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Robin Hood was told that Friar Tuck, who lived alone in a valley, was the best fighter in the world, at least as good as Robin Hood himself. Hearing this, Robin Hood went to the valley, where he found the Friar by the river. Robin Hood came up to him and said, “Carry me over the river, Friar, or else your life will be in danger.” The Friar said nothing but took up Robin Hood and carried him on his back to the other side of the river. The Friar gently laid him down on the bank and said to Robin Hood, “It is now your turn. Carry me over the river, or else you will regret.” Robin Hood took the Friar on his back, without saying a word to him, carried him over the water, and laid him gently down on the bank. Then he turned to the friar and ordered him carry him over the river once more. The Friar smiled and took him up, but when he came in the midst of the stream, he shook him off his shoulders, and said to him, “Now choose, whether you will sink or swim.”
When Robin Hood and the Friar swam to the bank, they began to fight. Robin Hood first shoot at the Friar. Though none of the arrows missed the mark, the Friar was not hurt because his armours protected him. Then they drew out their swords and continued their fight. They fought for hours but could not hurt each other. At last Robin Hood asked the Friar to stop for a moment and allow him to blow his horn.
Robin Hood took his horn and sounded it three times. Soon fifty men with their bows came to his help. Seeing this, the Friar asked Robin Hood to let him whistle three times. He put his fist to his mouth, and whistled so loudly that the place echoed with the sound. At the sound fifty fierce dogs appeared and came upon Robin Hood and his men, and tore their coats into pieces. The men fought bravely and kept the dog back. The Friar admired Robin Hood and his men for their strength and courage. He especially marvelled at Little John’s skill in fighting, and asked him who he was. Little John said, “I am Little John, and belong to Robin Hood, who has fought with you for hours; and if you will not surrender you will die.” The Friar, seeing that it was impossible for him to deal with so many at once, agreed to join Robin Hood’s band.
