"But what has become of those tramps—the merry men who were going to claim a share of this feast?" queried a young girl seated at the same table.
"Perhaps they have joined the troops," laughed another. "But hark! they are at it again," as a shrill whistle once more came floating on the breeze from the same direction as before, followed by the words, "Come on, my merry men; let us make haste ere all the best of the viands have disappeared down the throats of the fellows already there."
Mr. Hugh Lilburn had overheard the chat about the neighboring table and thought best to gratify the desire to hear further from the merry men of the wood.
A good many eyes were turned in the direction of the sounds, but none could see even one of the merry men so loudly summoned to make a raid upon the feasting company.
Then another voice seemed to reply from the same quarter as the first.
"The days of Robin Hood and his merry men are over lang syne; and this is no' the country for ony sic doin's. If we want a share o' the grand feast we maun ask it like decent, honest folk, tendering payment if that wad no' be considered an insult by the host an' hostess."
At that Dr. Percival laughed and called out in a tone of amusement, "Come on, friends, and let me help you to a share of the eatables; we have enough and to spare, and you will be heartily welcome."
"Thanks, sir," said the voice; "perhaps we may accept when your invited guests have eaten their fill and departed."
"Very well; manage it to suit yourselves," laughed the doctor.
Then another voice from the wood said, "Well, comrades, let us sit down here under the trees and wait for our turn."