Ivanhoe, Chs. 13-14

When the name of Ivanhoe was spoken, it went around the lists like an arrow. Prince John was surprised, and not that pleased. He had given Ivanhoe's land to Front-de-Beuf, and now Ivanhoe might, nay would, want it back. However De Bracy said that the champion was wounded and might die.
Now it was time to have the archery, so as not to make the people mad. Prince John told his men to look for the "insolent braggart" who had spoken to him earlier. This yeoman was not shooting, saying that these yeomen, the best in England, were much better than he was. His name, he said, was Locksley. (I am sure that this is none other than Robin o' Locksley, or Robin Hood.) Prince John told Locksley that if he did not compete, his bow would be broken and he would be branded a coward. If he did compete, but was beaten, he would be whipped out of the lists with bowstrings. He competed against Hubert, a well-known archer. Hubert shot first, and his arrow landed near to the center of the target.  Locksley's landed two inches nearer. Hubert shot again, and this time it landed in the center. Locksley's arrow landed on top of Hubert's and split it to bits! (This sounds like Robin Hood, does it not? ) He then asked Hubert to shot at a mark he designated. He plucked a willow wand, and, peeling it, set it up against a tree. Hubert said that no one could hit that. Locksley hit it fairly in the middle. For his first two shots, he did not even really aim seemingly. For his last shot, however, he changed the string and looked to his arrow.

Now we will move on to Cedric and Athelstane, who attended Prince John's banquet. Insults were given them in the form of compliments, and they left early after drinking the health of King Richard the Lion-Heart, Prince John's brother. Prince John was very angry, and they were lucky to get away.
More soon!
Bell