nd
presently the Sheriff's arrow was duly awarded to Robin of Locksley by
the markers.

The lad came forward shyly to receive the prize.

"Master Monceux thinks that you should shoot once more with the second
archer," said someone to him, leaning from the Sheriff's box. Looking
up, Robin espied the lean-faced man smiling disagreeably down at him.

"Let my lord state the terms of this new contest, then," answered Robin,
"and the reason for't."

"'Tis said that you were over-favored by the wind and by the light."

An angry answer was upon the lad's lips: but he checked himself, and
with slow dignity turned and went back to where the archers stood
grouped together. Soon as he made known to him the difficulty which the
Sheriff had raised, Will o' th' Green became furious.

"Locksley, have none of this trumpery prize," cried he, in loud anger.
"I do deny my right to any share in it, or to a fresh contest. Nor will
I shoot again. Let Monceux vex his brain as he may with rules and
conditions--they are not for Roughbeard, or for you. We have our own
notions of right and justice; and since the Sheriff is loth to part with
the prize that he has offered--why, yield it back to him, friend--and
take the reward from me that you coupled with it."

Other indignant protests were now heard from amongst the onlookers: and
the Sheriff saw that he had raised a storm indeed. "Locksley! Robin
Locksley!" was shouted noisily round and about; and Warrenton and
Stuteley busily fostered the tumult. Master Monceux at last bade the
heralds announce that Robin of Locksley had won the golden arrow--since
the archer who had made nearest points to him did not desire nor seek a
further trial.

"Were it necessary, lording," muttered old Warrenton, "I would show you
how to notch the arrow of the best archer here about--a merry trick, and
one that I learned in Lancashire, where they have little left to learn
of archery, for sure."

"Nay," put in Roughbeard, loudly, "the arrow is his without need of
further parleyings. I do admit myself beaten this day--though on another
occasion we will, perchance, reverse our present positions. Take or
leave the arrow as you will, Locksley. For my part I would love to
prick Monceux with it heartily."

"You talk wisely, friend," said Warrenton, approvingly, "and, as for
making a match with you, why, that will we to-day. Do you ride with us
to Gamewell and there you shall have archery and to spare."

"Ay, and a