Page:History of Jack and the giants (3).pdf/10

 riding out at the town end, an old woman called after him, crying out, he was owing me twopence these five years; pray Sir, pay me as well as he rest. He put his hand into his pocket, and gave it her, it being the last he had left. Then the king's son turning to Jack, said, I cannot tell how I will subsist in my intended journey. For that quoth Jack, take you no thought nor care, let me alone, I warrant you, we will not want.

Now Jack having a small spell in his pocket, which served at noon to give them a refreshment, which done, they had not one penny left betwixt them, the afternoon they spent in travel and familiar and friendly discourse, till the sun began to grow low, at which time, the king's son said, Jack, since we have no money, where can we think to lodge this night? Jack replied, Master, we'll do well enough, for I have an uncle that lives within two little miles of this place; he is a huge and monstrous Giant, with three heads: he'll fight five hundred men in armour, and make them to fly before him. Alas! quoth the king's son, what shall we do there; he'll certainly chop us both up at one mouthful; nay, we are scarce enough to fill one of his hollow teeth. It is no matter for that, quoth Jack, I myself will go before, and prepare the way for you; therefore tarry here, and wait my return.

He waits, and Jack rides full speed, when coming to the gate of the castle, he knocked with such a force, that he made all the neighbouring hills resound. The Giant, with a voice like thunder, roared out, Who's there; He answered, none but your poor nephew Jack. Quoth he, What news with my poor nephew Jack? He replied, Dear uncle, heavy news! God wot, 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. O! but