ppear to have the least recollection of
him; however, when he pleaded hunger and poverty in order to gain
admittance, he found it very difficult indeed to persuade her. At last
he prevailed, and was concealed in the oven.

When the giant returned, he said, as upon the former occasions, "I smell
fresh meat!" But Jack felt quite composed, as he had said so before, and
had been soon satisfied; however, the giant started up suddenly, and,
notwithstanding all his wife could say, he searched all around the room.
Jack was ready to die with fear, wishing himself at home; the giant
approached the oven and put his hand into it; Jack thought his death was
certain.

The giant at last gave up the search and ate a hearty supper. When he
had finished, he commanded his wife to fetch down his harp. Jack peeped
as he had done before, and saw the most beautiful harp that could be
imagined; it was placed by the giant on the table, who said, "Play!" and
it instantly played of its own accord without being touched. The music
was very fine; Jack was delighted, and felt more anxious to get the harp
into his possession than either of the former treasures.

The music soon lulled the giant into a sound sleep. This, therefore, was
the time to carry off the harp. As the giant appeared to be in a more
profound sleep than usual, Jack soon determined, got out of the oven,
and seized the harp. The harp had also been stolen by the giant from the
fairy.

The giant suddenly awoke and tried to pursue him; but he had drank so
much that he could hardly stand. Jack ran as fast as he could; in a
little time the giant recovered sufficiently to walk slowly, or rather
to reel after him. Had he been sober, he must have overtaken Jack
instantly; but, as he then was, Jack contrived to be first at the top of
the bean-stalk. The giant called after him in a voice like thunder, and
sometimes was very near him.

The moment Jack got down the bean-stalk, he ran for a hatchet. Just at
that instant the giant was beginning to descend, but Jack with his
hatchet cut the bean-stalk close off at the root, which made the giant
fall headlong into the garden, and the fall killed him.

At this instant the fairy appeared; she charged Jack to be dutiful to
his mother, and to follow his father's good example, which was the only
way to be happy. She then disappeared, after recovering her hen and her
harp, which Jack gave to her most thankfully, having acquired great
riches and reve