Suddenly he straightened up. "Methinks," quoth he, "thou'lt
get thy weapon wet. Let me tuck it beneath mine arm along with mine
own."
"Nay, good father," said Robin, "I would not burden thee with aught of
mine but myself."
"Dost thou think," said the Friar mildly, "that the good Saint
Christopher would ha' sought his own ease so? Nay, give me thy tool as
I bid thee, for I would carry it as a penance to my pride."
Upon this, without more ado, Robin Hood unbuckled his sword from his
side and handed it to the other, who thrust it with his own beneath his
arm. Then once more the Friar bent his back, and, Robin having mounted
upon it, he stepped sturdily into the water and so strode onward,
splashing in the shoal, and breaking all the smooth surface into ever-
widening rings. At last he reached the other side and Robin leaped
lightly from his back.
"Many thanks, good father," quoth he. "Thou art indeed a good and holy
man. Prythee give me my sword and let me away, for I am in haste."
At this the stout Friar looked upon Robin for a long time, his head on
one side, and with a most waggish twist to his face; then he slowly
winked his right eye.
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