Page:History of Thomas Hickathrift (1).pdf/12

12 to Wisbech, and without saying any thing to his master, or to any of his fellow servants, he was resolved to take the nearest way to the wood; or lose his life to win the horse, or lose the saddle, to kill or be killed, if he met with the giant; and with this resolution he goes the nearest way with his cart and horses to go to Wisbech, but the giant perceiving him, and seeing him to be so bold, thought to prevent him, and came intending to take his cart from him.

The giant met Tom like a lion, as though he would have swallowed him up at a mouthful; Sirrah, says he, who gave you authority to come this way? Do you not know that I make all stand in fear of my sight, and you like an impudent rogue must come and fling open my gates at your pleasure! How dare you presume to do this? Are you so careless of your life? I will make thee an example for all rogues under the sun; dost thou not care what thou dost? And do