mers from the "Sign of the Sixteen Does"
as far as the gates of the city. There he made them a long speech and
left them.

They watched him making determinedly along the white road towards
Barnesdale; then returned to their tankards and their talk.

Master Middle reached Gamewell without mishap; and the brisk air having
revived him much, he gradually came into a placid frame of mind.

In this happy condition he encountered presently a comely youth, with a
little beard and a friendly tongue.

"Give you good-den, gossip," cried the youth. "I hear there is sad news
abroad. I fear all is not well with the world."

"Since I live in Banbury, good friend," the tinker replied, "I cannot
speak for the world. But Banbury is always willing to listen, and
learn."

"Harkee, then--this is the news I have heard: that in Nottingham town
they have put two tinkers in the stocks for drinking too much ale and
beer!"

"If that is all," said Middle, contemptuously, "your news is not worth a
groat; while as for drinking good ale, 'tis not you who would willingly
lose your part of it."

"By my faith, gossip, you are right!" laughed the youth. "But now give
me your news, since mine is worth so little. You who go from town to
town, must come by many strange items."

"All that I have heard," the tinker said, thinking of the Sheriff's
pieces, "is very good. I am in search of an outlaw whom men call Robin
Hood. In my wallet I have a warrant to take him wherever I can; and if
you can tell me where he is I will make a man of you, friend."

"Let me see the warrant," said Robin, for 'twas he, "and if I find it to
be right I will take you to him this very day."

"That I will not do," cried Middle, readily, "I will trust no man with
my warrant; and if you will not help me, gossip, why, pass on and good
riddance to you."

He began to stride along the road again, and until Robin had called him
thrice would not turn about. "If you will come with me to a certain inn
on Watling Street, good friend," called Robin, encouragingly, "I'll e'en
show you Robin o' th' Hood!"

At this, Middle turned his head, and then came back to Robin. "Lead the
way, gossip," said he, at length. "I'll walk behind you. I have my
stick."

Robin made no reply, but started at a good pace. He led the tinker
through the forest by many devious ways until they had arrived at a
little inn on Watling Street. It was styled the "Falcon," and mine host
came willingly to serve