"No, Rob," said the Sheriff, in a choking voice; "they did not know
who I was. But you know your poor old father again."

"Know you again!" cried the boy, hanging back, and looking at his
father wonderingly. "Why, yes; but what a long time you have been
before you came to fetch me."

"Yes, yes, my boy; a long, long year of misery and sorrow; but I
have found you now, at last."

"Oh! I am glad," cried the boy, struggling free, and catching his
father's hand to lead him towards where Robin Hood and Marian were
standing, wet-eyed, looking on.

"This is my father," cried the boy proudly. "This is Robin Hood,
the captain, father," he continued, and the Sheriff bowed gravely;
"and this is Maid Marian, who has been so good to me."

The Sheriff bowed slowly 'and gravely, as if to the greatest lady
in the land, and then the boy dragged at his father's hand.

"And this is old Little John, father," he cried. "I say, isn't he
big!"

The Sheriff bowed again, and the great outlaw's face wore such a
comic expression of puzzlement that Robin Hood laughed aloud, and
completed his great follower's confusion.

"He has been so good to me, father," cried young Robin. "I can
shoot with bow and arrow now, and sound my horn. Hark!"