"And what doth all this mean ?" "Why," quoth Robin in a mighty passion, "yon traitor felt low hath come as nigh slaying me as e'er a man in all the world.

Hadst thou not come quickly, good Stutely, thy master had been dead." Hereupon, while he and the three others rubbed the meal from their eyes, and Will Stutely and his men brushed their clothes clean, he told them all; how that he had meant to pass a jest upon the Miller, which same had turned so grievously upon them.
"Quick, men, seize the vile Miller!" cried Stutely, who was nigh choking with laughter as were the rest; whereupon several ran upon the stout fellow and seizing him, bound his arms behind his back with bowstrings.
"Ha!" cried Robin, when they brought the trembling Miller to him.

"Thou wouldst murder me, wouldst thou?
By my faith,"-- Here he stopped and stood glaring upon the Miller grimly.

But Robin's anger could not hold, so first his eyes twinkled, and then in spite of all he broke into a laugh.
Now when they saw their master laugh, the yeomen who stood around could contain themselves no longer, and a mighty shout of laughter went up from all.

Many could not stand, but rolled upon the ground from pure merriment.
"What is thy name, good fellow ?" said Robin at last to the Miller, who stood gaping and as though he were in amaze.
"Alas, sir, I am Midge, the Miller's son," said he in a frightened voice.
"I make my vow," quoth merry Robin, smiting him upon the shoulder, "thou art the mightiest Midge that e'er mine eyes beheld.