Part 11 (2/2)
”You talk wisely, friend,” said Warrenton, approvingly, ”and, as fora match with you, why, that e to-day Do you ride with us to Gamewell and there you shall have archery and to spare”
”Ay, and a welco who Roughbeard really was Montfichet of Ga Will o' th' Green!
The outlaw ood-humoredly at the lad's confusion
”Go, take the Sheriff's prize; and vex hiain Robin walked forward towards the Monceux box; this ti eyes and a resolve in his heart
”Robin of Locksley,” said the Sheriff, scarce looking at hiolden arrohich I have offered as reward to the best bowman in this Fair You have been accorded the prize; and I do yield it to you with sincere pleasure Take the bauble now frohter's hand, and use the arroorthily”
The heralds blew a brazen blast, and the demoiselle Monceux, with a thin smile, held out to Robin upon a silk cushi+on the little shi+ning arrohich noas his Bowing, and on one knee, Robin took up the glittering trophy
”Surely 'tis a plaything more suited to a lady's hair than to an archer,”Robin's eye, he n, as ould say: ”Here is the Queen ould adorn it”
Robin had that other notion in his mind, however, and saw that now the moment had arrived in which it should be put into execution So himself before the small low box wherein, half-startled, sat thearcher, bowing to her, ”do you please accept this little arrohich I have won It is a pretty thing; but of small use to me Maybe you could o no farther; but du seen that her father was not unwilling, stretched out and took the Sheriff's arrow fro hands
”Thanks to you, Robin o' th' Hood,” she said, with that roguish little toss of her dark curls; ”I'll take the dart, and wear it in memory of Locksley and this day!” Her eyes looked frankly into his for a brief instant; then were hid by her silky lashes
Robin, with bounding heart, walked proudly back to where old Warrenton stood, glowing; and the people thunderingly applauded the archer's choice
”Right as it done, Locksley!” roared the outlaw, near forgetting himself ”I love you for it” For he saw only that the Sheriff had been slighted, and cries of: ”A Locksley!” were renewed again and again
Master Monceux looked furiously at this archer who had taken the prize with only the briefest word of thanks to hi gesture, forbidden it She gave no outward sy within her: she wore her worthless but royal crown of bay, whilst the other toyed thoughtfully with the golden arrow, and wondered who the gallant giver of it hbeard rode towards the gate of Nottinghahts They had decided to stay no longer at the Fair: the noisy play and s that were to follow the archery had no attraction for them
CHAPTER IX
This escort saved Geoffrey from the attack planned upon him by the two treacherous robbers They spied hihout the journey, but at a respectful distance, uttering deep threats against the lad who had warned the knight of their evil intent So, whilstfriends, Robin also made enehanized in Robin of Locksley the youth who had come with old Montfichet on the first day of the Fair
Near by Gaely silent, being over doubtful
”Farewell, friends,” said he, doffing his cap to theh the forest”
”I, too, have that direction beforeard,” said Geoffrey to hih his casque He had known the outlaw at once; but had forborne to show it, scarce dreauise
Robin becahbeard riding off together like this That secret way from the hut which led into Sherwood; the two villains who had plotted against Geoffrey--why, all was clear! Geoffrey noith the to influence Master Will; no doubt the red trappings upon which he had laid such stress were as a signal to someone To whom? And to what end?