--and let us set forth joyfully. For
henceforth ye will be as free men, and what is past will be forgotten."

"I can read you the scroll, Will," said Robin, quietly. "I have some
knowledge of the priestly tongue."

The outlaw handed him the scroll, and all waited in silence whilst
Robin deciphered it. Carfax snapped his teeth together in vexation at
this unexpected turn. "_He_ cannot read the parchment. Is it likely?" he
cried. "He will but pretend to read it, and make lies with which to
confound me. 'Tis writ in most scholarly Latin, that only few may
learn."

"There is treachery here for you, Will," spoke Robin, without heeding
these outcries. "This is a notification from the Prince to the Abbot of
York saying that his emissaries have sounded you and that you are ready
with your men to strike for him."

"I have said so much," commented Will, "naming three conditions."

"They are written herein: first, that a general amnesty is to be
granted; second, that the ban of excommunication is to be removed from
off you by the Holy Church; and third, that the Prince shall find your
men, afterward, honorable employment."

"That is so, Locksley. The letter is exact."

"So the Prince writes to the Abbot, asking him to promise the second of
your conditions, saying that it need be only a promise, for he has not
the least intention of holding to a bargain with one so evil as
yourself, and that after he has won the throne from Henry his father,
matters such as these will be disposed of by his soldiery, if need be."

"It is not true," screamed Carfax. "He lies to you, Master Cloudesley,
seeking to be revenged on me."

"Any clerk can read these lines to you, Will," answered Robin. "The
Prince continues praying for the welfare of them all at York, and saying
that he has already promised in the Abbot's name that the loan shall be
taken off; that the Abbot is to receive and watch narrowly one Geoffrey
of Montfichet, who has been exiled for treason, but who now imprudently
has returned to work on their behalf in England."

"Now do I know that you are reading truly," cried Will, and his brow
grew black. "For how could you know that your cousin was concerned in
this? You false-hearted knave," he added, turning to Carfax, "false as
your false master--your doom is sealed. Tie him up by his heels, and let
him hang head downward from this tree whereon he would have hung gallant
Locksley. Be speedy, men."

At this Simeon Carfax became