"
Sir Richard looked at Robin until something arose in his eyes that made
all the lights and the faces blur together. At last he said, "I thank
thee, friend, from my heart, for what thou doest for me; yet, think not
ill if I cannot take thy gift freely. But this I will do: I will take
the money and pay my debts, and in a year and a day hence will return it
safe either to thee or to the Lord Bishop of Hereford. For this I
pledge my most solemn knightly word. I feel free to borrow, for I know
no man that should be more bound to aid me than one so high in that
church that hath driven such a hard bargain." "Truly, Sir Knight,"
quoth Robin, "I do not understand those fine scruples that weigh with
those of thy kind; but, nevertheless, it shall all be as thou dost wish.
But thou hadst best bring the money to me at the end of the year, for
mayhap I may make better use of it than the Bishop." Thereupon, turning
to those near him, he gave his orders, and five hundred pounds were
counted out and tied up in a leathern bag for Sir Richard. The rest of
the treasure was divided, and part taken to the treasurehouse of the
band, and part put by with the other things for the Bishop.
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