Then Robin Hood turned to the youth, and, placing his hand upon the other's shoulder, held him off at arm's length, scanning his face closely.
"A young face," quoth he in a low voice, half to himself, "a kind face, a good face.

'Tis like a maiden's for purity, and, withal, the fairest that e'er mine eyes did see; but, if I may judge fairly by thy looks, grief cometh to young as well as to old." At these words, spoken so kindly, the poor lad's eyes brimmed up with tears.

"Nay, nay," said Robin hastily, "cheer up, lad; I warrant thy case is not so bad that it cannot be mended.

What may be thy name ?" "Allen a Dale is my name, good master." "Allen a Dale," repeated Robin, musing.

"Allen a Dale.