would be
a man's part to live an idle life. Surely I should do something, sir, to
win the right to wear your name? Moreover, I must not forget that there
is another--nay, hear me, sir--thine own son, whose birthright I should
be stealing away from him."

"Boy," interrupted old Gamewell, on a sudden resolution, "will you share
Gamewell with me as Geoffrey's brother, then? If so be this way out of
it will meet your objections, I'll sink my prejudice. Geoffrey shall go
halves with you."

"That were the course nearer to my heart, sir; and yet not all that I
would desire. I have no right to talk to you so openly; but the matter
is, in a manner, forced upon me."

"It is agreed then, Robin?" cried the Squire, eagerly. "And so you will
take your mother's olden name and become Montfichet of Gamewell?"

"I would rather serve the King _here_ for one year, at least," said
Robin, arguing still. "You might think better on't, sir. Let me try my
strength or weakness; and find out myself for myself. My father would
have wished me to fight my own way in the world."

"The lad speaks soothly, Squire," said the clerk, interposing, "and I
would counsel you to agree to his notions. Moreover, he has not yet
finished his studyings with myself in the Latin tongue."

"Leave me young Stuteley and Warrenton, sir, and your blessing, and let
me win bread for my mother and myself for twelve months from to-day.
Then, if I may, and you wish, I'll come humbly to you." Robin went over
to him. "And believe me always as being very grateful, sir. I would that
I might not seem obstinate in this."

"Have it so, then, Robin. I'll bear your letter to Monceux myself, and
rally him about the arrow which you won!"

"Will the Sheriff appoint me, then?" asked Robin, a trifle disconcerted.

"He will advise the King in the matter. 'Tis but a form. The post of
Ranger of Locksley is yours, merely for the asking. Who could gainsay
your right to it? Give me the letter; and I will be your messenger. I go
to-morrow to Gamewell, and will journey to Nottingham the next day. Now,
since I understand that this holy man would wish to see you alone, and I
would like to talk with your mother, I'll leave you, boy. Count me
always as friend, Robin Fitzooth Montfichet."

He added the last word half-enquiringly, half-lovingly; and twinkled to
the clerk to see how Robin might take it. But the lad made no reply
beyond kissing the old man's fingers very respectfully and tenderly