s John Little Nailor."

"You are anything but little, friend," answered the youth, struggling to
his feet. "And now I will give you my name also." He put a horn to his
lips at this and blew a strange, shrill note.

Forthwith the greenwood was alive with men, all dressed in grass-colored
clothes like the youth's. They swarmed about him, full two score and ten
of them. One of them, a little man, having eyed the stranger askance,
gave a signal to the others to seize him; but the youth forbade this.
"The fight was a fair one, friends, and the right of this bridge
belongs for the moment to Master John Little Nailor. Take your rights,
friend," he went on, turning to the giant, "and go upon your way."

"In a manner, stripling, you have now the better of this adventure, and
yet do forbear," returned Master Nailor. "Wherefore I like you well, and
would ask again your name."

"Tell him, Will," commanded the youth.

The little man, stepping up to the giant impudently, then announced his
master. "Know, fellow, that this is none other than a dead man--a
wraith, indeed! At least, so saith Master Monceux, the lord Sheriff of
Nottingham. This is Robin Fitzooth."

"Then I am right sorry that I beat you," answered Master Nailor. "And
had I known you at the first your head would now be whole and your body
unbruised. By my inches, but I would like to join with you and your
company."

"Enter our company, then, John Little; and be welcome. The rites are
few; but the fee is large: for we shall ask unswerving loyalty of you,
and you must give a bond that you will be faithful even unto death."

"I give the bond, with all my soul, and on my very life," cried the tall
man.

"Master," said the little man, who was none other than our friend
Stuteley, "surely we cannot consent to welcome this fellow amongst us
having such a name? Harkee, John Little," he continued, turning to the
giant, "take your new name from me, since you are to be of our
brotherhood. I christen you Little John!"

At this small jest the merry men laughed long and loud.

"Give him a bow and find a full sheath for our friend Little John,
Warrenton," said Robin, joyfully. "And hurry, friends, for surely it is
the moment when our first new defiance of Master Monceux is to be made?
Fall back into the woods speedily; and bide my signal. Little John, we
now will try you. Stand out on the bridge path you have just won from me
and parley with those who are coming along the ro