He found the pair fast asleep under a tree, so he filled his pockets with stones and climbed up into the branches over their heads. Then he began to pelt one of the giants with the missiles, until after a few minutes one of the men awoke. Giving the other a rough push, he cried:
“If you strike me like that again, I’ll know the reason why.”
“I didn’t touch you,” said the other giant crossly, and they were soon fast asleep once more.
Then the tailor threw stones at the other man, and soon he awoke as the first had done.
“What did you throw that at me for?” said he.
“You are dreaming,” answered the other, “I didn’t throw anything.”
No sooner were they fast asleep again, than the little man began to pelt them afresh.
Up they both sprang, and seizing each other, they began to fight in real earnest. Not content with using their fists, they tore up huge trees by the roots, and beat each other until very soon the pair lay dead on the ground.
Down climbed the little tailor, and taking his sword in his hand he plunged it into each giant, and then went back to the edge of the forest where the ten men were waiting for him.
“They are as dead as two door nails,” shouted the little man. “I don’t say that I had an easy task, for they tore up trees by their roots to try to protect themselves with, but, of course, it was no good. What were two giants to a man who has slain seven at one blow?”