"Give me your leathern coat as well," said mine host, sharply; "the hammer and tools are as naught to me."
"It would seem that I am fallen from one thief to another," snapped Middle. "If you will walk with me to the green I'll give you such a crack as shall drive some honesty into your thick skull."
"You are wasting your breath and my leisure," the other retorted, contemptuously. "Get you gone after your quarry."
Middle thought this to be good advice, and he strode forth from the "Falcon" in a black mood.
Ere he had gone half a mile upon the road he perceived Robin demurely walking under the trees a little in front of him. "Ho there! you villain!" shouted Middle. "Stay your steps. I am most desperately in need of you this day!"
Robin turned about with a surprised face. "Well met again, tinker," cried he. "Have you found Robin Hood?"
"Marry, that have I!" roared Middle, plunging at him.
Robin had his sword at his side and tried to draw it; but the tinker was too speedy for him. Middle laid on his blows with so much vigor that for a while he had Robin at his mercy.
The greenwood rang with the noise of the fight, for now Robin had plucked out his sword. 'Twas steel against oak; brute force matched against skill. Indignation gave Middle the advantage, and he fought with such fury that Robin's sides began to ache.
"Hold your hand, tinker," called Robin, at last. "I cry a boon of you."