I fear thy poor bones are mightily sore," quoth Little John soberly, but with a sly twinkle in his eyes.
"Give over, I say!" quoth Robin in a fume.

"My coat hath been dusted enough already, without aid of thine." Then, turning to the stranger, he said, "What may be thy name, good fellow ?" "My name is Gamwell," answered the other.
"Ha!" cried Robin, "is it even so?
I have near kin of that name.

Whence camest thou, fair friend ?" "From Maxfield Town I come," answered the stranger.

"There was I born and bred, and thence I come to seek my mother's young brother, whom men call Robin Hood.

So, if perchance thou mayst direct me--" "Ha! Will Gamwell!" cried Robin, placing both hands upon the other's shoulders and holding him off at arm's length.