That night Friar Tuck feasted and sang with Robin and his men. Robin told Alan of Dale's sad story to the friar, and then explained his own plan.
"My plan can work, but I need your help with something," added Robin.
Friar Tuck didn't hesitate. "I can do it," he agreed. "I'll marry Alan and Ellen."
"Good!" said Robin.
The next morning was Ellen's wedding to Sir Stephen. Robin surprised his men by dressing in bright, striped clothes and carrying a harp.
"Look!" said Little John, pointing at Robin. "It's a colorful bird!"
The men roared with laughter.
Robin was laughing too. "This is my disguise for Alan's wedding," he explained. "I'm a minstrel. Carry these two bags of gold for me, Little John."
Robin set off for the church with Alan and twenty other men. When they arrived, they hid outside behind a wall. They were waiting for someone to come to unlock the church door.
At last an old friar appeared. As he struggled with some keys, Friar Tuck stepped up to help him.
"I hear there's a wedding today," said Friar Tuck. "I'd like to see that."
"You're welcome to stay for the wedding," said the old friar. Friar Tuck unlocked the door and the two men entered the church.
Robin sat outside by the door. He soon spotted six men approaching on horses. The Bishop of Hereford was in the lead. His clothes were made of beautiful silk; a gold chain dangled from his neck.
Robin frowned. "That bishop is dressed like a prince. He got his money from cheating the poor!"
The bishop noticed Robin as he came closer. "Who are you?" asked the bishop.
"I'm the best minstrel in England," replied Robin. "When I play, I'll make the bride love the groom forever."
The bishop laughed. "If you can do that, I'll give you whatever you want. My cousin, Sir Stephen, is the groom."
"We have a deal," replied Robin.
Soon the wedding party began to arrive on horseback.
Sir Stephen was a tall, thin man with gray hair. Beside him rode the bride's father. Next came the bride, Ellen, in a carriage. She was very pretty, but she looked very sad. Behind her rode some knights.
"Play your harp now," the bishop said to Robin.
"No, it's not the right time," said Robin quickly. He really had no idea how to play a harp!
Everyone entered the church.
Robin stepped forward. "What kind of wedding is this?" he shouted. "The groom is too old! And the bride is engaged to another man!"
Robin blew his horn three times and Alan burst through the door with Robin's other men.
Ellen's face lit up. "Alan!" she cried happily.
Ellen's father was furious. "You're to blame for this, Alan of Dale!" he said with a furious scowl.
"No, I'm to blame. I'm Robin Hood, and I say Ellen will marry Alan!"
"Please, Father!" begged Ellen. "I'm in love with Alan."
"You'll marry Sir Stephen or no one!" shouted her father.
Sir Stephen suddenly spoke up. "I can't marry a woman who loves another man." He looked sadly at Ellen for a few moments and then hurried out of the church.
Robin gave Ellen's father two bags of gold. "Perhaps this will help to win your approval."
Ellen's father's eyes lit up. "I'll give my blessing to this marriage," he said. Everyone cheered.
"It's time for the wedding!" cried Robin.
Friar Tuck did his part and married the happy couple.
The bishop looked worried. He was afraid of what Robin might do next. "It's time for me to go," he said quickly.
"Wait a minute. You promised to give me whatever I want," said Robin.
"But you didn't play a tune," said the bishop.
"I only said I'd play. I never said I'd play a tune. Instead I played a trick. And now the bride will love her groom forever. Give your gold necklace to Ellen," ordered Robin.
Grumbling, the bishop obeyed. He handed the necklace to the bride.
"You should be our guest at a feast someday," Robin said to the bishop.
"Oh no!" The bishop went pale and ran from the church as fast as he could.
The happy bride and groom thanked Robin for his help.
Robin bowed. "You're quite welcome." Then Robin and his men started toward home.
"I had so much fun today!" Friar Tuck said. "Robin, will you let me join your band?"
Robin grinned at Friar Tuck. "Of course," he said.