Page 95 - the-merry-adventures-of-robin-hood

straight forth, else thou art a coward heart as well as a knav-
ish thief.’
‘Ha!’ cried Little John, ‘coward’s name have I never had;
so, look to thyself, good Cook, for I come forth straight, the
roaring lion I did speak of but now.’
Then he, too, drew his sword and came out of the pantry;
then, putting themselves into position, they came slowly
together, with grim and angry looks; but suddenly Little
John lowered his point. ‘Hold, good Cook!’ said he. ‘Now, I
bethink me it were ill of us to fight with good victuals stand-
ing so nigh, and such a feast as would befit two stout fellows
such as we are. Marry, good friend, I think we should enjoy
this fair feast ere we fight. What sayest thou, jolly Cook?’
At this speech the Cook looked up and down, scratch-
ing his head in doubt, for he loved good feasting. At last
he drew a long breath and said to Little John, ‘Well, good
friend, I like thy plan right well; so, pretty boy, say I, let us
feast, with all my heart, for one of us may sup in Paradise
before nightfall.’
So each thrust his sword back into the scabbard and en-
tered the pantry. Then, after they had seated themselves,
Little John drew his dagger and thrust it into the pie. ‘A
hungry man must be fed,’ quoth he, ‘so, sweet chuck, I help
myself without leave.’ But the Cook did not lag far behind,
for straightway his hands also were deeply thrust within
the goodly pasty. After this, neither of them spoke further,
but used their teeth to better purpose. But though neither
spoke, they looked at one another, each thinking within
himself that he had never seen a more lusty fellow than the

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood