est was
firm.

"Keep the money, for it is your own," said Robin; "I have but made the
Bishop return that which he extorted unjustly."

Sir Richard thanked him in a few earnest words, and asked him and all
his men to visit the armory, before they departed. And therein they saw,
placed apart, an hundred and forty stout yew bows of cunning make, with
fine waxen silk strings; and an hundred and forty sheaves of arrows.
Every shaft was a just ell long, set with peacock's feathers, and
notched with silver. And Sir Richard's fair lady came forward and with
her own hands gave each yeoman a bow and a sheaf.

"In sooth, these are poor presents we have made you, good Robin Hood,"
said Sir Richard; "but they carry with them a thousand times their
weight in gratitude."

The Sheriff made good his threat to inform the King. Forth rode he
to London town upon the week following, his scalp wound having healed
sufficiently to permit him to travel. This time he did not seek out
Prince John, but asked audience with King Richard of the Lion Heart
himself. His Majesty had but lately returned from the crusades, and was
just then looking into the state of his kingdom. So the Sheriff found
ready audience.

Then to him the Sheriff spoke at length concerning Robin Hood; how that
for many months the outlaws had defied the King, and slain the King's
deer; how Robin had gathered about him the best archers in all the
countryside; and, finally, how the traitorous knight Sir Richard of the
Lea had rescued the band when capture seemed certain, and refused to
deliver them up to justice.

The King heard him through with attention and quoth he:

"Meseems I have heard of this same Robin Hood, and his men, and also
seen somewhat of their prowess. Did not these same outlaws shoot in a
royal Tourney at Finsbury field?"

"They did, Your Majesty, under a royal amnesty."

In this speech the Sheriff erred, for the King asked quickly,

"How came they last to the Fair at Nottingham--by stealth?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Did you forbid them to come?"

"No, Your Majesty. That is--"

"Speak out!"

"For the good of the shire," began the Sheriff again, falteringly,
"we did proclaim an amnesty; but 'twas because these men had proved a
menace--"

"Now by my halidom!" quoth the King, while his brow grew black. "Such
treachery would be unknown in the camp of the Saracen; and yet we call
ourselves a Christian people!"

The Sheriff kept silence through ve