"I will obey," said Yvon; upon which he took a seat by the side of Finette and began to talk with her. He would have been there till this time if the young girl had not sent him to the great rock, when the evening drew nigh, to execute the giant's commands. On reaching the spot pointed out to him, Yvon found a great block of granite. He struck it three times with the stick, when, lo! the rock opened and a demon came forth all streaming with flames. "What do you want?" he cried. "I have come for the giant's rent," answered Yvon, calmly. "How much do you want?" "I never want any more than I can carry," replied the Breton. "It is well for you that you do not," returned the man in flames. "Enter this cavern and you will find what you want." Yvon entered, and opened his eyes wide. Everywhere he saw nothing but gold, silver, diamonds, carbuncles, and emeralds. They were as numerous as the sands on the seashore. The young Kerver filled a sack, threw it across his shoulder, and tranquilly returned home. His task finished, our Breton seated himself on the bench before the door of the house. As soon as he saw the giant coming he lolled back in his seat, crossed his legs, and began to sing one of his native airs. "Have you been to the bottomless pit to collect my rent?" asked the giant, with a frown. "Yes, master," answered Yvon, without taking the trouble to stir. "The sack is right there before your eyes; you can count it." "I am going to see for myself," howled the giant. He untied the strings of the sack, which was so full that the gold and silver rolled in all directions. "You have seen my Finette," he cried; "this trick did not come from your own head." "Don't you know but one song?" said Yvon, opening his mouth and shutting his eyes. "It is the old story, myfinette, myfinette. Once for all, show me this thing." "Well, well," roared the giant, with fury, "wait till to-morrow and you shall make her acquaintance." "Thank you, master," said Yvon. "It is very good of you; but I see from your face that you are laughing at me." III The next morning the giant went out without giving Yvon any orders, which troubled Finette. At noon he returned without his flock, complaining of the heat and fatigue, and said to the young girl: "You will find a child, my servant, at the door. Cut his throat, put him into the great pot to boil, and call me when the broth is ready." Saying this, he stretched himself on the bed to take a nap, and was soon snoring so loudly that it seemed like thunder shaking the mountains. Finette prepared a log of wood, took a large knife, and called Yvon. She pricked his little finger; three drops of blood fell on the log. "That is enough," said Finette; "now help me to fill the pot."