a fair sum, and might heal our
companion's wounds very comfortably. Hold him fast, comrades, whilst I
go back for his staff. Without that he cannot do much harm."

Whilst he was gone the fellow began again. "I am a miller, friends,"
said he, much more at ease already, "and have but lately returned from
doing a good bargain in wheat. Also, I am esteemed a fair archer, and,
since I perceive that you are foresters all, this matter will tell with
you in my favor. I could draw you a pretty bow had I but the use of my
arms."

"Nay, master miller, but we would sooner hold you tight, and take your
skill for granted," answered the outlaw.

Berry came back and stuck the staff into the ground at a little
distance.

"Now count out your pieces, miller," said Warrenton.

There was a keen wind blowing and the miller turned about so as not to
face it directly they gave him half-freedom. Warrenton said gruffly to
him: "Count, miller; count truly and honestly."

"Let me open my bag then," said the rogue. He unfastened it from his
neck, and, setting it on the ground, took off his patched cloak. He
placed his bag carefully upon it, holding the bag as though it were
heavy indeed. Then he crouched down over it and fumbled at the leathern
thong.

The outlaws had all gathered closely before him as he plunged in his
fingers. In the bag were too pecks of fine meal; and as soon as the
cunning miller had filled his hands full he suddenly drew them out and
dashed the white powder fair into the eager faces of the men about him.

Then he snatched up the bag by the two corners and shook out the rest of
the meal. It blew in a blinding cloud about Warrenton and the rest, and
filled their eyes so utterly as to leave them all three at the miller's
mercy.

He caught up his stick and began to belabor them soundly.

"Since I have dirtied your clothes, friends," cried he, between the
blows, "'tis only right that I should dust them for you! Here are my
hundred 'pieces'; how like you them?"

Each word was accompanied by a tremendous thwack. He fell so heartily
into the business as to become unwary. Robin and the rest, hearing the
shouting and noise, came speeding down the road, with Stuteley recovered
already. They chanced on a strange sight.

Berry, old Warrenton, and the outlaw were dancing about in an agony of
rage, helpless and blind, and striking vain blows at empty air. The man
with the three hats was belaboring them with his staff so thoro