More of Robin Hood, and something of the way in which he chose his merry men.
Robin Hood lay hidden in Sherwood Forest, and there was a reward of two hundred pounds for any one who would bring him to justice. Two hundred good men joined him and chose him to be the leader. They swore they would rob only those who had oppressed the poor by unjust taxes, or fines, or heavy rents. To the poor themselves they gave no harm, nor hurt any woman or child. Their name became a terror to the oppressor, but to the poor they were often a blessing.
Robin Hood picked his men very carefully. To-day we will learn how he chose Little John to be one of his company. One bright morning Robin Hood rose up and said:
“I have had no adventure for two weeks; I go forth to find one to-day. Follow me at a distance, my merry men.” And so Robin set out down the path and through the forest, clad in his suit of green which he and his men always wore.
He came to a stream on the edge of the forest across which was a bridge made of logs. A man on the other side was about to cross. Robin quickened his steps. So did the stranger.
“Stand back and let me pass first,” called Robin Hood.
“Nay, stand back yourself and let me over,” said the man. “I am a better man than thou.” With that he shook a big stick he carried in his hand and advanced towards the bridge.
“We shall see about that presently,” said Robin Hood sharply, for he acknowledged no man better than himself. With that he cut a huge stick from a nearby tree with one stroke of his knife and walked on to the log. The strange man was already half way over. Then followed a mighty battle while these two knights belabored each other with their sticks each trying not to fall off the log. The stranger was very tall and broad shouldered while Robin Hood was of average size only. Robin Hood hit the stranger a hard blow on the shoulder. The stranger returned with a blow on Robin’s head that tumbled him into the water.
The water was deep and Robin had much trouble in getting to the bank. Here he sat down and began to laugh.
“Give me thy hand, worthy stranger, for thou hast a mighty arm,” said he. “This day thou hast worsted Robin Hood in a combat with staves. What is thy name?”