WithOctoberhadcomethetimeforholdingthegreatFairwhichwascelebratedeveryfiveyearsatNottinghamTown，towhichfolkcamefromfarandnearthroughoutthecountry。
　　Atsuchtimesarcherywasalwaysthemainsportoftheday，fortheNottinghamshireyeomenwerethebesthandatthelongbowinallmerryEngland，butthisyeartheSheriffhesitatedalongtimebeforeheissuedproclamationoftheFair，fearinglestRobinHoodandhisbandmightcometoit。
　　AtfirsthehadagreatpartofamindnottoproclaimtheFair，butsecondthoughttoldhimthatmenwouldlaughathimandsayamongthemselvesthathewasafraidofRobinHood，soheputthatthoughtby。Atlasthefixedinhismindthathewouldoffersuchaprizeastheywouldnotcaretoshootfor。
　　Atsuchtimesithadbeenthecustomtoofferahalfscoreofmarksoratunofale，sothisyearheproclaimedthataprizeoftwofatsteersshouldbegiventothebestbowman。
　　WhenRobinHoodheardwhathadbeenproclaimedhewasvexed，andsaid，"NowbeshrewthisSheriffthatheshouldoffersuchaprizethatnonebutshepherdhindswillcaretoshootforit！
　　IwouldhavelovednothingbetterthantohavehadanotherboutatmerryNottinghamTown，butifIshouldwinthisprizenoughtwoulditpleasureorprofitme。"
　　ThenupspokeLittleJohn："Nay，buthearken，goodmaster，"
　　saidhe，"onlytodayWillStutely，youngDavidofDoncaster，andIwereattheSignoftheBlueBoar，andthereweheardallthenewsofthismerryFair，andalsothattheSheriffhathofferedthisprize，thatweofSherwoodmightnotcaretocometotheFair；so，goodmaster，ifthouwilt，IwouldfaingoandstrivetowineventhispoorthingamongthestoutyeomenwhowillshootatNottinghamTown。"
　　"Nay，LittleJohn，"quothRobin，"thouartasoundstoutfellow，yetthoulackestthecunningthatgoodStutelyhath，andIwouldnothaveharmbefalltheeforallNottinghamshire。Nevertheless，ifthouwiltgo，takesomedisguiselesttherebethosetherewhomayknowthee。"
　　"Sobeit，goodmaster，"quothLittleJohn，"yetallthedisguisethatI
　　wishisagoodsuitofscarletinsteadofthisofLincolngreen。
　　Iwilldrawthecowlofmyjacketaboutmyheadsothatitwillhidemybrownhairandbeard，andthen，Itrust，noonewillknowme。"
　　"Itismuchagainstmywill，"saidRobinHood，"ne'ertheless，ifthoudostwishit，gettheegone，butbearthyselfseemingly，LittleJohn，forthouartmineownright-handmanandIcouldillbeartohaveharmbefallthee。"
　　SoLittleJohncladhimselfallinscarletandstartedofftotheFairatNottinghamTown。
　　RightmerryweretheseFairdaysatNottingham，whenthegreenbeforethegreattowngatewasdottedwithboothsstandinginrows，withtentsofmany-coloredcanvas，hungaboutwithstreamersandgarlandsofflowers，andthefolkcamefromallthecountryside，bothgentleandcommon。
　　Insomeboothstherewasdancingtomerrymusic，inothersflowedaleandbeer，andinothersyetagainsweetcakesandbarleysugarweresold；
　　andsportwasgoingoutsidetheboothsalso，wheresomeminstrelsangballadsoftheoldentime，playingasecondupontheharp，orwherethewrestlersstruggledwithoneanotherwithinthesawdustring，butthepeoplegatheredmostofallaroundaraisedplatformwherestoutfellowsplayedatquarterstaff。
　　SoLittleJohncametotheFair。Allscarletwerehishoseandjerkin，andscarletwashiscowledcap，withascarletfeatherstuckinthesideofit。Overhisshoulderswasslungastoutbowofyew，andacrosshisbackhungaquiverofgoodroundarrows。Manyturnedtolookaftersuchastout，tallfellow，forhisshoulderswerebroaderbyapalm's-breadththananythatwerethere，andhestoodaheadtallerthanalltheothermen。
　　Thelasses，also，lookedathimaskance，thinkingtheyhadneverseenalustieryouth。
　　Firstofallhewenttotheboothwherestoutalewassoldand，standingaloftonabench，hecalledtoallthatwereneartocomeanddrinkwithhim。"Hey，sweetlads！"criedhe"whowilldrinkalewithastoutyeoman？Come，all！Come，all！
　　Letusbemerry，forthedayissweetandthealeistingling。
　　Comehither，goodyeoman，andthou，andthou；fornotafarthingshalloneofyoupay。Nay，turnhither，thoulustybeggar，andthoujollytinker，forallshallbemerrywithme。
　　Thusheshouted，andallcrowdedaround，laughing，whilethebrownaleflowed；
　　andtheycalledLittleJohnabravefellow，eachswearingthathelovedhimashisownbrother；forwhenonehasentertainmentwithnothingtopay，onelovesthemanthatgivesittoone。
　　Thenhestrolledtotheplatformwheretheywereatcudgelplay，forhelovedaboutatquarterstaffashelovedmeatanddrink；
　　andherebefellanadventurethatwassunginballadsthroughoutthemid-countryformanyaday。
　　Onefellowtherewasthatcrackedcrownsofeveryonewhothrewcapintothering。ThiswasErico'Lincoln，ofgreatrenown，whosenamehadbeensunginballadsthroughoutthecountryside。
　　WhenLittleJohnreachedthestandhefoundnonefighting，butonlyboldEricwalkingupanddowntheplatform，swinginghisstaffandshoutinglustily，"Now，whowillcomeandstrikeastrokeforthelasshelovesthebest，withagoodLincolnshireyeoman？Hownow，lads？Stepup！
　　Stepup！Orelsethelasses'eyesarenotbrighthereabouts，orthebloodofNottinghamyouthissluggishandcold。
　　LincolnagainstNottingham，sayI！FornoonehathputfootupontheboardsthisdaysuchasweofLincolncallacudgelplayer。"
　　Atthis，onewouldnudgeanotherwithhiselbow，saying，"Gothou，Ned！"
　　or"Gothou，Thomas！"butnoladcaredtogainacrackedcrownfornothing。
　　PresentlyEricsawwhereLittleJohnstoodamongtheothers，aheadandshouldersabovethemall，andhecalledtohimloudly，"Halloa，thoulong-leggedfellowinscarlet！
　　Broadarethyshouldersandthickthyhead；isnotthylassfairenoughfortheetotakecudgelinhandforhersake？
　　Intruth，IbelievethatNottinghammendoturntoboneandsinew，forneitherheartnorcouragehavethey！Now，thougreatlout，wiltthounottwirlstaffforNottingham？"
　　"Ay，"quothLittleJohn，"hadIbutmineowngoodstaffhere，itwouldpleasuremehugelytocrackthyknave'spate，thousaucybraggart！
　　Iwotitwouldbewellfortheeanthycock'scombwerecut！"
　　Thushespoke，slowlyatfirst，forhewasslowtomove；buthiswrathgatheredheadwaylikeagreatstonerollingdownahill，sothatattheendhewasfullofanger。
　　ThenErico'Lincolnlaughedaloud。"Wellspokenforonewhofearstomeetmefairly，mantoman，"saidhe。"Saucyartthouthineownself，andifthouputtestfootupontheseboards，Iwillmakethysaucytonguerattlewithinthyteeth！"
　　"Now，"quothLittleJohn，"isthereneveramanherethatwilllendmeagoodstoutstafftillItrythemettleofyonfellow？"
　　Atthis，halfascorereachedhimtheirstaves，andhetookthestoutestandheaviestofthemall。Then，lookingupanddownthecudgel，hesaid，"Now，Ihaveinmyhandbutasplintofwood——abarleystraw，asitwere——yetItrowitwillhavetoserveme，soheregoeth。"
　　Thereuponhecastthecudgeluponthestandand，leapinglightlyafterit，snatcheditupinhishandagain。
　　Theneachmanstoodinhisplaceandmeasuredtheotherwithfelllooksuntilhethatdirectedthesportcried，"Play！"Atthistheysteppedforth，eachgraspinghisstafftightlyinthemiddle。
　　Thenthosethatstoodaroundsawthestoutestgameofquarterstaffthate'erNottinghamTownbeheld。AtfirstErico'Lincolnthoughtthathewouldgainaneasyadvantage，sohecameforthasifhewouldsay，"Watch，goodpeople，howthatIcarveyouthiscockerelrightspeedily"；
　　buthepresentlyfoundittobenosuchspeedymatter。Rightdeftlyhestruck，andwithgreatskilloffence，buthehadfoundhismatchinLittleJohn。Once，twice，thrice，hestruck，andthreetimesLittleJohnturnedtheblowstothelefthandandtotheright。
　　Thenquicklyandwithadaintybackhandedblow，herappedEricbeneathhisguardsoshrewdlythatitmadehisheadringagain。
　　ThenEricsteppedbacktogatherhiswits，whileagreatshoutwentupandallweregladthatNottinghamhadcrackedLincoln'scrown；
　　andthusendedthefirstboutofthegame。
　　Thenpresentlythedirectorofthesportcried，"Play！"andtheycametogetheragain；butnowEricplayedwarily，forhefoundhismanwasofrightgoodmettle，andalsohehadnosweetmemoryoftheblowthathehadgot；
　　sothisboutneitherLittleJohnnortheLincolnmancaughtastrokewithinhisguard。Then，afterawhile，theypartedagain，andthismadethesecondbout。
　　Thenforthethirdtimetheycametogether，andatfirstEricstrovetobewary，ashehadbeenbefore；but，growingmadatfindinghimselfsofoiled，helosthiswitsandbegantorainblowssofiercelyandsofastthattheyrattledlikehailonpenthouseroof；
　　but，inspiteofall，hedidnotreachwithinLittleJohn'sguard。
　　ThenatlastLittleJohnsawhischanceandseizeditrightcleverly。
　　Oncemore，withaquickblow，herappedEricbesidethehead，anderehecouldregainhimself，LittleJohnslippedhisrighthanddowntohisleftand，withaswingingblow，smotetheothersosorelyuponthecrownthatdownhefellasthoughhewouldnevermoveagain。
　　Thenthepeopleshoutedsoloudthatfolkcamerunningfromallabouttoseewhatwastheado；whileLittleJohnleapeddownfromthestandandgavethestaffbacktohimthathadlentittohim。
　　AndthusendedthefamousboutbetweenLittleJohnandErico'
　　Lincolnofgreatrenown。
　　Butnowthetimehadcomewhenthosewhoweretoshootwiththelongbowweretotaketheirplaces，sothepeoplebeganflockingtothebuttswheretheshootingwastobe。Nearthetarget，inagoodplace，sattheSheriffuponaraiseddais，withmanygentlefolkaroundhim。Whenthearchershadtakentheirplaces，theheraldcameforwardandproclaimedtherulesofthegame，andhoweachshouldshootthreeshots，andtohimthatshouldshootthebesttheprizeoftwofatsteerswastobelong。
　　Ascoreofbraveshotsweregatheredthere，andamongthemsomeofthekeenesthandsatthelongbowinLincolnandNottinghamshire；
　　andamongthemLittleJohnstoodtallerthanalltherest。
　　"Whoisyonstrangercladallinscarlet？"saidsome，andothersanswered，"ItishethathathbutnowsosoundlycrackedthecrownofErico'Lincoln。"Thusthepeopletalkedamongthemselves，untilatlastitreachedeventheSheriff'sears。
　　Andnoweachmansteppedforwardandshotinturn；butthougheachshotwell，LittleJohnwasthebestofall，forthreetimeshestrucktheclout，andonceonlythelengthofabarleycornfromthecenter。"Heyforthetallarcher！"
　　shoutedthecrowd，andsomeamongthemshouted，"HeyforReynoldGreenleaf！"
　　forthiswasthenamethatLittleJohnhadcalledhimselfthatday。
　　ThentheSheriffsteppeddownfromtheraisedseatandcametowherethearchersstood，whilealldoffedtheircapsthatsawhimcoming。
　　HelookedkeenlyatLittleJohnbutdidnotknowhim，thoughhesaid，afterawhile，"Hownow，goodfellow，methinksthereisthataboutthyfacethatIhaveseenerewhile。"
　　"Mayhapitmaybeso，"quothLittleJohn，"foroftenhaveIseenYourWorship。"And，ashespoke，helookedsteadilyintotheSheriff'seyessothatthelatterdidnotsuspectwhohewas。
　　"Abravebladeartthou，goodfriend，"saidtheSheriff，"andIhearthatthouhastwellupheldtheskillofNottinghamshireagainstthatofLincolnthisday。Whatmaybethyname，goodfellow？"
　　"MendocallmeReynoldGreenleaf，YourWorship，"saidLittleJohn；
　　andtheoldballadthattellsofthis，adds，"So，intruth，washeagreenleaf，butofwhatmanneroftreetheSheriffwottednot。"
　　"Now，ReynoldGreenleaf，"quoththeSheriff，"thouartthefairesthandatthelongbowthatmineeyeseverbeheld，nexttothatfalseknave，RobinHood，fromwhosewilesHeavenforfendme！Wiltthoujoinmyservice，goodfellow？
　　Thoushaltbepaidrightwell，forthreesuitsofclothesshaltthouhaveayear，withgoodfoodandasmuchaleasthoucanstdrink；and，besidesthis，IwillpaytheefortymarkseachMichaelmastide。"
　　"ThenherestandIafreeman，andrightgladlywillIenterthyhousehold，"
　　saidLittleJohn，forhethoughthemightfindsomemerryjest，shouldheentertheSheriff'sservice。
　　"Fairlyhastthouwonthefatsteers，"saidtheSheriff，"and"hereuntoIwilladdabuttofgoodMarchbeer，forjoyofhavinggottensuchaman；for，Iwot，thoushootestasfairashaftasRobinHoodhimself。"
　　"Then，"saidLittleJohn，"forjoyofhavinggottenmyselfintothyservice，Iwillgivefatsteersandbrownaletoallthesegoodfolk，tomakethemmerrywithal。"Atthisaroseagreatshout，manycastingtheircapsaloft，forjoyofthegift。
　　Thensomebuiltgreatfiresandroastedthesteers，andothersbroachedthebuttofale，withwhichallmadethemselvesmerry。
　　Then，whentheyhadeatenanddrunkasmuchastheycould，andwhenthedayfadedandthegreatmoonarose，allredandround，overthespiresandtowersofNottinghamTown，theyjoinedhandsanddancedaroundthefires，tothemusicofbagpipesandharps。
　　Butlongbeforethismerrymakinghadbegun，theSheriffandhisnewservantReynoldGreenleafwereintheCastleofNottingham。
　　HowLittleJohnLivedattheSheriff'sTHUSLITTLEJOHNenteredintotheSheriff'sserviceandfoundthelifeheledthereeasyenough，fortheSheriffmadehimhisright-handmanandheldhimingreatfavor。
　　HesatnightheSheriffatmeat，andheranbesidehishorsewhenhewenta-hunting；sothat，whatwithhuntingandhawkingalittle，andeatingrichdishesanddrinkinggoodsack，andsleepinguntillatehoursinthemorning，hegrewasfatasastall-fedox。
　　Thusthingsfloatedeasilyalongwiththetide，untilonedaywhentheSheriffwenta-hunting，therehappenedthatwhichbrokethesmoothsurfaceofthings。
　　ThismorningtheSheriffandmanyofhismensetforthtomeetcertainlords，togoa-hunting。Helookedallabouthimforhisgoodman，ReynoldGreenleaf，but，notfindinghim，wasvexed，forhewishedtoshowLittleJohn'sskilltohisnoblefriends。AsforLittleJohn，helayabed，snoringlustily，tillthesunwashighintheheavens。
　　Atlastheopenedhiseyesandlookedabouthimbutdidnotmovetoarise。
　　Brightlyshonethesuninatthewindow，andalltheairwassweetwiththescentofwoodbinethathunginspraysaboutthewallwithout，forthecoldwinterwaspastandspringwascomeagain，andLittleJohnlaystill，thinkinghowsweetwaseverythingonthisfairmorn。
　　Justthenheheard，faintandfaraway，adistantbuglenotesoundingthinandclear。Thesoundwassmall，but，likealittlepebbledroppedintoaglassyfountain，itbrokeallthesmoothsurfaceofhisthoughts，untilhiswholesoulwasfilledwithdisturbance。Hisspiritseemedtoawakenfromitssluggishness，andhismemorybroughtbacktohimallthemerrygreenwoodlife——howthebirdsweresingingblithelytherethisbrightmorning，andhowhislovedcompanionsandfriendswerefeastingandmakingmerry，orperhapstalkingofhimwithsoberspeech；
　　forwhenhefirstenteredtheSheriff'sservicehedidsoinjest；
　　butthehearthstonewaswarmduringthewinter，andthefarewasfull，andsohehadabided，puttingofffromdaytodayhisgoingbacktoSherwood，untilsixlongmonthshadpassed。ButnowhethoughtofhisgoodmasterandofWillStutely，whomhelovedbetterthananyoneinalltheworld，andofyoungDavidofDoncaster，whomhehadtrainedsowellinallmanlysports，tilltherecameoverhisheartagreatandbitterlongingforthemall，sothathiseyesfilledwithtears。
　　Thenhesaidaloud，"HereIgrowfatlikeastall-fedoxandallmymanlinessdepartethfrommewhileIbecomeasluggardanddolt。
　　ButIwillarousemeandgobacktomineowndearfriendsoncemore，andneverwillIleavethemagaintilllifedothleavemylips。"
　　Sosaying，heleapedfrombed，forhehatedhissluggishnessnow。
　　WhenhecamedownstairshesawtheStewardstandingnearthepantrydoor——
　　agreat，fatman，withahugebundleofkeyshangingtohisgirdle。
　　ThenLittleJohnsaid，"Ho，MasterSteward，ahungrymanamI，fornoughthaveIhadforallthisblessedmorn。Therefore，givemetoeat。"
　　ThentheStewardlookedgrimlyathimandrattledthekeysinhisgirdle，forhehatedLittleJohnbecausehehadfoundfavorwiththeSheriff。"So，MasterReynoldGreenleaf，thouartanhungered，artthou？"quothhe。"But，fairyouth，ifthoulivestlongenough，thouwiltfindthathewhogettethovermuchsleepforanidleheadgoethwithanemptystomach。
　　Forwhatsayeththeoldsaw，MasterGreenleaf？Isitnot`Thelatefowlfindethbutillfaring'？"
　　"Now，thougreatpurseoffat！"criedLittleJohn，"Iasktheenotforfool'swisdom，butforbreadandmeat。
　　Whoartthou，thatthoushouldstdenymetoeat？
　　BySaintDunstan，thouhadstbesttellmewheremybreakfastis，ifthouwouldstsavebrokenbones！"
　　"Thybreakfast，MasterFireblaze，isinthepantry，"answeredtheSteward。
　　"Thenfetchithither！"criedLittleJohn，whowaxedangrybythistime。
　　"Gothouandfetchitthineownself，"quoththeSteward。"AmIthyslave，tofetchandcarryforthee？"
　　"Isay，gothou，bringitme！"
　　"Isay，gothou，fetchitforthyself！"
　　"Ay，marry，thatwillI，rightquickly！"quothLittleJohninarage。
　　And，sosaying，hestrodetothepantryandtriedtoopenthedoorbutfounditlocked，whereattheStewardlaughedandrattledhiskeys。
　　ThenthewrathofLittleJohnboiledover，and，liftinghisclenchedfist，hesmotethepantrydoor，burstingoutthreepanelsandmakingsolargeanopeningthathecouldeasilystoopandwalkthroughit。
　　WhentheStewardsawwhatwasdone，hewaxedmadwithrage；
　　and，asLittleJohnstoopedtolookwithinthepantry，heseizedhimfrombehindbythenapeoftheneck，pinchinghimsorelyandsmitinghimovertheheadwithhiskeystilltheyeoman'searsrangagain。AtthisLittleJohnturnedupontheStewardandsmotehimsuchabuffetthatthefatmanfelltothefloorandlaythereasthoughhewouldnevermoveagain。
　　"There，"quothLittleJohn，"thinkwellofthatstrokeandneverkeepagoodbreakfastfromahungrymanagain。"
　　Sosaying，hecreptintothepantryandlookedabouthimtoseeifhecouldfindsomethingtoappeasehishunger。
　　Hesawagreatvenisonpastyandtworoastedcapons，besidewhichwasaplatterofplover'seggs；moreover，therewasaflaskofsackandoneofcanary——asweetsighttoahungryman。
　　Thesehetookdownfromtheshelvesandplaceduponasideboard，andpreparedtomakehimselfmerry。
　　NowtheCook，inthekitchenacrossthecourtyard，heardtheloudtalkingbetweenLittleJohnandtheSteward，andalsotheblowthatLittleJohnstrucktheother，sohecamerunningacrossthecourtandupthestairwaytowheretheSteward'spantrywas，bearinginhishandsthespitwiththeroaststilluponit。
　　MeanwhiletheStewardhadgatheredhiswitsabouthimandrisentohisfeet，sothatwhentheCookcametotheSteward'spantryhesawhimgloweringthroughthebrokendooratLittleJohn，whowasmakingreadyforagoodrepast，asonedogglowersatanotherthathasabone。WhentheStewardsawtheCook，hecametohim，and，puttingonearmoverhisshoulder，"Alas，sweetfriend！"quothhe——fortheCookwasatall，stoutman——"seestthouwhatthatvileknaveReynoldGreenleafhathdone？Hehathbrokeninuponourmaster'sgoods，andhathsmittenmeabuffetupontheear，sothatIthoughtIwasdead。
　　GoodCook，Ilovetheewell，andthoushalthaveagoodpottleofourmaster'sbestwineeveryday，forthouartanoldandfaithfulservant。Also，goodCook，IhavetenshillingsthatImeantogiveasagifttothee。ButhatestthounottoseeavileupstartlikethisReynoldGreenleaftakingituponhimsobravely？"
　　"Ay，marry，thatdoI，"quoththeCookboldly，forhelikedtheStewardbecauseofhistalkofthewineandofthetenshillings。"Gettheegonestraightwaytothyroom，andIwillbringoutthisknavebyhisears。"
　　Sosaying，helaidasidehisspitanddrewtheswordthathungbyhisside；
　　whereupontheStewardleftasquicklyashecould，forhehatedthesightofnakedsteel。
　　ThentheCookwalkedstraightwaytothebrokenpantrydoor，throughwhichhesawLittleJohntuckinganapkinbeneathhischinandpreparingtomakehimselfmerry。
　　"Why，hownow，ReynoldGreenleaf？"saidtheCook，"thouartnobetterthanathief，Iwot。Comethoustraightforth，man，orIwillcarvetheeasIwouldcarveasuckingpig。"
　　"Nay，goodCook，bearthouthyselfmoreseemingly，orelseIwillcomeforthtothydole。AtmosttimesIamasayearlinglamb，butwhenonecomethbetweenmeandmymeat，Iamaraginglion，asitwere。"
　　"Lionornolion，"quoththevalorousCook，"comethoustraightforth，elsethouartacowardheartaswellasaknavishthief。"
　　"Ha！"criedLittleJohn，"coward'snamehaveIneverhad；
　　so，looktothyself，goodCook，forIcomeforthstraight，theroaringlionIdidspeakofbutnow。"
　　Thenhe，too，drewhisswordandcameoutofthepantry；
　　then，puttingthemselvesintoposition，theycameslowlytogether，withgrimandangrylooks；butsuddenlyLittleJohnloweredhispoint。
　　"Hold，goodCook！"saidhe。"Now，Ibethinkmeitwereillofustofightwithgoodvictualsstandingsonigh，andsuchafeastaswouldbefittwostoutfellowssuchasweare。Marry，goodfriend，Ithinkweshouldenjoythisfairfeasterewefight。
　　Whatsayestthou，jollyCook？"
　　AtthisspeechtheCooklookedupanddown，scratchinghisheadindoubt，forhelovedgoodfeasting。AtlasthedrewalongbreathandsaidtoLittleJohn，"Well，goodfriend，Ilikethyplanrightwell；so，prettyboy，sayI，letusfeast，withallmyheart，foroneofusmaysupinParadisebeforenightfall。"
　　Soeachthrusthisswordbackintothescabbardandenteredthepantry。
　　Then，aftertheyhadseatedthemselves，LittleJohndrewhisdaggerandthrustitintothepie。"Ahungrymanmustbefed，"
　　quothhe，"so，sweetchuck，Ihelpmyselfwithoutleave。"
　　ButtheCookdidnotlagfarbehind，forstraightwayhishandsalsoweredeeplythrustwithinthegoodlypasty。Afterthis，neitherofthemspokefurther，butusedtheirteethtobetterpurpose。
　　Butthoughneitherspoke，theylookedatoneanother，eachthinkingwithinhimselfthathehadneverseenamorelustyfellowthantheoneacrosstheboard。
　　Atlast，afteralongtimehadpassed，theCookdrewafull，deepbreath，asthoughofmuchregret，andwipedhishandsuponthenapkin，forhecouldeatnomore。
　　LittleJohn，also，hadenough，forhepushedthepastyaside，asthoughhewouldsay，"Iwanttheebymenomore，goodfriend。"
　　Thenhetookthepottleofsack，andsaidhe，"Now，goodfellow，Iswearbyallthatisbright，thatthouartthestoutestcompanionateatingthateverIhad。Lo！Idrinkthyhealth。"
　　Sosaying，heclappedtheflasktohislipsandcasthiseyesaloft，whilethegoodwinefloodedhisthroat。
　　ThenhepassedthepottletotheCook，whoalsosaid，"Lo，I
　　drinkthyhealth，sweetfellow！"NorwashebehindLittleJohnindrinkinganymorethanineating。
　　"Now，"quothLittleJohn，"thyvoiceisrightroundandsweet，jollylad。
　　Idoubtnotthoucanstsingaballadmostblithely；canstthounot？"
　　"Truly，Ihavetrolledonenowandthen，"quoththeCook，"yetIwouldnotsingalone。"
　　"Nay，truly，"saidLittleJohn，"thatwerebutillcourtesy。
　　Strikeupthyditty，andIwillafterwardsingonetomatchit，ifIcan。
　　"Sobeit，prettyboy，"quoththeCook。"Andhastthoue'erheardthesongoftheDesertedShepherdess？"
　　"Truly，Iknownot，"answeredLittleJohn，"butsingthouandletmehear。"
　　ThentheCooktookanotherdraughtfromthepottle，and，clearinghisthroat，sangrightsweetly：
　　THESONGOFTHEDESERTEDSHEPHERDESS
　　"_InLententime，whenleaveswaxgreen，Andprettybirdsbegintomate，Whenlarkclothsing，andthrush，Iween，Andstockdovecooethsoonandlate，FairPhillissatbesideastone，AndthusIheardhermakehermoan：
　　'Owillow，willow，willow，willow！
　　I'lltakemeofthybranchesfairAndtwineawreathtodeckmyhair。
　　"`Thethrushhathtakenhimashe，Therobin，too，andekethedove；
　　MyRobinhathdesertedme，Andleftmeforanotherlove。
　　Sohere，bybrookside，allalone，Isitmedownandmakemymoan。
　　Owillow，willow，willow，willow！
　　I'lltakemeofthybranchesfairAndtwineawreathtodeckmyhair。'
　　"Butne'ercameherringfromthesea，Butgoodashewereinthetide；
　　YoungCorydoncameo'erthelea，AndsathimPhillisdownbeside。
　　So，presently，shechangedhertone，And'gantoceaseherfromhermoan，'Owillow，willow，willow，willow！
　　Thoumayste'enkeepthygarlandsfair，Iwantthemnottodeckmyhair_。'"
　　"Now，bymyfaith，"criedLittleJohn，"thatsameisarightgoodsong，andhathtruthinit，also。"
　　"GladamIthoulikestit，sweetlad，"saidtheCook。"Nowsingthouonealso，forne'ershouldamanbemerryalone，orsingandlistnot。"
　　"ThenIwillsingtheeasongofarightgoodknightofArthur'scourt，andhowhecuredhisheart'swoundwithoutrunninguponthedartagain，asdidthyPhillis；forIwotshedidbutcureonesmartbygivingherselfanother。
　　So，listthouwhileIsing：
　　THEGOODKNIGHTANDHISLOVE
　　"_WhenArthur，King，didrulethisland，Agoodlykingwashe，AndhadheofstoutknightsabandOfmerrycompany。
　　"Amongthemall，bothgreatandsmall，Agoodstoutknightwasthere，Alustychilde，andekeatall，Thatlovedaladyfair。
　　"Butnoughtwouldshetodowithhe，Butturnedherfaceaway；
　　Sogathegonetofarcountrye，Andleftthatladygay。
　　"Thereallalonehemadehismoan，Andekedidsobandsigh，Andweeptillitwouldmoveastone，Andhewasliketodie。
　　"Butstillhisheartdidfeelthesmart，Andekethediredistress，AndrathergrewhispainmoresharpAsgrewhisbodyless。
　　"ThengathebackwherewasgoodsackAndmerrycompanye，Andsoondidceasetocry`Alack！'
　　Whenblitheandgaywashe。
　　"FromwhichIhold，andfeelfullboldTosay，andekebelieve，ThatginthebellygonotcoldTheheartwillceasetogrieve_。"
　　"Now，bymyfaith，"criedtheCook，asherattledthepottleagainstthesideboard，"Ilikethatsamesonghugely，andekethemotiveofit，whichliethlikeasweetkernelinahazelnut"
　　"Nowthouartamanofshrewdopinions，"quothLittleJohn，"andIlovetheetrulyasthouwertmybrother。"
　　"AndIlovethee，too。Butthedaydrawethon，andIhavemycookingtodoereourmastercomethhome；soletuse'engoandsettlethisbravefightwehaveinhand。"
　　"Ay，marry，"quothLittleJohn，"andthatrightspeedily。
　　NeverhaveIbeenmorelaggardinfightingthanineatinganddrinking。
　　Socomethoustraightforthintothepassageway，wherethereisgoodroomtoswingasword，andIwilltrytoservethee。"
　　ThentheybothsteppedforthintothebroadpassagethatledtotheSteward'spantry，whereeachmandrewhisswordagainandwithoutmoreadofellupontheotherasthoughhewouldhewhisfellowlimbfromlimb。Thentheirswordsclashedupononeanotherwithgreatdin，andsparksflewfromeachblowinshowers。
　　Sotheyfoughtupanddownthehallforanhourandmore，neitherstrikingtheotherablow，thoughtheystrovetheirbesttodoso；
　　forbothwereskillfulatthefence；sonothingcameofalltheirlabor。
　　Everandanontheyrested，panting；then，aftergettingtheirwind，atittheywouldgoagainmorefiercelythanever。
　　AtlastLittleJohncriedaloud，"Hold，goodCook！"whereuponeachresteduponhissword，panting。
　　"NowwillImakemyvow，"quothLittleJohn，"thouarttheverybestswordsmanthatevermineeyesbeheld。Truly，Ihadthoughttocarvetheeerenow。"
　　"AndIhadthoughttodothesamebythee，"quoththeCook，"butIhavemissedthemarksomehow。"
　　"NowIhavebeenthinkingwithinmyself，"quothLittleJohn，"whatwearefightingfor；butalbeitIdonotrightlyknow。"
　　"Why，nomoredoI，"saidtheCook。"IbearnoloveforthatpursySteward，butIthoughtthatwehadengagedtofightwithoneanotherandthatitmustbedone。"
　　"Now，"quothLittleJohn，"itdothseemtomethatinsteadofstrivingtocutoneanother'sthroats，itwerebetterforustobebooncompanions。Whatsaystthou，jollyCook，wiltthougowithmetoSherwoodForestandjoinwithRobinHood'sband？
　　Thoushaltliveamerrylifewithinthewoodlands，andsevenscoregoodcompanionsshaltthouhave，oneofwhomismineownself。
　　ThoushalthavethreesuitsofLincolngreeneachyear，andfortymarksinpay。"
　　"Now，thouartamanaftermineownheart！"criedtheCookrightheartily，"and，asthouspeakestofit，thatistheveryserviceforme。
　　Iwillgowiththee，andthatrightgladly。Givemethypalm，sweetfellow，andIwillbethineowncompanionfromhenceforth。
　　Whatmaybethyname，lad？"
　　"MendocallmeLittleJohn，goodfellow。"
　　"How？AndartthouindeedLittleJohn，andRobinHood'sownright-handman？
　　ManyatimeandoftIheardofthee，butneverdidIhopetoseteyesuponthee。AndthouartindeedthefamousLittleJohn！"AndtheCookseemedlostinamazement，andlookeduponhiscompanionwithopeneyes。
　　"IamLittleJohn，indeed，andIwillbringtoRobinHoodthisdayarightstoutfellowtojoinhismerryband。
　　Buterewego，goodfriend，itseemethtometobeavastpitythat，aswehavehadsomuchoftheSheriff'sfood，weshouldnotalsocarryoffsomeofhissilverplatetoRobinHood，asapresentfromhisworship。"
　　"Ay，marryisit，"saidtheCook。Andsotheybeganhuntingabout，andtookasmuchsilverastheycouldlayhandsupon，clappingitintoabag，andwhentheyhadfilledthesacktheysetforthtoSherwoodForest。
　　Plungingintothewoods，theycameatlasttothegreenwoodtree，wheretheyfoundRobinHoodandthreescoreofhismerrymenlyinguponthefreshgreengrass。WhenRobinandhismensawwhoitwasthatcame，theyleapedtotheirfeet。"Nowwelcome！"criedRobinHood。"Nowwelcome，LittleJohn！Forlonghathitbeensincewehaveheardfromthee，thoughweallknewthatthouhadstjoinedtheSheriff'sservice。
　　Andhowhastthoufaredalltheselongdays？"
　　"RightmerrilyhaveIlivedattheLordSheriff's，"answeredLittleJohn，"andIhavecomestraightthence。See，goodmaster！
　　Ihavebroughttheehiscook，andevenhissilverplate。"
　　ThereuponhetoldRobinHoodandhismerrymenthatwerethere，allthathadbefallenhimsincehehadleftthemtogototheFairatNottinghamTown。Thenallshoutedwithlaughter，exceptRobinHood；
　　buthelookedgrave。
　　"Nay，LittleJohn，"saidhe，"thouartabravebladeandatrustyfellow。
　　Iamgladthouhastbroughtthyselfbacktous，andwithsuchagoodcompanionastheCook，whomweallwelcometoSherwood。ButIlikenotsowellthatthouhaststolentheSheriff'splatelikesomepaltrythief。
　　TheSheriffhathbeenpunishedbyus，andhathlostthreehundredpounds，evenashesoughttodespoilanother；buthehathdonenoughtthatweshouldstealhishouseholdplatefromhim。
　　ThoughLittleJohnwasvexedwiththis，hestrovetopassitoffwithajest。"Nay，goodmaster，"quothhe，"ifthouthinkesttheSheriffgaveusnottheplate，Iwillfetchhim，thathemaytelluswithhisownlipshegivethitalltous。"
　　Sosayingheleapedtohisfeet，andwasgonebeforeRobincouldcallhimback。
　　LittleJohnranforfullfivemilestillhecametowheretheSheriffofNottinghamandagaycompanywerehuntingneartheforest。
　　WhenLittleJohncametotheSheriffhedoffedhiscapandbenthisknee。
　　"Godsavethee，goodmaster，"quothhe。
　　"Why，ReynoldGreenleaf！"criedtheSheriff，"whencecomestthouandwherehastthoubeen？"
　　"Ihavebeenintheforest，"answeredLittleJohn，speakingamazedly，"andthereIsawasightsuchasne'erbeforeman'seyesbeheld！
　　YonderIsawayounghartallingreenfromtoptotoe，andabouthimwasaherdofthreescoredeer，andthey，too，wereallofgreenfromheadtofoot。
　　YetIdarednotshoot，goodmaster，forfearlesttheyshouldslayme。"
　　"Why，hownow，ReynoldGreenleaf，"criedtheSheriff，"artthoudreamingorartthoumad，thatthoudostbringmesuch，atale？"
　　"Nay，IamnotdreamingnoramImad，"saidLittleJohn，"andifthouwiltcomewithme，Iwillshowtheethisfairsight，forIhaveseenitwithmineowneyes。Butthoumustcomealone，goodmaster，lesttheothersfrightenthemandtheygetaway。"
　　Sothepartyallrodeforward，andLittleJohnledthemdownwardintotheforest。
　　"Now，goodmaster，"quothheatlast，"wearenighwhereIsawthisherd。"
　　ThentheSheriffdescendedfromhishorseandbadethemwaitforhimuntilheshouldreturn；andLittleJohnledhimforwardthroughaclosecopseuntilsuddenlytheycametoagreatopenglade，attheendofwhichRobinHoodsatbeneaththeshadeofthegreatoaktree，withhismerrymenallabouthim。
　　"See，goodMasterSheriff，"quothLittleJohn，"yonderisthehartofwhichI
　　spaketothee。"
　　AtthistheSheriffturnedtoLittleJohnandsaidbitterly，"LongagoIthoughtIrememberedthyface，butnowIknowthee。
　　Woebetidethee，LittleJohn，forthouhastbetrayedmethisday。"
　　InthemeantimeRobinHoodhadcometothem。"Nowwelcome，MasterSheriff，"
　　saidhe。"Hastthoucometodaytotakeanotherfeastwithme？"
　　"Nay，Heavenforbid！"saidtheSheriffintonesofdeepearnest。
　　"Icarefornofeastandhavenohungertoday。"
　　"Nevertheless，"quothRobin，"ifthouhastnohunger，maybethouhastthirst，andwellIknowthouwilttakeacupofsackwithme。
　　ButIamgrievedthatthouwiltnotfeastwithme，forthoucouldsthavevictualstothyliking，fortherestandsthyCook。"
　　ThenheledtheSheriff，willy-nilly，totheseatheknewsowellbeneaththegreenwoodtree。
　　"Ho，lads！"criedRobin，"fillourgoodfriendtheSheriffarightbrimmingcupofsackandfetchithither，forheisfaintandweary。"
　　ThenoneofthebandbroughttheSheriffacupofsack，bowinglowashehandedittohim；buttheSheriffcouldnottouchthewine，forhesawitservedinoneofhisownsilverflagons，ononeofhisownsilverplates。
　　"Hownow，"quothRobin，"dostthounotlikeournewsilverservice？
　　Wehavegottenabagofitthisday。"Sosaying，heheldupthesackofsilverthatLittleJohnandtheCookhadbroughtwiththem。
　　ThentheSheriff'sheartwasbitterwithinhim；but，notdaringtosayanything，heonlygazedupontheground。
　　Robinlookedkeenlyathimforatimebeforehespokeagain。
　　Thensaidhe，"Now，MasterSheriff，thelasttimethoucamesttoSherwoodForestthoudidstcomeseekingtodespoilapoorspendthrift，andthouwertdespoiledthineownself；butnowthoucomestseekingtodonoharm，nordoIknowthatthouhastdespoiledanyman。
　　Itakemytithesfromfatpriestsandlordlysquires，tohelpthosethattheydespoilandtoraiseupthosethattheybowdown；
　　butIknownotthatthouhasttenantsofthineownwhomthouhastwrongedinanyway。Therefore，takethouthineownagain，norwillIdispossesstheetodayofsomuchasonefarthing。
　　Comewithme，andIwillleadtheefromtheforestbacktothineownpartyagain。"
　　Then，slingingthebaguponhisshoulder，heturnedaway，theSherifffollowinghim，alltooperplexedinmindtospeak。
　　SotheywentforwarduntiltheycametowithinafurlongofthespotwheretheSheriff'scompanionswerewaitingforhim。
　　ThenRobinHoodgavethesackofsilverbacktotheSheriff。
　　"Takethouthineownagain，"hesaid，"andhearkentome，goodSheriff，takethouapieceofadvicewithit。
　　Trythyservantswellerethoudostengagethemagainsoreadily。"
　　Then，turning，helefttheotherstandingbewildered，withthesackinhishands。
　　ThecompanythatwaitedfortheSheriffwereallamazedtoseehimcomeoutoftheforestbearingaheavysackuponhisshoulders；
　　butthoughtheyquestionedhim，heansweredneveraword，actinglikeonewhowalksinadream。Withoutaword，heplacedthebagacrosshisnag'sbackandthen，mounting，rodeaway，allfollowinghim；butallthetimetherewasagreatturmoilofthoughtswithinhishead，tumblingoneovertheother。
　　AndthusendsthemerrytaleofLittleJohnandhowheenteredtheSheriff'sservice。
　　LittleJohnandtheTannerofBlythONEFINEDAY，notlongafterLittleJohnhadleftabidingwiththeSheriffandhadcomeback，withhisworship'scook，tothemerrygreenwood，ashasjustbeentold，RobinHoodandafewchosenfellowsofhisbandlayuponthesoftswardbeneaththegreenwoodtreewheretheydwelled。
　　Thedaywaswarmandsultry，sothatwhilemostofthebandwerescatteredthroughtheforestuponthismissionanduponthat，thesefewstoutfellowslaylazilybeneaththeshadeofthetree，inthesoftafternoon，passingjestsamongthemselvesandtellingmerrystories，withlaughterandmirth。
　　AlltheairwasladenwiththebitterfragranceoftheMay，andalltheboskyshadesofthewoodlandsbeyondrangwiththesweetsongofbirds——thethrostlecock，thecuckoo，andthewoodpigeon——
　　andwiththesongofbirdsmingledthecoolsoundofthegurglingbrookthatleapedoutoftheforestshades，andranfrettingamiditsrough，graystonesacrossthesunlitopengladebeforethetrystingtree。
　　Andafairsightwasthathalfscoreoftall，stoutyeomen，allcladinLincolngreen，lyingbeneaththebroad-spreadingbranchesofthegreatoaktree，amidthequiveringleavesofwhichthesunlightshiveredandfellindancingpatchesuponthegrass。
　　SuddenlyRobinHoodsmotehisknee。
　　"BySaintDunstan，"quothhe，"Ihadnighforgotthatquarter-daycomethonapace，andyetnoclothofLincolngreeninallourstore。
　　Itmustbelookedto，andthatinquickseason。Come，buskthee，LittleJohn！Stirthoselazybonesofthine，forthoumustgettheestraightwaytoourgoodgossip，thedraperHughLongshanksofAncaster。BidhimsendusstraightwaytwentyscoreyardsoffairclothofLincolngreen；andmayhapthejourneymaytakesomeofthefatfromoffthybones，thatthouhastgottenfromlazylivingatourdearSheriff's。"
　　"Nay，"mutteredLittleJohnforhehadheardsomuchuponthisscorethathewassoreuponthepoint，"nay，truly，mayhapIhavemorefleshuponmyjointsthanIoncehad，yet，fleshornoflesh，IdoubtnotthatIcouldstillholdmyplaceandfootinguponanarrowbridgeagainste'erayeomaninSherwood，orNottinghamshire，forthematterofthat，eventhoughhehadnomorefatabouthisbonesthanthouhast，goodmaster。"
　　Atthisreplyagreatshoutoflaughterwentup，andalllookedatRobinHood，foreachmanknewthatLittleJohnspakeofacertainfightthathappenedbetweentheirmasterandhimself，throughwhichtheyfirstbecameacquainted。
　　"Nay，"quothRobinHood，laughinglouderthanall。"HeavenforbidthatIshoulddoubtthee，forIcarefornotasteofthystaffmyself，LittleJohn。Imustneedsownthattherearethoseofmybandcanhandleaseven-footstaffmoredeftlythanI；yetnomaninallNottinghamshirecandrawgraygooseshaftwithmyfingers。
　　Nevertheless，ajourneytoAncastermaynotbeillforthee；
　　sogothou，asIbid，andthouhadstbestgothisveryevening，forsincethouhastabidedattheSheriff'smanyknowthyface，andifthougoestinbroaddaylight，thoumaystgetthyselfintoacoilwithsomeofhisworship'smen-at-arms。BidethouheretillIbringtheemoneytopayourgoodHugh。IwarranthehathnobettercustomersinallNottinghamshirethanwe。"
　　Sosaying，Robinleftthemandenteredtheforest。
　　Notfarfromthetrystingtreewasagreatrockinwhichachamberhadbeenhewn，theentrancebeingbarredbyamassiveoakendoortwopalms'-breadthinthickness，studdedaboutwithspikes，andfastenedwithagreatpadlock。
　　Thiswasthetreasurehouseoftheband，andthitherRobinHoodwentand，unlockingthedoor，enteredthechamber，fromwhichhebroughtforthabagofgoldwhichhegavetoLittleJohn，topayHughLongshankswithal，fortheclothofLincolngreen。
　　ThenupgotLittleJohn，and，takingthebagofgold，whichhethrustintohisbosom，hestrappedagirdleabouthisloins，tookastoutpikestafffullsevenfeetlonginhishand，andsetforthuponhisjourney。
　　SohestrodewhistlingalongtheleafyforestpaththatledtoFosseWay，turningneithertotherighthandnortheleft，untilatlasthecametowherethepathbranched，leadingontheonehandonwardtoFosseWay，andontheother，aswellLittleJohnknew，tothemerryBlueBoarInn。HereLittleJohnsuddenlyceasedwhistlingandstoppedinthemiddleofthepath。
　　Firsthelookedupandthenhelookeddown，andthen，tiltinghiscapoveroneeye，heslowlyscratchedthebackpartofhishead。
　　Forthusitwas：atthesightofthesetworoads，twovoicesbegantoalarumwithinhim，theonecrying，"ThereliestheroadtotheBlueBoarInn，acanofbrownOctober，andamerrynightwithsweetcompanionssuchasthoumaystfindthere"；theother，"ThereliesthewaytoAncasterandthedutythouartsentupon。"
　　Nowthefirstofthesetwovoiceswasfarthelouder，forLittleJohnhadgrownpassingfondofgoodlivingthroughabidingattheSheriff'shouse；so，presently，lookingupintothebluesky，acrosswhichbrightcloudsweresailinglikesilverboats，andswallowsskimmingincirclingflight，quothhe，"Ifearmeitwillrainthisevening，soI'lle'enstopattheBlueBoartillitpassesby，forIknowmygoodmasterwouldnothavemewettotheskin。"So，withoutmoreado，offhestrodedownthepaththatlaythewayofhislikings。
　　Nowtherewasnosignofanyfoulweather，butwhenonewishestodoathing，asLittleJohndid，onefindsnolackofreasonsforthedoing。
　　FourmerrywagswereattheBlueBoarInn；abutcher，abeggar，andtwobarefootfriars。LittleJohnheardthemsingingfromafar，ashewalkedthroughthehushofthemellowtwilightthatwasnowfallingoverhillanddale。RightgladweretheytowelcomesuchamerrybladeasLittleJohn。Freshcansofalewerebrought，andwithjestandsongandmerrytalesthehoursslippedawayonfleetingwings。
　　NonethoughtoftimeortidetillthenightwassofargonethatLittleJohnputbythethoughtofsettingforthuponhisjourneyagainthatnight，andsobidedattheBlueBoarInnuntilthemorrow。
　　NowitwasanillpieceofluckforLittleJohnthathelefthisdutyforhispleasure，andhepaidagreatscoreforit，asweareallapttodointhesamecase，asyoushallsee。
　　Upheroseatthedawnofthenextday，and，takinghisstoutpikestaffinhishand，hesetforthuponhisjourneyoncemore，asthoughhewouldmakeupforlosttime。
　　InthegoodtownofBlyththerelivedastouttanner，celebratedfarandnearforfeatsofstrengthandmanytoughboutsatwrestlingandthequarterstaff。
　　Forfiveyearshehadheldthemid-countrychampionbeltforwrestling，tillthegreatAdamo'Lincolncasthimintheringandbrokeoneofhisribs；
　　butatquarterstaffhehadneveryetmethismatchinallthecountryabout。
　　Besidesallthis，hedearlylovedthelongbow，andaslyjauntintheforestwhenthemoonwasfullandthedundeerinseason；sothattheKing'srangerskeptashrewdeyeuponhimandhisdoings，forArthuraBland'shousewasapttohaveaplentyofmeatinitthatwasmorelikevenisonthanthelawallowed。
　　NowArthurhadbeentoNottinghamTownthedaybeforeLittleJohnsetforthonhiserrand，theretosellahalfscoreoftannedcowhides。
　　AtthedawnofthesamedaythatLittleJohnlefttheinn，hestartedfromNottingham，homewardforBlyth。Hiswayled，allinthedewymorn，pastthevergeofSherwoodForest，wherethebirdswerewelcomingthelovelydaywithagreatandmerryjubilee。
　　AcrosstheTanner'sshoulderswasslunghisstoutquarterstaff，evernearenoughtohimtobegrippedquickly，andonhisheadwasacapofdoubledcowhide，sotoughthatitcouldhardlybeclovenevenbyabroadsword。
　　"Now，"quothArthuraBlandtohimself，whenhehadcometothatpartoftheroadthatcutthroughacorneroftheforest，"nodoubtatthistimeofyearthedundeerarecomingfromtheforestdepthsnighertotheopenmeadowlands。
　　MayhapImaychancetocatchasightofthedaintybrowndarlingsthusearlyinthemorn。"Fortherewasnothinghelovedbetterthantolookuponatrippingherdofdeer，evenwhenhecouldnottickletheirribswithaclothyardshaft。
　　Accordingly，quittingthepath，hewentpeepingthiswayandthatthroughtheunderbrush，spyingnowhereandnowthere，withallthewilesofamasterofwoodcraft，andofonewhohadmorethanoncedonnedadoubletofLincolngreen。
　　NowasLittleJohnsteppedblithelyalong，thinkingofnothingbutofsuchthingsasthesweetnessofthehawthornbudsthatbedeckedthehedgerows，orgazingupwardatthelark，that，springingfromthedewygrass，hungaloftonquiveringwingsintheyellowsunlight，pouringforthitssongthatfelllikeafallingstarfromthesky，hisluckledhimawayfromthehighway，notfarfromthespotwhereArthuraBlandwaspeepingthiswayandthatthroughtheleavesofthethickets。
　　Hearingarustlingofthebranches，LittleJohnstoppedandpresentlycaughtsightofthebrowncowhidecapoftheTannermovingamongthebushes"Idomuchwonder，"quothLittleJohntohimself，"whatyonknaveisafter，thatheshouldgothuspeepingandpeeringaboutI
　　verilybelievethatyonscurvyvarletisnobetterthanathief，andcomethhereafterourownandthegoodKing'sdundeer。"
　　Forbymuchrovingintheforest，LittleJohnhadcometolookuponallthedeerinSherwoodasbelongingtoRobinHoodandhisbandasmuchastogoodKingHarry。"Nay，"quothheagain，afteratime，"thismattermuste'enbelookedinto。"So，quittingthehighroad，healsoenteredthethickets，andbeganspyingaroundafterstoutArthuraBland。
　　Soforalongtimetheybothofthemwenthuntingabout，LittleJohnaftertheTanner，andtheTannerafterthedeer。
　　AtlastLittleJohntroduponastick，whichsnappedunderhisfoot，whereupon，hearingthenoise，theTannerturnedquicklyandcaughtsightoftheyeoman。SeeingthattheTannerhadspiedhimout，LittleJohnputaboldfaceuponthematter。
　　"Hilloa，"quothhe，"whatartthoudoinghere，thounaughtyfellow？
　　WhoartthouthatcomestrangingSherwood'spaths？
　　Inverysooththouhastanevilcastofcountenance，andIdothink，truly，thatthouartnobetterthanathief，andcomestafterourgoodKing'sdeer。"
　　"Nay，"quoththeTannerboldly——for，thoughtakenbysurprise，hewasnotamantobefrightenedbybigwords——"thouliestinthyteeth。
　　Iamnothief，butanhonestcraftsman。Asformycountenance，itiswhatitis；and，forthematterofthat，thineownisnonetoopretty，thousaucyfellow。"
　　"Ha！"quothLittleJohninagreatloudvoice，"wouldstthougivemebacktalk？NowIhaveagreatpartofamindtocrackthypateforthee。Iwouldhavetheeknow，fellow，thatIam，asitwere，oneoftheKing'sforesters。Leastwise，"mutteredhetohimself，"Iandmyfriendsdotakegoodcareofourgoodsovereign'sdeer。"
　　"Icarenotwhothouart，"answeredtheboldTanner，"andunlessthouhastmanymoreofthykindbythee，thoucanstnevermakeArthuraBlandcry`Amercy。'"
　　"Isitso？"criedLittleJohninarage。"Now，bymyfaith，thousaucyrogue，thytonguehathledtheeintoapitthouwilthaveasorrytimegettingoutof；forIwillgivetheesuchadrubbingasne'erhastthouhadinallthylifebefore。
　　Takethystaffinthyhand，fellow，forIwillnotsmiteanunarmedman。
　　"Marrycomeupwithamurrain！"criedtheTanner，forhe，too，hadtalkedhimselfintoafume。"Bigwordsne'erkilledsomuchasamouse。
　　WhoartthouthattalkestsofreelyofcrackingtheheadofArthuraBland？IfIdonottanthyhidethisdayasne'erItannedacalf'shideinallmylifebefore，splitmystaffintoskewersforlamb'sfleshandcallmenomorebraveman！
　　Nowlooktothyself，fellow！"
　　"Stay！"saidLittleJohn。"Letusfirstmeasureourcudgels。
　　Idoreckonmystafflongerthanthine，andIwouldnottakevantageoftheebyevensomuchasaninch。"
　　"Nay，Ipassnotforlength，"answeredtheTanner。"Mystaffislongenoughtoknockdownacalf；solooktothyself，fellow，Isayagain。"
　　So，withoutmoreado，eachgrippedhisstaffinthemiddle，and，withfellandangrylooks，theycameslowlytogether。
　　NownewshadbeenbroughttoRobinHoodhowthatLittleJohn，insteadofdoinghisbidding，hadpassedbydutyforpleasure，andsohadstoppedovernightwithmerrycompanyattheBlueBoarInn，insteadofgoingstraighttoAncaster。So，beingvexedtohisheartbythis，hesetforthatdawnofdaytoseekLittleJohnattheBlueBoar，oratleasttomeettheyeomanontheway，andeasehisheartofwhathethoughtofthematter。
　　Asthushestrodealonginanger，puttingtogetherthewordshewouldusetochideLittleJohn，heheard，ofasudden，loudandangryvoices，asofmeninarage，passingfellwordsbackandforthfromonetotheother。
　　Atthis，RobinHoodstoppedandlistened。"Surely，"quothhetohimself，"thatisLittleJohn'svoice，andheistalkinginangeralso。
　　Methinkstheotherisstrangetomyears。NowHeavenforfendthatmygoodtrustyLittleJohnshouldhavefallenintothehandsoftheKing'srangers。
　　Imustseetothismatter，andthatquickly。"
　　ThusspokeRobinHoodtohimself，allhisangerpassingawaylikeabreathfromthewindowpane，atthethoughtthatperhapshistrustyright-handmanwasinsomedangerofhislife。
　　Socautiouslyhemadehiswaythroughthethicketswhencethevoicescame，and，pushingasidetheleaves，peepedintothelittleopenspacewherethetwomen，staffinhand，werecomingslowlytogether。
　　"Ha！"quothRobintohimself，"hereismerrysportafoot。
　　NowIwouldgivethreegoldenangelsfrommyownpocketifyonstoutfellowwouldgiveLittleJohnarightsounddrubbing！
　　Itwouldpleasemetoseehimwellthumpedforhavingfailedinmybidding。Ifearme，though，thereisbutpoorchanceofmyseeingsuchapleasantsight。"Sosaying，hestretchedhimselfatlengthupontheground，thathemightnotonlyseethesportthebetter，butthathemightenjoythemerrysightathisease。
　　Asyoumayhaveseentwodogsthatthinktofight，walkingslowlyroundandroundeachother，neithercurwishingtobeginthecombat，sothosetwostoutyeomenmovedslowlyaround，eachwatchingforachancetotaketheotherunaware，andsogetinthefirstblow。
　　AtlastLittleJohnstrucklikeaflash，and——"rap！"——theTannermettheblowandturneditaside，andthensmotebackatLittleJohn，whoalsoturnedtheblow；andsothismightybattlebegan。
　　Thenupanddownandbackandforththeytrod，theblowsfallingsothickandfastthat，atadistance，onewouldhavethoughtthathalfascoreofmenwerefighting。Thustheyfoughtfornighahalfanhour，untilthegroundwasallplowedupwiththediggingoftheirheels，andtheirbreathinggrewlaboredliketheoxinthefurrow。
　　ButLittleJohnsufferedthemost，forhehadbecomeunusedtosuchstifflabor，andhisjointswerenotassuppleastheyhadbeenbeforehewenttodwellwiththeSheriff。
　　AllthistimeRobinHoodlaybeneaththebush，rejoicingatsuchacomelyboutofquarterstaff。"Bymyfaith！"quothhetohimself，"neverhadIthoughttoseeLittleJohnsoevenlymatchedinallmylife。
　　Belike，though，hewouldhaveovercomeyonfellowbeforethishadhebeeninhisformertrim。"
　　AtlastLittleJohnsawhischance，and，throwingallthestrengthhefeltgoingfromhimintooneblowthatmighthavefelledanox，hestruckattheTannerwithmightandmain。
　　AndnowdidtheTanner'scowhidecapstandhimingoodstead，andbutforithemightneverhaveheldstaffinhandagain。
　　Asitwas，theblowhecaughtbesidetheheadwassoshrewdthatitsenthimstaggeringacrossthelittleglade，sothat，ifLittleJohnhadhadthestrengthtofollowuphisvantage，itwouldhavebeenillforstoutArthur。Butheregainedhimselfquicklyand，atarm'slength，struckbackablowatLittleJohn，andthistimethestrokereacheditsmark，anddownwentLittleJohnatfulllength，hiscudgelflyingfromhishandashefell。
　　Then，raisinghisstaff，stoutArthurdealthimanotherblowupontheribs。
　　"Hold！"roaredLittleJohn。"Wouldstthoustrikeamanwhenheisdown？"
　　"Ay，marrywouldI，"quoththeTanner，givinghimanotherthwackwithhisstaff。
　　"Stop！"roaredLittleJohn。"Help！Hold，Isay！Iyieldme！
　　Iyieldme，Isay，goodfellow！"
　　"Hastthouhadenough？"askedtheTannergrimly，holdinghisstaffaloft。
　　"Ay，marry，andmorethanenough。"
　　"AndthoudostownthatIamthebettermanofthetwo？"
　　"Yea，truly，andamurrainseizethee！"saidLittleJohn，thefirstaloudandthelasttohisbeard。
　　"Thenthoumaystgothyways；andthankthypatronsaintthatI
　　amamercifulman，"saidtheTanner。
　　"Aplagueo'suchmercyasthine！"saidLittleJohn，sittingupandfeelinghisribswheretheTannerhadcudgeledhim。"Imakemyvow，myribsfeelasthougheveryoneofthemwerebrokenintwain。
　　Itellthee，goodfellow，IdidthinktherewasneveramaninallNottinghamshirecoulddotomewhatthouhastdonethisday。"
　　"AndsothoughtI，also，"criedRobinHood，burstingoutofthethicketandshoutingwithlaughtertillthetearsrandownhischeeks。
　　"Oman，man！"saidhe，aswellashecouldforhismirth，"'adidstgooverlikeabottleknockedfromawall。Ididseethewholemerrybout，andneverdidIthinktoseetheeyieldthyselfso，handandfoot，toanymaninallmerryEngland。Iwasseekingthee，tochidetheeforleavingmybiddingundone；butthouhastbeenpaidallIowedthee，fullmeasure，presseddownandoverflowing，bythisgoodfellow。Marry，'adidreachouthisarmfulllengthwhilethoustoodgapingathim，and，withaprettyrap，tumbledtheeoverasneverhaveIseenonetumbledbefore。"
　　SospokeboldRobin，andallthetimeLittleJohnsatupontheground，lookingasthoughhehadsourcurdsinhismouth。
　　"Whatmaybethyname，goodfellow？"saidRobin，next，turningtotheTanner。
　　"MendocallmeArthuraBland，"spokeuptheTannerboldly，"andnowwhatmaybethyname？"
　　"Ha，ArthuraBland！"quothRobin，"Ihaveheardthynamebefore，goodfellow。ThoudidstbreakthecrownofafriendofmineatthefairatElylastOctober。ThefolktherecallhimJocko'Nottingham；wecallhimWillScathelock。ThispoorfellowwhomthouhastsobelaborediscountedthebesthandatthequarterstaffinallmerryEngland。HisnameisLittleJohn，andmineRobinHood。"
　　"How！"criedtheTanner，"artthouindeedthegreatRobinHood，andisthisthefamousLittleJohn？Marry，hadIknownwhothouart，Iwouldneverhavebeensoboldastoliftmyhandagainstthee。
　　Letmehelptheetothyfeet，goodMasterLittleJohn，andletmebrushthedustfromoffthycoat。"
　　"Nay，"quothLittleJohntestily，atthesametimerisingcarefully，asthoughhisboneshadbeenmadeofglass，"Icanhelpmyself，goodfellow，withoutthyaid；andletmetellthee，haditnotbeenforthatvilecowskincapofthine，itwouldhavebeenillfortheethisday。"
　　AtthisRobinlaughedagain，and，turningtotheTanner，hesaid，"Wiltthoujoinmyband，goodArthur？ForImakemyvowthouartoneofthestoutestmenthatevermineeyesbeheld。"
　　"WillIjointhyband？"criedtheTannerjoyfully。
　　"Ay，marry，willI！Heyforamerrylife！"criedhe，leapingaloftandsnappinghisfingers，"andheyforthelifeIlove！
　　Awaywithtanbarkandfilthyvatsandfoulcowhides！
　　Iwillfollowtheetotheendsoftheearth，goodmaster，andnotaherdofdundeerinalltheforestbutshallknowthesoundofthetwangofmybowstring。"
　　"Asforthee，LittleJohn，"saidRobin，turningtohimandlaughing，"thouwiltstartoncemoreforAncaster，andwewillgopartwaywiththee，forIwillnothavetheeturnagaintoeithertherighthandorthelefttillthouhastfairlygottenawayfromSherwood。Thereareotherinnsthatthouknowestyet，hereabouts。"Thereupon，leavingthethickets，theytookoncemoretothehighwayanddepartedupontheirbusiness。
　　RobinHoodandWillScarletTHUSTHEYtraveledalongthesunnyroad，threestoutfellowssuchasyoucouldhardlymatchanywhereelseinallmerryEngland。Manystoppedtogazeafterthemastheystrodealong，sobroadweretheirshouldersandsosturdytheirgait。
　　QuothRobinHoodtoLittleJohn，"WhydidstthounotgostraighttoAncaster，yesterday，asItoldthee？ThouhadstnotgottenthyselfintosuchacoilhadstthoudoneasIordered。"