The most common story involves the rescue of a sheriff's man who has been wrongly accused of theft. This man is often portrayed as a young squire, though he is not always explicitly referred to as such.
Here's how the rescue usually plays out:
1. The Arrest and Sentence: The sheriff's man is wrongfully accused of stealing from the sheriff or a wealthy landowner. He is imprisoned and sentenced to death.
2. Robin Hood Learns of the Injustice: Robin Hood and his band of outlaws learn about the injustice from a reliable source, often a sympathetic townsperson.
3. Robin Hood's Plan: Robin Hood devises a plan to rescue the man, often involving disguises, distractions, and clever tactics. He might disguise himself as a beggar or a traveling merchant, for example.
4. The Rescue: Robin Hood and his men infiltrate the execution site, creating chaos and confusion. They might use force to overpower the guards, or they might employ stealth and cunning to escape with the prisoner.
5. Escape: The rescued man is taken to Sherwood Forest and joins Robin Hood's band, where he is treated fairly and given a chance to redeem himself.
Remember: The details of the rescue can vary slightly depending on the specific version of the Robin Hood story.
If you have a particular version in mind, it would be helpful to know the source (e.g., a specific book, movie, or play).