The
latter were secretly rejoiced on hearing what had befallen Herne, but
they feigned the greatest affliction, and hastened with the king to the
spot where the body was lying stretched out beside that of the hart.
"'It is almost a pity his soul cannot pass away thus,' said King Richard,
gazing compassionately at him, "for he will only revive to anguish and
speedy death.'
"'Your highness is right,' replied the chief keeper, a grim old man named
Osmond Crooke, kneeling beside him, and half drawing his hunting-
knife; 'it were better to put him out of his misery.'
"'What! slay the man who has just saved my own life!' cried the king. 'I
will consent to no such infamous deed. I would give a large reward to
any one who could cure him.'
" As the words were uttered, a tall dark man, in a strange garb, and
mounted on a black wild-looking steed, whom no one had hitherto
observed, sprang to the ground and advanced towards the king.
"'I take your offer, sire,' said this personage, in a harsh voice. I will cure
him.'
"'Who art thou, fellow?' demanded King Richard doubtfully.
"'I am a forester,' replied the tall man, 'but I understand somewhat of
chirurgery and leechcraft.
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