ced the Squire. He began a confused
complaint against the wizard, who had vanished behind the curtain on the
left. Master Montfichet shrugged his shoulders indulgently.

"Give not so earnest a mind to these mummeries, child. 'Twas all a
trick! What did you see? A golden fortune and a happy life?"

"I did see a man, sir, dressed all in Lincoln green. He was like unto my
father, in a way, and yet was not my father. Also there was a stripling
page, who turned into a maid. Very beautiful she was, and I would know
her again in any guise."

"Ah, Master Robin, have you eyes for the maids already?"

"This was so sweet a lady, sir, and in some manner I do think she died.
And the man shot an arrow, meaning me to see where it fell, since there
would be her grave. That is what I think he meant. But then the picture
was gone as quickly as it came."

"Sister Nell, do you hear these marvels? Take your place and let us see
what the crystal can show to you. Most worthy conjurer of dreams, take
up your wand again: we all are waiting impatiently to know what is in
store for us!"

"These things are true that the glass mirror shows, lording," answered
the wizard, reappearing. "The crystal cannot lie."

He spoke unwittingly in a natural key. Robin turned round upon him very
shrewdly.

"Friend wizard," said the youth, half at random, "have you ever played
at archery in that greenwood which your glass showed us so prettily?"

"Like as not, young master, though I am an old man."

"Fie on you, friend!" cried Robin, exulting in a sudden discovery.
"Remember that the crystal cannot lie. It tells me now that you and I
will meet in rivalry, to shoot together for a strange prize--the freedom
of Sherwood!"

The wizard hastily drew near and pretended to peer into the glass. "What
would you do?" he whispered, fiercely.

"I can be generous, Will o' th' Green," spoke back Robin, quite sure
now. "Keep your secret, for I will not betray you."

At this moment there uprose without the booth a most deafening tumult.
Forthwith all ran to the opening of the tent to see what might be amiss;
but Master Will, who peeped out first, needed no more than one glance.
He gave way to the others very readily and retreated unperceived by the
Squire and Mistress Fitzooth to the rear of the tent.

Cries of: "A Nottingham! A Nottingham!" rent the air, and added to the
clangor of bells and trumpetings. As the Squire and Robin looked forth
they beheld a flying c