Page:History of Thomas Hickathrift (1).pdf/14

14 two very good weapons, for he makes no more ade, but takes out the axle-tree, and a wheel for his shield and buckler; and very good weapons they were, especially in time of need.

The Giant, coming out again, began to stare at Tom, to see him take the wheel in one hand and axle-tree in the other to defend himself with. O! said the Giant, you are like to do great service with these weapons; I have here a twig that will beat thee and thy wheel and axle-tree to the ground; that which the Giant called a twig was as thick as some mill-posts are, but Tom was not daunted for all his big and threatening speeches, for he saw perfectly there was no way except one, which was, to kill or be killed; so the Giant made at Tom with such a vehement force, that he made Tom’s wheel crack again, and Tom lent the Giant as good, for he gave him such a weighty blow on the side of his head, that made the Giant reel again. What said