fashion which had marked all his actions
that day, the knight suffered his horse to be led to the rendezvous of
the band in the greenwood.

Marian had not yet had time to change her page's attire, when the three
escorts of the knight hove in sight. She recognized their captive as Sir
Richard of the Lea, whom she had often seen at court; and fearing lest
he might recognize her, she would have fled. But Robin asked her, with a
twinkle, if she would not like to play page that day, and she in roguish
mood consented to do so.

"Welcome, Sir Knight," said Robin, courteously. "You are come in good
time, for we were just preparing to sit down to meat."

"God save and thank you, good master Robin," returned the knight; "and
all your company. It likes me well to break the fast with you."

So while his horse was cared for, the knight laid aside his own heavy
gear, and laved his face and hands, and sat down with Robin and all his
men to a most plentiful repast of venison, swans, pheasants, various
small birds, cake and ale. And Marian stood behind Robin and filled his
cup and that of the guest.

After eating right heartily of the good cheer, the knight brightened
up greatly and vowed that he had not enjoyed so good a dinner for nigh
three weeks. He also said that if ever Robin and his fellows should come
to his domains, he would strive to set them down to as good a dinner on
his own behalf.

But this was not exactly the sort of payment which Robin had expected to
receive. He thanked the knight, therefore, in set phrase, but reminded
him that a yeoman like himself might hardly offer such a dinner to a
knight as a gift of charity.

"I have no money, Master Robin," answered the knight frankly. "I have so
little of the world's goods, in sooth, that I should be ashamed to offer
you the whole of it."

"Money, however little, always jingles merrily in our pockets," said
Robin, smiling. "Pray you tell me what you deem a little sum."

"I have of my own ten silver pennies," said the knight. "Here they are,
and I wish they were ten times as many."

He handed Little John his pouch, and Robin nodded carelessly.

"What say you to the total, Little John?" he asked as though in jest.

"'Tis true enough, as the worthy knight hath said," responded the big
fellow gravely emptying the contents on his cloak.

Robin signed to Marian, who filled a bumper of wine for himself and his
guest.

"Pledge me, Sir Knight!" cried the merry outlaw