llustration: Jack and young lady.]

She soon dried her tears when she found that the robber had made off,
and thanked Jack for his help. The young lady told Jack that she was
the daughter of the Squire, who lived in the great white house on the
hill-top. She knew the path out of the wood quite well, and when they
reached the border, she said that Jack must come soon to her father's
house, so that he might thank him for his noble conduct.

When Jack was left alone, he made the best of his way to the
market-place. He found little trouble in picking out the best Goose,
for when he got there he was very late, and there was but one left.
But as it was a prime one, Jack bought it at once, and keeping to the
road, made straight for home. At first the Goose objected to be
carried; and then, when she had walked along slowly and gravely for a
short time, she tried to fly away; so Jack seized her in his arms and
kept her there till he reached home.

[Illustration: Jack carrying Goose.]

Old Mother Goose was greatly pleased when she saw what a fine bird
Jack had bought; and the Gander showed more joy than I can describe.
And then they all lived very happily for a long time. But Jack would
often leave off work to dream of the lovely young lady whom he had
rescued in the forest, and soon began to sigh all day long. He
neglected the garden, cared no more for the Gander, and scarcely even
noticed the beautiful Goose. But one morning, as he was walking by
the pond, he saw both the Goose and the Gander making a great noise,
as though they were in the utmost glee. He went up to them and was
surprised to find on the bank a large golden egg. He ran with it to
his mother, who said, "Go to market, my son; sell your egg, and you
will soon be rich enough to pay a visit to the Squire." So to market
Jack went, and sold his golden egg; but the rogue who bought it of
him cheated him out of half his due. Then he dressed himself in his
finest clothes, and went up to the Squire's house. Two footmen stood
at the door, one looking very stout and saucy, and the other sleepy
and stupid.

[Illustration: Jack and Footmen.]

When Jack asked to see the Squire, they laughed at him, and made
sport of his fine clothes; but Jack had wit enough to offer them each
a guinea, when they at once showed him to the Squire's room.

Now the Squire, who was very rich, was also very proud and fat, and
scarcely turned his head to notice Jack; but when he showed him hi