At last the stranger struck Robin's cudgel so fairly in the middle that he could hardly hold his staff in his hand; again he struck, and Robin bent beneath the blow; a third time he struck, and now not only fairly beat down Robin's guard, but gave him such a rap, also, that down he tumbled into the dusty road.
"Hold!" cried Robin Hood, when he saw the stranger raising his staff once more.

"I yield me!" "Hold!" cried Little John, bursting from his cover, with the Tanner at his heels.

"Hold! give over, I say!" "Nay," answered the stranger quietly, "if there be two more of you, and each as stout as this good fellow, I am like to have my hands full.
Nevertheless, come on, and I will strive my best to serve you all." "Stop!" cried Robin Hood, "we will fight no more.

I take my vow, this is an ill day for thee and me, Little John.

I do verily believe that my wrist, and eke my arm, are palsied by the jar of the blow that this stranger struck me." Then Little John turned to Robin Hood.