"Ah, how tired I am!" exclaimed Jack. "If I could only find a tavern where I could rest!"
He had hardly ceased to speak when, at a turn in the road he saw a beautiful castle, built on a rock, like an eagle's nest, and flanked on both sides by twelve towers.
"This is the very thing," said the tired traveller, and he announced his arrival by lifting the heavy knocker of a brass door.
"What do you want?" said a voice from the inside.
"I want a lodging-place," said Jack, "for myself and my little companion."
"The master of this house," said the porter, opening the door, "never refuses hospitality to those who demand shelter. Come in, and make yourself at home."
When Jack had entered, the friendly porter inquired:
"My friend, have you dined this afternoon?"
"My faith, no!" exclaimed Jack. "My wallet is empty, and it has been empty since morning."