Mr. Hatfield explained that the Sheriff of Nottingham had planned the shooting contest as a trick to capture Robin Hood. Because the outlaw was known never to miss an important match, it was believed that he would not fail to appear.
“On the sidelines we have the sheriff and his men,” the Cub leader said. “When the herald blows a blast, the archers take their places. How many are to compete for the role?”
Only four boys had decided to try for it. Besides Dan and Ross, Midge and Clyde Jennings, a boy from Den 1, had finally asked for a chance at the part.
“Each boy will shoot only six arrows,” the Cub leader instructed. “And the one having the highest total is the winner.”
Clyde Jennings stepped to the line. His first three arrows missed the target entirely. The final three barely caught in the outer rim.
“That finishes me,” muttered Clyde, deeply humiliated. “I never did that bad before. Having so many people watching, made me nervous.”
Midge’s turn came next. He drew his bow quickly but did not take as careful aim as he might have done. The arrow netted him only three points.
On the next five shots Midge used more care. Even so, he wound up with a total of 20 points.
“I’m out of it,” he whispered to Dan. “Unless you can come through, Ross will be Robin Hood.”
The crowd became quiet as Ross picked up his bow. His first two arrows landed squarely in the gold of the target.