"Yes, that's so, Barbara," Betty replied, in all seriousness. "I forgot." There was one thing upon the estate of the Duke of Portland which did greatly interest the party, however; that is, an old gnarled oak which is called "Robin Hood's Larder." "Ye see, 'e came 'ere to store 'is venison, and to 'ang it up to dry. 'E was a clever chap, 'e was. 'E 'id it inside the trunk." The driver grinned from ear to ear, as he gave this valuable information. Getting out to explore, the children found that the huge tree is hollow, and propped up to postpone the sad day when it will surely collapse altogether. Many old tree-trunks, all over Sherwood Forest, are like this, and in some of them John could stretch his full length upon the ground. Near "Robin Hood's Larder" is the spot where, according to Scott, the outlaw met with King Richard of the Lion Heart,--or, at least, so say the local guidebooks. "Yes," said Mrs. Pitt, understanding at once; "don't you remember that in Scott's 'Ivanhoe'? Another version of this famous meeting is in Howard Pyle's book. King Richard was at Nottingham Town, you know, and having a curious desire to meet with Robin Hood, he and his friends went into Sherwood Forest, dressed as friars. Robin and his men found them, of course, and made them guests at a feast. Later, there was shooting, and Robin Hood, having once missed the mark, applied to the King, whom he did not recognize, for a punishment. Thereupon King Richard arose, rolled up his sleeve, and gave such a blow as Robin had never felt before. It was afterwards that Sir Richard of the Lea appeared upon the scene, and disclosed the identity of the powerful stranger. Then Robin Hood, Little John, Will Scarlet, and Alan-a-Dale followed the King to London at the royal wish, and left Sherwood for many a long day." They were now passing through a very dense part of the wood. Close about the feet of the oaks, a thick, tangled underbrush grows. Some of the old trees seem to be gray with age, and their whitish, twisted branches offer a sharp contrast to the dark shadows, and make a weird, ghostlike effect.