Page:Celebrated history of the renowned Robin Hood (2).pdf/17

 lenged Robin to shoot three arrows with him for one hundred pounds; to which Robin agreed, on condition that he would shoot one at the mark he produced. A fresh target was set up, and the captain amidst thunder of applause fixed his three arrows in the mark, md one of them in the very center of the target; but Robin, with seeming careless- ness, let fly his first arrow, which split the centre one to shivers, and stuck in its place. Robin then caused two willow wands to be stuck in the ground at double distance, ob- serving, that this was the kind of mark he was accustomed to, and challenged all the king’s archers to a trial; but as none of them durst venture after what they had seen, Robin, with the remaining two arrows, clove both the wands. The king’s bowmen whispered to each other, that he must be the devil, for there never was such archery seen before; but the Bishop of Hereford said to the king, "I know now who they are; that is Robin Hood, and these fellows are his band.” The king would not have allowed them to depart; Lut as his word had been already given for their security, he made a noble feast, be- stowed on them the prizes, and sent them away with honour.

King Richard often thought of the won- derful dexterity shown by Robin Hood and his band, and having heard of many of