d, presently, "the one that I did
wound? Poor fingers! I am sorry now. Can you forgive me, Robin?"

CHAPTER XX

When they had reached the little hut near by the pleasance, Robin bade
her stay. "I now must play Yellow Lady," said he, lightly. "She is the
spirit of this grove, and under her guise I can venture near to the
house. Lend me your cloak--the color will not matter on so dark a
night."

"I will not be left alone here," said Marian at this, with great
decision. "Not for all the Montfichets in Christendom. I'll go with
you."

They crossed the pleasance side by side. Lights burned within Gamewell
to guide them.

"I am not afraid, Robin," announced Master Gilbert of Blois,
courageously. "You know I am no coward."

"Take my hand then," said Robin; "I like to feel that you are with me."

"Yet you have but known me a day," said Marian, trying to peep at him.
Her tone was questioning and full of pretty malice.

He had a mind then to take her in his arms, but again forebore. "Be
silent now," whispered he; "I must proclaim myself. I have scarce
knowledge of the servants here, my chief friend being old Warrenton, and
he is in the greenwood."

"Let us go back there," suggested his companion; "I am willing to risk
the wild beasts and the Sheriffs wrath."

"'Tis no place for you," said Robin. "Here you will be both safe and
comfortable."

"I do not like the shape of this house," argued Marian. "I do not feel
that I will be happy in it."

"It is a home worthy to be your sister's, let alone yours, Master
Gilbert. Now be done with your grumbling, for here you shall stay until
your father's return."

At this she made a grimace, but obeyed him meekly, notwithstanding. As
they drew near to the courtyard, Robin bade her follow him cautiously
until they had made a full circle of it, and crept round to the front of
the hall.

By good fortune the bridge was down. Old Gamewell had no fear of the
world, it would seem. They might pretend now that they had crossed to
the hall from the road. Robin wound his horn suddenly and confidently.

The dogs within Gamewell began to bark and growl, and presently they
heard sounds of approach. In a moment more the doors were opened and
they saw a servant armed with a lanthorn and a stick.

"I would have audience with Master Montfichet," said Robin, in a bold
voice. "Pray take me to him at once."

"Do you come from Nottingham?" asked the man, civilly.

"I left there this