The king, his father, counselled him against it, yet he could not be persuaded, so the favour was granted, which was one horse loaded with money, and another to ride on. Thus he went forth without any attendants, and after several days’ travel he came to a large market–town in Wales, where he beheld a vast crowd of people gathered together. The king’s son demanded the reason of it, and was told that they had arrested a corpse for many large sums of money, which the deceased owed before he died. The king’s son replied— “It is a pity that creditors should be so cruel. Go, bury the dead, and let the creditors come to my lodgings, and their debts shall be discharged.” Accordingly they came, and in such great numbers that before night he had almost left himself penniless. Now Jack the Giant Killer being there, and seeing the generosity of the king’s son, desired to be his servant. It being agreed on, the next morning they set forward. As they were riding out of the town’s end, an old woman cried out— “He has owed me twopence seven years, pray, sir, pay me as well as the rest.” The king’s son put his hand in his pocket and gave it her, it being the last money he had, then, turning to Jack, he said— “Take no thought nor heed. Let me alone, and I warrant you we will never want.” Now Jack had a small spell in his pocket, the which served for a refreshment, after which they had but one penny left between them. They spent the forenoon in travel and familiar discourse, until the sun grew low, when the king’s son said— “Jack, since we have got no money where can we lodge to–night?” Jack replied— “Master, we will do well enough, for I have an uncle who lives within two miles of this place. He is a huge and monstrous giant, having three heads. He will beat five hundred men in armour, and make them fly before him.” “Alas!” said the king’s son, “what shall we do there? He will eat us up at a mouthful—nay, we are scarce sufficient to fill one hollow tooth.” “It is no matter for that,” says Jack. “I myself will go before and prepare the way for you. Tarry here, and wait my return.” He waited, and Jack rode full speed. Coming to the castle gate, he immediately began to knock with such force that all the neighbouring hills resounded. The giant, roaring with a voice like thunder, called— “Who is there?” “None, but your poor cousin Jack.” “And what news,” said he, “with my cousin Jack?” He replied— “Dear uncle, heavy news.” “God wot! Prithee! what heavy news can come to me? I am a giant with three heads, and besides, thou knowest, I fight five hundred men in armour, and make them all fly like chaff before the wind.” “Oh,” said Jack, “but here is a king’s son coming with a thousand men in armour to kill you, and to destroy all you have.” “O my cousin Jack, this is heavy news indeed, but I have a large vault underground where I will run and hide myself, and you shall lock, bolt, and bar me in, and keep the keys till the king’s son is gone.”