Page:History of Jack and the bean stalk.pdf/13

 “Oh! my dear,” replied she, “it is nothing but the people in the dungeon.” The giant appeared to believe her, and walked, into the very kitchen where poor Jack was concealed, who shook, trembled, and was more terrified than he had yet been. At last the manner seated himself quietly by the fireside, whilst his wife prepared supper. By degrees Jack recovered himself sufficiently to look at the giant through a small crevice: he was quite astonished to see what an amazing quantity he devoured, and thought he never would have done eating and drinking. When supper was ended, the giant desired his wife to bring him his hen. A very beautiful hen was brought, and placed on the table before him. Jack’s curiosity was very great to see what would happen:— he observed that every time the giant said “Lay!” the hen laid an egg of solid gold. The giant amused himself a long time with his hen, meanwhile his wife went to bed. At length the giant fell asleep by the fireside, and snored like the roaring of a cannon. At daybreak, Jack, finding the giant still asleep, and not likely to awaken soon, crept softly out of his hiding-place, seized the hen, and ran off with her. He met with some difficulty in finding his