"But I am sure he would, little man," said the outlaw. "He'd be so
glad to get him that he would spoil him. Eh, John? What do you
think?"

"Ay, that he would," said Little John, shaking his head. "He'd be
sure to spoil me. He'd cut me shorter, perhaps, or else hang me up
for an ornament. No, my little man, I couldn't take you home."

"There," said the outlaw, smiling; "you must wait, my boy. Try and
be contented as you are. Maid Marian's very kind to you, is she
not?"

"Oh! yes," cried the boy, with his face lighting up, "and that's
why I don't want to go."

"Hullo!" growled Little John. "Why, you said just now that you did
want to go!" "Did I?" said the boy thoughtfully.

"To be sure you did. What do you mean."

"I mean," said the boy, looking wistfully from one to the other,
"that I feel as if I ought to go home, but I think I should like to
stay."

"Hurrah!" cried Little John, taking off and waving his hat. "Hear
that, captain? You've got another to add to your merry men. Young
Robin and I make a capital pair. Come along, youngster, and let's
practise shooting at the mark, and then we'll make enough arrows to
fill your quiver."