"So I do," said young Robin, "and I should like to stay ever so long and watch the deer and the birds, and learn to shoot with my bow and arrows."
"That's right. Well said, little one," cried Robin Hood, patting the boy on the head.
"But I'm afraid that my father will be very cross if I don't try to go home."
"Then try and make yourself happy, my boy," said Robin Hood, "for you have tried hard to go home, and you cannot go."
"Why?" said young Robin.
"For a dozen reasons," said the outlaw, smiling. "Here are some: you could not find your way; you would starve to death in the forest; you might meet people who would behave worse to you than the young swineherd, or encounter wild beasts; then, biggest reason of all: I will not let you go."
Young Robin was silent for a moment or two, and then he said quickly:
"You might tell Little John to take me home. My father would be so glad to see him."
Robin Hood and the big fellow just named looked at one another and laughed.
"Yes," said Robin Hood, patting the boy on the shoulder, "now that's just it. Your father, the Sheriff, would be so glad to see Little John that he would keep him altogether; and I can't spare him."