I
A hunter who had ridden ahead in the chase was lost. The sun went down, and darkness fell upon the forest. The hunter blew his horn, but no answer came. What should he do?
At last he heard the sound of horse's hoofs. Some one was coming. Was it friend or foe? The hunter stood still, and soon a miller rode out into the moonlight.
"Pray, good fellow, be so kind as to tell me the way to Nottingham," said the hunter.
"Nottingham? Why should you be going to Nottingham? The king and his court are there. It is not a place for the like of you," replied the miller.
"Well, well, perhaps you are right, good miller," said the hunter. "And yet who knows? I'll wager that the king is no better man than I am. However, it is getting late, and lodging I must have. Will you give me shelter for the night?"
"Nay, nay, not so fast," said the miller. "Stand forth and let me see if you are a true man. Many thieves wear fine clothes these days."
The hunter stepped forward. "Well, and what do you think of me?" he asked gayly. "Will you not give a stranger lodging?"
"How do I know that you have one penny in your purse?" asked the miller. "You may carry your all on your back, for aught I know. I've heard of lords who are like that."
"True, good miller, but I have gold. If it be forty pence, I will pay it," said the hunter.
"If you are a true man, and have the pence, then lodging you may have. My good wife may not like it, but we'll see," said the miller.
"Good!" cried the hunter. "And here's my hand on it."
"Nay, nay, not so fast," replied the miller. "I must know you better before I shake hands. None but an honest man's hand will I take."
"Some day, my good miller," replied the hunter, "I hope to have you take my hand in yours. Proud will I be when the day comes."