JACK AND TIE BEAN-STALK, 239

 

of consequence, little imagining that the giant was me
a horrid return for all his favours,

“Things went on in this way for some time, the giant
becoming daily more impatient to put his plan into execntion ;
at last a favourable opportunity presented itself. Your father's
houso was at some distance from the sea-shore, but with a glass
the coast could be seen distinctly. ‘The giant was one day
using the telescope; the wind was very high ; he saw a fleet of
ships in distress off the rock ; he hastened to your father, men-
tioned the circumstance: nd eagerly requested he would send
all the servants he could spare to relieve the sufferers. Every
one was instantly dispatched, except the porter and your nurse;
the giant then joined your father in the study, and appeared to
be delighted—he really was so, Your father recommended a
favourite book, and was handing it down; the giant took the
opportunity, and stabbed him ; he instantly fell down dead.
The giant left the body, found the porter and nurse, and pre-
sently dispatched them ; being determined to have no living
witnesses of his crimes, You were then only three months
old; your mother had you in her arms in a remote part of the
house, and was ignorant of what was geing on; she went into
the study, but how was she shocked, on discovering your
father's corpse weltering in his blood! She was stupified with
horror and grief, and was motionless. ‘The giant, who was
seeking her, found her in that e, and hastened to serve her
and you as he had done her husband, but she fell at his feet,
and ina pathetic manner besought him. to spare your life and
hers.

“ Remorse, fora moment, seemed to touch the barbarian’s
heart: he granted your lives; but first he made her take a
most solemn oath, never to inform you who your father was, or
to answer any questions concerning him: assuring her, that if

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