FRIAR TUCK.

One day, as Robin Hood stood by a brook in the forest, he saw
a fat Friar coming towards him.

“ Here, Sir Friar,” said Robin, “it will not hurt your bare feet
to wet them: carry me over the brook.”

The Friar took the Archer on his back, but when he reached
the middle of the stream he threw Robin off into the water, and
went on, laughing at his trick. But Robin soon overtook him,
and attacked him with his quarter-staff, and the two fought for
some time. At last the Outlaw blew his horn, and said, “I am .
Robin Hood, Friar.” ?

“And I am Friar Tuck, bold Robin, who would like to live
with you in the greenwood and be your Chaplain,” said the Priest.

Robin laughed, and when the Merry-men came hurrying up
at his call, he said to them, “ Here is anew comrade. This jolly
Friar wishes to join our band.”.

- So Friar Tuck became one of the Merry-men from that day.

 

LITTLE JOHN.

Robin Hood met Little John for the first time on a narrow
plank, crossing a stream. There was not room for them both to
pass, and neither would go back; so they agreed to fight, and
see who would be first knocked into the water. The stranger,
who was seven feet high, beat Robin; and then they shook hands
and became friends. Robin asked John to join his band, and the
youth gladly consented. When the Merry-men saw the giant, and
heard that his name was John Little, they laughed long and loudly,
and said that he was so small he should be new-christened, and
called Little John. Robin Hood made this young man his Lieu-
. tenant, to rule the band whenever he happened to be away.