laimed a great
shooting-match in a broad open space, and Little John was minded to try
his skill with the rest. He rode through the forest, whistling gaily
to himself, for well he knew that not one of Robin Hood's men could
send an arrow as straight as he, and he felt little fear of anyone else.

When he reached the trysting place he found a large company assembled,
the Sheriff with them, and the rules of the match were read out: where
they were to stand, how far the mark was to be, and how that three
tries should be given to every man.

Some of the shooters shot near the mark, some of them even touched it,
but none but Little John split the slender wand of willow with every
arrow that flew from his bow.

At this sight the Sheriff of Nottingham swore that Little John was the
best archer that ever he had seen, and asked him who he was and where
he was born, and vowed that if he would enter his service he would give
twenty marks a year to so good a bowman.

Little John, who did not wish to confess that he was one of Robin
Hood's men and an outlaw, said his name was Reynold Greenleaf, and that
he was in the service of a Knight, whose leave he must get before he
became the servant of any man.

This was given heartily by the Knight, and Little John bound himself to
the Sheriff for the space of twelve months, and was given a good white
horse to ride on whenever he went abroad. But for all that he did not
like his bargain, and made up his mind to do the Sheriff, who was hated
of the outlaws, all the mischief he could.

His chance came on a Wednesday when the Sheriff always went hunting,
and Little John lay in bed till noon, when he grew hungry. Then he got
up, and told the steward that he wanted some dinner. The steward
answered he should have nothing till the Sheriff came home, so Little
John grumbled and left him, and sought out the butler.

Here he was no more successful than before; the butler just went to the
buttery door and locked it, and told Little John that he would have to
make himself happy till his lord returned.

Rude words mattered nothing to Little John, who was not accustomed to
be baulked by trifles, so he gave a mighty kick which burst open the
door, and then ate and drank as much as he would, and when he had
finished all there was in the buttery, he went down into the kitchen.

Now the Sheriff's cook was a strong man and a bold one, and had no mind
to let another man play the king in his kitch