‘It is not so easy,’ answered the sheriff. ‘The village people don't
want to tell me much. They say only that the robbers live in or near
Sherwood Forest. But they know more than they say. I have a plan to
learn more about this man Robin Hood.’
‘What is your plan?’ asked the prince.
‘It is this,’ answered the sheriff. ‘Robin of Locksley lives near
Sherwood Forest. Tonight there is going to be a great party at Locksley
House. I know that Fitzooth will invite the village people on his land. So
I will send one of my men. He can wear village clothes and ask
questions about “good” Robin Hood, “the people's friend”. When I
know more about this Robin, I can catch him.’
That evening, there were a lot of people at Locksley House. There
was food and drink for the villagers, and there was dancing and singing.
Everybody was very happy. And Robin was the happiest person there,
because he and the lovely Lady Marian Fitzwalter planned to marry the
next day.
The sheriff's man turned to a villager next to him.
‘I often hear the name Robin Hood,’ he said. ‘Who is he ? Does he
live near here ?’
The man laughed. ‘Don't you know, friend? Robin Fitzooth is Robin
Hood!’
The sheriff's man quickly left Locksley House and went to his lord.
‘This is better than I hoped,’ said the sheriff. ‘Tomorrow, Robin
Fitzooth will marry Lady Marian at St Mary's Abbey. But my men will
stop him and bring him to me. Prince John will kill him and give me
Fitzooth's money and lands. Lady Marian's family is also rich. She will
not marry Robin, so perhaps I will marry her. Yes, tomorrow will be a
great day for me!’