ed in arrogant terms, and bade the youth report himself within ten
days at Nottingham Castle in order that the question of his appointment
to a post in the King's Foresters might be weighed and considered. As
for the Rangership of Locksley, that had already been given to one
Master John Ford, who would take up the duties so soon as Robin and
Mistress Fitzooth could arrange to render him the house at Locksley and
all it contained. To this end the Sheriff's messenger was empowered to
take stock and inventory of all furniture and belongings and to make
note of all things broken or in disrepair, since those would have to be
counted against them when they left the place.

Robin, not knowing the worse indignities that were to befall did he come
to Nottingham, for reply flung the letter into the messenger's face.

"Go, take back this answer to your master," flamed the lad. "Locksley is
my mother's and my own and not the Sheriff of Nottingham's. Further,
tell him that I will administer Locksley Woods, and the men shall obey
me even as they did my father: and this is all that I say in answer to
your insolent lord."

"Take this also, fellow," cried Stuteley, heroically: "that my master's
squire will very instantly do battle on his behalf with all enemies at
quarter-staff, single-stick, or at wrestling with the hands."

"Be sure that you will need practice in all your tricks, friend,"
snarled the messenger, wrathfully; "Master Monceux will send you enough
of pupils and to spare! And I will be glad to have a bout with you."

"Now, if you sicken for't," said Will, valiantly; but Robin bade him be
still.

The messenger went back to Nottingham; and Robin continued to go about
the duties of a ranger.

On the fifth day after the man's visit, however, one of the Locksley
foresters refused to obey young Fitzooth, saying that he had no right to
command him.

"I have this right, that you shall obey me!" cried Robin, and he bade
Warrenton and Stuteley to seize the man and deprive him of his longbow
and quiver. Nor would he suffer the forester to become repossessed of
them until he had humbly asked pardon. Thereafter, seeing that this
youth had a man's determination, the men remained loyal to him.

Within ten days came Master Ford himself, at the head of ten fellows,
armed with such powers of forcible entry as the Sheriff could grant.
Robin received the forester civilly, but told him plainly that Locksley
was his and that he would k