A traditional relic of the picturesque poacher prince of Sherwood Forest, were it even "no bigger than an agate-stone on the forefinger of an alderman," would, we presume, be worthy of jealous preservation. It is, therefore, the more surprising that Yorkshiremen have not taken adequate means for the protection of "a _massive_ piece of millstone grit which, from time immemorial, has stood on a rising ground overlooking the Aire Valley." Reclining in the shade of this historic stone--named after him--"bold ROBIN HOOD would, with his Maid MARIAN, sup and bowse from horn and can," using it as a kind of half-way house, so to speak, on his journeys to York. But oh, shade of Friar TUCK, thou genial exemplar (dare we hint it?) of what is known as the "sporting" parson--a type, alas! rapidly becoming as extinct as thyself--the Vandal hordes, in the shape of the Bradford Corporation, have come with their destroying trail of dynamite, and, under base pretence of making way for a water conduit, _have cloven the Robin Hood stone into four parts!_ Not until the blasting powder was in position did the people realise the full horror of the dread deed about to be wrought; and then, to save that which once sheltered an outlaw, they sent for a policeman, who, of course, arrived "after the blast was over." "The occurrence has caused a feeling of indignation throughout the district," says the _Yorkshire Post_, adding, "and it is unlikely that the incident will be passed over in silence." It certainly was not accomplished "in silence"! Yorkers! why did you not shut the stable door _before_ the steed was stolen? * * * * * THE THREE WEIRD WRITERS OF DRURY LANE. SCENE--_Somewhere in the neighbourhood of Drury Lane. Any time before the production of "Cheer, Boys, Cheer."_ [Illustration: INGREDIENTS FOR DRAMA] _First W. W._ (_Sir Druriol nus_). When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, shine, or rain? _Second W. W._ (_C. Raleigh_). When the hurly-burly's done, When by play we've lost or won. _Third W. W._ (_H. Hamilton_). 'Twill be settled by the run! _First W. W._ Where the scenes? _Second W. W._ (_happily_). From Polo go _First W. W._ (_excitedly_). To Matabele! _Third W. W._ (_grandly_). Rotten Row! _First W. W._ To WORTH of Paris! _Second W. W._ (_receiving a note from the Musical Director_). GLOVER calls! _Third W. W._ (_having had a line from a Costumier_). What! BOSCH! _All three_ (_solemnly dancing round the cauldron_). Polo, gold mines, Rotten Row, Costumes grand, comedian low, Round about the country go! The Weird Writers hand in hand Posters stick throughout the land. Us they'll write about, about! Three to one, it will be fine! Writers three we thus combine! Piece! The curtain's up! [_They vanish._