Page:The Floating Prince - Frank R Stockton.djvu/204

Rh thick and heavy horizontal pole, and on this pole a giant was practising gymnastics.

Hanging by his hands, he would draw himself up, until his chin touched the pole. And again and again he did this, until the Ninkum said in a whisper, "Twelve times. I did not think he could do it."

The giant now drew up his legs, and threw them over the bar, above his head. Then, by a vigorous effort, he turned himself entirely over the bar, and hung beneath it by his hands. After stopping a minute or two to breathe, he drew up his legs again, and putting them under the bar, between his hands as boys do when they "skin the cat," he turned partly over, and hung in this position.

His face was now turned toward the doorway, and he first noticed his visitors.

"Hello!" said he to the Ninkum. "Could you do that?"

"Not on that pole," answered the Ninkum, smiling.

"I should think not," said the giant, dropping to his feet, and puffing a little. "Ten years ago, when I did not weigh so much, I could draw myself up twenty-seven times. Come in with me and have some supper. Is that your little daughter?"

"No," said the Ninkum, "I am her guardian for the present."

"Ride right up-stairs," said the giant, "My wife is up there and she will take care of the little girl." "I am afraid," said the Ninkum, "that my horse cannot jump up those great steps."

"Of course not," said the giant. "Let me help you up, and then I will go down and bring your horses."

"Oh, that won't be necessary," said the Ninkum, and Loris laughed at the idea.