ngly. "But first
we will dispose of you;" and he made a fierce blow at Little John.

"If it be a fight that your stomachs are yearning for--why, I am the man
for you all," Little John said at once, "and I will beat the four of you
heartily, whether you be friends or enemies." Then he began to twirl his
staff right merrily, and gave the dumb fellow such a crack upon his
crown that he began to roar lustily.

"Why, I am a doctor, then, since I can cure dumbness," cried the
outlaw. "Now let me see whether I can mend your broken leg, gossip," and
he cut the first cripple so suddenly across the shins that he dropped
his staff and commenced to dance with pain. "Now for your eyes, friend."

But the blind one did not wait for the cure. He took to his heels
forthwith, running surprisingly straight. The other lame one ran after
him full as fast.

Little John caught them after a short chase, and dusted their rags
thoroughly.

"Give you good day, brothers," said he, then, well satisfied. "Now I am
going to welcome the Sheriff, and, as you say Nottingham is too small a
place for us all, therefore speed you towards Lincoln; 'tis a pretty
town and none too far for such strong legs."

His flourishing stick spoke even more eloquently. The four of them
shuffled away speedily, sore in their minds and bodies.

Nottingham was gay indeed. The Sheriff had returned from London, where
he had been in order to gain more time for the capture of Robin Hood and
his men. His daughter had complete faith in her scheme--it was bound in
the end to be successful.

"Be patient, and all will be well," she told her father. But Christmas
was the end of the time which Prince John had allowed Monceux for
Robin's capture. Therefore, both the Sheriff and his daughter had
journeyed to Court to see what instructions had been left, and whether
they might not get the time extended.

They contrived by spending much money in bribes, and in giving grand
entertainments, to achieve their ends. King Richard was away in the
Holy Land. Prince John was well employed in stirring up the barons to
espouse him as King while there was such an opening. There was thus no
actual monarch, and none in the Court to care much about the Sheriff or
Robin. Those high in authority accepted the Sheriff's bribes, and bade
him take till Doomsday.

Squire Montfichet, who was, as we know, a staunch supporter of the old
order of things, would recognize no other King than Richard. As a m