"We have no time to lose. The giant is only ten miles away, and I can
hear his horse's golden shoes beating on the stones."

The lad at once ordered his dogs to break in the door of the mountain,
which they did. He entered, and saw a beautiful maiden who sat spinning
gold thread on a spindle of gold. He stepped forward and spoke to her.
She was much astonished, and said--"Who are you, that dare to come into
the giant's hall? For seven long years have I lived here, and never
during that time have I looked on a human being. Run away, for Heaven's
sake, before the giant comes, or you will lose your life."

The boy told her his errand, and said he would await the troll's coming.
While they were talking, the giant came, riding on his gold-shod horse,
and stopped outside the mountain. When he saw that the door was open he
was very angry, and called out, in such a voice that the whole mountain
shook to its base, "Who has broken open my door?" The boy boldly
answered--

"I did it, and now I will break you too. Hold-fast, hold him fast; Tear
and Quick-ear, tear him into a thousand pieces!"

Hardly had he spoken the words when the three dogs rushed forward, threw
themselves on the giant, and tore him into numberless pieces. The
princess was very glad, and said--

"Heaven be thanked! Now I am free." She threw herself on the lad's neck
and kissed him. The lad would not stop in the place, so he saddled the
giant's horses, put on them all the goods and gold he found, and set off
with the beautiful young princess. They travelled together for a long