ied the other, pushing
out for his side of the river. "By name Friar Tuck of Fountain's Dale.
Are these your men, forester?"

"This is Robin Hood, come in all amity and peace from Nottingham to
bring you to a sick-bedside," the tinker told him. "'Tis a sorry welcome
that you accord to him!"

"I am Robin Fitzooth," said Robin, having in his turn regained the
river-bank. "And surely your name is _not_ Tuck, as you say."

The knight then lifted his visor, and Robin gave a cry of joy. It was
the merry face of the Clerk of Copmanhurst that beamed upon him from
under the mailed cap. "God save you, dear friend, why did you not say
'twas you?"

"To tell truth, Robin," answered the clerk, comically, "you scarce gave
me pause to eat my pie, let alone announce myself. Do I see Master Hal,
and my good friend Warrenton? Wait until I have chained my dogs, and I
will give you all such welcome as this place does know."

* * * * *

They stayed with the worthy friar of Fountain's Dale long enough for
them to be all refreshed and rested; then started upon the return
journey into Barnesdale with good speed. Friar Tuck--for so we must know
him now--said he would go with them gladly, and bring his dogs also, for
a year had been sufficient for his liking of Fountain's Abbey. The place
was too quiet and deadly; and although he had succeeded to these dumb
and faithful friends, he had employed much time in the training of them.

Robin bethought him of poor Midge waiting patiently their return, and so
allowed no pause.

They came back to Barnesdale within three days, having encountered and
levied toll upon some rich merchants--penitents bound with presents for
the Priory of York.

Midge was found to be vastly recovered from his sickness, thanks to the
nursing of Mistress Fennel and her maids. He welcomed the friar in his
own droll way, begging to be forgiven by Master Tuck for not giving him
reason to perform prayers for an outlaw's soul, and offering to be
shrived, notwithstanding, if the priest felt aggrieved.

Little John, remembering his own words of many days afore, said: "'Tis a
pity indeed that the good friar should have made this grievous long
journey--all for naught! By my faith, but here is a notion for the use
of him and for yourself, Robin. Your name is not your own until Mother
Church has put it properly upon you. So therefore let us have a
christening, since by good fortune we may not have