our bill, excellence," said Robin, gravely. "Be
of good heart; what is 'nought' but nothing? Ten pounds and a 'nought'
added to it is a most reasonable account for such royal fare. Take then
this money which you first gave me; we will keep the wallets."

"'Tis monstrous! 'Tis an enormity," bellowed Monceux, flying out.
"Already you have stolen my plate, and now would strip me utterly! 'Tis
rank villainy, and I promise you all----"

"You have promised enough to-night, Sheriff," retorted Robin: "away with
him, Stuteley, and go you, too, Little John. Take our guest through the
secret path so far as the roadway by Nottingham gate. There he may find
his archers waiting for him. Be speedy."

They nodded and grasped the struggling Sheriff by either arm. His eyes
were speedily bandaged by little Gilbert, and he made an undignified
exit. Whilst the rest busied themselves removing the remains of the
feast, Robin spoke quietly with the page.

"Since Little John has happily returned to us, Master Gilbert," said
Robin, "'tis clear that he will want his quarters again. So I must move
you."

"It matters not, Robin."

"You are over young to consort with such wild company, Gilbert," Robin
continued; "and so I will take you to a safe asylum, unless, of course,
you would sooner return into Nottingham."

"I have now no real home in Nottingham," said Marian, frankly. "My
father has gone to London to find us a home there. He has been offered a
post in the King's household. So soon as he had departed they sent for
me to attend at the Sheriff's castle, saying I was to become maid to the
demoiselle Marie. This I would not; and so escaped in the early dawn of
the day----"

"I have a friend at Gamewell," said Robin, diffidently. "In sooth, it is
mine own uncle, and he surely would not refuse me in this. Will you go
with me, Gilbert, at once? Soon it will be night indeed."

"I'll go anywhere with you, Robin," answered the little page.

Yet Robin would not affect to recognize Marian, though his heart was
thumping in his body. He led her silently, hastily, through the strange
passages towards Gamewell, thinking how he should bring a welcome for
the maid.

"You are not talkative, friend Robin," murmured his companion once.

"My heart is too full for speech, Gilbert," said Robin, softly then; and
this answer seemed to satisfy Master Gilbert of Blois. Under the night
he smiled happily to himself.

"Is this your bad hand, Robin?" he aske