Robert the Devil.
The younger brother of Richard, Duke of Normandy, was so called. He rebelled against his brother, and, finding himself worsted, feigned submission, and invited the Duke and his chief followers to a banquet, where he poisoned them, and succeeded to the Dukedom.
Roberts’ March.
The famous march of Lord Roberts (then Sir Frederick) to the relief of Kandahar. He started from Kabul in August, 1880, with 10,000 troops and 8,000 camp followers, taking provisions for the whole march, as it was impossible to procure supplies en route. The distance of 318 miles was accomplished in twenty-three days, inclusive of halts.
Robin Redbreasts.
See Bow Street Runners.
Robot.
A form of the corvée, in existence in Bosnia and Herzegovina under Turkish rule. It was abolished by the Austrians in 1892.
Rock, Captain.
The name adopted by the leader of an Irish agrarian society in 1822.