FIRESIDE STORIES. 523
Se a a RAN SI al Se
in armour, and make them flee before him.” “Alas!” quoth the
Prince, “what shall we do there? He'll certainly chop us up at
a mouthful. Nay, we are scarce enough to fill his hollow tooth! ”
“It is no matter for that,” quoth Jack; “I myself will go before
and prepare the way for you; therefore, tarry and wait till I
return.” Jack then rides off full speed, and coming to the gate
of the castle, he knocked so loud that the neighbouring hills
resounded like thunder. The giant, terribly vexed with the
liberty taken by Jack, roared out, “Who’s there?” He was
answered, “None but your poor cousin Jack.” Quothhe, “What
news with my poor cousin Jack?” He replied, “Dear uncle,
heavy news.” “God wot!” quoth the giant, “ prithee, what heavy
news can come to me? I am a giant with three heads; and,
besides, thou knowest I can fight five hundred men in armour,
and make them fly like chaff before the wind.” “Oh, but,” quoth
Jack, “here ’s the Prince a-coming with a thousand men in armour
to kill you, and destroy all that you have.” “Oh, cousin Jack,”
said the giant, “this is heavy news indeed¢ I will immediately
run and hide myself, and thou shalt lock, bolt, and bar me in,
and keep the keys till the Prince is gone.” Jack joyfully complied
with the giant’s request, and fetching his master, they feasted and
made themselves merry whilst the poor giant lay trembling in a
vault underground.

In the morning Jack furnished the Prince with a fresh supply
of gold and silver, and then sent him three miles forward on his
journey, concluding, according to the story-book, “he was then
pretty well out of the smell of the giant.” Jack afterwards re-
turned and liberated the giant from the vault, who asked what