er, and for once
had their own way. "Let me go, Master," begged Stuteley; "for my life is
of little account compared with yours."

"I will go," said Scarlett. "There is no such animus in the Sheriff's
mind against me as he hath against the rest of you. I can ask for Master
Carfax and he will perforce treat me fairly."

"I am not so sure of it," said Robin, significantly; "I would not trust
Master Simeon further than a rope would hold him. Still, what you say is
fair enough, cousin, and if you will go into the city for us we shall
all be grateful. For my part, I would dearly like to accompany you."

"Your duty is here," answered Scarlett. "Rely on me. I will find out
what hath chanced to Little John, and will also attend Mistress
Fitzwalter."

Will Scarlett started at once, and bore himself so well that he made
sight of Gamewell within two hours. He paused for a moment without his
father's house, regarding the old place with half scornful eyes. Then,
"What is to be, must be," said Will, to hearten himself.

He walked on toward Nottingham meditatively. If he could have met old
Gamewell then and there he would have stopped him and asked his
forgiveness. 'Twas in the morning, the sweet fresh morn, in the happy
woods, wherein birds fluttered and sang tenderly, and the peaceful deer
fed placidly on the close grass of the glades.

This sylvan picture was disturbed rudely for him. A stag, wild and
furious, dashed out suddenly from amongst the trees, scattering the does
in terrified alarm. The vicious beast eyed Will in his bright dress,
and, lowering its head, charged at him furiously. Will nimbly sprang
aside, and having gained shelter of an oak, scrambled hurriedly into its
branches.

The stag turned about and dashed itself at the tree.

"Now am I right glad not to be in your path, gentle friend," murmured
Scarlett, trying to fix himself on the branches so that he might be able
to draw an arrow. "Sorry indeed would be anyone's plight who should
encounter you in this black humor."

Scarcely had he spoken when he saw the stag suddenly startle and fix its
glances rigidly on the bushes to the left of it. These were parted by a
delicate hand, and through the opening appeared the figure of a young
girl. She advanced, unconscious alike of Will's horrified gaze and the
evil fury of the stag.

She saw the beast, standing as if irresolute, there, and held out her
hand to it with a pretty gesture, making a little sound with