the rest be willing, and you will
swear the oath. But it rests not with me, for this is a band of freemen,
without a leader."

"Not so, Robin," cried Little John, glancing up from close perusal of
the Sheriff's warrant. "We have a leader, and you are the man! Master
Monceux of Nottingham has ordained it. Herein you are described as Robin
o' th' Hood, leader and captain of that band of evil robbers infesting
Barnesdale and our forest of Sherwood! The Bishop of Hereford has put
his blessing on the Sheriff's choice by excommunicating you. Shall we
not accept Monceux's word for it, comrades all?" he added turning round.
"He has named a leader for us whom we can trust."

It was carried with acclamation, and Robin found himself leader of the
greenwood men willy-nilly, for good and all. Warrenton was hugely
delighted; and the tinker seemed pleased that he had helped in bringing
about so excellent an arrangement. Master Middle swore the oath of
allegiance in good set terms, and they all repaired to Barnesdale to
call a full council and ratify their choice of captain.

CHAPTER XXII

Within the next few days came Allan-a-Dale into Barnesdale with his lady
and her two maids. Allan had the story to tell of the Bishop's encounter
with him and the baron's onslaught upon his house in Southwell. Allan
explained that, although he had triumphed over his enemies for the
present, tidings had been brought to him that the Bishop was plotting
fresh mischief against them at Southwell, and had already excommunicated
both Allan-a-Dale and his pretty wife.

"In that case you must take up your life with us," said Robin. "The
greenwood is the abode of liberty and justice; 'tis _our_ commonwealth,
in truth, and a happy enough place to live in even in winter-time. We
will find you a cave."

"There's Fennel," explained Allan, dubiously; "I do not think that she
will like to live in a cave."

This presented a difficulty. So Allan went over to where Fennel stood
waiting with her maids, and explained things to her. "So long as I am
with you, dear heart," answered Fennel, laughing, "I do not care if I
live under a tree or in a house. Do that which you think best for us."

Therefore, they came into the greenwood, and were found a cave opening
from one of the larger passages--a dry and excellent home in these long
summer months.

In the meantime little Midge had fallen sick, and Much the Miller wept
loudly over him as he lay, pale and lan