Page:Jack the giant-killer.pdf/4

4 giant had done this for many years, and the coast of Cornwall was greatly hurt by his thefts, when Jack boldly resolved to destroy him.

Jack therefore took a horn, a shovel, a pick-axe, and a dark lantern; and early in a long winter evening he swam to the mount. There he fell to work at once; and before morning he had dug a pit twenty-two feet deep, and almost as many broad. He covered it at the top with sticks and straw, and strewed some of the earth over them, to make them resemble solid ground. He then put his horn to his mouth, and blew such a loud and long tantivy, that the giant awoke, and came towards Jack, roaring in a voice like thunder,—"You saucy villain, you shall pay dearly for breaking my rest,—I shall broil you for my breakfast."

He had scarcely spoken these words, when he came advancing one step further; but then he tumbling headlong into the pit, and his fall shook the very mountain.

"O ho! Mr Giant," said Jack, looking into the pit, "Have you found your way so soon to the bottom? How is your appetite now? Will nothing serve you for breakfast this cold morning but broiling poor Jack?"

The giant now tried to rise; but Jack struck him a blow on the crown of the head with his pickaxe, which killed him at once. Jack then made haste back to rejoice his friends with the news of the giant's death.

Now, when the Justices of Cornwall heard of this valiant action, they sent for Jack, and declared that he should always be called Jack the Giant-killer; and they also gave him a sword and belt, upon which was written, in letters of gold,

"This is the valiant Cornish man, Who slew the giant Cormoran."