r dark curls, "I am the maid for
whom Master Robin pleads so earnestly. I am Marian Fitzwalter out of her
petticoats and into a boy's clothes. I had no other way of flying from
Nottingham, so behold me for the nonce as Gilbert of Blois."

The Squire listened, and slowly his face relaxed. Anything spirited or
daring always appealed to him strongly. "You are a pretty page, I swear,
Master Gilbert! Sure it will be hard for you to make fairer maid than
man. Welcome either way to Gamewell. I'll keep you safe from Monceux; I
have no love for him in any case. You have fasted to-day, no doubt; I'll
have supper brought us here."

"We have already supped, sir," said Robin, relieved to find this easy
way out of a difficult business. He had the hope that Marian would in
some way bring about a reconciliation between him and the Squire.

"We will sup a second time," said Montfichet. "Ho there! bring us a
pasty and a flagon! Hurry, knaves, bring us the best of our larder.
Come, Robin, sit here at my right hand, and you, Gilbert, by his side.
And so already it has come to this, Robin? Will not the greenwoods seem
dull to-morrow?"

"Mayhap I might change them for a seat at your table on occasion, sir?"
asked Robin.

"To see how badly I treat my guest? Is that it? Come when you will,
Robin o' th' Hood. Tell me now, why did you choose this name? Another
was offered you."

"Ask Master Gilbert here, sir--he is responsible for't. And, honestly, I
do like the name--'tis uncommon. May I pledge you, sir? Here's to our
friendship! May we grow old in it and ripe in it!"

"I have no wish, Robin, to grow either old or ripe," said Marian,
settling herself. "Let us eat first, and make our speeches afterward.
Help me to the pasty before you, and do not chatter so much."

Squire George nodded in approval. "Spoken like a man," cried he. "Robin
is too full of words to-night. Ay, but I am right glad to see him here,
for all that! Fill your glass, kinsman, and the lady's. Nay, look not so
distressed at her; up to the top, man, up to the top! This is no time
for half-measures."

* * * * *

In the morning when Robin came blithely from his bed--the first bed that
he had known for many months--he found the Squire waiting for him in the
hall. His face was grave. "I must speed you, Robin," said he; "I have
news that Monceux is abroad, and will attack your company at
Barnesdale."

Robin had told him all, and the Squire