guid, on a rude couch of dry
leaves. All the company sorrowed over this small Lincoln fellow, for he
had been a merry companion, and Robin himself sought to bring him back
to health with such simple remedies as he knew.

"Captain," said Much, with a woebegone countenance, "'tis all useless,
our doctoring--I am about to lose the best friend that ever I have
known. Can you get a priest to pray beside Midge's bed?"

"I did know of a right worthy priest," Robin answered, sorrowfully, "but
he has gone from these parts. He would have been just the one to cheer
us all."

"I have heard tell of a jovial fellow who has but lately come to our
parish," said Middle the Tinker. "You must know, comrades, that I was
born near to Fountain's Abbey, in York, and that once a year at least I
visit my old mother there. Now, I promise you, that never such a
frolicsome priest did you know as this one who has come to our priory.
He can bend a bow with any man, and sing you a good song."

"I would dearly love such a man to minister to me," pleaded poor Midge.
"I believe on my soul that he could cast out the fever from my bones.
Bring him to me, Much, as you love me."

This settled matters forthwith. "I will go to the world's end for you,
if there be need," sobbed the honest miller. "Give me leave, captain, to
go in search of this worthy friar."

"I will go with you, Much, and Little John shall come also," began
Robin; but now a fresh difficulty arose. All of them wished to go
wherever Robin went; he was their captain, they said, and so must be
protected.

In the end it was arranged that Stuteley should remain with two score of
men in Barnesdale, to guard their caves and keep the Sheriff at bay if
occasion arose. (In truth, however, Master Monceux had full hands just
now with affairs of state, although the greenwood men did not know of
this. The King was grievously ill; and Monceux had gone to London, with
the Bishop of Hereford and many of the neighboring barons, under Royal
command.)

Robin asked Mistress Fennel to give the sick man such nursing as she
would to Allan himself; and she sweetly promised that Midge should
suffer in no way by his captain's absence. Then Robin, with the rest of
the band--fifteen in all--set off for York.

It so happened that Master Simeon Carfax was departing from the old town
at nigh the same moment, with _his_ face set nodding homewards.

Warrenton, Little John, Much the Miller, and Master Middle were o