Page 77 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

All this time the Sheriff said never a word but only
looked about him like one suddenly awakened from sleep;
but when he found himself going within the very depths of
Sherwood his heart sank within him, for he thought, ‘Sure-
ly my three hundred pounds will be taken from me, even if
they take not my life itself, for I have plotted against their
lives more than once.’ But all seemed humble and meek and
not a word was said of danger, either to life or money.
So at last they came to that part of Sherwood Forest
where a noble oak spread its branches wide, and beneath it
was a seat all made of moss, on which Robin sat down, plac-
ing the Sheriff at his right hand. ‘Now busk ye, my merry
men all,’ quoth he, ‘and bring forth the best we have, both
of meat and wine, for his worship the Sheriff hath feasted
me in Nottingham Guild Hall today, and I would not have
him go back empty.’
All this time nothing had been said of the Sheriff’s mon-
ey, so presently he began to pluck up heart. ‘For,’ said he to
himself, ‘maybe Robin Hood hath forgotten all about it.’
Then, while beyond in the forest bright fires crackled
and savory smells of sweetly roasting venison and fat ca-
pons filled the glade, and brown pasties warmed beside
the blaze, did Robin Hood entertain the Sheriff right roy-
ally. First, several couples stood forth at quarterstaff, and so
shrewd were they at the game, and so quickly did they give
stroke and parry, that the Sheriff, who loved to watch all
lusty sports of the kind, clapped his hands, forgetting where
he was, and crying aloud, ‘Well struck! Well struck, thou
fellow with the black beard!’ little knowing that the man he

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood