Chapter Six The Stranger in Scarlet Robin, Little John, and their new companion soon became thirsty.
Stopping at a spring by the side of the road, the men drank from the clear, cool water.
As they rested, they saw a tall man walking lightly down the road.
A broad velvet hat covered his long yellow hair, and he was dressed all in scarlet.
In his hand, the man held a rose.
Every few moments, he sniffed at it daintily.
Have you ever seen such a fancy boy before? chortled Robin.
His clothes are much too pretty for a man.
Arthur Abland agreed, but he is a big broad, strong-looking fellow.
Ha, said Robin.
He would cry like a baby if he saw a mouse.
I wonder who he is.
Some baron's son, said Arthur of Lynn.
His purse is probably filled with money of honest working men.
Robin jumped to his feet.
Wait here while I teach this fellow a lesson, and you, little John, pay attention.
The man saw Robin step into the middle of the road but did not change his pace.
He continued to sniff at his rose as if he had not a care in the world.
When the stranger was within a few feet, Robin raised his staff.
Hold!
Hold!
Stay where you are, fellow!
In a soft voice, the man in red asked, Why should I hold?
Why should I stay where I am?
Good friend, explained Robin.
I charge a toll on the road.
It is a fee for carrying more money than the law allows.
I will need to look inside your purse to see whether you have broken this law.
The tall stranger listened quietly.
You seem like a nice fellow, and I love to hear you talk, but I must be on my way.
If you will give me your purse, I will let you be on your way, Robin replied.
I'm very sorry that I cannot do as you wish, the stranger said.
Let me go.
I have done you no harm.
I have told you, good fellow, you will go no farther until you do what I say.
Oh, good fellow, I am afraid I shall have to kill you, the stranger said, quietly drawing his sword.
Put that down, Robin commanded.
My stout staff will break it in two.
I will not take advantage of you, so go cut yourself a proper staff.
The stranger said nothing.
He replaced his sword and his scabbard and tossed aside his rose.
Then he walked into the woods and chose a small tree.
Arthur Abland and Little John watched in wonder as the stranger grabbed the tree with both hands and pulled it out of the ground, roots and all.
By the saints in heaven, exclaimed Arthur Upland, he pulled that tree like a weed in a garden.
I think our master stands a poor chance against this stranger in scarlet.
With his dagger, the stranger calmly trimmed the tree to the right size.
He stepped to the middle of the road where Robin stood waiting.
The two men fought furiously.
The stranger was stronger than Robin, but Robin had more skill.
A cloud of dust rose around them.
Robin dodged the powerful blows of his opponent, but his own blows were blocked.
Finally, the stranger struck at Robin with great force.
Though Robin blocked the strike, he felt his staff bend.
The stranger struck furiously again and again, forcing Robin to the ground.
Hold!
Hold! he cried.
I say hold!
I give up!
Little John and Arthur Oblan rushed forward, shouting, Hold!
Hold!
The stranger and Red spun around to face them.
Well, if...
You two fellows are as strong as he is.
I will have my hands full, but I will try to serve you as well.
Stop, bellowed Robin.
We will fight no more.
He turned to Little John.
This is a very bad day for us.
I do wonder whether my arm is broken.
Little John's eyes twinkled.
How now, good master.
Here, let me dust off your coat.
Let me help you get up.
Robin shook off Little John's aid and scrambled up.
Turning to the stranger, Robin asked, What is your name?
Gamwell, answered the stranger.
Ha, is that so, said Robin.
I have kin with the same name.
Where do you come from?
I hail from Maxwell Town and come to find my uncle, who men call Robin Hood, the stranger explained.
I wonder if you could direct me.
Robin clapped his hands on Gamwell's shoulders.
Well, Gamwell, it can be no other.
Look at me and tell me if you know me.
Young Gamwell looked deeply into Robin's eyes.
By the breath in my body, I do believe you are my own Uncle Robin.
