"You did not reckon on the storm when you turned into this pass.

Do you know there are rogues this way ?" "I do," said the voice.
"So do I," said Robin.
A pause ensued, during which Robin listening attentively caught a faint sound of whispering.
"You are not alone," said Robin.

"Who are your companions ?" "None but the wind and the water," said the voice, "and I would I had them not." "The wind and the water have many voices," said Robin, "but I never before heard them say, What shall we do ?" Another pause ensued: after which, "Look ye, master cottager," said the voice, in an altered tone, "if you do not let us in willingly, we will break down the door." "Ho! ho!" roared the baron, "you are become plural are you, rascals?
How many are there of you, thieves?
What, I warrant, you thought to rob and murder a poor harmless cottager and his wife, and did not dream of a garrison?
You looked for no weapon of opposition but spit, poker, and basting ladle, wielded by unskilful hands: but, rascals, here is short sword and long cudgel in hands well tried in war, wherewith you shall be drilled into cullenders and beaten into mummy." No reply was made, but furious strokes from without resounded upon the door.

Robin, Marian, and the baron threw by their pilgrim's attire, and stood in arms on the defensive.

They were provided with swords, and the cottager gave them bucklers and helmets, for all Robin's haunts were furnished with secret armouries.