“‘No matter,’ replied their captain; ‘this youth and I have had a famous fight, and he knocked me into the water.’
“‘We’ll duck him, we’ll duck him,’ exclaimed the men, running up to the stranger, and seizing him by the arms.
“‘Forbear!’ shouted Robin Hood. ‘He is a brave young fellow, and must be one of us.’ Then, springing to his feet, he advanced towards him. ‘No one shall harm thee, friend,’ he said; ‘these merry men are mine. There are three-score and nine, and if thou wilt join them thou shalt have a coat of Lincoln green like theirs, a dagger, a good broadsword, and a bow and arrows, with which we will soon teach thee to kill the fat fallow-deer.’
“‘Here’s my hand on it,’ replied the stranger, striking his palm into that of the bold outlaw; ‘I’ll serve thee with my whole heart. My name is John Little, but thou’lt find I can do much, and that I’ll play my part with the best.’
“‘His name must be altered,’ said Will Stutely. ‘I’ll be his godfather, and we’ll have a merry christening in the green-wood.’
“A brace of fat does were presently shot, and a fresh barrel of humming strong ale was broached for the occasion. Robin Hood and his followers then stood in a ring, while Will Stutely, attended by seven of the tallest, dressed themselves in black garments that had once belonged to some unfortunate priests, and prepared to baptize this pretty infant. They carried him into the midst of the ring, and throwing a bucket of water over his face, for fear a little sprinkling might not be enough, Will Stutely in a very solemn tone said, ‘This infant has hitherto been called John Little; we do now hereby change his name, which from the present day to the end of his life shall be called Little John.’
“A loud shout from the men made the forest ring again. When this ceremony was concluded, and when Robin Hood had given his new attendant a coat of Lincoln green, and a curiously carved long-bow, they all sat down on the grass to a merry feast. Music succeeded, and their bold captain, in honour of his new guest, trolled forth the following song:—
“‘You’re welcome, my lad, to the forests o’ green,
Where the wild deer so merrily bounds;
Where the foresters bold their gay revels hold,