men, sir," said Robin Hood proudly. "As it is, Master Sheriff, you
come here alone with your guide, and I bid you welcome to our
greenwood home. Fate made me what I am, the Sheriff's enemy, but
the gentle visitor's friend. Come, Rob, my boy, show your father
where he can take away the travel stains, and then bring him to our
humble board."

It was the next day that was to be young Robin's last with the
outlaws in the merry greenwood, and all were gathered together to
bid him farewell, and see him safely with his father on the road;
but not as the Sheriff had come, wearily and on foot, for half a
dozen of the best mules were forthcoming, and the guests were to
ride back on their journey home.

Who does not know how hard it is to say good-bye? Young Robin did
not till the time had come.

He awoke that morning joyful and eager to start, for it was to go
back home in company with the father whom he loved; but when the
time came he had to learn how tightly so many of his little
heartstrings had taken hold of the life under the greenwood tree.
Everything about him had grown dear, and there was almost a mule
load of treasures and pets of his own collecting that could not be
left behind.

And when they had been carefully packed in panniers by Little John
and one of the men, there was the task of bidding them all
good-bye, and then those two words grew harder every time.

But he spoke out manfully and well, in spite of a choking