"Methinks," quoth he, "thou'lt get thy weapon wet.

Let me tuck it beneath mine arm along with mine own." "Nay, good father," said Robin, "I would not burden thee with aught of mine but myself." "Dost thou think," said the Friar mildly, "that the good Saint Christopher would ha' sought his own ease so?
Nay, give me thy tool as I bid thee, for I would carry it as a penance to my pride." Upon this, without more ado, Robin Hood unbuckled his sword from his side and handed it to the other, who thrust it with his own beneath his arm.

Then once more the Friar bent his back, and, Robin having mounted upon it, he stepped sturdily into the water and so strode onward, splashing in the shoal, and breaking all the smooth surface into ever-widening rings.

At last he reached the other side and Robin leaped lightly from his back.
"Many thanks, good father," quoth he.

"Thou art indeed a good and holy man.