3.The Ballad Singer

 Two hundred pounds were offered as a reward for his capture.The greedy Sheriff of Nottingham was eager to capture Robin Hood.The Sheriff vowed to himself that he would win the money.

He asked the people of Nittingham to help him serve Robin Hood's arrest warrant.But the sheriff did not know that Robin had a group of loyal men.He did  not know tha Robin Hood was their beloved leader.

The townspeople,on the other hand,knew all about Robin Hood's men.They knew that if anyone tried to serve the warrrant,they would be beaten terribly.Because of this,all of the townsmen refused to help the sheriff.

In the nearby town of Banbury,however,the sheriff found his help.The brave tinker who worked there was not afraid of Robin and his men.He gladly offered to serve the warrant to Robin Hood.Relieved to have found his help,the Sheriff gave the tinker the warrant.

During this time,Robin Hood had traveled to Nottingham.He had wanted to see what the Sheriff had been up to.AS he walked down the road,the thiker came walking toward him.

"Good morning,sir"Robin called out.

"Hello,young man"replied the tinker."what are you doing on this fine day?"

"I'm heading to the inn"said Robin Hood,"Do you care to join me for a drink?"

The tinker gladly accepted Robin's offer.The two walked along together.

"So,do you have any interesting news to tell?"asked Robin.

"Well,"said the tinker."I'm on a mission for the Sheriff."

"Is that so?"asked Robin,"what kind of mission?"

"I am supposed to serve a warrant to the outlaw,Robin Hood."

"Do you have the warrant?'asked Robin.

"It's here in this sack,"the tinker replied.

"Then be careful."warned Robin."Robin Hood is a sneaky man.He has been known to play a few tricks."

"I am not worried about Robin Hood's tricks,"said the tinker."But just to be safe,can you tell me what he looks like?"That way i can be careful and watch for him."

"That's a good idea."said Robin.trying not to laugh."You are smart to be watching for him.Robin Hood is about the same height as i.in fact ,we're the same age and both of us have blue ayes."

"Thank you."said the tinker."I'll be watching for him."

"Watch carefully,"said Robin."You never know when he'll appear."

By this time they had reacher the inn.Robin and his men had spent much time at the inn.They especially liked it in winter when the Forest was full of snow.

The innkeeper recognized Robin but knew not to say so.Instead the acted as if he were a new customer.

Robin ordered drinks for both himself and the tinker.The tinker downed his greedily but Robin only pretended to drink.

As the tinker became drunk,he began to sing.Robin enyoyed listening to the balled he sang.Soon,the tinker laid his head on the table.Within minutes.he had fallen fast asleep.

Robin slipped the warrant out of the tinker's bag and headed for the door.He winked at the innkeeper who waved as he left.

The next day,Robin waited for the tinker.He knew the man would be coming back to find him.

Sure enough,he saw the tinker walking toward him.He could tell that the man was angry at having been fooled.When Robin saw the mad look upon the man's face,he began to laugh.

"You won't laugh when the Sheriff has you."the tinnker called.

"The Sheriff will not have me today."said Robin Hood.

He took out his born and called to his men.Little John appeared with several of Robin's men.

"What is it.Robin Hood?"Little John asked.

"This man plans to serve me a warrant,if i am arrested,you know i will be hanged."

"Let's hang him,instead,"said Little John,laughing.

"I don't think we should."said Robin to his men.

"Why not?"asked John."He woulld let you be hanged."

"He's a brave man."replied Robin."and i like him.He's funny and hi's really not a bad man at all."

"Join us."Robin Hood offered the tinker."You can sing balleds for us.I love to hear you sing."

The tinker could not help but like Robin Hood.He thought for a minute and then he agreed.The tinker was now one of the Robin Hood's men.