d to underlie his few words of welcome. To
the Friar of Copmanhurst he was so courteous and respectful that Robin
began to wonder whether he himself had ever properly regarded the clerk
in the past. If so great a man should bow to him, what ought Robin to
do? Robin remembered that he had often ventured to rally and tease this
good-natured master who had taught him his letters.

The Squire bade them follow him, so soon as their horses and baggage had
been duly given over to the servants and he had heard the forester's
complaint against the outlaws. The Squire made little comment, but
frowned.

At the conclusion of the captain's report, they came into the hall,
lighted by a thousand fat tapers.

"Sister Nell--do you please dismiss us," said the Squire, in his courtly
way, after he had signed to some waiting-maids to take charge of
Mistress Fitzooth. "I will lead Robin to his chamber myself, and show
him the arrangement we have made for his stay at Gamewell. Supper will
be served us here in less than an hour. Father, your apartments shall be
near my own. Come with me, also."

In the room allotted to him Robin found new and gay clothes laid out
upon a fair, white bed, with a little rush mat beside it. A high
latticed window looked out upon the court, and there was a bench in the
nook, curiously carven and filled with stuffs and naperies the like of
which Robin had never seen before.

The walls were hung with tapestries, and very fierce and amazing were
the pictures embroidered upon them. The ceiling was low and raftered
with polished beams. Behind the door was a sword suspended by a leathern
belt.

"For you, kinsman," the Squire had said, smilingly.

Robin lost no time in doffing his green jerkin and hose, and then he
washed himself and eagerly essayed his new habiliments. When the sword
had been buckled on, our young hero of Locksley felt himself equal to
Will o' th' Green or any other gallant in Christendom.

He strode along the corridors and found his way back to the great hall.
There the Master of Gamewell and his mother awaited him. Mistress
Fitzooth's eyes shone approvingly, and Robin slipped his fingers into
hers.

"I'll build a castle as fine as this, mother mine, one of these days,"
Robin told her: and he began to ask Master Montfichet questions as to
the number of claims-at-law that he must have won in order to hold so
splendid a domain. The Squire smilingly told him that the King had given
Gamewell to