After a long day's journey, when night drew on, the Prince was anxious to secure a lodging, but they had no means to hire one, for both the Prince and Jack had spent all their money; but Jack said,—
“Never mind, master, we shall do well enough, for I have an uncle who lives within two miles of this place; he is a huge and monstrous Giant, with three heads; he'll fight five hundred men in armour, and make them flee before him.”
“Alas!” quoth the Prince, “what shall we do there? he'll certainly chop us up at a mouthful. Nay, we are scarce enough to fill his hollow tooth.”
“It is no matter for that,” quoth Jack; “I myself will go before, and prepare the way for you; therefore tarry and wait till I return.”
Jack then rode off full speed, and coming to the gate of the castle, he knocked so loud that the echo from the neighbouring hills resounded like thunder.
The Giant, terribly vexed, roared out, “Who's there?”
“None but your poor cousin Jack,” answered he.
“What news with my poor cousin Jack?”
He replied, “Dear uncle, heavy news.”