Quoth Robin, "Now, thou art the richest bishop in all England; canst
thou not help this needy brother?" But still the Bishop answered not a
word.
Then Robin turned to Little John, and quoth he, "Go thou and Will
Stutely and bring forth those five pack horses yonder." Whereupon the
two yeomen did as they were bidden, those about the cloth making room on
the green, where the light was brightest, for the five horses which
Little John and Will Stutely presently led forward.
"Who hath the score of the goods?" asked Robin Hood, looking at the
Black Friars.
Then up spake the smallest of all, in a trembling voice--an old man he
was, with a gentle, wrinkled face. "That have I; but, I pray thee, harm
me not."
"Nay," quoth Robin, "I have never harmed harmless man yet; but give it
to me, good father." So the old man did as he was bidden, and handed
Robin the tablet on which was marked down the account of the various
packages upon the horses. This Robin handed to Will Scarlet, bidding him
to read the same. So Will Scarlet, lifting his voice that all might
hear, began:
"Three bales of silk to Quentin, the mercer at Ancaster.
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