Page:History of Jack and the giants (3).pdf/7



This dreadful noise so amazed poor Jack that he was ready to run distracted; then seeing from the window afar off, the two Giants coming together, now quoth to himself, my death or deliverance is at hand.

There were strong cords in the room by him, of which he took two, at the end of which he made a noose; and while the Giant was unlocking the iron gate, he threw the ropes over each of their heads, and then drawing the other end across the beam, where he pulled with all his main strength until he had throttled them and then fastening the rope to the beam, turned towards the window, where he beheld the two Giants to be black in their faces; then sliding down by the rope he came close to their heads; where the helpless Giants could not defend themselves, and drawing out his sword, slew them both, and deliver'd himself from this intended cruelty. He then taking a bunch of keys, he unlocked the rooms where, upon a strick search, he found three fair Ladies tied by the hair of their heads, almost starved to death, who told Jack that their husbands were slain by the Giant, and that they were kept many days without food, in order to force them to feed upon the flesh of their husbands; which they would not, if they were starved to death.

Sweet Ladies, quoth Jack, I have destroyed this monster and his brutish brother, by which I have obtained your liberties. This said, he predated them with the keys of the castle, and so preceded on his journey to Wales.

ACK having, but very little money, thought it prudent to make the best of his way, by travelling,