Presently Little John bethought him of a shrewd device by which they could still further get the better of him. He ran into the forest here and there, and when he had gone about five miles it fell out as he wished; he came across the sheriff himself hunting with hound and horn. Little John was mindful of his manners, and went and knelt on his knee before him, and saluted him courteously.
"Why, Reynold Greenleaf, where hast thou been now?" cried the sheriff.
"I have been in the forest," said Little John, "and there I have seen a wondrous sight, one of the finest I ever yet saw. Yonder I saw a right gallant hart; his colour is green. Seven score of deer in a herd altogether are with him. His antlers are so sharp, master, I durst not shoot, for dread lest they should slay me."
"By heaven, I would fain see that sight," said the sheriff.
"Turn thy steps thither, then, at once, dear master," said Little
John. "Come with me; I will show you where he lies."
The sheriff rode off, and Little John ran beside him, for he was full smart of foot. Through the forest they went, and by-and-by they came to Robin Hood in the midst of his band of yeomen.
"Lo, there is the master hart," said Little John. The sheriff stood still in dismay, and he was a sorry man.
"Woe worth thee, Reynold Greenleaf, thou hast betrayed me."
"Ye are to blame, master, I swear," said Little John. "When I was at home with you I was misserved of my dinner."
Then the outlaws made their guest sit down to supper with them, which he did with no good will, for he would fain have departed to his home at Nottingham. He was served on his own silver dishes, and when he saw his beautiful cups and vessels the sheriff for sorrow could not eat.