Page 220 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

it to one side. Far be it from us to take from the blessed
Saint Thomas that which belongeth to him.’ So this, also,
was done according to Robin’s bidding, and the candles
were laid to one side, along with honest Quentin’s un-
opened bales of silk. So the list was gone through with, and
the goods adjudged according to what Robin thought most
fit. Some things were laid aside untouched, and many were
opened and divided into three equal parts, for charity, for
themselves, and for the owners. And now all the ground in
the torchlight was covered over with silks and velvets and
cloths of gold and cases of rich wines, and so they came to
the last line upon the tablet—‘ A box belonging to the Lord
Bishop of Hereford.’
At these words the Bishop shook as with a chill, and the
box was set upon the ground.
‘My Lord Bishop, hast thou the key of this box?’ asked
Robin.
The Bishop shook his head.
‘Go, Will Scarlet,’ said Robin, ‘thou art the strongest man
here— bring a sword straightway, and cut this box open, if
thou canst.’ Then up rose Will Scarlet and left them, com-
ing back in a short time, bearing a great two-handed sword.
Thrice he smote that strong, ironbound box, and at the third
blow it burst open and a great heap of gold came rolling
forth, gleaming red in the light of the torches. At this sight
a murmur went all around among the band, like the sound
of the wind in distant trees; but no man came forward nor
touched the money.
Quoth Robin, ‘Thou, Will Scarlet, thou, Allan a Dale,

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