To avoid being overheard, Robin contained his laughter, but he couldn't stop his eyes from dancing with devilish merriment. "The river's next," he whispered to his men. "Are you ready, John...Will? Let's continue giving Gisbourne a welcome he won't soon forget."

"Ready," John affirmed, while Will nodded his assent, a sly wisp of a smile playing at one corner of his lips. It was so good to have Robin back! There was never any chance of boredom with him around!

Robin knew humiliation was a stronger deterrent to Gisbourne than fear. Plus, it was a lot more fun for himself! Now, if only Marian would stop rolling her eyes and stay hidden!

He had charged Djaq with making certain Marian stayed out of sight, and had given Much another job to do...stuffing burlap sacks with leaves, to make them resemble bodies, at least from a distance. Since Marian had no desire to be seen by Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Djaq's duty was easier than Much's...so easy, in fact, she and Marian helped Much complete his. Soon, the three of them had created a score of "dummies," ready to fool Gisbourne and his men.

But, as Robin had said, the river was next.

...

Allan led Gisbourne further toward the camp, but stopped when they came to a wide tributary of the river Trent. This, unbeknownst to Robin, was the same stream where Marian believed she had seen him "naked," though she had actually only caught a flash of his backside once while he was bathing. Also, it was the same stream where innocent Will had accidentally caught a quick glimpse of Djaq, proving she was no boy.

"It's too deep to cross here," Allan cautioned. "It'll be easier if we keep going east, and cross where it's narrower, and more shallow. We'll have to double back, but, believe me, it'll be worth it."

"We do not double back! The bridge looks sturdy enough," Gisbourne decided, eyeing it thoughtfully. "We cross here."

"Not bein' funny, but I wouldn't advise it, Guy. I don't remember seein' that bridge before. It's proabably, you know, one of Robin's tricks."

"You do not dispute my orders!" Gisbourne roared, causing most of his men to cringe and tremble.

Even though he knew he was probably wasting his breath, Allan tried talking sense to his master. "I got a funny feelin' about this, Guy."

"Then you can go first, and lose your fear."

"Right," Allan sighed, trying to resign himself to whatever dreadful fate awaited him.

Once his horse was halfway across the bridge with no incident, Allan called back, "It's alright! The bridge is sturdy, like you said, Guy!"

"Follow me," Gisbourne ordered, taking the lead and meeting Allan midway across the water.

When at last every rider had boarded the bridge, Robin's voice was heard crying, "Heave!" Instantly, the bridge gave way, toppling the horses and riders into the deep, murky stream. Chaos and confusion reigned, as horses and men fought their way to the banks. Only Guy of Gisbourne struggled in vain, for his armor, though light in weight, was still armor, and hardly suited for swimming. It threatened to drag him under, and he was seen clawing his way to the surface and screaming for help, before sinking back under the thrashing waves again.

"Aw, no," Allan complained, before diving back into the stream and dragging his master to safety.

Gisbourne, coughing and sputtering for air, spewed forth vile curses against the outlaw, Robin Hood. Lifting his drenched head and shoulders from the muddy riverbank, his eyes were amazed to see that same enemy, flanked on either side by two of his scurvy outlaws, smugly laughing down at him.

"Well, Gisbourne," the pestilent Robin Hood was gloating, "did I hear you call my name? It's Locksley to you, don't forget. Ah! Nothing like an afternoon bath to open your pores and make you feel refreshed!"

"Hood!" Gisbourne cried.

Robin chuckled. "How many times do I have to tell you? It's Locksley. L-O-C-K-"

"I know how to spell it! I live there now, you whoreson bastard!"

"Gisbourne! Such language! I may begin to think you might not like me!"

Gisbourne lifted his body from the mud and glared at his men. "What are you waiting for?" he shouted. "Will you let him stand there and taunt me? Shoot him!"

Several of Gisbourne's men took aim, but, to their dismay, so did Robin. Raising his bow, neatly nocked with five arrows, Robin threatened, "Hold, if you know what's good for you. My men surround you, and the first one of you who draws will die. So, I suggest you pack your weapons and get out of my forest. NOW!"

"Shouldn't we do what he says, Guy?" Allan asked nervously.

"Stay where you are!" Gisbourne ordered his men. Shivering in his wet armor, he nonetheless rose to his feet and looked Robin squarely in the eye. "We will not back down, Hood." Shouting to his men again, he commanded, "Shoot him, you fools!"

None obeyed.

Robin, pointing his arrows at Gisbourne's face, snickered. "Up until now, my men and I have merely toyed with you. I would suggest you get yourselves to safety, before we tire of our sport and turn our play to earnest."

For effect, Little John growled and flexed his staff. Will's eyes narrowed as he brandished his axe.

"Will no one shoot this pestilent outlaw?" Gisbourne cried. "Damn you! I'll do it myself!"

Seizing a bow and arrows from the man closest to him, Gisbourne turned back to the riverbank, only to see Robin and his men disappear into the underbrush. "See you, Gisbourne!" Robin was heard to cry in a smug, self satisfied tone, while Gisbourne swore and cursed.

"He swears he'll catch you, Robin," Will said later, out of breath from their running.

"He's a great swearer," Robin laughed. "But we're not finished with Guy of Gisbourne yet. You men still with me?"

All of his gang, with the exception of a worried Marian, eagerly nodded in agreement.