Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/13

13 Then Jack set one foot upon his neck and cried out, "Thou cruel and savage wretch, behold, I am come to give thee the just reward of all thy crimes." And so, plunging his sword into the giant's body, the monster gave a loud groan, and yielded up bis life into the hands of the brave Jack the Giant-killer; while the noble knight and his lady were both joyful to see his sudden death and their own escape.

The knight and his lady not only gave Jack hearty thanks for what he had done for them, but also invited him to their house to refresh himself, and also to receive a reward for his goodness. "No," said Jack, "I cannot be at ease till I find out this monster's dwelling."

When the knight heard this he grew sad, and replied, "Noble stranger, it is too much to run a second hazard. This monster lived in a den under yonder mountain, with a brother of his, more fierce and cruel than himself; thereforətherefore [sic], if you should go, and perish in the attempt, it would be a heartbreaking thing to both me and my lady: so let me persuade you to go with us, and not think of any further pursuit."

"Nay," said Jack, "and even if their were twenty, I would shed the last drop of my blood before one of them should escape me. When I have done this task I will come and visit you."

So, when they had told him where to find them again, he got on his horse, and went after the dead giant's brother.

Jack had not rode a mile and a half before he came in sight of the mouth of the cavern; and near the entrance of it he saw the other giant sitting on a huge block of fine timber, with a knotted iron club in his hand, waiting for his brother: His eyes looked like flames of fire, his face was grim