The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-06-02
THE BELOVED OUTLAW

Robin Hood was one of the half
mythical heroes most popular with
the common people Of England. just
who he was and when he lived is not
known. but without doubt there was
brave outlaw leader, or possible sew
eral leaders, whose gallant deeds cling
20 the name Of Robin Hood. The
stories of those deeds originated in
the two or three centuries following
the Norman Conquest, when, on ac-
count Of unsettled conditions, many
honest men had to rely upon their
own bows and swords for protection
of themselves and their dependents
from oppression. Some of these
tales have been woven by Sir Walter
Scott into Ivanhoe,' that stirring ro-
nance Of the days Of Richard the
Iior-heartcd The same period and,
in general, the same material have
been used by Harry Il. Smith and
Reginald de Kover in the comic opera,
robin Hood
While King Richard was fighting
his crusade against the Turks in Pal
estine, Prince John. ruling in his
stead. was permitting many unjust
deeds by the mobiles and officials. One
case was that Of a young man, Robert
Of Huntington. who was prevented by
the Sheriff Of Nottingham from in
heriting his fathers title and estate.
Since there was no prospect Of jus
tice until King Richard should re-
turn 70 England. he withdrew to the
forest 10 await a chance to recover
his nronertv and rank. Another vic
tim Of oppression was Lady Marian
Fitzwalter. a ward of the King. She
had been betrothed in childhood to
the son Of the Earl Of Huntington
whom she had never seen and did not
wish 10 marry. To escape the COM
pact, she disguised herself as a young
noble, left the court, and sought ref
uge in the forest.
To the town Of NOTTINGHAM there
came each year on Fair Day crowds
Of peasants and foresters 70 barter
and visit with the townspeople. Even
the outlaws, secure in their popularity
with the common people. dared 70
appear openly To the Fair. under
the name of Robin Hood. came Robert
Of Huntington with a few friends who
had followed him into his retirement.
Thither also wandered the disguised
Lady Marian.
Robin. CHANGING 70 discover the
true sew hut knowing nothing of the
real name and rank of Marian, fell
completely in love with her, and she
in like fashion with him. Robin met
also viii Scarlet Allan a Dale, and
Little John. three renowned outlaws
from Sherwood Forest Encouraged
hv these new friends. Robin decided
to make a new attemnt 70 secure rec
ognition from the dishonest Sheriff.
The latter. however. produced papers
purporting 70 prove that Guy Of Gis
borne. ward Of the Sheriff. was an
elder son Of the Earl Of HUNTINGTON
and therefore was the rightful heir.
In his disappointment Robin accented
an Invitation from Little John 10 be-
come captain Of the outlaws.
Under the new leader the Sherwood
men became a well organized band,
respected and loved BIZ the peasants
hated and feared by the Sheriff and
his adherents. After many unsuc-
cessful attempts TO capture Robin and
his lieutenantS-, the Sheriff and Sir
Guy in the disguise Of travelling tink-
ers discovered the outlaw retreat and
captured il by surprise The chief
outlaws were taken captive, and the
band scattered.
In the meantime, since her parting
from Robin, Maid Marian had been
living near the town Of Noting
ham at the home Of Annabel, the
sweetheart Of Alan Dale. Now
that the Sheriff felt that he had the