ingdon lands. Nathless he was greatly
alarmed for the safety of Maid Marian, and his heart cried out for
her strongly. She had been continually in his thoughts ever since the
memorable shooting at London town.

One morning in early autumn when the leaves were beginning to turn gold
at the edges, the chestnut-pods to swell with promise of fatness, and
the whole wide woodland was redolent with the ripe fragrance of fruit
and flower, Robin was walking along the edge of a small open glade busy
with his thoughts. The peace of the woods was upon him, despite his
broodings of Marian and he paid little heed to a group of does quietly
feeding among the trees at the far edge of the glade.

But presently this sylvan picture was rudely disturbed for him. A stag,
wild and furious, dashed suddenly forth from among the trees, scattering
the does in swift alarm. The vicious beast eyed the green-and-gold tunic
of Robin, and, lowering it head, charged at him impetuously. So sudden
was its attack that Robin had no time to bend his bow. He sprang behind
a tree while he seized his weapon.

A moment later the wild stag crashed blindly into the tree-trunk with a
shock which sent the beast reeling backward, while the dislodged leaves
from the shivering tree fell in a small shower over Robin's head.

"By my halidom, I am glad it was not me you struck, my gentle friend!"
quoth Robin, fixing an arrow upon the string. "Sorry indeed would be any
one's plight who should encounter you in this black humor."

Scarcely had he spoken when he saw the stag veer about and fix its
glances rigidly on the bushes to the left side of the glade. These were
parted by a delicate hand, and through the opening appeared the slight
figure of a page. It was Maid Marian, come back again to the greenwood!

She advanced, unconscious alike of Robin's horrified gaze and the evil
fury of the stag.

She was directly in line with the animal, so Robin dared not launch an
arrow. Her own bow was slung across her shoulder, and her small sword
would be useless against the beast's charge. But now as she caught sight
of the stag she pursed her lips as though she would whistle to it.

"For the love of God, dear lady!" cried Robin; and then the words died
in his throat.

With a savage snort of rage, the beast rushed at this new and inviting
target--rushed so swiftly and from so short a distance that she could
not defend herself. She sprang to one side as it charged down upon he