“Then you shall pay no more than twenty pieces for your entertainment, excellence,” decreed Robin. “Speak I soothly, men of greenwood?”
“Good!” echoed the others.
“The Sheriff should swear by his patron saint that he will not molest us,” said Will Stutely; and his addition was carried unanimously.
“So be it, then,” cried Little John, approaching the sheriff. “Now swear by your life and your patron saint—”
“I will swear it by St. George, who is patron of us all,” said the Sheriff vigorously, “that I will never disturb or distress the outlaws in Sherwood.”
“But let me catch any of you out of Sherwood!” thought he to himself.
Then the twenty pieces of gold were paid over, and the Sheriff once more prepared to depart.
“Never had we so worshipful a guest before,” said Robin; “and as the new moon is beginning to silver the leaves, I shall bear you company myself for part of the way. ‘Twas I who brought you into the wood.”
“Nay, I protest against your going needlessly far,” said Sheriff.
“But I protest that I am loath to lose your company,” replied Robin. “The next time I may not be so pleased.”