these guests.

The tinker asked for ale, Robin for wine. They sat at talk for near an
hour, Robin explaining much about this Robin o' th' Hood. The tinker
drank his ale and listened; then pronounced his plan for taking the
outlaw. This made a lengthy history, and was so dry withal that Master
Middle must needs fill and empty his tankard many times.

In the end he fell asleep. Robin deftly opened his pouch then, took out
the warrant, read it, and put it into his own wallet. He called mine
host, and, telling him that the tinker would pay the reckoning so soon
as he awoke, Robin left the "Falcon" and Master Middle together.

Having leisure for the whimsey, Robin bethought him to stay awhile and
see what Middle might do, for in a way he had taken Robin's fancy.

So Robin hid and waited events.

Presently the tinker awoke and called for the landlord. "Gossip," said
he to mine host, "I have a grave charge to lay upon you. In this house,
whilst I did rest in the thought that you were an honest man and one
loving the King, my pouch has been opened and many matters of importance
taken from it. I had in it, item, a warrant, granted under the hand and
seal of my lord the Sheriff of Nottingham, authorizing the arrest of a
notorious rascal, one Robin Hood of Barnesdale. Item, a crust of bread.
Item, six single keys, useful withal. Item, twelve silver pennies, the
which I have earned this week in fair labor----"

"I wonder to hear you speak so of Robin Hood, friend," answered the
landlord. "Was he not with you just now? And did he not clink glasses
with you in all amity?"

"Was Robin o' th' Hood _that_ little bag of bones?" cried Middle, in
great vexation. "God-a-mercy, but now I see it all. He has taken my
warrant and my pennies! Let me go after him, gossip; be sure that I will
bring him back right soon."

"There is first the reckoning to be paid, good friend," said the
landlord.

"Why, I would pay you with all pleasure, had I the means," the tinker
replied. "At this moment I have but my stick and my bag of tools. I will
leave them with you as hostages."

"Give me your leathern coat as well," said mine host, sharply; "the
hammer and tools are as naught to me."

"It would seem that I am fallen from one thief to another," snapped
Middle. "If you will walk with me to the green I'll give you such a
crack as shall drive some honesty into your thick skull."

"You are wasting your breath and my leisure," the other retorted,