C014

"Now" said Friar Tuck, "it's your turn. Carry me back or you will feel the point of this good sword." This Robin Hood was forced to do. It was hard work for him, for the Friar was very heavy and the stream bed was full of holes. Angry and sweating, Robin Hood reached the bank, grabbed his sword, and cried, "Now I have you! Carry me back again!"

The monk was getting angry, but he was forced to bend his back. On reaching the middle of the stream, he gave a sudden jerk. Robin tried to grab the monk's broad back, but in vain. He fell into the stream with a huge splash, as the monk waded back toward his dinner.

Robin Hood was furious. He rushed on the Friar with his sword. They fought for six hours, breathing in gasps.

Robin, forced to admire the pluck of the Friar, fell on his knees, saying, "I beg a boon of you, holy Friar."

:'What boon?" asked the Friar.

'That I may blow three blasts on my horn."

"Certainly," said the Friar, "and I hope you blow so hard that your eyes pop out." (To be continued)