Robin, "that can I not easily do, for they are
grazing in scattered fashion. But they are over near Gamewell, not more
than a mile therefrom at most. Will you not come and choose your own
beasts tomorrow?"

"Aye, that I will," said the Sheriff, his cupidity casting his caution
to the winds. "Tarry with me over night, and I will go with you in the
morning."

This was a poser for Robin, since he liked not the idea of staying over
night at the Sheriff's house. He had hoped to appoint a meeting-place
for the other, but now saw that this might excite doubt. He looked
around at the company. By this time, you must know, the feast had
progressed far, and the butchers were deep in their cups. The Sheriff
and Robin had talked in a low voice, and my lord Bishop was almost
asleep.

"Agreed," said Robin presently, and the words were no sooner out of his
mouth than the door opened and a serving-man entered bearing tray of
mulled wine. At sight of the fellow's face, Robin gave an involuntary
start of surprise which was instantly checked. The other also saw him,
stood still a moment, and as if forgetting something turned about and
left the hall.

It was Little John.

A dozen questions flashed across Robin's mind, and he could find answer
for none of them. What was Little John doing in the Sheriff's house? Why
had he not told the band? Was he true to them? Would he betray him?

But these questions of distrust were dismissed from Robin's open mind
as soon as they had entered. He knew that Little John was faithful and
true.

He recovered his spirits and began again upon a vein of foolish banter,
for the amusement of the Sheriff and his guests, all being now merry
with wine.

"A song!" one of them shouted, and the cry was taken up round the table.
Robin mounted his chair and trolled forth:

"A lass and a butcher of Nottingham
Agreed 'twixt them for to wed.
Says he, 'I'll give ye the meat, fair dame,
And ye will give me the bread."

Then they joined in the chorus amid a pounding of cups upon the board:

"With a hey and a ho
And a hey nonny no,
A butcher of Nottingham!"

While the song was at its height, Little John reappeared, with other
servants, and refilled the cups. He came up to Robin and, as if asking
him if he would have more wine, said softly, "Meet me in the pantry
to-night."

Robin nodded, and sang loudly. The day was already far spent, and
presently the company broke up wit