210 JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

‘This warning was so shocking to poor Jack, that he was
ready to go mad. He ran to the window and saw the two
giants coming along arm-in-arm. This window was right over
the gates of the castle. “ Now,” thought Jack, “either my
death or freedom is at hand.” There were two strong cords in
the room. Jack made a large noose with a slip-knot at the
ends of both these, and, as the giants were coming through
the gates, he threw the ropes over their heads. He then made
the other ends fast to a beam in the ceiling, and pulled with all
his might, till he had almost strangled them. When he saw
that they were both quite black in the face, and had not the
least strength left, he drew his sword, and slid down the ropes ;
he then ‘elle the giants, and thus saved himself from the cruel

1 e, death they meant to put
him to. Jack next took
a great bunch of keys
from the pocket of Blun-
derbore, and went into
the castle again. He made
astrict search through all
the rooms, and in them
found three ladies tied up

bythe hair of their heads,
and almost starved todeath. They told him that their husbands
had been killed hye piel who had then condemned them
to be starved to death, because they would not eat the flesh of
their own dead husbands. “ Ladies,” said Jack, ‘+1 have put
an end to the monster and his wicked brother; and I give you
this castle and all the riches it contains, to make you some
amends for the dreadful pains you have felt.” He then very
politely gave them the keys of the castle, and went further on
his journey to Wales. As Jack had not taken any of the
giant's riches for himself, and had very little money of his own,