olk found what a simple butcher he was, they crowded
around his cart; for he really did sell three times as much for one
penny as was sold by the other butchers. And one or two serving-lasses
with twinkling eyes liked his comely face so well that they willingly
gave boot of a kiss.

But the other butchers were wroth when they found how he was taking
their trade; and they accordingly put their heads together.

One said, "He is a prodigal and has sold his father's land, and this is
his first venture in trading."

Another said, "He is a thief who has murdered a butcher, and stolen his
horse and meat."

Robin heard these sayings, but only laughed merrily and sang his song
the louder. His good-humor made the people laugh also and crowd round
his cart closely, shouting uproariously when some buxom lass submitted
to be kissed.

Then the butchers saw that they must meet craft with craft; and they
said to him, "Come, brother butcher, if you would sell meat with us, you
must e'en join our guild and stand by the rules of our trade."

"We dine at the Sheriff's mansion to-day," said another, "and you must
take one of our party."

"Accurst of his heart," said jolly Robin,
"That a butcher will deny.
I'll go with you, my brethren true,
And as fast as I can hie."

Whereupon, having sold all his meat, he left his horse and cart in
charge of a friendly hostler and prepared to follow his mates to the
Mansion House.

It was the Sheriff's custom to dine various guilds of the trade, from
time to time, on Fair days, for he got a pretty profit out of the fees
they paid him for the right to trade in the market-place. The Sheriff
was already come with great pomp into the banqueting room, when Robin
Hood and three or four butchers entered, and he greeted them all with
great condescension; and presently the whole of a large company was
seated at a table groaning beneath the good cheer of the feast.

Now the Sheriff bade Robin sit by his right hand, at the head of the
board; for one or two butchers had whispered to the official, "That
fellow is a right mad blade, who yet made us much sport to-day. He sold
more meat for one penny than we could sell for three; and he gave extra
weight to whatsoever lass would buss him." And others said, "He is
some prodigal who knows not the value of goods, and may be plucked by a
shrewd man right closely."

The Sheriff was will to pluck a prodigal with the next man, and he was
more