He came straight forward to Robin Hood and leaping from off his horse, clasped the yeoman in his arms.
"Why, how now," said Robin, after a time, holding Sir Richard off and looking at him from top to toe, "methinks thou art a gayer bird than when I saw thee last." "Yes, thanks to thee, Robin," said the Knight, laying his hand upon the yeoman's shoulder.

"But for thee I would have been wandering in misery in a far country by this time.

But I have kept my word, Robin, and have brought back the money that thou didst lend me, and which I have doubled four times over again, and so become rich once more.

Along with this money I have brought a little gift to thee and thy brave men from my dear lady and myself." Then, turning to his men, he called aloud, "Bring forth the pack horses." But Robin stopped him.

"Nay, Sir Richard," said he, "think it not bold of me to cross thy bidding, but we of Sherwood do no business till after we have eaten and drunk." Whereupon, taking Sir Richard by the hand, he led him to the seat beneath the greenwood tree, while others of the chief men of the band came and seated themselves around.