Page 377 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

in: ‘Make haste, dear friend, gather thy band together and
come with me! King Richard left Nottingham Town this
very morning, and cometh to seek thee in the woodlands. I
know not how he cometh, for it was but a rumor of this that
reached me; nevertheless, I know that it is the truth. There-
fore hasten with all thy men, and come to Castle Lea, for
there thou mayst lie hidden till thy present danger passeth.
Who are these strangers that thou hast with thee?’
‘Why,’ quoth merry Robin, rising from the grass, ‘these
are certain gentle guests that came with us from the high-
road over by Newstead Abbey. I know not their names, but
I have become right well acquaint with this lusty rogue’s
palm this morning. Marry, the pleasure of this acquain-
tance hath dost me a deaf ear and fifty pounds to boot!’
Sir Richard looked keenly at the tall friar, who, draw-
ing himself up to his full height, looked fixedly back at the
knight. Then of a sudden Sir Richard’s cheeks grew pale, for
he knew who it was that he looked upon. Quickly he leaped
from off his horse’s back and flung himself upon his knees
before the other. At this, the King, seeing that Sir Richard
knew him, threw back his cowl, and all the yeomen saw his
face and knew him also, for there was not one of them but
had been in the crowd in the good town of Nottingham,
and had seen him riding side by side with the Sheriff. Down
they fell upon their knees, nor could they say a word. Then
the King looked all around right grimly, and, last of all, his
glance came back and rested again upon Sir Richard of the
Lea.
‘How is this, Sir Richard?’ said he sternly. ‘How darest

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood