"All must buy freedom of the greenwood, master," answered the man, quite civilly. "We, who exact the toll, take no heed of sex. Pay us now, and when you return there shall be no questioning."
"A woman should be a safe convoy and free from all toll," argued Robin. "Now here are my two men."
"Slaves, master; and they have only your mule and the two pikes. It is not enough."
"You will leave us nothing then, it seems," said Dame Fitzooth, in trembling but brave voice.
"There is one thing that we all do value, mistress, and I purpose sparing you that. We will do no one of you any bodily harm."
"Take my purse, then," sighed Mistress Fitzooth. "There is little enough in it, for we are poor folk."
"Ask toll of the Church," cried Robin, staying his mother. "The Church is rich, and has to spare. And afterwards, she can grant absolution to you all."
Again the robbers laughed, as the clerk began explaining very volubly to them that they were welcome to all that Mother Church could on this occasion offer.
"We know better than to stay a monk for toll," said the robber. "Beside, would your excellence have us commit sacrilege?"
"I would have you leave hold of my bridle," answered Robin, very wrathfully.