DARING AND ADVENTURE Give me a chimney corner and an old book of tales of daring and adventure, and I would not trade my place for a king's. Such stories are even better than the actual experiences; for the reader can have all the thrill without sharing in the hardships and the dangers. A GREENWOOD HUNTER BY ELEANOR L. SKINNER ONE NE bright sunny morning Robin Hood and Little John were strolling through the fine glades of the forest. They were talking about their merry life in the greenwood. 5 "Little John," said Robin, "you are now as clever with the long bow and arrow as with your oaken staff.” "Ah, master," laughed Little John, “do you remember how awkward I was at first? It took all your patience to teach me the secret of skillful archery. 10 I shall never forget how my heart leaped for joy the first time I lodged an arrow in the rose garland set fivescore paces distant." "You can send a gray-goose shaft through the center of the wreath now," said Robin proudly. 15 "Yes," mused Little John; "many of the greenwood lads can do that, but you are the only one of the band who can split a peeled willow wand set fivescore yards away. You are the champion archer, master." "It is because I have had long, long practice, Little John," remarked Robin. The friends walked on in silence until a turn in the road brought into full view a large herd of deer grazing. "What a splendid sight," said Little John. ""Tis 5 the finest herd I've seen for many a day. Look! Does the noble hart scent danger?" "He does, Little John," answered Robin, dropping his voice. "Do you not see the gayly dressed hunter standing near yonder great oak tree? I declare he is Ic stringing his bow!" Little John looked in the direction pointed out by Robin and saw a tall, slender youth, dressed in scarlet, standing near a thick coppice about halfway between the herd and the yeomen. His doublet and stockings 15 were of scarlet silk and a broad scarlet feather curled along one side of his jaunty black-velvet cap. "A queerly dressed prig for a greenwood hunter," said Little John dryly. "He would make a good target for one of the royal foresters." 20 "No doubt Lincoln green is the safest color for Sherwood hunters to wear," laughed Robin. "Surely he is master of the bow, Little John. See, he holds it as deftly as one of my yeomen. I wonder who he is! Step into the coppice for a few moments and I will 25 slip along quietly and question him.” The yeoman was so interested in his sport that he did not notice Robin's light footsteps. He raised his 5 bow, took careful aim at one of the deer, and said aloud, "Now I'll have the best of you for my dinner." Away whizzed the arrow! "Well shot! Well shot! You have struck the s leader of the herd," said Robin stepping forward. "And you know well how to allow for the light breeze! Will you be one of my yeomen, good youth?" "Why do you speak to me, sir? Are you a forester?" asked the stranger in surprise. "I am, indeed," laughed Robin; "the chief forester of Sherwood." "Then will I have nothing to do with you," said the hunter moving away. "Hold!" cried Robin. "Stand where you are and 15 answer my questions. From what part of the country are you?" The youth turned and said sharply, "I've a mind to buffet you well with my fists for an answer." "Oh!" said Robin, smiling, "I consider buffeting 20 very poor sport." "I can play at archery if you wish," said the youth angrily, for he was very much annoyed at Robin's manner. "Why, so can I," said Robin Hood, instantly drawing 25 forth an arrow. There they stood for a few seconds, covering each other with their bows. Then Robin burst out laughing and said: "Hold your hand, good youth, for one of us |