C015

Robin Hood blew three blasts on his horn, and his fifty men hurried to him.



"A boon," said Friar Tuck, "just as I gave you."



"That is only fair," said Robin Hood.



The Friar blew his whistle three times, and fifty great dogs came racing. Two dogs attacked Robin. One tore the green mantle from his back. He did all he could do to keep the other from his throat.



The outlaws, seeing their leader in danger, began shooting arrows at the dogs. Soon Little John, a deadly shot, had accounted for a dozen. To prevent more of his friends from being killed, Friar Tuck cried, "Stop, good fellow, stop!" Then the Friar called off the dogs, and the fight ceased.



Robin Hood told the Friar that he had come to ask him to join his band of jolly companions. The Friar laughed heartily and was well pleased with Robin Hood and his archers. He agreed to join the outlaws, and soon became the beloved friend of them all.