The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1883-06-01
ccllaurnus.
Robin Hood and the CIouted Beggar

Robin Hood sometimes did wrong, and at
such times, as is usually the case with those
who wllfuly msbehave, he received evil in
return.
One day, he met Strengthening bcggar
in the road. The fellow was covered with
many thicknesscs of rags, or clouis; in fact,
his cloak was so patched and repatchcd that,
in its thiunest part, it was more than twenty
fold. His hat was really three hats put to-
gethcr so as to form one heavy covering for
his head. He carried sack of meal swing
ing from his neck by a leather strap, fastcn-
ed by strong buckle.
1t was near night-fnll when Robin stepped
out of the woods, and called to the beggar to
stop and talk awhile with him. But the
coutcd tramp paid no heed to his words, and
walked right ON AS if he had not heard
stop when ! speak to your cried Robin,
growing angry
81 won't do it, responded the bcggar, quite
boldly. at is some distance to where ! lodge
and don't care to miss my supper"
"l,cnd me some money" iecrngly cried
Robin. 81 must have supper, too"
"Ivc no money for YOU" responded the
hcggar, grntfiy. You are as young ms |, and
you seem lazy and good. for nothing. II YOU
wait for your supper till give you money
10 buy ii, you'll he apt to fast HE rest of the
year,
This LIS; speech made Robin very angry.
IF you have but one fnrthng," he cXclaim-
ed, "l'll take il from you. SO you may as
well lay aside your ragged old cloak and offer
no further resistance. Unite your sack, and
let me see what is in it, and, i you make any
noise, will see what effect broad headed
arrow ran have on n beggars hide !"
But the beggar only grinncdat ,hcoutlaw,
and very quietly said:
You'd better let me alone. I'm not afraid
of your bent stick and little pointed shafts
which are only fit for pudding skewcrs If
you offer me any harm, I'll haste you till
you'll be glad TO let me go"
Robin at once flew into n towering passion
and bent his bow TO shoot the heggur; but,
before he could draw an arrow, the cloutcd
tramp struck at him with his oak staff and
Knocked his bow into splinters. Robin drew
his sword but, before he could use it, the
beggar struck his sword hand, disabling it,
and knocking the weapon away. Poor Robin
was il bad fix. The sturdy vagrant now
fell upon him, all defenseless as he was and
bclabored him nightly. He basied his head,
his shoulders, his back his legs, till at last
Robin fell down scnseless.
90 fic! stand up, man Don't lie down TO
sleep this time o day Wait till you get my
money, and then go to your tavern ard be
merry y shouted the bcggar, in dcrison and
thinking Robin was dead, he trudged ON his
way, not caring whit for what he had done
Shortly after, Little John, Much, and Sea-
thclock came up to where Robin lay. lie
was moaning and wriihing, the blood flowing
freely from his bastcd head. They poured cold
water on his face, chatcd his hands, and
finally restored him to consciousness
"Ah !" he exclaimed with II deep sigh, II
never before was SO lhrashed 1t Is forty
years that have wandered in the greenwood
but no man ever SO mauled my back as has
that beggar whom you see trudging away up
the hill, yonder. did not think he could do
me any harm, but he took his pikestatf and
beat me so that fear shall never be well
again. If you love me, you will run and
catch him and fetch him back to me- But
beware of his staff: get hold of it first, or
he'll pound the life on: of all of you"
Never fear" said Little John; Seattle
lock and will take him. Much may stay
and take care of YOU
So the two seized their bows and ran after
the beegar no was leisurey pursuing his
way over the distant hill. They did not go
along the road, however, but took route
through the woods, and, running very fast
got ahead of their victim and hid on each
side of the road. When the beggar came on
they sprang out, Little John catching hold
of his staff and Scathclock holding II drawn
dagger before his breast
Give up your staff, or I'll Stay you on the
spotv' cried Scathelook
The beggar let go his staff, which little
John stuck in the ground hard by.
Don't kill mcw cried the beggar in a
whining voice n never did you harm"
"You have nearly killed our master, who
lies back yonder by the road" exclaimed
Little John. Come along with us, that he
may give you your SENTENCED"
Now" said the bcggar, assuming differ
,nt tone. 81 know you are honest fellows,
aud do not wish to harm me for acting in self
defence If you will let me go, will give
you II hundred pounds in good money which
| have in my bag"
To This proposition Little John and Seattle
lock agreed II was wicked thing; for they
intended to get his money and then take him
all the same. So they babe him count out
the money.
The beggar took off his cloak aud spread
it upon the ground Then he unsung his
meal-bag and put it in the middle of the
cloak. Little John and Scathclock drew
close, to see him count out the good money.
As they did so, the beggar thrust his two
hands into the bag, and taking M n lot of