ain the outlaws turned and sped a hail of arrows into the mob
behind them.

The west bridge was gained, and Scarlett had dispossessed the warder of
his keys in a moment. He unlocked the gates and flung them wide open.

The two boys--for so they seemed--raced through and over the broken
bridge, and Allan followed next. The outlaws were soon free of the town,
and once more in their own element, but Little John must needs go back
to cover the retreat with Stuteley.

Carfax and the Sheriff were close at hand with their men, furious and
determined. Even as the last of Robin's men gained and fell over the
bridge, Little John was wounded seriously by a shaft from Simeon
Carfax's bow.

His cry brought Robin back to his side. In a moment Robin's arms were
about him. "Lean on my shoulder, dear heart," cried Robin, and sure
'twas a ludicrous sight to see this stripling seeking to hold up the
great form of Little John.

They ran along in this way, and the outlaws formed a bodyguard about
them. Allan and those in front had fired the dry furze and grasses, and
the smoke began to roll heavily against the faces of the soldiers.

This gave the greenwood men a small advantage, and they gained the open
country; but not for long did the honors of this day rest on one side or
the other. The Sheriff and his fellows broke through the fire; and then
it was seen that some of them were mounted on fleet horses.

Little John begged to be left behind; and again did Robin try to rally
him. Onward they ran; and presently found themselves approaching a hill,
thickly wooded about the base.

They gained cover of these trees, and turned at bay. Hidden behind
tree-trunks they sent forth a death volume of peacock-shafts to the
Sheriff. Master Carfax was seen to fall, and with him six of the
horsemen.

The soldiers halted and prepared their crossbows. A volley of their
arrows crashed and splintered the trees, whilst Carfax rose up stiffly
to give fresh orders. A duello commenced of longbow against crossbow;
and as the freebooters could deliver near a dozen shafts to each bolt,
they more than held their own.

When a bolt _did_ strike, however, death was instant. A man was shot
near to Marian, and fell with his head shattered and ghastly. She gave a
little scream, and put her hands over her eyes.

Robin bade her keep near to him--"Behind me, sweetheart," cried he,
feverishly, "that naught may hurt you save through me."

So they fought for near