Page 242 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

four times over again, and so become rich once more. Along
with this money I have brought a little gift to thee and thy
brave men from my dear lady and myself.’ Then, turning to
his men, he called aloud, ‘Bring forth the pack horses.’
But Robin stopped him. ‘Nay, Sir Richard,’ said he, ‘think
it not bold of me to cross thy bidding, but we of Sherwood
do no business till after we have eaten and drunk.’ Where-
upon, taking Sir Richard by the hand, he led him to the seat
beneath the greenwood tree, while others of the chief men of
the band came and seated themselves around. Then quoth
Robin, ‘How cometh it that I saw young David of Doncaster
with thee and thy men, Sir Knight?’
Then straightway the Knight told all about his stay at
Denby and of the happening at the fair, and how it was like
to go hard with young David; so he told his tale, and quoth
he, ‘It was this, good Robin, that kept me so late on the way,
otherwise I would have been here an hour agone.’
Then, when he had done speaking, Robin stretched out
his hand and grasped the Knight’s palm. Quoth he in a
trembling voice, ‘I owe thee a debt I can never hope to repay,
Sir Richard, for let me tell thee, I would rather lose my right
hand than have such ill befall young David of Doncaster as
seemed like to come upon him at Denby.’
So they talked until after a while one came forward to
say that the feast was spread; whereupon all arose and went
thereto. When at last it was done, the Knight called upon
his men to bring the pack horses forward, which they did
according to his bidding. Then one of the men brought the
Knight a strongbox, which he opened and took from it a bag

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