So thus they went in threescore companies of five to Sherwood Forest, to take Robin Hood, each
constable wishing that he might be the one to find the bold outlaw, or at least one of his band.
It was a leisure moment with the court; some low whispering passed between the bench and the sheriff, who gave a signal to his officers, and in a very few minutes the silence that prevailed was interrupted by a general movement in the outer crowd, when presently the Leather-Stocking made his appearance, ushered into the criminal’s bar under the custody of two
constables, The hum ceased, the people closed into the open space again, and the silence soon became so deep that the hard breathing of the prisoner was audible.
However, I spoke to the
constable to call me a porter, which he did, and then I called for pen, ink, and paper, but they would let me have none.
But what I vote is, as two of the sensiblest o' the company should go with you to Master Kench, the
constable's--he's ill i' bed, I know that much--and get him to appoint one of us his deppity; for that's the law, and I don't think anybody 'ull take upon him to contradick me there.
'You'll have a hackney-coach, I suppose?' interrupted the
constable, holding Kit (whom his other captors had released) carelessly by the arm, a little above the elbow.
"That's right," the
constable approved, "listen to your woman."
"This boy," says the
constable, "although he's repeatedly told to, won't move on--"
'Pay attention to the reply,
constable, will you?' said the doctor, shaking his forefinger with great solemnity of manner, and tapping the bridge of his nose with it, to bespeak the exercise of that worthy's utmost acuteness.
Tom was no sooner informed by the
constable whither they were proceeding (indeed he pretty well guessed it of himself), than he caught Molly in his arms, and embracing her tenderly before them all, swore he would murder the first man who offered to lay hold of her.
"What a leather-headed idea!" exclaimed the
constable. "The thief das'n't go near them, nor send anybody.
"Oh yes, I dare say," said the
constable. "Now then, forward, march
"I shall be most happy to tell you anything I can," the
constable answered with his eyes upon the little golden disk.