Page:History of Jack and the giants (3).pdf/15

This page has been validated.

( 15 )

And with that running him through and through, the monster let forth a hideous groan, and yielded up his life into the hands of the valiant conqueror Jack the Giant Killer, while the noble knight and virtuous lady were both joyful spectators of his sudden downfal, and their own deliverance.

This being done, the courteous knight and his fair lady, not only returned him hearty thanks for their deliverance, but also invited him home, there to refresh himself after the dreadful encounter, as likewise to receive some ample reward by way of gratitude for his good service. No, quoth Jack, I cannot be at ease till I find out the den which was this monster's habitation. The knight hearing this waxed right sorrowful, and replied, Noble strange, it s too much to run a second risk; for this noted monster lived in a den under yonder mountain, with a brother of his more fierce and fiery than himself, and therefore if you should go thither and perish in the attempt, it would be the heart breaking of both me and my lady: here let me persuade you to go with us, and desist from any further attempt. Nay, quoth Jack, if there be another, nay, if there were twenty I would shed the last drop of blood in my body, before one of them escape my fury, and when I have finished this task I will come and pay my respects to you.

So taking directions to their habitation, he mounted his horse, leaving them to return home, while he went in pursuit of the deceased Giant's brother.

CHAP. X.

How Jack slew the other Giant, and sent both their heads to King Arthur.

HE had not rode past a mile and a half before he came in sight of the cave's mouth, near to the entrance of which he beheld the other Giant sitting upon a huge block of timber, with a knotted iron