Page 331 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

they went, grumbling at having to sleep two in a bed, but
their troubles on this score, as well as all others, were soon
lost in the quietness of sleep.
And now came the first gust of wind, rushing past the
place, clapping and banging the doors and shutters, smell-
ing of the coming rain, and all wrapped in a cloud of dust
and leaves. As though the wind had brought a guest along
with it, the door opened of a sudden and in came a friar
of Emmet Priory, and one in high degree, as was shown
by the softness and sleekness of his robes and the richness
of his rosary. He called to the landlord, and bade him first
have his mule well fed and bedded in the stable, and then
to bring him the very best there was in the house. So pres-
ently a savory stew of tripe and onions, with sweet little fat
dumplings, was set before him, likewise a good stout pottle
of Malmsey, and straightway the holy friar fell to with great
courage and heartiness, so that in a short time nought was
left but a little pool of gravy in the center of the platter, not
large enow to keep the life in a starving mouse.
In the meantime the storm broke. Another gust of wind
went rushing by, and with it fell a few heavy drops of rain,
which presently came rattling down in showers, beating
against the casements like a hundred little hands. Bright
flashes of lightning lit up every raindrop, and with them
came cracks of thunder that went away rumbling and
bumping as though Saint Swithin were busy rolling great
casks of water across rough ground overhead. The wom-
enfolks screamed, and the merry wags in the taproom put
their arms around their waists to soothe them into quiet-

0 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood