“And now good Reynold Greenleaf,” said the cook, “we may as well settle this brave fight we have in hand.”
“A true saying,” rejoined the other, “but first tell me, friend—for I protest you are my friend henceforth—what is the score we have to settle?”
“Naught save who can handle the sword best,” said the cook. “By my troth I had thought to carve you like a capon ere now.”
“And I had long since thought to shave your ears,” replied Little John. “This bout we can settle in right good time. But just now I and my master have need of you, and you can turn your stout blade to better service than that of the Sheriff.”
“Whose service would that be?” asked the cook.
“Mine,” answered a would-be butcher entering the room, “and I am Robin Hood.”
CHAPTER V
HOW THE SHERIFF LOST THREE GOOD SERVANTS AND FOUND THEM AGAIN
“Make good cheer,” said Robin Hood.
“Sheriff! for charity!
And for the love of Little John
Thy life is granted thee!”