"For my boasting he gave me a drubbing," the beggar went on, "and for my archery five silver crowns."
"Then thou canst bend the bow?" said Arthur. "Will you not attempt my lord Sheriff's prize, old Patch-and-Rags?"
"Marry, I would most willingly," cried the beggar, "but for my lame leg and blind eye."
"One does not need a leg to shoot arrows, nor yet two eyes. Take aim, gossip, and show us how you played the sport in Sherwood on that day."
The archer's tone was mocking; but the beggar only replied that he had already won a prize and was content.
Just then one of the Sheriff's guards approached him.
"My master would have speech with you, friend," said he.
"And so you have met bold Robin Hood?" asked Monceux, so soon as the beggar stood before him.
"Well do I know it," the beggar answered, writhing his eye in fiery glance about the Sheriff's tent. "My body is full sore yet from the beating he gave me."
"Are you sure 'twas Robin Hood?"