be gone before the servants returned.  Having gained your father’s confidence, he knew where to find all his treasure:  he soon loaded himself and his wife, set the house on fire in several places, and when the servants returned, the house was burned quite down to the ground.  Your poor mother, forlorn, abandoned, and forsaken, wandered with you a great many miles from this scene of desolation.  Fear added to her haste.  She settled in the cottage where you were brought up, and it was entirety owing to her fear of the giant that she never mentioned your father to you.  I became your father’s guardian at his birth; but fairies have laws to which they are subject as well as mortals.  A short time before the giant went to your father’s, I transgressed; my punishment was a suspension of power for a limited time—­an unfortunate circumstance, as it totally prevented my succouring your father.

“The day on which you met the butcher, as you went to sell your mother’s cow, my power was restored.  It was I who secretly prompted you to take the beans in exchange for the cow.  By my power, the bean-stalk grew to so great a height, and formed a ladder.  I need not add that I inspired you with a strong desire to ascend the ladder.  The giant lives in this country:  you are the person appointed to punish him for all his wickedness.  You will have dangers and difficulties to encounter, but you must persevere in avenging the death of your father, or you will not prosper in any of your undertakings, but will always be miserable.  As to the giant’s possessions, you may seize on all you can; for every thing he has is yours, though now you are unjustly deprived of it.  One thing I desire—­do not let your mother know you are acquainted with your father’s history, till you see me again.  Go along the direct road, you will soon see the house where your cruel enemy lives.  While you do as I order you, I will protect and guard you; but, remember, if you dare disobey my commands, a most dreadful punishment awaits you.”

When the fairy had concluded, she disappeared, leaving Jack to pursue his journey.  He walked on till after sunset, when, to his great joy, he espied a large mansion.  This agreeable sight revived his drooping spirits; he redoubled his speed, and soon reached it.  A plain-looking woman was at the door—­he accosted her, begging she would give him a morsel of bread and a night’s lodging.  She expressed the greatest surprise at seeing him; and said it was quite uncommon to see a human being near their house, for it was well known that her husband was a large and very powerful giant, and that he would never eat any thing but human flesh, if he could possibly get it; that he did not think any thing of walking fifty miles to procure it, usually being out the whole day for that purpose.