Page 146 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

not about me so much as a clipped groat. Do me no harm, I
pray you, but let me depart in peace. Moreover, let me tell
you that ye are upon Robin Hood’s ground, and should he
find you seeking to rob an honest craftsman, he will clip
your ears to your heads and scourge you even to the walls
of Nottingham.
‘In truth I fear Robin Hood no more than I do myself,’
quoth jolly Robin. ‘Thou must this day give up to me every
penny thou hast about thee. Nay, if thou dost budge an inch
I will rattle this staff about thine ears.’
‘Nay, smite me not!’ cried the Miller, throwing up his el-
bow as though he feared the blow. ‘Thou mayst search me if
thou wilt, but thou wilt find nothing upon me, pouch, pock-
et, or skin.’
‘Is it so?’ quoth Robin Hood, looking keenly upon him.
‘Now I believe that what thou tellest is no true tale. If I am
not much mistook thou hast somewhat in the bottom of
that fat sack of meal. Good Arthur, empty the bag upon the
ground; I warrant thou wilt find a shilling or two in the
flour.’
‘Alas!’ cried the Miller, falling upon his knees, ‘spoil not
all my good meal! It can better you not, and will ruin me.
Spare it, and I will give up the money in the bag.’
‘Ha!’ quoth Robin, nudging Will Scarlet. ‘Is it so? And
have I found where thy money lies? Marry, I have a won-
drous nose for the blessed image of good King Harry. I
thought that I smelled gold and silver beneath the barley
meal. Bring it straight forth, Miller.’
Then slowly the Miller arose to his feet, and slowly and

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