreating outlaws. More than one ugly wound was
given and received. No less than five of the Sheriff's men were killed
outright, and a dozen others injured; while four of Robin's men were
bleeding from severe flesh cuts.

Then Little John, who had fought by the side of his chief, suddenly fell
forward with a slight moan. An arrow had pierced his knee. Robin seized
the big fellow with almost supe