Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/18

18 espied by the proud Bishop of Hereford, who was passing along with a great company. 'O what shall I now do?' said Robin to himself. 'If the bishop should take me, I shall be hanged without mercy.' Then Robin turned nimbly about and ran with full speed to the house of an old woman, whom he knew: 'Good woman,' said Robin, 'I pray you let me in, for yonder is the bishop and his men, and if I am taken, I must die.' 'Why, who art thou,' said the old woman? 'I am Robin Hood—canst thou not recollect me?' 'I think I now do, and I will provide for thy safety.' 'Then give me thy female attire, and put thee on my livery of green,' said Robin, 'and give me thy distaff and spindle, and take my bow'

When Robin Hood was thus arrayed, he returned to the wood, and Little John seeing him, cried, 'Behold, who is yonder, that seems approaching this way? the old woman looks like a Witch, and I will send an arrow to meet her.' 'Hold thy hand,' said Robin, 'I am thy master in disguise, and this habit I was forced to put on to escape from a strong enemy, who had me in chase.' Now in the mean time, the bishop went to the old woman's house, and cried, 'Bring that traitor Robin Hood, that I may make him pay the forfeit of all his bad deeds.' The old woman then came out dressed like Robin, and the bishop placed her upon a