See, good master! I have brought thee his cook, and even his silver plate." Thereupon he told Robin Hood and his merry men that were there, all that had befallen him since he had left them to go to the Fair at Nottingham Town.

Then all shouted with laughter, except Robin Hood; but he looked grave.
"Nay, Little John," said he, "thou art a brave blade and a trusty fellow.

I am glad thou hast brought thyself back to us, and with such a good companion as the Cook, whom we all welcome to Sherwood.

But I like not so well that thou hast stolen the Sheriff's plate like some paltry thief.

The Sheriff hath been punished by us, and hath lost three hundred pounds, even as he sought to despoil another; but he hath done nought that we should steal his household plate from him." Though Little John was vexed with this, he strove to pass it off with a jest.