Page 52 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

Will Stutely Rescued

by His Companions

OW WHEN THE SHERIFF found that neither law nor
Nguile could overcome Robin Hood, he was much per-
plexed, and said to himself, ‘Fool that I am! Had I not told
our King of Robin Hood, I would not have gotten myself
into such a coil; but now I must either take him captive or
have wrath visited upon my head from his most gracious
Majesty. I have tried law, and I have tried guile, and I have
failed in both; so I will try what may be done with might.’
Thus communing within himself, he called his consta-
bles together and told them what was in his mind. ‘Now
take ye each four men, all armed in proof,’ said he, ‘and get
ye gone to the forest, at different points, and lie in wait for
this same Robin Hood. But if any constable finds too many
men against him, let him sound a horn, and then let each
band within hearing come with all speed and join the party
that calls them. Thus, I think, shall we take this green-clad
knave. Furthermore, to him that first meeteth with Robin
Hood shall one hundred pounds of silver money be given, if
he be brought to me dead or alive; and to him that meeteth
with any of his band shall twoscore pounds be given, if such
be brought to me dead or alive. So, be ye bold and be ye
crafty.’

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