think that John may seize the throne?" sneered Marie Monceux,
unconvinced. "Let it be, I tell you, Simeon. In any case we must destroy
these outlaws of Sherwood or they will destroy us. If they be not
exterminated by the end of this year my father will cease to be
Sheriff."

"May the Lord forbid!" cried Carfax, startled.

"Ay, and we shall be poor folk, Simeon, unworthy of you, no doubt. But
that is not yet. Take this note, and send it how you will so long as it
comes to this girl's hands within two days."

Carfax accepted the charge; and went into the lodgings of one who had
entered the town within the last few hours--none other, indeed, than
Geoffrey de Montfichet, who had brought Master Simeon the startling news
of the King's sudden death.

Geoffrey perceived that he might openly show himself now if the Sheriff
would but ignore the dead King's decree of exile passed upon him. He was
sounding Carfax in the matter, and the wily go-between was temporizing
in his usual way--trying to make some gain to himself out of one or the
other of them.

"If you will but carry this letter to Mistress Fitzwalter, who is with
thy cousin Robin Fitzooth in Barnesdale, Sir Knight," said Simeon,
plausibly, "you will win the gratitude of the Sheriff's daughter, at the
least; and she doth rule the roost here, as I can tell you. 'Tis but a
letter from Master Fitzwalter to his child."

"I know the woods and will take the note," Geoffrey said. "See to it
that Monceux does not move against me."

"His girl will tie his hands, if need be," grinned Carfax. "Ay, she can
drive us all. God speed you, Sir Knight."

* * * * *

It fell out that whilst Robin was walking alone near the highroad to
York, close to that very bridge whereon he had fought with Little John,
he perceived a smart stranger dressed in scarlet and silk. Just as Robin
espied this gay gentleman and was marvelling at his daring in walking
these woods so coolly, unattended by squire or guard, the knight deftly
fitted an arrow to his bow, and with a clever shot brought down a fine
stag.

"Well hit," cried Robin, who could never abstain from admiration of a
good bowman. "You have used your bow full well, Sir Knight."

The scarlet knight turned towards Robin, and, taking him for some
husbandman or hind, called out in high tones, asking how he dared to
speak to his betters in that insolent way.

"How is one to know one's betters, Sir Knight?" qu