7 Robin Hood’s Long-Lost Kinsman

CHAPTER 7 Robin Hood's Long-Lost Kinsman Robin had not seen Will Gamwell for ten years, and the two men hugged joyfully. Before becoming an outlaw, Robin had taught the boy Will to use a bow and arrow. He had also taught him to fight with a staff—very well it seemed! "I hope I didn't hurt you, Uncle Robin," apologized Will. "My arm will tingle for a few days, but it

will be fine," Robin replied. "My heart dropped when I saw you uproot that tree. You have become a very strong man. Tell me, what brings you to Sherwood Forest?" "It is a long story," Will said sadly. "I hit a man who threatened my old father. I did not intend it, but the force of the blow killed the man. Now I have been charged with murder." "I am very sorry to hear of your ill fortune, Will, but I am very glad that you will join our band," Robin comforted him. "You must have a new name because warrants for your arrest will be sworn out. Aha!Your clothes give me an idea! You shall be known as Will Scarlet." Little John shook Will's hand. "Will Scarlet, I am very glad to meet you. My name is Little John. This is a new member of our band, Arthur a Bland. You will surely

become famous, Will Scarlet. Many minstrels will sing about how you beat the stout Robin Hood in a fair fight with staffs." "Let us say no more about that, Little John," warned Robin. "Why, good master, I thought you liked a good laugh," said Little John. "Did you not tease me about a certain fatness of my limbs?" "I will say no more about that, Little John. Let us keep this story among ourselves," Robin insisted. "You also enjoyed it very much when our new friend Arthur a Bland got the better of me," teased Little John. "A curse on you, Little John! I will say no more of it." "Fair enough," agreed Little John. "I was blinded today. I did not see you take a beating from the young Will Scarlet. Any

man who says I did will get a beating from me." "Today I have gained the strongest men in all of Nottinghamshire," Robin declared. "We can go to Ancaster another day. Now let us return to the Greenwood Tree. Perhaps rest will mellow the pain I feel in my bones and joints."