Page 60 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

mix ourselves with the people there; but keep ye one an-
other in sight, pressing as near the prisoner and his guards
as ye can, when they come outside the walls. Strike no man
without need, for I would fain avoid bloodshed, but if ye do
strike, strike hard, and see that there be no need to strike
again. Then keep all together until we come again to Sher-
wood, and let no man leave his fellows.’
The sun was low in the western sky when a bugle note
sounded from the castle wall. Then all was bustle in Not-
tingham Town and crowds filled the streets, for all knew
that the famous Will Stutely was to be hanged that day.
Presently the castle gates opened wide and a great array of
men-at-arms came forth with noise and clatter, the Sher-
iff, all clad in shining mail of linked chain, riding at their
head. In the midst of all the guard, in a cart, with a halter
about his neck, rode Will Stutely. His face was pale with
his wound and with loss of blood, like the moon in broad
daylight, and his fair hair was clotted in points upon his
forehead, where the blood had hardened. When he came
forth from the castle he looked up and he looked down, but
though he saw some faces that showed pity and some that
showed friendliness, he saw none that he knew. Then his
heart sank within him like a plummet of lead, but neverthe-
less he spoke up boldly.
‘Give a sword into my hand, Sir Sheriff,’ said he, ‘and
wounded man though I be, I will fight thee and all thy men
till life and strength be gone.’
‘Nay, thou naughty varlet,’ quoth the Sheriff, turning his
head and looking right grimly upon Will Stutely, ‘thou shalt