raiment than your cloak which was invisible."

But Jack hung his head. "And my beautiful sword that was my
pride . . ."

To the amazement of all it was the giant, Will o'Dreams, who stepped
forward to comfort Jack. In a voice which was marvelously kind he said:

"I know you for a brave youth, Jack the Giant Killer; and as for me, it
has been said that I am generous. Listen: I alone among all the race
of giants have power to bid Father Time move speedily, or to retrace
his steps. Let us see what I can do."

He solemnly lifted his hand, and Father Time, walking backward,
disappeared in the forest.

At that very moment the Masked Lady took a step forward, saying in a
soft and soothing voice:

"Jack the Giant Killer, if you will come to me with all your heart and
place your hand in mine, I can make you beautiful and strong, despite
all that Father Time has done."

Jack lifted his troubled eyes to hers. "You?" he asked. And then he
tried to approach her, but he had become too infirm. "I cannot!" he
cried despairingly.

He would have fallen, but the gentle hand of the giant, Will o'Dreams,
was instantly about him, supporting him. "Let me help," he said.