Page:History of Jack the giant killer.pdf/12

 came to the castle, he knocked with such a force, that he made all the neighbouring hills to resound. The Giant, with a voice like thunder, roared out, Who’s there ? He answered, none but your own cousin, Jack ; 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 500 hundred men O ! but, quoth Jack, here’s the King’s son coming with 1000 men to kill you; Oh ! Jack, this is heavy news indeed ; I have a large vault under ground, where I will hide myself, and thou shalt lock, holt, and bar me in, and keep the keys till the King’s son is gone.

Jack having secured the Giant, he returned and fetched his master, they were both heartily merry with the wine, and other dainties which were in the house ; so that night they rested in very pleasant lodgings, whilst the poor uncle the Giant lay trembling in the vault under ground.

Early in the morning Jack furnished his master with a supply of gold and silver, and set him three miles forward on his journey, concluding he was then pretty well out of the smell of the Giant, and then returned to let his uncle out of the hole ; who asked Jack what he would give him in reward, since his castle was not demolished ? Why,quoth Jack, I desire nothing but the old Coat and Cap, together with the old rusty sword and Slippers which are at your bed-head ? Jack, thou shall have them,