THE BLACK KNIGHT.

_ One day, as Robin was walking through the forest, he met a
Knight on horseback, in black and rather shabby armour. Now,
Robin, as I have said, did not rob the poor. He saw, also, that
the Knight was a Crusader (that is, a soldier who had fought for
the Holy Land), so he spoke civilly to him, and asked him to come
home with him and take some refreshment. The Knight accepted
the invitation, and soon they were sitting under the old oak, with
some of the Merry-men, quaffing a cup of wine.

“Let us drink to the health of our good King Richard of the
Lion Heart,” said Robin; and the outlaws drank the toast loyally ;
but the Knight did not put his goblet to his lips.

 

ROBIN HOOD anv KING RICHARD.

“Why do you not drink to our good King, Sir Knight?” said
Robin, sternly.

“T thought you outlaws of the forest did not love King
Richard,” answered the Knight.

The Merry-men all loudly exclaimed that they were true men,
and no traitors. Then the Knight rose, and suddenly took off his
helmet, saying, with grave majesty, “I am Richard.” ‘There was
a moment’s silence; then the outlaws fell on their knees, and
begged the King’s forgiveness for robbing his subjects and killing
his deer. Robin Hood also told the King all his story (he was
banished before Richard became King),and the generous Monarch
forgave them all, and bade them lead honest lives for the future.

Then the outlaws flung up their caps and shouted, “ Long live
King Richard!” till they made the forest glades ring, and startled
the dappled deer from their lair.