TinnerStreet

Robin Hood walked along the side of the brook, trees on both sides giving shade and cover. Presently a gap in the trees opened up, the ground sloping downwards to the brook. From an overhanging branch, a stout rope hung towards the water, and he took three long strides before launching himself towards the rope, gaining a firm hold with both hands. The rope swung forwards, then back, and Robin's weight caused it to swing further forward until it was over the far bank. He let go the rope, falling to land sturdily on both feet, taking two balancing steps to the top of the far bank, where he threw himself at full length into the tall grass.

Slowly he slid forward, carefully parting the grasses so that their movement could not be seen, and peered over the bank at the great clearing below him. Far to his left there was, as he knew, a large steep hill of black stone, while away to his front was a smaller hill rising gently towards the west. There, on and before that lesser hill, he could see the castle troops training at arms. The training contingent on this fine morning numbered over a score, and he reckoned that there were at least twice that number again on guard or at rest in the castle itself, out of sight to the east.

He watched for a while, then carefully, so carefully, slid backwards down the slope. Near the bottom, he turned and surveyed the brook and its rope, and he soon realised that the recent melting snow causing extra water flow down the brook had increased the distance from the bank he was on towards the rope; much too far to jump. He sat, removed his shoes and socks, and without further ado, stepped into the cold water and waded across. At no time did it reach his knees, and he dried his feet and legs quickly on the far bank with grasses - and a stray nettle, to judge from the stinging sensation in his leg - pulled from the bank. Shortly he was on his way once more, keeping the brook close on his right.

After a while, his stomach told him it was time to eat. Moments later, he approached a large tree alongside another gap towards the brook, and climbed into its branches. Hidden there was his lunch and water container. Well screened by the branches and leaves of his tree, he ate his meagre lunch, all the while surveying the far clearing, and the narrow wooden bridge which spanned the brook. Leaning comfortably back against the trunk, he almost fell asleep, and would have done, had it not been for the noises of someone approaching on the far bank. Instantly alert, he listened carefully to find the direction from which the man - there could only be one from the slight sounds - came. Only moments later, a large man appeared, obviously with the intention of crossing by the bridge. Robin quickly dropped from his branch, and ran to the near side of the bridge, reaching it as the stranger stepped on to the far side.

"Hold, stranger" Robin called, "I was first on the bridge. Step back and let me pass!" "I will not do so, as I was first on the bridge. Step back yourself."
Robin quickly unslung his bow from his shoulder, and took an arrow from his quiver. "Step back, unless you want an arrow through you."
"Oh, a brave man, hey? You would use a bow, when, as you can plainly see, all I have to defend myself is my staff", said the stranger, waving his staff above his head.
"You think I am a coward? Hold hard while I cut myself a staff, and we will soon see who steps back" said Robin, jumping off the bridge towards the trees.

It took him quite a while to find a small branch which was sturdy enough to fight with, but thin enough for him to break off, as break it he must, not having a knife. But he finally did it, and turned back to the bridge, only to find the stranger taking his ease on the near side of the bridge.

"Barley, er, I mean, Stranger, you are supposed to still be on the bridge. Go back over there so we can fight to see who is the better man".
With both on the narrow bridge, they shaped up to each other, then both struck at the same time, the staves clashing in mid-air, doing damage to neither of them. Blows were exchanged, with shouts and occasional groans as a staff found its mark, and it seemed that this situation could go on for a while, but Robin placed his foot on a damp patch on the bridge, and he seemed destined for a soaking. But as he fell, his staff came around in a great arc, catching the stranger behind the ear, so that he too headed for the water. Both entered the brook at the same time, great gouts of water rising in the air.

They sat there, both completely soaked, and laughed aloud. "We must look a pair of chumps" said Robin, "sitting here in the brook together! Anyway, I won."
"Oh no," said the stranger, "you were heading for the water before I was".
"But I slipped, whereas I knocked you in!" retorted Robin. "But no matter, it was a good fight, Stranger. What is your name, and where are you bound?"
"I am called Little John in my own part of the forest, and I look for the outlaw known as Robin Hood." The stranger replied.
"Why do you seek Robin?" asked Robin.
"When I find him, I am to offer my services" said Little John.
"Well, you have found him, and he accepts your services, for I am Robin Hood!" said Robin.
"Well, in that case, I am glad that I didn't give you a drubbing!" said the genial giant with a great smile.


They climbed a tree together, and laid along its branches, letting their clothes slowly dry. "Is it my turn to be Robin next time?" "Well, it could be, but you see, you are much bigger than me, and it would be silly if Little John was smaller than Robin Hood, wouldn't it?" "In that case, could I be Friar Tuck, and have plenty to eat?" "If you want to, but you'll have to bring it yourself. Will your mam pack more for you?" "I don't know; hadn't thought about that. Probably not."

Talking about food reminded the boys, as it often does, that they were hungry, so shortly they set off for home. First, they headed east to the pit, and soon approached the stables at the corner of the path and Pit Lane. As usual, they slowed, and moved quietly towards the open doorway, from which they could hear the noises of the blacksmith's hammer. And there he was, giving one of the ponies new shoes. "Hello, Mr Sissons," said Robin, "that's Albert, isn't it?" "Hello..." the smith noticed the boys green cap, and said, smiling "Robin Hood! Yes it is; do you know them all?" "No, but we recognise Albert"

"Come on, Robin" urged Little John, "It must be nearly tea time." With a wave to the smith, they set off up the slope, along the flat towards the railway crossing, making sure that there were no locos pushing or pulling wagons of pit props across to the large stacks further along. They passed the baths, then the offices off to their left, and into the Pit Lane itself. Nearing Kiveton Bridge station, they turned left, and into a rough field, triangular in shape, and surrounded by houses. Little John continued on, while Robin veered to his right, past the Fire Station, and through the backyards to his house.

"Mam, I'm home. Is tea ready?" "Hello, Dennis, you are just in time, wash and sit down." "Mam, I'm not Dennis, I'm Robin Hood. You should know that!" "Well, whoever you are, have a wash and sit down, but you'll still get the same".

© 2004 D.Street