ped off with his good man's cart. They entered into
conversation with him, and found his witless speech most entertaining.

They had all been bidden to a supper in the Sheriff's buttery that
night, this being holiday-time; and they begged Robin to join with them,
hoping to have no little amusement from him. With a vacant stare he
agreed to eat the Sheriff's mutton.

All the time he had sharp eyes and long ears; but could find out nothing
of the Sheriff's plans, nor happen on sight of Mistress Fitzwalter. When
they were sitting down to the supper in Monceux's buttery he perceived
towering high amongst the Sheriff's servants the figure of Master Little
John.

"So, friend, my visit here has not been vain," thought Robin, grimly.
"Now we shall see and hear things, no doubt." He settled himself to an
attack upon the viands, and played his part with the Sheriff's ale, not
forgetting to keep up the attitude of foolishness he had adopted in the
market.

The laughter grew long and loud, and presently the Sheriff himself came
down. He made them a speech and gave a toast. My lord of Hereford,
looking very pale and limp, also came into the buttery for a space and
made them a Latin grace.

Then Monceux told them, with bristling eyebrows, how he had been
instructed by the Bishop of Hereford that the pestilent evil bands whose
power had once been broken had re-formed in Sherwood. The Sheriff
re-stated the reward to be given for the head of any malefactor and
disturber of their laws, as ordered by Prince John; and said further
that in a few days he was going to despatch his men into and about the
forest to satisfy the Bishop. "Whilst I am preparing my fellows, there
is a chance for all honest citizens and burgesses to earn a fair sum. My
lord of Hereford will add his reward to the man who shall recover his
money to him, or part of it; and I will give such man freedom from all
taxes and levies," added the Sheriff, importantly.

Robin wondered whether Little John had spoken of the company. While he
was eyeing darkly the burly figure of Master Nailor, the latter came
over to him under a pretence of filling Robin's glass.

"By my skin, Locksley," whispered the giant into his startled ear, "this
is a foolish adventure! Your head is as good as off your shoulders in
this place. Hasten to leave it soon as you can, for fear the Bishop may
know you as I have done."

Robin only stared in his new half-vacant manner. Little John moved away