One of them took his frying-pan; but he
looked so pitifully at them as he said simply, "I starve," that
the frying-pan was restored to him.
They unbuckled Rodriguez' belt and took from him sword and
scabbard and three gold pieces from his purse. Next they found the
gold piece that was hanging round his neck, still stuffed inside
his clothes where he had put it when he was riding. Having
examined it they put it back inside his clothes, while the leader
rebuckled his sword-belt about his waist and returned him his
three gold-pieces.
Others returned his money to Morano. "Master," said the leader,
bowing to Rodriguez, his green hat in hand, "under our King, the
forest is yours."
Morano was pleased to hear this respect paid to his master, but
Rodriguez was so surprised that he who was never curt without
reason found no more to say than "Why?"
"Because we are your servants," said the other.
"Who are you?" asked Rodriguez.
"We are the green bowmen, master," he said, "who hold this forest
against all men for our King."
"And who is he?" said Rodriguez.
And the bowman answered: "The King of Shadow Valley," at which the
others all touched hats and bowed heads again. And Rodriguez
seeing that the mystery would grow no clearer for any information
to be had from them said: "Conduct me to your king."
"That, master, we cannot do," said the chief of the bowmen. "There
be many trees in this forest, and behind any one of them he holds
his court.
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