Tom tried to drive the cows, but he fell into a deep ditch.

There a great bird saw him and thought he was a mouse.

The bird seized Tom in her claws and carried him toward her nest.

As they were passing over the sea, Tom got away and fell into the water,
where a great fish swallowed him at one mouthful.

Soon after this the fish was caught, and it was such a big one that it
was sent at once to King Arthur.

When the cook cut open the fish, out jumped Tom Thumb. Tom was brought
before the king, and his story was told.


TOM THUMB--IV

The king grew very fond of Tom and his wise sayings. He took Tom with
him wherever he went.

If it began to rain, Tom would creep into the king's pocket and sleep
until the rain was over.

The king had a new suit made for Tom, and gave him a needle for a sword.

A mouse was trained for Tom to ride.

The king and queen never tired of seeing him ride his queer little horse
and bravely wave his sword.