Robin Hood and Maid Marian

in Hood was talking to the girl, the pounding on the small door ceased. It could not easily have been forced, and the main entrance was no less strong. The King's official had not departed, however, nor was he in the mind to do so yet. A servant who had been hastily sent to the top of the building shouted that the sheriff and his men had withdrawn to a short distance, and when he announced soon afterwards that they were advancing, Robin Hood led his friends and retainers into the castle, and posted some at embrasures, others behind the battlements.

For some minutes a fight was waged with cross-bows and arrows, to the accompaniment of a shrill clamour. Several of the enemy were hit, but their bolts did no damage. They soon withdrew again, carrying the wounded with them, and bawling angry threats; and now, judging that the siege would be raised, Robin Hood and his party went back to the courtyard to their interrupted feast, leaving sentries on the watch above.

There was some show of merriment agai