It happened one fine day that the young men of Nottingham were eager to go shooting, so Little John fetched his bow, and said he would meet them in a trial of skill. While the match was going on, the Sheriff of Nottingham chanced to pass, and he stood for a while near the marks to watch the sport.
Three times Little John shot, and each time he cleft the wand.
"By my faith, this man is the best archer that ever I saw," cried the sheriff. "Tell me now, my fine lad, what is your name? In what county were you born, and where do you dwell?"
"I was born at Holderness," said Little John, "and when I am at home men call me Reynold Greenleaf."
"Tell me, Reynold Greenleaf, will you come and live with me? I will give you twenty marks a year as wages."
"I have a master already, a noble knight," answered Little John. "It would be better if you would get leave of him."

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