Chapter 21
The next few days were spent laying out the plan. The sheriff demanded that the people of all villages bring in tax money. He spread that it was time to send tax funds to Prince John so he could get it to King Richard. If they had no coins, they were to bring family jewels or other valuables. If they brought nothing, they would be hung. He made known that all the funds were being collected in the chapel of the castle and that they would be taken in two days time.
The planning session with Robin, Vailey, and Gisborne:
Robin suggested the collection of the taxes to be in the chapel. Guards were to keep watch each night it was there. He said on the night before the money was to be 'taken', the three of them would personally guard the chapel, for surely the outlaws would come for it.
"Why would I keep such a treasure in the chapel?" asked the sheriff.
"You won't", replied Robin. "The money will not be there."
"And just where will it be? If we keep it in the strong room while we are in the chapel………………."
"No, it will not be there either. We can split up and guard the strong room as well, in case they try to reach it."
"Then where will the money be?"
"Once it's collected, we move it all somewhere else…safe… say your quarters, sheriff. Would they think to look there? If they try the chapel or the strong room first, we have them."
"Brilliant! Yes, yes. Brilliant!"
So that was the plan. What they didn't realize was that Robin would tell the gang where the money was really located and that they would be waiting all night without the gang showing.