Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/15

15 with iron bars, through which he saw a number of wretched captives, who cried out when they saw Jack, "Alas! alas! young man, are you come to be one among us in this horrid den?"

"I hope," said Jack, "you will not stay here long but pray tell me what is the meaning of your being here at all?"

"Alas!" said one poor old man, "I will tell you, sir. We are persons that have been taken by the giants that hold this cave, and are kept till they choose to have a feast; then one of us is to be killed, and cooked to their taste. It is not long since they took three for the same purpose."

"Well," said Jack, "I have given them such a dinner, that it will be long enough before they require any more." The captives were amazed at his words. "You may believe me," said Jack, "for I have killed them both with the edge of my sword, and have sent their large heads to the court of King Arthur, as marks of my great success." To show them that what he said was true, he unlocked the gate, and set them all free. Then he led them to the great room, placed them round the table, and set before them to quarters of beef, with bread and wine, upon which they feasted till they were satisfied.

When supper was over, they searched the giant's coffers, and Jack shared the store in them among the captives. The next morning they set off to their own homes, and Jack to the knight's house, whom he had left with his lady not long before.

It was just at the time of sunrise that Jack mounted his horse to proceed on his journey.

He arrived at the knight's house, where he was received with the greatest joy by the thankful knight and his lady; who, in honour of Jack's ex-