Well, one day--and an ill day it was for that saucy fellow--he sought to berate my father, I standing by.

I could stand it no longer, good uncle, so, stepping forth, I gave him a box o' the ear, and--wouldst thou believe it ?--the fellow straightway died o't.

I think they said I broke his neck, or something o' the like.

So off they packed me to seek thee and escape the law.

I was on my way when thou sawest me, and here I am." "Well, by the faith of my heart," quoth Robin Hood, "for anyone escaping the law, thou wast taking it the most easily that ever I beheld in all my life.