to drinking, and then took my warrant, and my pennies, and my crust--"

"Yes, yes," interrupted the host. "I know all about that. But pay me the
score for both of you."

"But I have no money, gossip. Let me go after that vile bag-o'-bones,
and I'll soon get it out of him."

"Not so," replied the other. "If I waited for you to collect from Robin
Hood, I would soon close up shop."

"What is the account?" asked Middle.

"Ten shillings, just."

"Then take here my working-bag and my good hammer too; and if I light
upon that knave I will soon come back after them."

"Give me your leathern coat as well," said mine host; "the hammer and
bag of tools are as naught to me."

"Gramercy!" cried Master Middle, losing what was left of his temper.
"It seems that I have escaped one thief only to fall into the hands of
another. If you will but walk with me out into the middle of the road,
I'll give you such a crack as shall drive some honesty into your thick
skull."

"You are wasting your breath and my time," retorted the landlord.

"Give me your things, and get you gone after your man, speedily."

Middle thought this to be good advice; so he strode forth from the
"Seven Does" in a black mood.

Ere he had gone half a mile, he saw Robin Hood walking demurely among
the trees a little in front of him.

"Ho there, you villain!" roared the tinker. "Stay your steps! I am
desperately in need of you this day!"

Robin turned about with a surprised face.

"What knave is this?" he asked gently, "who comes shouting after me?"

"No knave! no knave at all!" panted the other, rushing up. "But an
honest--man--who would have--that warrant--and the money for drink!"

"Why, as I live, it is our honest tinker who was seeking Robin Hood! Did
you find him, gossip?"

"Marry, that did I! and I'm now going to pay him my respects!"

And he plunged at him, making a sweeping stroke with his
crab-tree-cudgel.

Robin tried to draw his sword, but could not do it for a moment through
dodging the other's furious blows. When he did get it in hand, the
tinker had reached him thrice with resounding thwacks. Then the tables
were turned, for he dashed in right manfully with his shining blade and
made the tinker give back again.

The greenwood rang with the noise of the fray. 'Twas steel against
wood, and they made a terrible clattering when they came together. Robin
thought at first that he could hack the cudgel to pieces, for his blade
was one of