tir the Sheriff to greater lengths against
Robin. "How can you sit here so idly, first losing your gold plate to
him and then your gold? Now, with one blow goeth this Princess who was
most solemnly committed to your charge, and with her your good name.
For, without doubt, this matter will cost you your office."

Monceux was overcome with terror; his eyes started out from his head. "I
did hear them speak of some girl betwixt themselves, now that I think on
it," continued the Bishop, artfully, noting the effect he had made.
"'This woman shall share with us'--ay, those were Robin's very words.
The Princess hath been stolen by him."

"She last was seen walking towards the woods, 'tis true," murmured the
unhappy Sheriff. "But, truly, I am not to blame in this plaguey
business."

"I will encounter the villain for you, Sheriff," said Sir Guy, with a
cunning glance. "And if I do rid you of him, will you swear to stand by
me in another matter?"

"Surely, surely."

"Your word on it, then--here in my lord's holy presence," Sir Guy went
on. "This girl hath been told by a council of wiseacres that she must
marry some Saxon noble. But her heart is given to another--to myself, in
short. Swear that you both will help me to win her, and I will take her
from your merry Robin and kill him afterward."

They both promised readily that they would do all that he could ask--if
only he would kill Robin Hood outright. The Bishop had great influence
at Court, and Sir Guy intended that he should smooth matters for him
after the abduction of the Princess. The Sheriff was to hold fast to any
story that might be necessary, and to swear to the little Princess that
Sir Guy of Gisborne was the very Saxon whom she had been ordered to
marry.

"All this is settled between us," observed the knight, comfortably.
"Give me a number of men, all of them good archers, and put them at my
sole command. I will go forth to-morrow in a disguise such as will
deceive even your wonderful Robin."

"We will hold over the hanging and flaying of the other rascal until his
master can dance beside him," cried the Sheriff, conceiving Robin to be
already caught.

CHAPTER XXX

Robin started out early in the day towards the city. This time nothing
should stay him from entering it--and finding Marian. The demoiselle
Marie's plan would surely have succeeded on this day, for Robin was
careless of all things but the hope of seeing his dear.

Sir Guy of Gisborne