Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/10

10 'Good morrow, honest fellow,' said Robin: 'prithee what food hast thou in thy hampers, and from whence comest thou? for I seem to have a liking to thy company,' The butcher replied, 'No matter from whence I come, master, nor where I dwell; you may see that I am a butcher, and going to Nottingham to sell my meat.' 'Whilt thou sell thy meat to me?' said Robin; 'tell me the price of it altogether; also, what thou wilt have for the mare that carries thee—we will not differ about the cost, for I would fain be a butcher for once.' 'The price of my meat, and the price of my mare,' said the butcher, 'shall be twenty good marks; and I think they are nothing too dear.' Robin agreed, and set out to Nottingham to begin his butcher's trade; and when he came thither, took up his inn next door to the sheriff's house. When other butchers began to open their shops, he opened his; but was at a loss how to sell his meat, being so young a butcher; however he was determined not to be undersold, and he found customers plenty. When the others could not sell a joint, Robin’s trade went on briskly, for he sold more meat for one penny than others could do for five, and the butchers were at a stand to know who this bold fellow was. 'Surely,' said they, 'he is some prodigal that has sold his fathers land, and is thus sporting away his money.' They