"And I had long since thought to shave your ears," replied Little John.
"This bout we can settle in right good time. But just now I and my
master have need of you, and you can turn your stout blade to better
service than that of the Sheriff."

"Whose service would that be?" asked the cook.

"Mine," answered a would-be butcher entering the room, "and I am Robin
Hood."




CHAPTER V

HOW THE SHERIFF LOST THREE GOOD SERVANTS AND FOUND THEM AGAIN

"Make good cheer," said Robin Hood.
"Sheriff! for charity!
And for the love of Little John
Thy life is granted thee!"

The cook gasped in amazement. This Robin Hood! and under the Sheriff's
very roof!

"Now by my troth you are a brave fellow," he said. "I have heard great
tales of your prowess, and the half has not been told. But who might
this tall slasher be?"

"Men do call me Little John, good fellow."