Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-06-22

ment. After some delay, Richard was
admitted. That evening he and the
friar had a jolly time with feasting
with music, and with merry tales and
ballads.
On the morrow, the friar conducted
Richard toward camp. Richard waf
delighted with the sweetness OF the
greenwood.
I'm good faith" he said, II think
could spend all my days here. There
is no court like 1t under the SUM-
He had scarcely spoken when q
man stepped out into the path before
them. 1t was other than Robin Hood
himself. He pretended not to know
the friar, and the friar pretended not
to know him.
"Hold!' cried Robin. This Is not
the highway, and all travellers here
must explain their going and coming y
II am not In the habit of yielding to
one man."
Then l must have others to assist
me-" said Robin; and he gave low
whistle. At this, a score Of men came
! forward
! who you are, l know not; but
have care. I am a messenger from
the king, and would have speech with
Robin Hood. Can you conduct me to
him?"
God save King Richard!" said
Robin, taking off his cap and bowling
low. II am Robin Hood; but the gal
liant king has no truer subjects than
and my men. But come, before we
part, you shall taste of our greenwood
| cheer"
They moved on, and at last came
near the camp. Then Robin blew
three blasts on his horn. Some men
in Lincoln Green began to appear.
They all bent the knee to Robin, and
then took their places at the table.
On Robins right, stood handsome
dark haired page, to wait on him and
the guest It was as fine a feast as
Richard had ever tasted and the fresh
woodland air had given him good
appetite.
"Our first pleasure" said Robin, as
they sat down, shall be health unto
the king"
A shout went up from every throat,
Long live gallant King Richard"
The time went merrily till all were
we'll fed.
Now" said Robin, you shall be
able to report to the King of the life
we lead"
The men arose and strung their
bows for practice. A small wreath was
set up on a small wand. Whoever did
not shoot through it was to receive
muffet from the friar.
One after another the men shot, and
arrow after arrow sped through the
wreath without touching it. Richard
had never seen such shooting. At last
the Tinker missed the mark and was
brought before the Friar for punish
ment. The Friar sent him rolling
among the dry leaves.
Just as the shooting was over a horn
sounded in the wood and party or
knights came into view.
otis our friend Sir Richard of the
Lea" said Little John as the knights
came nearer.
Il trust your majesty has had no
need for us" said Sir Richard, as he
came forward.
"The King himself" cried Will
Scarlet, and kneeled before Richard.
All the others followed his example.
"Your pardon, SIRE" said Robin, "for
these brave lads. They are ready to
serve you all your days"
Is IL 81! dohCu A@AEh'Ao VI ~
kneeling band.
"Yea. sire; it is as our leader says,
came from every man.
arise, then" exclaimed Richard;
full and free pardon l grant you all:
appoint you Royal Archers; you shall
be mine own bodyguard.
"But Master Robin went on the
king, "was there not lady of the
court named Marian whom thou once
loved? What hast become OF her!
Hast thou forgotten her?'
Robin knelt in silence before the
king. The dark-haired page stepped
forward.
NAY, sire, he has not forgotten me-
said Marian herself.
Richard drew his sword and touched
Robin Hood on the shoulder.
Rise Robin Fitzooth, Earl of Hunt
ington!" he cried; "and the first COM
mand I give thee. my lord Earl, Is to
come to Nottingham tomorrow and
take this maid for thy wife.
Master Little John, you shall serve
me as Sheriff of Nottingham. And,
honest Stutely, you / appoint CHIEF
Forester
So on the morrow the band went to
Nottingham. and thereafter to serve
the King. It was sad day in the
greenwood Life there had been a
happy one. But all knew that the new
life was for the best.