Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/21

Rh the hangman when the three yeomen are to die.' Tis granted with free goodwill,' said the sheriff; 'therefore go and prepare thyself for thine office, for they have but few hours to live.'

Robin then returned to his brave band of archers, whom he brought and placed in ambush near the field where the gallows was fixed; afterwards going again to the sheriff, the three yeomen were led to the appointed spot. 'Now begin thine office, my jolly hangman,' said the sheriff, 'for these yeomen no longer must live; and thou shalt have all their good clothing, and all their money besides.'

Then Robin mounted the gallows, with his horn in his hand, which he sounded loud and shrill, when quickly came marching over the field, an hundred and more of his faithful bowmen, all clothed in green. 'Whose men are all these,' said the sheriff, 'that come marching so boldly this way?' 'O these are all Robin Hood's men,' said he, 'and they are come to fetch me, and likewise to take the three yeomen, who are going to die.' 'O take them, pray take them, without more ado,' said the sheriff; 'for there is not a man in all Nottingham that can do the like of thee.'