And so it went on till he began singing and that was as two persons, too. The song he sang was a duet between a youth and a maid, and he sung the maiden's part very high and squeaky and the youth's very deep and gruff. It was the funniest thing you can imagine, and when the last chorus was reached Robin Hood could hold in no more but joined in with the singing lustily.
Then the friar leaped forth, crying, "What spy have we here?" and from beneath his monk's robe he drew forth a sword as heavy and stout as any that Robin Hood's band carried.
"Put up thy sword, friend," called Robin. "Folks that have sung together should not fight." And then he leaped down beside the friar.
"Do you know the country round about, good and holy man?" he asked.
"Yes, somewhat," answered the friar cautiously.
"And do you know a spot called Fountain Dale, and a certain monk who is called the Curtal Friar of Fountain Abbey?"
"Yes, somewhat."
"Is it across the river?" asked Robin Hood.
"Yes," answered the monk.
"Do you know whether this friar is now on the other side of the river or on this side?" asked Robin.