were over all would go back to a great feast,
given at Gamewell Hall, in honor of the day. Then afterward the two
couples would go with the king into London, to be followed within seven
days by the rest of the Royal guard. Richard meant to employ these
fellows shrewdly and test their loyalty. Not for reasons of sentiment
only had he forgiven Robin and his men.

The hour was reached, and at once a small company was seen issuing forth
from Nottingham Castle. Against his will Master Monceux had given use of
the castle to the two bridegrooms--the newly made Earls of Nottingham
and Huntingdon.

With Robin and Geoffrey were, firstly, old George of Gamewell, proud
above all others in knowing that he had now a son who would ensure honor
to the race of Montfichet all their days. The Squire was happy and
radiant. He walked between them, and turned his head ever and again in
laughing speech with Sir Richard of the Lee and his heir. Stuteley and
Little John were next, the long and short of it; and after them the
jovial Friar of Copmanhurst. Arthur-a-Bland, with a gold chain about his
neck, given him by the knight Sir Richard, walked with Middle the Tinker
on his left and Much the Miller on his right. Close behind trotted the
small complaisant Midge, dressed up very fine in a livery of purple
doublet and green hose.

They came to the lych gate, and the crowd jostled itself in its
admiration. As they walked, rather consciously, up the narrow path
between the smiling ranks of their fellows the crowd cheered them
radiantly.

"A Hood! A Montfichet!" was called and called again. Some maids from the
opposite windows threw them kisses and waved pretty kerchiefs in their
honor.

Within the church, waiting for them soberly at the chancel steps, was my
lord of Hereford, dressed out in his finest and richest robes, and
beside him Friar Tuck. For Robin Hood and Will Scarlett the Bishop had
enmity and contempt, but towards the Earls of Huntingdon and Nottingham
this time-serving man could only profess an abundance of respect.

The brides were to be escorted from Gamewell by no other person than the
King himself. He was to give them both in marriage, and had promised
them jewels and to spare when they were come to Court.

Loud cheering and noise from the mob without the church told of their
approach. The people were wild with joy at having their King amongst
them like this.

Citizens, burgesses, apprentices were all in their best, thei