seems to savor of unholiness, friends," said he, solemnly. "Yet,
in that it also smacks of manliness, I will even consent to be judge.
You, sir, since you are doubtless well acquainted with the part, can
speak for distance. Now, I do appoint the trunk of yon birch-tree as
first mark in this business."

"Speed your arrow, then, lording," laughed the robber, gaily. "'Tis but
forty ells away! I will follow you respectfully, never doubt it."

Robin bent his bow and trained his eyes upon the birch.

Then suddenly came back upon him his father's words: "Remember that I am
a proud man, Robin."

"I will," muttered Robin, betwixt set teeth, and he aimed with all his
heart and soul in it. There came the twang of the bowstring, and the
next moment the gooseshaft was flying towards its mark.

"A pretty shot, master," said the robber, glancing carelessly towards
the arrow, quivering still in the trunk of the birch-tree. "But you have
scarce taken the centre of our mark. Let me see if I may not mend your
aim."

His arrow sang through the summer air, and took root fairly in the
middle of the trunk, side by side with Robin's.

"You win first round, friend," said the clerk, with seeming reluctance.
"Now, listen, both, whilst I make you a better test." He was about to
continue, when an interruption occurred one that saved him necessity of
further speech.

CHAPTER II

Suddenly through the greenwood came full four score of the King's
Foresters, running towards the robbers, ready to seize them.

These were the foresters of Nottingham, roving far afield. The Sheriff
of Nottingham had become angered at the impudent robberies of late, and
now all of his foresters had spread themselves about Sherwood in the
hope of making such a capture of the outlaws as would please their
master and bring substantial reward to themselves. On the head of Will
o' th' Green, the chief of the band, was set the price of ten golden
crowns.

But alas! these crowns were still to seek; for Will o' th' Green, at
first hint of the danger, had put his horn to his lips and given a long,
low call upon it, and next instant not a robber was to be seen.

Each man had dropped to his hands and knees as soon as he had reached
the bushes; and the foresters might beat and belabor Mother Sherwood in
vain, for she would never betray her children.

Fitzooth's men-at-arms were glad to be released, and were eager now to
give all information against their assailan