Page 278 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

about, leaped to his feet also and, catching up his trusty
staff, clapped his back against the tree and stood upon his
guard against them. ‘How, now!’ cried he, twirling his staff
betwixt his fingers, ‘would you four stout fellows set upon
one man? Stand back, ye rascals, or I will score your pates
till they have as many marks upon them as a pothouse door!
Are ye mad? I have done you no harm.’
‘Thou liest!’ quoth the one who pretended to be blind and
who, being the lustiest villain, was the leader of the others,
‘thou liest! For thou hast come among us as a vile spy. But
thine ears have heard too much for thy body’s good, and
thou goest not forth from this place unless thou goest feet
foremost, for this day thou shalt die! Come, brothers, all to-
gether! Down with him!’ Then, whirling up his cudgel, he
rushed upon Robin as an angry bull rushes upon a red rag.
But Robin was ready for any happening. ‘Crick! Crack!’ he
struck two blows as quick as a wink, and down went the
Blind man, rolling over and over upon the grass.
At this the others bore back and stood at a little distance
scowling upon Robin. ‘Come on, ye scum!’ cried he mer-
rily. ‘Here be cakes and ale for all. Now, who will be next
served?’
To this speech the beggars answered never a word, but
they looked at Robin as great Blunderbore looked upon
stout Jack the slayer of giants, as though they would fain
eat him, body and bones; nevertheless, they did not care to
come nigher to him and his terrible staff. Then, seeing them
so hesitate, Robin of a sudden leaped upon them, striking
even as he leaped. Down went the Dumb man, and away