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16 ploits, gave a grand feast, to which all the nobles and gentry were invited.

When the company were assembled, the knight declared to them the great actions of Jack, and gave him, as a mark of respect, a fine ring, on which was engraved the picture of the giant dragging the knight and the lady by the hair, with this motto round it:

"Behold in dire distress were we, Under a giant's fierce command, But gain'd our lives and liberty From valiant Jack's victorious hand."

Amongst the guest then present were five aged gentlemen, who were fathers of some of these captives who had been freed by Jack from the dungeon of the giant. As soon as they heard that he was the person who had done such wonders, they pressed round him with tears of joy, to return him thanks for the happiness he had caused them.

After this the bond went round, and every one drank to the health, prosperity, and long life of the gallant hero. Mirth increased, and the hall was filled with peals of laughter and joyful cries. But on a sudden a herald, pale and breathless with haste and terror, rushed into the midst of the company, and told them that Thundel, a savage giant with two heads, had heard of the death of his two kinsmen, and was come to take revenge on Jack, and that he was now within a mile of the house, the people all flying before him like chaff before the wind.

At this news, the very boldest of the guests trembled; but Jack drew his sword, and said, "Let him come,—I have a rod for him also. Pray, gentlemen and ladies, do me the favour to walk into