THE SHOOTING MATCH AT NOTTINGHAM TOWN
Showing how Robin Hood depended on his wits to carry him through an adventure.
The Sheriff of Nottingham wanted to capture Robin Hood to get the two hundred pounds reward, and besides that the forester he had killed was kin to the sheriff. So the sheriff said:
“If I could only persuade Robin Hood to come to Nottingham I might seize him. I think I shall give a shooting match, and offer a good prize.” Thus saying, he let it be known that a great shooting match would be held in the square, the prize to be a gold arrow. Indeed, he had notices tacked up on the trees to attract Robin Hood’s attention. Robin Hood heard of the notices and calling his men around him, said:
“Now, I am going to shoot for the prize to-morrow in Nottingham Town. Some of you dress as beggars, or tinkers, or friars, but all of you carry your good bows and arrows. As for me, I shall wear scarlet and a patch over my eye.” They all agreed and the next day early, were all in Nottingham Town.
The target was set up and the shooting began. The arrows sped across the square, some in the target, some on the ground, and a few in the bull’s eye.
“Take the best ten and let them shoot again,” cried the Sheriff. The shooting went on as before, and after a while the Sheriff cried: “Take the best six!” Then after they had shot he cried: “Take the best three,” and each time a stranger in tattered scarlet, and a patch over his eye was taken among the best.
And now the best three came up for a final test. Gill of the Red Cap shot, and lo! his arrow was only a finger breadth from the center. Then the tattered stranger shot and his arrow was only a barleycorn’s length from the center. Then Adam of the Dell shot, and his arrow stood beside the stranger’s. All three looked like one arrow from a distance. “Shoot again!” cried the Sheriff. Adam shot and his arrow was close to the center; Gill shot and his arrow struck near by the middle and a great shout arose.
“Now, old Patch-on-the-Eye, shoot and see what you can do!” shouted the bystanders, for the other arrows were so near the center that there was hardly room for one more. The stranger took his stand, drew his bow, sighted his shaft with his one eye. Twang! went the bow. Whiz! went the arrow, and cut the feather of Gill’s shaft as it passed, and stood quivering in the very center!