invisible coat: then Jack came quite close to him, and struck a blow
at his head with his sword of sharpness; but, missing his aim, only
cut off his nose, whilst the Giant roared like loud claps of thunder.
And though he rolled his glaring eyes round on every side, he could
not see who had given him the blow; yet he took up his iron club, and
began to lay about him like one that was mad.

"Nay," said Jack, "if this is the case, I will kill you at once."
So he slipped nimbly behind him, and jumping upon the rocky seat
as the Giant rose from it, he thrust his sword up to the hilt in
his body. After a hideous howling, the Giant dropped down dead.

When Jack had thus killed these two monsters, he searched their cave
for treasure. He passed through many dark windings, which led him to
a room paved with freestone; at the end of it was a boiling cauldron,
and on the right hand stood a large table, where the Giants used to
dine. He then came to a window secured with iron bars, through which
he saw a number of wretched captives, who cried out, when they saw
Jack, "Alas! alas! young man, are you come to be one among us in this
horrid den?"

[Illustration: The Knight and his Lady thank
Jack for their delivery]

"I hope," said Jack, "you will not tarry here long but pray tell me,
what is the meaning of your captivity?"

[Illustration: Jack releaseth the captive Ladies]

"Alas!" said one, "we have been taken by the Giants that hold this