lest a roving band of Foresters had captured him.

At last Robin could not remain quiet. Up sprang he, with bow and arrows,
and a short sword at his side.

"I must away to Nottingham town, my men," he cried. "The goodly Sheriff
has long desired to see me; and mayhap he can tell me tidings of the
best quarter-staff in the shire"--meaning Little John.

Others of the band besought him to let them go with him, but he would
not.

"Nay," he said smilingly, "the Sheriff and I are too good friends to put
doubt upon our meeting. But tarry ye in the edge of the wood opposite
the west gate of the town, and ye may be of service ere to-morrow
night."

So saying he strode forward to the road leading to Nottingham, and stood
as before looking up and down to see if the way was clear. Back at a
bend in the road he heard a rumbling and a lumbering, when up drove
a stout butcher, whistling gaily, and driving a mare that sped slowly
enough because of the weight of meat with which the cart was loaded.

"A good morrow to you, friend," hailed Robin. "Whence come you and where
go you with your load of meat?"

"A good morrow to you," returned the butcher, civilly enough. "No matter
where I dwell. I am but a simple butcher, and to Nottingham am I going,
my flesh to sell. 'Tis Fair week, and my beef and mutton should fetch a
fair penny," and he laughed loudly at his jest. "But whence come you?"