Page:Famous exploits of Robin Hood, Little John, and his merry men all.pdf/9

Rh clothed in a livery of green. They quickly came up to Robin Hood, and Will Stuckley, their leader, cried out, 'Pray, what is the matter, good master? why, you seem wet to the skin!' 'No matter for that,' said Robin, 'the than that stands by has, in fighting, tumbled me into the brook.' 'If that be the case, said his men, 'he shall not escape without a good ducking.' 'Not so,' said Robin Hood, 'he is a hearty fellow that fought me fairly.'—'My friend,' said he to the stranger, 'be not afraid—no harm shall befall thee; all these are my bowmen, that come at my call, and if thou wilt live with me, thou shalt quickly put on such a dress as theirs; we will teach thee the use of the bow to shoot the fat deer, for we live gloriously, and fear not the laws.' 'Then here is my hand,' replied the stranger, 'I'll serve thee with a willing mind, for I perceive you are all brave hearty fellows. My name is John Little, I am a man of some skill, and at all times will play my part well.' 'His name shall be altered,' said Will Stuckley, 'I like not the sound of John Little, his name shall be called Little John.'

One day as Robin Hood was taking a walk through the forest, he beheld a jolly butcher sitting between his hampers, on a stout mare, going to sell his meat at market