A flash of pain shot up to his very sword; and down he went, with Mary to protect him, or at any rate to cover him.

His three men, like true Britons, stood in position, and waited for their officer to get up and give orders.
These three men showed such perfect discipline that Robin was invited to knock them down, as if they had simply been three skittles in a row; he recovered his presence of mind and did it; and looking back at Mary, received signal to be off.

Perceiving that his brave love would take no harm--for the tanner was come forth blustering loudly, and Mrs.
Popplewell with shrieks and screams enough to prevent the whole Preventive Service--the free-trader kissed his hand to Mary, and was lost through the bushes, and away into the dark..