'tis not
every day that one can find a recruit as stout of bone and true of soul
as Little John.

CHAPTER III

HOW ROBIN HOOD TURNED BUTCHER, AND ENTERED THE SHERIFF'S SERVICE

The butcher he answered jolly Robin,
"No matter where I do dwell,
For a butcher am I, and to Nottingham
Am I going, my flesh to sell."

The next morning the weather had turned ill, and Robin Hood's band
stayed close to their dry and friendly cave. The third day brought a
diversion in the shape of a trap by a roving party of the Sheriff's men.
A fine stag had been struck down by one Of Will Stutely's fellows, and
he and others had stepped forth from the covert to seize it, when twenty
bowmen from Nottingham appeared at the end of the glade. Down dropped
Will's men on all fours, barely in time to hear a shower of arrows
whistle above their heads. Then from behind the friendly trees they
sent back such a welcome that the Sheriff's men deemed it prudent not to
tarry in their steps. Two of them, in sooth, bore back unpleasant wounds
in their shoulders, from the encounter.

When they returned to town the Sheriff waxed red with rage.

"What," he gasped, "do my men fear to fight this Robin Hood, face to
face? Would that I could get him within my reach, once. We should see
then; we should see!"

What it was the Sheriff would see, he did not state. But he was to have
his wish granted in short space, and you and I will see how he profited
by it.

The fourth day and the one following this friendly bout, Little John was
missing. One of his men said that he saw him talking with a beggar, but
did not know whither they had gone. Two more days passed. Robin grew
uneasy. He did not doubt the faith of Little John, but he was fearful
lest a roving band of Foresters had captured him.

At last Robin could not remain quiet. Up sprang he, with bow and arrows,
and a short sword at his side.

"I must away to Nottingham town, my men," he cried. "The goodly Sheriff
has long desired to see me; and mayhap he can tell me tidings of the
best quarter-staff in the shire"--meaning Little John.

Others of the band besought him to let them go with him, but he would
not.

"Nay," he said smilingly, "the Sheriff and I are too good friends to put
doubt upon our meeting. But tarry ye in the edge of the wood opposite
the west gate of the town, and ye may be of service ere to-morrow
night."

So saying he strode forward to the road leading to No