ry fear and shame; then the King
began speech again:

"Nathless, my lord Sheriff, we promise to look into this matter. Those
outlaws must be taught that there is but one King in England, and that
he stands for the law."

So the Sheriff was dismissed, with very mixed feelings, and went his way
home to Nottingham town. A fortnight later the King began to make good
his word, by riding with a small party of knights to Lea Castle. Sir
Richard was advised of the cavalcade's approach, and quickly recognized
his royal master in the tall knight who rode in advance. Hasting to open
wide his castle gates he went forth to meet the King and fell on one
knee and kissed his stirrup. For Sir Richard, also, had been with the
King to the Holy Land, and they had gone on many adventurous quests
together.

The King bade him rise, and dismounted from his own horse to greet him
as a brother in arms; and arm-in-arm they went into the castle, while
bugles and trumpets sounded forth joyous welcome in honor of the great
occasion.

After the King had rested and supped, he turned upon the knight and with
grave face inquired:

"What is this I hear about your castle's becoming a nest and harbor for
outlaws?"

The Sir Richard of the Lea, divining that the Sheriff had been at the
King's ear with his story, made a clean breast of all he knew; how that
the outlaws had befriended him in sore need--as they had befriended
others--and how that he had given them only knightly protection in
return.

The King liked the story well, for his own soul was one of chivalry.
And he asked other questions about Robin Hood, and heard of the ancient
wrong done his father before him, and of Robin's own enemies, and of his
manner of living.

"In sooth," cried King Richard, springing up, "I must see this bold
fellow for myself! An you will entertain my little company, and be ready
to sally forth, upon the second day, in quest of me if need were, I
shall e'en fare alone into the greenwood to seek an adventure with him."

But of this adventure you shall be told in the next tale; for I have
already shown you how Sir Richard of the Lea repaid his debt, with
interest.

CHAPTER XXII

HOW KING RICHARD CAME TO SHERWOOD FOREST

King Richard hearing of the pranks
Of Robin Hood and his men,
He much admired and more desired
To see both him and them.

Then Robin takes a can of ale:
"Come let us now begin;
And every man shall