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please." Allan-a-dale agreed to join the bowmen, as with them be felt himself sure of protection; and then, seeing there was no time to lose, Robin disguised himself as a harper, and ordered twenty-four of his bowmen and Allan-a-dale to follow him; but proceeded to the church alone, where he found the bishop putting on his robes, who asked him what he wanted; Robin told him he was a harper, come to offer his services at the wedding. On the old knight and the bride making their appearance, Robin stepped forward and said, "I cannot allow this marriage to go on, for the bride must have her own choice." Then pulling out his horn, he gave three blasts, and the bowmen entered the church. "Young lady," said Robin, "as you are now free, see if there is any one here you would choose for your husband." She no sooner saw Allan-a-dale, than she sprang to him, and said, "Here is my choice." Robin requested the Bishop to proceed; but as he refused, he pulled off his robes, and put them on Little John, who took the book and went through the ceremony very gracefully, Robin giving away the bride. The bishop and the old knight slunk out of the church, and the rest of the party went off to celebrate the wedding at Sherwood Forest.
The Bishop of Hereford was so enraged at the trick played him, that he made several excursions to Sherwood Forest with a party of soldiers, on purpose to take Robin prisoner. One day, as Robin was walking alone in the forest, he heard
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the trampling of horses behind him, and looking about, saw the Bishop, with six of his followers, in pursuit of him. As they were only at a short distance behind him, Robin had no time to lose, therefore be ran forward till he reached the cottage of a poor old woman, into which he rushed, and beg-
