Enraged by this impudence, the sheriff sent out three hundred men to scour the forest, and Robin and his men were forced to hide.
Weary of inaction, Robin finally bade Will Stutely reconnoiter, report what the sheriff was doing, and see whether it would be safe for him and his men to venture out.

Garbed as a monk, Will Stutely sought the nearest inn, where he was quietly seated when some of the sheriff's men came in.

The outlaw was listening intently to their plans when a cat, rubbing against him, pushed aside his frock, and thus allowed the constable a glimpse of Lincoln green beneath its folds.

To arrest the outlaw was but the matter of a moment, and Will Stutely was led off to prison and execution, while a friendly bar-maid hastened off secretly to the forest to warn Robin of his friend's peril.
Determined to save Will from the gallows at any risk, Robin immediately set out with four of his best men and let them mingle among the people assembled near the gallows.

Although disguised, the outlaws were immediately recognized by Will when he arrived with the sheriff.