Part 16 (1/2)
”What do you say?” asked Mistress Fitzwalter, in amazement
”It is even so, lady, that my lord the Sheriff has ruled ive in his na his bow!” cried Stuteley ”A wicked conspiracy it is, and aham folk do plot: thrice now have I found theun there were many ere ready to side with him, but his unlucky conclusion turned these possible friends into enemies
Even Mistress Fitzwalter drew back for an instant
”Be silent, Will,” said Robin, vexed at once ”It is enough to be juggled out of this prize without your o claiue it withfor you, friend,” said Carfax, suddenly appearing
He touched Robin on the shoulder
As he turned to depart, his giirl shrank away from theain
”His Highness graciously condescended to enquire your naive the purse to me, then?” asked Robin, surprised
”Nay, that has already been won by Master Hubert,” answered Carfax, as if amused at the question ”You cannot win a prize every day
Master--Locksley”
He spoke at a shrewd guess, and saw that his shaft had hit the iven hio to the Prince,” said Robin, wrathfully ”Tell him, Master Fetch-and-Take, that I have won this prize in all fairness; and I will shoot with Hubert again, if he needs another beating”
”You'll cool your heels in the stocks, Locksley,” said Carfax, viciously: ”so much is evident The Sheriff has a quarrel with you already, and 'tis well that you are here to answer Master Ford's complaint The Prince will send for you in style, since you will not go kindly to hi!”
He strode off, in heat, followed by Stuteley's scornful gibings
Robin beca thelances He felt that he and Will Stuteley were in a difficult position Escape seee of my box, Robin,” whispered a sudden sh the door at the back of it Hasten!”
Gratefully Robin did as she bade hi for invitation, followed Mistress Fitzwalter instantly opened the door for the for you both
The Prince has sent his pike, caught her little hand in his
”Thanks, thanks,” he ers
Laughing and blushi+ng, she snatched theitated voice, ”and stay not until you reach Locksley Wethat he still hesitated
”Give me at least your name,” panted poor Robin, at the door; ”not that I shall ever forget you”
”I a the door ruthlessly upon hiood fortune be with you always”
CHAPTER XII
So, ingloriously, they returned through the night to Locksley None offered to stay theht well have disbelieved in the existence of Will o' th' Green and his outlaw band, had he not had such good reason to know otherwise It was as if Will had silently yielded hiive Tired and footsore, yet filled with a strange elation, Robin came back to Locksley before daith faithful Stuteley forlornly following him