it would be more seemly, and less like to
rouse suspicion."

Sir Richard said that there were horses with his men in plenty; and one
was readily obtained for the Black Knight's use. The little cavalcade
set out for Barnesdale, the friar joyfully leading the way. The
servitors affected to return to Sir Richard's castle, but hid themselves
in the bushes instead.

After going deeper and deeper into the forest they came at last to a
part of Watling Street, and there was Robin Hood with a score of his
men. He was watching the road for Monceux, having a notion that the
Sheriff would try now to take them in the rear.

Recognizing Tuck at once, Robin walked boldly up to them. "By your
leave, brothers," cried he, taking hold of the bridle of the knight's
horse and stopping him, "we are poor yeomen of the forest, and have no
means of support, thanks to the tyranny and injustice of the Norman
nobles in this land. But you abbots and churchmen have both fine
churches and rents, and plenty of gold without. Wherefore, for charity's
sake, give us a little of your spending money."

"We are poor monks, good Master Hood," cried Tuck, in a wheedling tone;
"I pray you do not stay us. We are journeying with all speed to a
monastery in Fountain's Dale, which we hear hath been deserted by its
owners."

"I can tell you much concerning this very place," said Robin. "Give me
alms, and I will open my lips to purpose."

The pretended abbot spoke now. "I have been journeying, good Master
Hood, with the King," said he, in full deep voice, "and I have spent the
greater part of my moneys. Fifty golden pieces is all that I have with
me."

"It is the very sum I would ask of thee, Sir Abbot," said Robin,
cheerily.

He took the gold which the other freely offered, and divided it into two
even sums. One half he gave to those with him, bidding them take it to
the treasury, the other he returned to the knight. "For thy courtesy,
Sir Abbot, keep this gold for thine own spending. 'Tis like that you
will journey with the King again, and need it."

"I will tell you now," said the pretended abbot, "for I see that you are
truly Robin Hood, although so small a man, that Richard of the Lion
Heart is returned to England, and hath bid me seek you out. He hath
heard much of you, and bids you, through me, to come into Nottingham and
there partake of his hospitality."

Robin laughed heartily. "That is where we may not venture, Sir Abbot,
since we value our s