The animal was, however, he saw at a second glance, not destitute of bone and muscle; while the rider's expression of countenance and general appearance made it difficult to believe that he was of the pacific character his words would imply. A pair of substantial saddle-bags hung across the saddle, and Jack observed that the butts of two pistols projected from the holsters on either side. "Why, Master Pearson, you have made good despatch with your business in the north," said Jack; "for I think I am not wrong in calling you by that name. I hope that it has been successful." "As things generally go with me," answered Pearson carelessly. "I am now on my way south again to Cambridge and other places; for I also have some interest in the wool trade, and hope to be at Stourbridge Fair: that beats every other mart in the world, in my opinion." "I have heard that it was far above our Goose Fair," said Jack, "though we are not ashamed of that either." "That is a right curious name you give your fair, Master Deane," observed Pearson. "There must be a great sight of geese sold there, I'm thinking." "Not exactly," answered Jack. "I do not know that more geese are sold then than at any other time." "Then come, tell me why it is called Goose Fair: there must be a reason for it," said Pearson. "If you know it, out with the truth, lad." "The reason why our Nottingham Fair is called Goose Fair? Well, if you needs must know the story, I'll out with it," said Jack, thus pressed by his companion. "Of course, having been born and bred in Nottingham, I believe all about it. You must know that some time, since bold Robin Hood ranged through Sherwood Forest, at all events between his days and ours, there dwelt within it, some ten miles away, a worthy knight and his dame. The better half of the knight was a shrew, and led him a wretched life. He had a son, on whom he bestowed all the affection which his wife might have shared. At length death relieved him of his tormentor. The dame died and was buried. He had a wonderfully heavy stone put on the top of her grave, lest she should come to life again; and then he gave all his thoughts to the education of his son. He resolved, moreover, that he should not make the mistake of which he had been guilty by marrying too early. He therefore kept the boy closely confined within the precincts of his own domain, within which not a female of any age, old or young, was allowed to enter. They were all alike, he declared. The oldest might inveigle his boy as well as the youngest. At length the lad having approached the age of twenty-one, and being perfectly contented with his lot, his father thought that he might with safety take him to Nottingham Fair where he had business. Scarcely had they dismounted from their steeds than a damsel with black eyes and rosy cheeks came tripping by. The lad regarded her with eyes of astonishment and admiration.