hey gave the little man some
food, and then showed him a bed in which he might pass the night.
It was so big that, after tossing about for half an hour in it, the
tailor thought he would be more comfortable if he slept in the corner,
so he crept out without being noticed.

In the middle of the night the giant stole out of bed and went up to
the one where he thought the little man was fast asleep. Taking a big
bar of iron, he struck such a heavy blow at it that he woke up all the
other giants.

"Keep quiet, friends," said he. "I've just killed the little scamp."

The tailor made his escape as soon as possible, and he journeyed on
for many miles, until he began to feel very tired, so he lay down
under a tree, and was soon fast asleep. When he awoke, he found a big
crowd of people standing round him. Up walked one very wise-looking
old man, who was really the King's prime minister.

"Is it true that you have killed seven at one blow?" he asked

"It is a fact," answered the little tailor.

"Then come with me to the King, my friend, for he's been searching for
a brave man like you for some time past. You are to be made captain of
his army, and the King will give you a fine house to live in."

"That I will," replied the little man. "It is just the sort of thing
that will suit me, and I'll come at once."

He hadn't been in the King's service long before every one grew
jealous of him. The soldiers were afraid that, if they offended him,
he would make short work of them all, while the members of the King's
household didn't fancy the idea of making such a fuss over a stranger.

So the soldiers went in a body to the King and asked that another
captain should be put over them, for they were afraid of this one.

The King didn't like to refuse, for fear they should all desert, and
yet he didn't dare get rid of the captain, in case such a strong and
brave man should try to have his revenge.

At last the King hit upon a plan. In some woods close by there lived
two giants, who were the terror of the country side; they robbed all
the travelers, and if any resistance was offered they killed the men
on the spot.

Sending for the little tailor, he said:

"Knowing you to be the bravest man in my kingdom, I want to ask a
favor of you. If you will kill these two giants, and bring me back
proof that they are dead, you shall marry the Princess, my daughter,
and have half my kingdom. You shall also take one hundred men to help
you