JACK THE GIANT KILLER, 219

by a waggon which he had hired for that purpose, with an
account of all hisexploits. When Jack had thus killed these
two monsters, he went into their cave in search of their treasure.
He passed through many turnings and windings, which led him
to a room paved with freestone ; at the end of it
caldron, and on the right hand stood
alarge table where the giants used
todine. He then came to a window
that was secured with iron bars,
throngh which he saw a number of
wretched captives, who eried out
when they saw Jack. -“Alas! alas!

 

 
  

 

        

“y
hope,” said Jack, “you will not
stay here long; but pray tell me
what is the meaning of your being
all?"—SAlas!” said one poor
n, “Twill tellyou, sir. Weare -
persons that have been taken by the giants who hold this cave,
and are kept till they choose to have a feast, then one of us is to
be killed, and cooked to please their taste. It is not long since
they took three for the same purpose.” —‘ Well,”’ said Jack,
wi en them such a dinner, that it will be long enough
before they have any more.” ‘The eaptives were amazed at his
words. “ You may believe me,” said Jack, “for I have killed
them both with the edge of this sword, and have sent their
Jarge heads to the court of king Arthur, as marks of my great
success.”"—To show them tl what he said was true, he
unlocked the gate, and sct them all free. ‘Then he led them to
the great room, placed them round the table, and set before
them two quarters of beef, with bread and wine ; upon which