But before Ned rode away, he put his Magic Axe and his Magic Pickaxe back in his knapsack, "for who can tell," he said to himself, "what need I may have of these two useful tools."
His knapsack was now well filled, for the cook in the royal kitchen had also placed in it a loaf of bread, a cheese and a knife in case he became hungry while on his journey of adventure.
As Ned traveled on, the forest became darker and darker, for the trees grew so close together that the sun could hardly shine through the thick leafy roof. Suddenly he heard a great voice singing:
"I am the master of this wood
And everyone bows to me,
My head is as big as a drygoods box
And my legs as long as a tree."
Then, all at once, the voice changed to a whistle, which sounded like the siren on a sound steamer when the weather is foggy.
"It must be a giant singing," thought Ned. "Goodness! but he's a loud whistler. I guess he blows through his fingers!" and he hid beneath a clump of bushes.
"Ho, ho!" cried the voice, and a giant came crashing through the forest.
On seeing Ned, he shouted:
"Come out of there, and I'll make a mouthful of you."
"Don't be in a hurry," replied Ned bravely. "I'm going to make you my servant."