52 TOM HICKATHRIFT.

every means in their power. A few
days afterwards Tom took possession of
the cave and all the giant’s treasure.
He pulled down the former, and built a
magnificent house on the spot; but as
for the land stolen by the giant, part of
it he gave to the poor for their common,
merely keeping enough for himself and
his good old mother, Jane Hickathrift.

Tom was now a great man and a hero
with all the country folk, so that when
any one was in danger or difficulty, it
was to Tom Hickathrift he must turn.
It chanced that about this time many
idle and rebellious persons drew them-
selves together in and about the Isle of
Ely; and set themselves to defy the King
and all his men.

By this time, you must know, Tom