"It isn't gold I want for my service," said Shaking-head; "you have a gift which suits me better."
"What gift is that?" asked the giant.
"The light black steed in your stable."
"That's a gift I won't give you," said the giant, "for when any one comes to trouble or attack me, all I have to do is to throw my leg over that steed, and away he carries me out of sight of every enemy."
"Well," said Shaking-head, "if you don't give me that steed I'll bring all the kingdom of Erin against you, and you'll be destroyed with all you have."
The giant stopped a moment, and said: "I believe you'd do that thing, so you may take the steed." Then Shaking-head took the steed of the giant, gave him to the king's son, and away they went.
At sunset Shaking-head said: "We are near the castle of another giant, the next brother to the one who entertained us last night. He hasn't much welcome for us either; but he will treat us well when he is threatened."
The second giant was going to eat the king's son for supper, but when Shaking-head told him about the forces of Erin he changed his manner and entertained them well.
Next morning after breakfast, Shaking-head said: "You must give me a present for my services in warning you."
"There is a pot of gold under my bed," said the giant; "take all you want of it."