“And so,” said this little creature, “you are two hundred miles from your own home! What in the world made you take so long a journey?”
“I don’t call it very long,” replied the giant; “and I had to take it. There was nothing else to do. You see I have nothing to eat, or almost nothing, in my castle, and a person can’t get along that way. He must go and see about things.”
“And what are you going to see about?” asked the fairy.
“I am going to see if my grandfather’s uncle is dead. He is very rich and I am one of his heirs. When I get my share of his money, I shall be quite comfortable.”
THE YOUNG GIANT WAS TALKING TO A LITTLE FAIRY PERCHED ON HIS FOREFINGER
“It seems to me,” said the fairy, “that it is a very poor way of living, to be waiting for other people’s money.”
“It is so,” replied the giant. “I’m tired of it. I’ve been waiting ever since I was a little boy.”
The fairy saw that her companion had not exactly understood her remark, but she said no more about it. She merely added, “It seems strange to hear you say that you once were little.”
“Oh, yes, I was,” said the giant. “At one time I was no taller than a horse.”