Omaha daily bee., 1902-06-22

years IN bueTWOOu FOREST, the DOMINION OF
wood and thicket, the silence OF the groves
had blotted the picture out, 30 that nov
when 1t came again. 1t was as a thing un-
real, a puppet show into whose spirit he
could not enter. . A sturdy northman. the
friend of liberty, blunt Of speech, self-ap-
pointed guardian Of the forests justice, he
beheld this group Of priests and esquires,
Of testing women and self-seeking men, with
that contempt Of estate and authority which
the forest fastness had so truly taught
him. And he. in turn, was observed by
them as closely, pointed out as a rare ng-
ure for their gossip, remembered as Roy, the
outlaw, esteemed not a little for the cour-
age which carried him to that place. A
king OF men in stature. his long hair fall
Ing upon a cloak Of Lincoln green, his vel
vet cap tossed negligently to the seat be-
hind him, his high boots OF leather-a Jest
upon fashion-his spurs OF gold Qcr these
were my lady's gifts to him), assuredly
such a man had not escaped remark
wherever circumstances had placed him.
And Of his story. not a little was known
even at the palace OF st. James, He had
ruled Sherwood as an outlaw, yet had ruled
It with a royal justice. men said. Never
had the poor and needy sought him in vain;
no abbey gate there was which did not
open at his knock; no priest who did not
welcome him with blessings. And now he
had come to London to crave that he might
win pardon In those days Of amnesty. Men
wondered at such temerity; the women, in
their hearts. wished him "Godspeed."
He had been promised audience, but q full
hour passed before any word was sent to
him or the chancellor so much as remem-
bered his request. Once, indeed, he heard
a great stir In the courtyard Of the palace,
and, looking from the window, he perceived
a company OF gentlemen upon horseback,
and in the midst OF them the queen her
self, dressed very somberly In black and
wearing that grave countenance OF which
report had spoken with no kindness. But
the cavalcade passed out with little OBJ
servation and nc welcome OF the people at
the gate and thereafter another hour passed
before Roy was summoned. When at last
a groom called him he answered with a
word Of ~raillery which eloaked his Id
patience;
Let not my lord so much as miss a
Paternoster when the safety of this kingdom
hangs upon that which l shall say to him.
Nay, sirs, ] had rather wait some days
yet II my lords devotions be hindered by
my cOmingi"
They heard with establishment. for few
were bold enough to mock the chancellor
publicly, but hoy OF Calverton was ever
bold in Jest. and. knowing not what to say
to him, they led him to the audience and
promised him a gibbet for his ~recompense.
My lord Of Winchester, but recently made
lord high chancellor OF England. has been
shrewdly judged by many that came after
him, but those Of his own time had yet "a
hear his name with other feelings thar
those OF some admiration for a jealous
servant Of the faith and for one who had
paid for his fidelity by long years OF douT
imprisonment during Edwards reign. Az
Roy OF Calverton found him upon thai
morning Of January, in a little library ad
Joining the queens apartment. he was
man OF thoughtful mien, we'll hiling the
capaeious chair In which he sat; one, more
over. who had no little subtlety Of
grace and conversation for those he IA
vored. Schooied since his youth to bt
a Judge OF men. he sat for some while cast.
ing q close glance at the suppliant who
now claimed right OF audience, and wheT
he bad satisfied himself that IL was al
honest face he put down the pen with
which he had been toying ana leaned bacl
In his chair. that he might listen patiently
You come upon a matter Of urgency
he said slowly, land you are Roy. the out
law Of Calverton. A strange purpOse, sir
that brings the wolf to the eloister gate"
Roy seated himself At the table. 80 clos
10 the chancellor that he could have put
hand upon him. and answered with mucl
readiness
ROY Of csiVsrtOn. as yOSr lOrdship says