“Keep the money, for it is your own,” said Robin; “I have but made the Bishop return that which he extorted unjustly.”
Sir Richard thanked him in a few earnest words, and asked him and all his men to visit the armory, before they departed. And therein they saw, placed apart, an hundred and forty stout yew bows of cunning make, with fine waxen silk strings; and an hundred and forty sheaves of arrows. Every shaft was a just ell long, set with peacock’s feathers, and notched with silver. And Sir Richard’s fair lady came forward and with her own hands gave each yeoman a bow and a sheaf.
“In sooth, these are poor presents we have made you, good Robin Hood,” said Sir Richard; “but they carry with them a thousand times their weight in gratitude.”
The Sheriff made good his threat to inform the King. Forth rode he to London town upon the week following, his scalp wound having healed sufficiently to permit him to travel. This time he did not seek out Prince John, but asked audience with King Richard of the Lion Heart himself. His Majesty had but lately returned from the crusades, and was just then looking into the state of his kingdom. So the Sheriff found ready audience.
Then to him the Sheriff spoke at length concerning Robin Hood; how that for many months the outlaws had defied the King, and slain the King’s deer; how Robin had gathered about him the best archers in all the countryside; and, finally, how the traitorous knight Sir Richard of the Lea had rescued the band when capture seemed certain, and refused to deliver them up to justice.
The King heard him through with attention and quoth he:
“Meseems I have heard of this same Robin Hood, and his men, and also seen somewhat of their prowess. Did not these same outlaws shoot in a royal Tourney at Finsbury field?”
“They did, Your Majesty, under a royal amnesty.”
In this speech the Sheriff erred, for the King asked quickly,
“How came they last to the Fair at Nottingham—by stealth?”