He began a confused complaint against the wizard who had vanished behind the curtain on the left. Give not so earnest a mind to these mummeries, child. A golden fortune and a happy life. He was like unto my father in a way, and yet was not my father. Also there was a stripling page who turned into a maid. This was so sweet a lady, sir, and in some manner I do think she died. But then the picture was gone as quickly as it came. Sister Nell, do you hear these marvels? Take your place and let us see what the crystal can show to you. Like as not, young master, though I am an old man. Forthwithal ran to the opening of the tent to see what might be amiss but Master Will who peeped out first needed no more than one glance he gave way to the others very readily and retreated unperceived by the squire and Mistress FitzOoth to the rear of the tent cries of a Nottingham a Nottingham before them fled the stroller and his three sons capless and terrified what is the tumult and rioting cried out the squire authoritatively and he blew twice on the silver whistle which hung at his belt nay we refused their request most politely most noble said the little stroller And then they became vexed and would have snatched your purse from us. I could not see my boy injured excellence for but doing his duty as one of Cumberland's sons. So I did push this fellow. It is enough, said George Gamewell sharply, as he turned upon the crowd. Shame on you, citizens, cried he. I blush for my fellows of Nottingham. Surely we can submit with good grace. Tis fine for you to talk, old man, answered the lean sullen apprentice. But I wrestled with this fellow, and do know that he played unfairly in the second bout. Spoke the squire losing all patient and it was to you that I gave another purse and consolation Come to me men here here he raised his voice still louder The strollers took their part in it with hearty zest now that they had some chance of beating off their foes Robin and the little tumbler between them tried to force the squire to stand back and very valiantly did these two comport themselves The head and chief of the riot the Nottingham apprentice with clenched fists threatened Montfichet The squire helped to thrust them all in and entered swiftly himself Now be silent on your lives he began but the captured apprentice set up an instant shout Silence you knave cried Montfichet He felt for and found the wizard's black cloth The squire was quite out of breath Thrusting open the proper entrance of the tent Robin suddenly rushed forth with his burden with a great shout A Montfichet a Montfichet Gamewell to the rescue Taking advantage of this the squire's few men redoubled their efforts and encouraged by Robin's and the little stroller's cries fought their way to him George Montfichet will never forget this day What is your name Lording asked the little stroller presently Robin FitzOoth And mine is Will Stutley Shall we be comrades Right willingly for between us we have won the battle answered Robin I like you Will You are the second will that I have met in like within two days Is there a sign in that Montfichet called out for Robin to give him an arm Friends said Montfichet faintly to the wrestlers Bear us escort so far as the sheriff's house It will not be safe for you to stay here now Pray follow us with mine and my lord sheriff's men Nottingham Castle was reached and admittance was demanded Master Monceau the sheriff of Nottingham was mightily put about when told of the rioting and Henry might return to England at any moment Have your will child if the boy also wills it Montfichet answered feeling too ill to oppose anything very strongly just then he made an effort to hide his condition from them all and Robin felt his fingers tighten upon his arm Make me a room of the sheriff child quickly But who is this fellow plucking at your sleeve He is my esquire excellency returned Robin with dignity Mistress FitzOoth had been carried off by the sheriff's daughter and her maids as soon as they had entered the house so that Robin alone had the care of Montfichet Robin was glad when at length they were left to their own devices The wine did certainly bring back the colour to the squire's cheeks These escapades are not for old Gamewell lad his day has come to twilight Will you forgive me now It'll be no disappointment to me No thanks I am glad to give you such easy happiness You are a worthy leech will presently whispered Robin The wine has worked a marvel Aye and show you some pretty tricks Young FitzOoth had been commanded to his mother's chamber so soon as he had come out from his converse with the squire There befell an anxious interview Mistress FitzOoth arguing for and against the squire's project in a breath Most of all Robin thought of his father What would he counsel If for a whim you beggar yourself I cannot stay you But take it whilst I live and wear Montfichet's shield in the days when my eyes can be rejoiced by so brave a sight for you will ne'er disgrace our stutchen I warrant me The lad had checked him then Never that sir he had said He was in deep converse with the clerk and entered the hall holding him by the arm Now to bed boy Tis late and I go myself within a short space Dismiss your squire Robin and bid me good e'en As any in England I would say said Gamewell proudly that is in his day Yet he will teach you a few tricks when morning is come There was no chance to alter his sleeping room to one nearer to Gamewell's chamber Presently he crossed the floor of his room with decided step Will cried he softly and Stutley who had chosen his couch across the door of his young master's chamber sprang up at once in answer We will go out together to the bower there is a way down to the court from my window Rest and be still until I warn you The hours passed wearily by and movement could yet be heard about the hall At last all was quiet and black in the courtyard of Gamewell Will whispered Robin opening his door as he spoke Are you ready