"Under favour, sir," replied the yeoman, "I have another reason
for refraining to shoot, besides the fearing discomfiture and
disgrace."

"And what is thy other reason?" said Prince John, who, for some
cause which perhaps he could not himself have explained, felt a
painful curiosity respecting this individual.

"Because," replied the woodsman, "I know not if these yeomen and
I are used to shoot at the same marks; and because, moreover, I
know not how your Grace might relish the winning of a third prize
by one who has unwittingly fallen under your displeasure."

Prince John coloured as he put the question, "What is thy name,
yeoman?"

"Locksley," answered the yeoman.

"Then, Locksley," said Prince John, "thou shalt shoot in thy
turn, when these yeomen have displayed their skill. If thou
carriest the prize, I will add to it twenty nobles; but if thou
losest it, thou shalt be stript of thy Lincoln green, and
scourged out of the lists with bowstrings, for a wordy and
insolent braggart."

"And how if I refuse to shoot on such a wager?" said the yeoman.
---"Your Grace's power, supported, as it is, by so many
men-at-arms, may indeed easily strip and scourge me, but cannot
compel me to bend or to draw my bow."