much rely on his good luck, he at
length fell asleep from sheer exhaustion.

[Illustration]

The next morning Cabriole woke up his master who dressed himself and
went to take a walk. His feet insensibly carried him to the river side,
when he heard a voice calling out: "Avenant! Avenant!" He looked about
him, but seeing no one, was proceeding on his way, when Cabriole, who
was looking at the water, cried: "Why, master, as I'm alive, it is a
golden carp that is hailing you." Upon which the carp approached,
saying: "You saved my life in the meadow, and I promised to be grateful.
So here is the ring you are seeking for, gentle Avenant."

He then hastened to the palace, and, requesting an audience of the
princess, he presented her the ring, and asked whether she had any
objection now to marry his master? On seeing her ring she was greatly
amazed; but, being intent on putting him off once more, she replied:
"Since you are so ready to fulfil my behests, most gracious Avenant, I
pray you do me another service, without which I cannot marry. There
lives not far from hence a giant named Galifron, who has threatened to
ravage my kingdom unless I granted him my hand. But I could not resolve
to marry a monster who is as tall as a tower, who carries cannons in his
pocket to serve for pistols, and whose voice is so loud that people grow
deaf if they approach too near him. He is daily killing and eating my
subjects, and if you want to win my good graces on your master's behalf,
you must bring me the giant's head."

Avenant was taken somewhat aback at this proposal; yet, after a few
moments reflection, he said, "Well, madam, I am ready to fight Galifron;
and, though I may not conquer, I can, at least, die the death of a
hero." The princess, who had never expected Avenant would consent, now
sought to dissuade him from so rash an attempt; but all she could say
proved vain; and, having equipped himself for the fight, he mounted his
horse and departed.

As he approached Galifron's castle, he found the road strewed with the
bones and carcases of those whom he had devoured or torn to pieces; and
presently the giant emerged from a wood, when, seeing Avenant with his
sword drawn, he ran at him with his iron club, and would have killed him
on the spot, had not a crow come and pecked at his eyes, and made the
blood stream down his face; so that, while he aimed his blows at random,
Avenant plunged his sword up to the hilt into his heart. Aven