trudging along with a heavy bag of flour. Crowding around him the
outlaws demanded his money, and, when he exhibited an empty purse,
Robin suggested his money was probably hidden in the meal and sternly
ordered him to produce it without delay. Grumbling about his loss, the
miller opened his sack, began to fumble in the meal, and, when all the
outlaws were bending anxiously over it, flung a double handful of
flour right into their eyes, thus blinding them temporarily. Had not
other outlaws now rushed out of the thicket, the miller would
doubtless have effected his escape, but the new arrivals held him fast
until Robin, charmed with his ready wit, invited him to become an
outlaw too.

Some time after this, Robin, Will Scarlet, and Little John discovered
the minstrel Allan a Dale weeping in the forest because his
sweetheart, fair Ellen, was compelled by her father to marry a rich
old squire. Hearing this tale and sympathizing with the lovers, Robin
engaged to unite them, provided he could secure a priest to tie the
knot. When told Friar Tuck would surely oblige him, Robin started out
in quest of him, and, finding him under a tree, feasting alone and
toasting himself, he joined in his merry meal. Then, under the pretext
of saving his fine clothes from a wetting, Robin persuaded the friar
to carry him pick-a-back across a stream. While doing so, the friar
stole Robin's sword, and refused to give it back unless the outlaw
carried him back. Following Friar Tuck's example, Robin slyly
purloined something from him, and exacted a new ride across the river,
during which Friar Tuck tumbled him over into the water. Robin, who
had hitherto taken his companion's pleasantries good-naturedly, got
angry and began a fight, but soon, feeling he was about to be worsted,
he loudly summoned his men. Friar Tuck in return whistled for his
dogs, which proved quite formidable enough opponents to induce the