246 JACK AND THE BEAN-STALE.

took his bags, and after turning them over andover, to see that
they were in the same state as he left them, began to count
their contents. First, the bag which contained the silver was
emptied, and the contents placed upon the table. Jack viewed
the glittering heaps with delight, and most heartily wished
them in his own possession. ‘The giant (little thinking he was
so narrowly watched) reckoned the silver over several times ;
and then, having satisfied himself that all was safe, put it into
the bag again, which he made verysecure. The other bag was
opened next, and the guineas placed upon the table. If Jack
was pleased at the sight of the silver, how much more delighted
he felt, when he saw such a heap of glittering gold! He even
had the boldness to think of gaining both bags! but suddenly
recollecting himself, he began to fear that the giant would sham
sleep, the better to entrap any one who might be concealed.
‘When the giant had counted over the gold till he was tired, he
put it up, if possible, more secure than he had put up the
silver before ; he then fell back on his chair by the fire-side,
and fell asleep. He snored so loud, that Jack compared his
noise to the roaring of the sea ina high wind, when the tide
is coming in. At last, Jack concluding him to be asleep, and
therefore secure, stole out of his hiding-place, and approached
the giant, in order to carry off the two bags of money ; but
just as he laid his hand upon one of the bags, a little dog, which
he had not perceived before, started from under the giant's
chair, and barked at Jack most furiously, who now gave himself
up for lost : fear riveted him to the spot. Instead of endeavour-
ing to escape, he stood still, though expecting his enemy
to awake every instant. Contrary, however, to his expectation,
the giant continued in a sound sleep, and the dog grew weary
of barking. Jack now began to recollect himself, and on
looking round, sawa large piece of meat; this he threw to the