Page 163 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

no such rich and proud place as the other, but a simple lit-
tle cell; yet, withal, as cosy a spot as ever stout anchorite
dwelled within. I know the place well, and can guide thee
thither, for, though it is a goodly distance, yet methinks a
stout pair of legs could carry a man there and back in one
day.’
‘Then give me thy hand, Allan,’ cried Robin, ‘and let me
tell thee, I swear by the bright hair of Saint AElfrida that
this time two days hence Ellen a Dale shall be thy wife. I
will seek this same Friar of Fountain Abbey tomorrow day,
and I warrant I will get upon the soft side of him, even if I
have to drub one soft.’
At this Will Scarlet laughed again. ‘Be not too sure of that,
good uncle,’ quoth he, ‘nevertheless, from what I know of
him, I think this Curtal Friar will gladly join two such fair
lovers, more especially if there be good eating and drinking
afoot thereafter.’
But now one of the band came to say that the feast was
spread upon the grass; so, Robin leading the way, the oth-
ers followed to where the goodly feast was spread. Merry
was the meal. Jest and story passed freely, and all laughed
till the forest rang again. Allan laughed with the rest, for
his cheeks were flushed with the hope that Robin Hood had
given him.
At last the feast was done, and Robin Hood turned to Al-
lan, who sat beside him. ‘Now, Allan,’ quoth he, ‘so much
has been said of thy singing that we would fain have a taste
of thy skill ourselves. Canst thou not give us something?’
‘Surely,’ answered Allan readily; for he was no third-rate

1 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood