JACK AND THE BEAN-STALE. 241

may seize on all you can; for everything he has is yours,
though now you are unjustly deprived of it. One thing 1
desire—do not let your mother know you are acquainted with
your father’s history, till you see me again. Go along the
direct rond, you will soon see the house where your cruel enemy"
ives. While you do as I order you, I will protect and guard
you; but, remember, if you dare disobey my commands, a rbost
dreadful punishment awaits you.”

When the fairy had concluded, she disappeared, leaving Jack
to pursue his journey. He walked on till after sun-set, when,
to his great joy, he espied a large mansion. This agreeable
sight revived his drooping spirits ; he redoubled his speed, and
soon reached it. A plain-looking woman was at the door—he
accosted her, begging she would give hima morsel of bread and
anight’s lodging. She expressed the greatest surprise at seeing
him; and said it was quite uncommon to see a human being
near their house, for it was well known that her husband was a
largeand very powerful giant, and that he would never eat any-
thing but human flesh, if he could possibly get it ; that he did
not think anything of walking fifty miles to procure it, usually
being out the whole day for that purpose.

‘This account greatly terrified Jack, but still he hoped to
elude the giant, and therefore he again entreated the woman to
take him in for one night only, and hide him where she thought
proper. ‘The good woman at last suffered herself to be per-
suaded, for she was of a compassionate and generous disposition,
and took him into the house. First, they entered a fine large
hall, magnificently furnished ; they then passed through several
spacions rooms, all in the same style of grandeur ; but they
appeared to be quite forsaken and desolate. A long gallery was
next; it was very dark—just light enough to show that instead
‘ofa wall on one side, there was a grating of iron which parted

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