resters
had.

Neither Robin nor any of his men believed him, but he took a great
oath that he would never seek to do them harm, and that if he found
any of them in evil plight he would deliver them out of it. With that
Robin let him go.

HOW ROBIN MET FRIAR TUCK

In many ways life in the forest was dull in the winter, and often the
days passed slowly; but in summer, when the leaves grew green, and
flowers and ferns covered all the woodland, Robin Hood and his men
would come out of their warm resting places, like the rabbits and the
squirrels, and would play too. Races they ran, to stretch their legs,
or leaping matches were arranged, or they would shoot at a mark.
Anything was pleasant, when the grass was soft once more under their
feet.

* * * * *

'Who can kill a hart of grace five hundred paces off?'

So said Robin to his men in the bright May time; and they went into
the wood and tried their skill, and in the end it was Little John who
brought down the 'hart of grace,' to the great joy of Robin Hood. 'I
would ride my horse a hundred miles to find one who could match with
thee,' he said to Little John, and Will Scarlett, who was perhaps
rather jealous of this mighty deed, answered with a laugh, 'There
lives a friar in Fountains Abbey who would beat both him and you.'

Now Robin Hood did not like to be told that any man could shoot better
than himself or his foresters, so he swore lustily that he would
neither eat nor drink till he had seen that friar. Leaving his men
where they were, he put on a coat of mail and a steel cap, took his
shield and sword, slung his bow over his shoulder, and filled his
quiver with arrows. Thus armed, he set forth to Fountains Dale.

By the side of the river a friar was walking, armed like Robin, but
without a bow. At this sight Robin jumped from his horse, which he
tied to a thorn, and called to the friar to carry him over the water
or it would cost him his life.

The friar said nothing, but hoisted Robin on his broad back and
marched into the river. Not a word was spoken till they reached the
other side, when Robin leaped lightly down, and was going on his way
when the friar stopped him. 'Not so fast, my fine fellow,' said he.
'It is my turn now, and you shall take me across the river, or woe
will betide you.' So Robin carried him, and when they had reached the
side from which they had started he set down the friar and jumped for
the secon