man; then a shout from the crowd._]

THE CROWD

Ah-h-h, he has missed; he has killed
One of the guards!

FIRST RUSTIC

What has he done?

SECOND RUSTIC

He has killed
One of the Sheriff's men!

SHERIFF

There's treachery here!
I'll cleave the first man's heart that moves!

ROBIN

Will Scarlet,
Pick up that dead man's halbert!

SHERIFF

Treachery! Help!
Down with the villain!

ROBIN

[_Throws off his beggar's crouch and hurls the SHERIFF and several
of his men back amongst the crowd. His cloak drops off._]

Sherwood! A merry Sherwood!

CROWD

Ah! ha! The Lincoln Green! A Robin Hood!

[_A bugle rings out and immediately some of the yokels throw off
their disguise and the Lincoln green appears as by
magic amongst the crowd. The guards are rushed and
hustled by them. Robin and several of his men make
a ring round WILL SCARLET._]

SHERIFF

It is the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon:
There is a great reward upon his head.
Down with him!

[_The SHERIFF'S men make a rush at the little band. A KNIGHT
in jet black armour, with a red-cross shield, suddenly appears
and forces his way through the mob, sword in
hand._]

KNIGHT

What, so many against so few!
Back, you wild wolves. Now, foresters, follow me,
For our St. George and merry England, charge,
Charge them, my lads!

[_The FORESTERS make a rush with him and the SHERIFF and his
men take to flight._]

ROBIN

Now back to Sherwood, swiftly!
A horse, or I shall come too late; a horse!

[_He sees the KNIGHT in armour standing by his horse._]

Your pardon, sir; our debt to you is great,
Too great almost for thanks; but if you be
Bound by the vows of chivalry, I pray you
Lend me your charger; and my men will bring you
To my poor home in Sherwood. There you'll find
A most abundant gratitude.

KNIGHT

Your name?

ROBIN

Was Huntingdon; but now is Robin Hood.

KNIGHT

If I refuse?

ROBIN

Then, sir, I must perforce
Take it. I am an outlaw, b