Page 130 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

ever a patient man to those about him, and slow to anger
and harsh words. Well, one day—and an ill day it was for
that saucy fellow—he sought to berate my father, I standing
by. I could stand it no longer, good uncle, so, stepping forth,
I gave him a box o’ the ear, and—wouldst thou believe it?—
the fellow straightway died o’t. I think they said I broke his
neck, or something o’ the like. So off they packed me to seek
thee and escape the law. I was on my way when thou sawest
me, and here I am.’
‘Well, by the faith of my heart,’ quoth Robin Hood, ‘for
anyone escaping the law, thou wast taking it the most easily
that ever I beheld in all my life. Whenever did anyone in all
the world see one who had slain a man, and was escaping
because of it, tripping along the highway like a dainty court
damsel, sniffing at a rose the while?’
‘Nay, uncle,’ answered Will Gamwell, ‘overhaste never
churned good butter, as the old saying hath it. Moreover, I
do verily believe that this overstrength of my body hath tak-
en the nimbleness out of my heels. Why, thou didst but just
now rap me thrice, and I thee never a once, save by over-
bearing thee by my strength.’
‘Nay,’ quoth Robin, ‘let us say no more on that score. I
am right glad to see thee, Will, and thou wilt add great hon-
or and credit to my band of merry fellows. But thou must
change thy name, for warrants will be out presently against
thee; so, because of thy gay clothes, thou shalt henceforth
and for aye be called Will Scarlet.’
‘Will Scarlet,’ quoth Little John, stepping forward and
reaching out his great palm, which the other took, ‘Will

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