"Since you will not dine, I will give you to drink," he said to the steward; "though you live for a hundred years you shall remember Little John." He ate and drank for as long as he chose, and the steward dared say nothing, for he was still smarting from the blow. But the sheriff had in his employ a cook, a bold, sturdy man, and he was no coward either. "A fine sort of fellow you are to dwell in a house and ask for dinner thus," he cried, and he dealt Little John three good blows. "I vow I am very well pleased with those strokes of yours," said Little John, "and before I leave this place you shall be tested better." He drew his good sword, and the cook seized another, and they went for each other then and there. Neither had any thought of giving in, but both meant to resist stoutly. There they fought sorely for a whole hour, and neither could in any way harm the other. "Thou art truly one of the very best swordsmen that ever I saw," said Little John. "Couldst thou shoot as well with a bow thou shouldst go with me to the greenwood. Thou wouldst have from Robin Hood twenty marks a year as wages, and a change of clothing twice a year." "Put up thy sword, and we will be comrades," said the cook. He fetched at once for Little John a right good meal--dainty venison, good bread, and excellent wine--and they both ate and drank heartily. When they had well feasted they plighted their troth together that they would be with Robin that self-same night. Then they ran as fast as they could to the sheriff's treasury, and though the locks were of good steel they broke them every one. They carried off all the silver plate--vessels, dishes, gold pieces, cups, and spoons, nothing was forgotten. They took also the money--three hundred and three pounds--and then they went off straight to Robin Hood in the forest. "God save thee, my dear master," cried Little John. "Welcome art thou, and also that fair yeoman whom thou bringest with thee," said Robin Hood. "What tidings from Nottingham, Little John?" "The proud sheriff greeteth thee well, and sendeth you here by me his cook and his silver vessels and three hundred and three pounds," said Little John. "I dare take my oath it was never by his good will these goods come to me," laughed Robin. Thus they all made merry in the greenwood, and said the sheriff had been rightly paid for the greed and tyranny with which he performed the duties of his office, for by bribery and oppression he had got his ill-earned wealth. Presently Little John bethought him of a shrewd device by which they could still further get the better of him. He ran into the forest here and there, and when he had gone about five miles it fell out as he wished; he came across the sheriff himself hunting with hound and horn. Little John was mindful of his manners, and went and knelt on his knee before him, and saluted him courteously. "Why, Reynold Greenleaf, where hast thou been now?" cried the sheriff.