ad from York. Speak
loudly that I may hear what answers you win."

He gave a signal, and at once all disappeared even as they had come,
swiftly and silently. Warrenton and Stuteley placed themselves low down
behind bushes of white thorn. Warrenton, who had given his quiver to
Little John, now produced a great bag from under a bush; and took out of
it a dozen or more long smocks such as shepherds wear. Hastily Robin and
Stuteley attired themselves as hinds, and the old retainer gave them
each a crook to hold. He explored again his stores under the bushes, and
dragged out a fat buck, freshly killed and ready spitted for the fire.

Robin and those of the freemen who were now attired in this simple garb
helped to pull the deer to the edge of the road; and, hastily making a
fire, they soon had their meat cooking merrily. Little John eyed them
askew, but made no offer to question them. He had recognized Robin by a
sign which the other had given to him.

Meanwhile the noise of a small company nearing them became more evident;
and presently seven horsemen turned a bend of the road. Their leader was
a stout and haughty looking man clothed in episcopal garments, and so
soon as he spied these shepherds he spurred his horse until he came
level with them.

Then he drew bridle sharply, and addressed himself to Little John.

"Who are these, fellow, that make so free with the King's deer?" he
asked, mildly, as one who wishes first to believe the best of every man.

"These are shepherds, excellence," answered Little John.

"Heaven have mercy! They seem more like to be robbers o' th' greenwood
at first glance," said the priest.

"One must not judge on half-hearing or half-seeing, lording," retorted
Little John.

"That is true, but I would question you further, good man. Tell me now
who has killed this deer, and by what right?" His tones had passed
insensibly to an arrogant note.

"Give me first your name, excellence, so that I may know I speak where
'tis fitting," said Little John, stubbornly.

"This is my lord the Bishop of Hereford, fellow," said one of the
guards, fiercely. "Keep a civil tongue in your head, or 'twill surely be
bad for you!"

Robin now came forward. "My lord," said he, bowing his curly head before
the Bishop, "I did hear your questions, and will answer them in all
truth. We are but simple shepherds, and tend our flocks year in and year
out about the forest of Sherwood, but, this being our holiday, we
th