"I would rather hang you upon this tree ere granting it to you," said Middle, commencing afresh.
But Robin had had time to blow his horn in urgent summons of Stuteley and Little John.
In a brief space they appeared, with most of the greenwood men at their heels, and Master Middle was seized and disarmed rudely enough.
"This rascal tinker had made my bones quite sore," said Robin, ruefully.
"Is that your trouble?" said Little John. "Let me discover now if I may not do the like for him."
"Not so, Little John," Robin said then. "This was my own quarrel, and I deserved all that this rogue has bestowed on me. He had a warrant for my arrest, which I have stolen from him."
"With twelve silver pennies, a crust of bread, and six little keys," remarked Middle, with emphasis.
"Here are the keys and the crust, gossip," answered Robin, smilingly. "And here the pennies, turned by me into gold. Here also, if you will, is my hand."
"I take it heartily, with the pence!" cried Middle, seizing the slim, frank hand of the outlaw. "By my leathern coat, by my pots and pans, I swear I like you, friend Hood, and will serve you and your men honestly! Do you want a tinker? Nay; but I'll swear you do—who else can mend and grind your swords and patch your pannikins? Will you take me, little man, who can fight so well, and who knows how to play a bold game?"
"Marry, I will take you, tinker—if the rest be willing, and you will swear the oath. But it rests not with me, for this is a band of freemen, without a leader."