Touched by her grief, Little John promised to rescue them if she would only supply him with a disguise.

Dressed in a suit which had belonged to the woman's husband, he entered Nottingham just as the sheriff was escorting his captives to the gallows.

No hangman being available, the sheriff gladly hired the stranger to perform that office.

While ostensibly fastening nooses around the three lads' necks, Little John cleverly whispered directions whereby to escape.
This part of his duty done, Little John strung his bow, arguing it would be a humane act to shorten their agony by a well-directed shaft.
But, as soon as his bow was properly strung, Little John gave the agreed signal, and the three youths scampered off, he covering their retreat by threatening to kill any one who attempted to pursue them.
The angry sheriff, on perceiving Robin, who just then appeared, deeming him the man he sent into the forest, demanded some token that he had done his duty.

In reply Robin silently exhibited his own sword, bugle, and bow, and pointed to his blood-stained clothes.