that the
Princess of Aragon might need a protector, sire," he added, trembling at
his own audacity. "Will you grant me permission to be her champion and
defy the world?"

"'Tis what I had promised for you, my lord of Nottingham," said Richard,
quietly, "and best reason for your knight-hood! Watch well over her, and
guard her from herself--if need be."

For Much the Miller, for Middle the Tinker, for Little John, Stuteley
and old Warrenton the King had kindly words. He knew them all, it
seemed; and they marvelled more and more amongst themselves to hear how
he was aware of all their histories. There was no adventurer, no man of
them whom he did not know by name and fame, at least; and this King
proved so gracious and royal a man that all of them loved him forthwith
and dubbed him in their hearts a right worthy monarch.

They built a great fire, having now no more fear of Monceux or Hereford,
or any one of them. The Sheriff would hold his office from Will
Scarlett's hands from now!

The archers from Nottingham who had been held as prisoners were at once
released, and the King signalled for Sir Richard's followers to appear.
This they did with a rush, and Robin saw then how the King had held them
all truly in his hand, for these fellows, and even Sir Richard of the
Lee, their master, would have had to obey him had he ordered them to
engage the greenwood men in sudden combat.

As it was, all were merry and boon companions. Laughter and song floated
upward as the jumping flames of the camp fire they had built. The friar
sang them the song which Robin had heard so often, and Robin himself
played upon the harp. Night came and they slept--King of England and his
subjects together, in all joy and happiness. The fire burned low, and
deep Sherwood watched over them--forest mother of them all.

* * * * *

Next morning the King asked if they had any spare liveries of the
scarlet and white. "For," said he, "'tis only fair that I should lead
you into the city of Nottingham clad as you are yourselves, since now
you are my bodyguard."

So Nottingham awoke to find a great company of men approaching it.
Foremost came a number of archers dressed all in bright liveries and
carrying their bows unslung in token of peace. Behind them marched a
motley host--the servitors of Sir Richard and of old George of Gamewell,
and last of all the Sheriff's own archers.

Monceux came out to meet them with Master S