"And what is it to be?" asked the captain
"Why, Jack, the Giant Killer, or Jack and the Beanstalk. I love the stories about Jacks best of all, because Aunt Betty says the Jacks are the people who do things, and she says you and all the brave sailors are called Jack Tars, and that I'm to grow up big and brave like you, father."
The Captain's arm tightened round his son.
"It's very kind of Aunt Betty to say such good things about the Jacks of the world. We must try and deserve them, you and I. Well, now, I'm going to tell you a sort of new version of Jack, the Giant Killer."
"What's a new version?" asked Jack, distrustfully.
"The same sort of story told in a different way, and mine is a true story."
"Is it written down in a book? Has it got pictures?"
"Not yet; I expect it will get written down some day when it's finished."
"It isn't finished," cried Jack in real disappointment.
"Wait and listen—There was once a man——"