Will Scarlet stood still and laughed. "John may well give him good measure," he said. "It cost _him_ but light." Little John paid no heed to their scoffing, but quietly went on with his task. "Master," he said to Robin Hood, when he had put aside a bountiful store for their guest, "you must give the knight a horse to carry home all these goods." "Give him a grey courser, and put a new saddle on it," said Robin. "And a good palfrey as befits his rank," added little Much. "And a pair of boots, for he is a noble knight," said Will Scarlet. "And what will you give him, Little John?" asked Robin. "Sir, a pair of shining gilt spurs to pray for all this company. God bring him safely out of all his trouble." The poor knight scarcely knew how to thank them for all their goodness. "When shall the day be for me to pay back the money you have lent me?" he said. "What is your will?" "This day twelve-month under this greenwood tree," said Robin. "It were a great shame," he added, "for a knight to ride alone without squire, yeomen, or page to walk by his side. I will lend you my man, Little John, to be your lad. He may stand you in yeoman stead if ever you are in need." As the knight went on his way he thought how well matters had happened for him, and when he looked on Barnsdale be blessed Robin Hood. And when he thought of Will Scarlet, Much, and Little John he blessed them for the best company he had ever been in. "To-morrow I must go to York town to St. Mary's Abbey," he said to Little John, "and to the abbot of that place I have to pay four hundred pounds. If I am not there by to-morrow night my lands will be lost for ever." The next day he strode out of the abbot's hall, all his care gone; he flung off his worn raiment, put on his good clothing, and left the other lying where it fell. He went forth singing merrily, back to his own home at Wierysdale, and his lady met him at the gate. "Welcome, my lord," said his wife. "Sir, are all your possessions lost?" "Be merry, dame," said the knight, "and pray for Robin Hood that his soul may always dwell in bliss. He helped me out of my distress; had it not been for his kindness we should have been beggars. The abbot and I are in accord; he is served with his money; the good yeoman lent it me as I came by the way." * * * * * *