The Little Giant.
By Thomas Dunn English.
CHAPTER I.
Once upon a time, in the country of the giants, there lived a young man who was the mock of all his companions because he was somewhat deficient in the qualities of a first-rate giant. He was very little, being not seven feet high, while not one of his kinsfolk were less than ten; he had so little bodily strength that he could scarcely lift an ox; and he was so slow in his movements that his companions, in derision, called him Gofaster. Although that was not his name, it clung to him, and he was never known by any other. He had some merits, however; for he was not only sensible and full of truthfulness and honor, but so good-natured and kind-hearted that he was ever ready to do a good turn to others, and would not harm even the meanest creeping thing.
GOFASTER FALLS IN WITH THE COWARDLY GIANTS.
It chanced one day that Gofaster fell in with some giants who were great cowards, but who took advantage of their superior strength to cuff him and tweak his nose. As he had the heart of a lion, he fought them lustily. But their numbers and strength were too much for him, and so they overcame him and beat him severely. Then they carried away his cap, his jerkin, and his shoes, leaving his head, back, and feet bare, and his body bruised.