o death. A common bond of
independence bound them.

"Why, then, master, we are your men," said Much; "for we are all sick to
death of the Normans and their high-handed ways, to tell truth; and
right gladly will we take service with you."

"I am not the first or only man of our company," began Robin, smiling;
but hasty Much interrupted him with a great oath.

"You shall be my captain, gipsy, I promise you! And captain of us
Lincoln men; for you did beat me in archery before the Prince, so I am
bound to own you as master. Here's my hand on it; and Midge's too. Come
hither, Midge, and swear fealty to Robin of Locksley."

Robin recognized Midge for the ferret-faced man who had been with Much
at the tourney. Both insisted on paying over to Stuteley the amount of
the wager lost by them on that day.

The outlaws returned to Sherwood well satisfied; and at Barnesdale went
on perfecting their plans and adding to their numbers. The day came at
length for them to announce themselves.

CHAPTER XVII

One bright morning in May a slim, straight youth, slightly bearded,
dressed in a green suit, with bow unstrung, and a fresh color blowing on
his cheeks, came out of the wood upon the highroad by Copmanhurst.

He stood erect, quietly alert, and with his brown eyes watchful of the
road. He then moved softly along the road until he came to where but
last year the brook had sprawled and scrambled across it. Now a fine
stone bridge had been built, at the word of Prince John, who had
complained much at having wetted his feet when he had passed by St.
Dunstan's shrine eight months agone.

The stranger smiled as he looked at the bridge, half sadly, half in
reverie. He paused to admire the neat work; then slowly walked over the
bridge still thinking deeply. Suddenly he plumped himself right into the
arms of a tall, ungainly man, who had crossed from the other side.

The youth sprang back; then planted his lithe body exactly in the center
of the bridge.

"Give way, fellow," roared the other, instantly. "Make room for your
betters, or I will throw you into the brook!"

The younger man laughed. "I know this little stream right well, friend.
Therefore I have no need to make that closer acquaintance of it which
you promise."

"You may be acquainted and yet make better acquaintance," returned his
big opponent, stirring not an inch. "This bridge is too narrow for us
both. One must go back."

"Go back then, friend, by all means