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。\"