Hob and Nob had their supper at the same time, and the party at the
table, which had been increased by the two archers and Nicholas
Clamp, attacked with renewed vigour a fresh supply of mead and ale,
which had been provided for them by Jack of the Bottles.
The conversation then turned upon Herne the Hunter; and as all had
heard more or less about him, and some had seen him, while few knew
the legend connected with him, Hector Cutbeard volunteered to relate
it; upon which all the party gathered closer together, and Mabel and
Deborah left off talking, and drew near to listen.
VI. The Legend of Herne the Hunter.
"Nearly a century and a half ago," commenced Cutbeard, about the
middle of the reign of Richard the Second, there was among the
keepers of the forest a young man named Herne. He was expert
beyond his fellows in all matters of woodcraft, and consequently in
great favour with the king, who was himself devoted to the chase.
Whenever he stayed at the castle, King Richard, like our own royal
Harry, would pass his time in hunting, hawking, or shooting with the
long-bow; and on all these occasions the young keeper was his
constant attendant. If a hart was to be chased, Herne and his two
black hounds of Saint Hubert's breed would hunt him down with
marvellous speed; if a wild boar was to be reared, a badger digged out,
a fox unkennelled, a marten bayed, or an otter vented, Herne was
chosen for the task.
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