Part 45 (2/2)

Sir Guy of Gisborne was there, however, as Robin's good angel, as we are to see, although Sir Guy had, in truth, no very s towards the outlaw

Robin perceived upon the highroad a very strange figure coed ht see that 'twas really a poorly clad s with a capul-hide, nothing more nor less than the sun-dried skin of a horse, complete with head and tail and mane

The skin of the horse's head ged appearance

”Good ossip,” said Robin, cheerily; ”by ood archer--you have the shape of one”

The , but told Robin that he had lost his way and was anxious to find it again

”By my faith, I could have believed that you had lost your wits,”

thought Robin, laughing quietly to himself ”What is your business, friend?” he asked, aloud; ”you are dressed in strange clothes and yet seeentle blood”

”And who are you, forester, to ask ers,” replied Robin; ”and 'tis 's deer and save them from the wicked arrows of Robin Hood”

”Do you know Robin Hood?” asked the ht I heard that he would be co alone in a certain part of this wood to erly

”'Tis very truth,” answered Robin ”And I, knowing this, airl and the reward upon his head”

”Telland very beautiful?”

”Marry, she appeared to me a very Princess,” cried Robin, with enthusiasm

”We are wellas if come to a decision ”Noill tell you, friend, that I am in search of Robin Hood myself, and will help you to take him I am Sir Guy of Gisborne, and can make your fortune for you”

”And I am Robin Hood, so, prithee, make it quickly for me!” cried Robin, imprudently

Sir Guy was not taken so much aback as Robin had hoped Quickly he drew his sword from underneath the capul-hide, and he smote at Robin full and foul

Robin parried the thrust with his own true blade, and soon they were at a fierce contest They fought by the wayside for a long while in a deadly anger, only the sharp clashi+ng of their blades breaking the silence

Then Robin stu root of a tree; and Sir Guy, as quick and heavy with his weapon, wounded Robin in his side

The outlaw recovered hiht under and across his guard The capul-hide hindered Sir Guy in his attempt at a parry--the horse head fell across his eyes

Next instant Sir Guy of Gisborne went staggering backith a deep groan, Robin's sword through his throat

”You did bring this upon yourself,” ret ”Yet you did fall bravely, and in fair fight

You shall be buried honorably”

He dragged the body into the bushes; and, having taken off the horse hide, slipped it upon hi from the dead man's belt, there was a little silver whistle ”What may this be?”