At this the Bishop looked up, but he could say never a word; yet he was thankful to keep some of his wealth.

Then Robin turned to Sir Richard of the Lea, and quoth he, “Now, Sir Richard, the church seemed like to despoil thee, therefore some of the overplus of church gains may well be used in aiding thee.  Thou shalt take that five hundred pounds laid aside for people more in need than the Bishop is, and shalt pay thy debts to Emmet therewith.”

Sir Richard looked at Robin until something arose in his eyes that made all the lights and the faces blur together.  At last he said, “I thank thee, friend, from my heart, for what thou doest for me; yet, think not ill if I cannot take thy gift freely.  But this I will do:  I will take the money and pay my debts, and in a year and a day hence will return it safe either to thee or to the Lord Bishop of Hereford.  For this I pledge my most solemn knightly word.  I feel free to borrow, for I know no man that should be more bound to aid me than one so high in that church that hath driven such a hard bargain.”  “Truly, Sir Knight,” quoth Robin, “I do not understand those fine scruples that weigh with those of thy kind; but, nevertheless, it shall all be as thou dost wish.  But thou hadst best bring the money to me at the end of the year, for mayhap I may make better use of it than the Bishop.”  Thereupon, turning to those near him, he gave his orders, and five hundred pounds were counted out and tied up in a leathern bag for Sir Richard.  The rest of the treasure was divided, and part taken to the treasurehouse of the band, and part put by with the other things for the Bishop.

Then Sir Richard arose.  “I cannot stay later, good friends,” said he, “for my lady will wax anxious if I come not home; so I crave leave to depart.”

Then Robin Hood and all his merry men arose, and Robin said, “We cannot let thee go hence unattended, Sir Richard.”

Then up spake Little John, “Good master, let me choose a score of stout fellows from the band, and let us arm ourselves in a seemly manner and so serve as retainers to Sir Richard till he can get others in our stead.”

“Thou hast spoken well, Little John, and it shall be done,” said Robin.

Then up spake Will Scarlet, “Let us give him a golden chain to hang about his neck, such as befits one of his blood, and also golden spurs to wear at his heels.”

Then Robin Hood said, “Thou hast spoken well, Will Scarlet, and it shall be done.”

Then up spake Will Stutely, “Let us give him yon bale of rich velvet and yon roll of cloth of gold to take home to his noble lady wife as a present from Robin Hood and his merry men all.”

At this all clapped their hands for joy, and Robin said:  “Thou hast well spoken, Will Stutely, and it shall be done.”

Then Sir Richard of the Lea looked all around and strove to speak, but could scarcely do so for the feelings that choked him; at last he said in a husky, trembling voice, “Ye shall all see, good friends, that Sir Richard o’ the Lea will ever remember your kindness this day.  And if ye be at any time in dire need or trouble, come to me and my lady, and the walls of Castle Lea shall be battered down ere harm shall befall you.  I—­” He could say nothing further, but turned hastily away.