bean-stalk. Finding, however,
that his inclination grew too powerful for him, he began to make secret
preparations for his journey. He got ready a new disguise, better and
more complete than the former; and when summer came, on the longest day
he woke as soon as it was light, and, without telling his mother,
ascended the bean-stalk. He found, the road, journey, etc., much as it
was on the two former times. He arrived at the giant's mansion in the
evening, and found the wife standing, as usual, at the door. Jack had
disguised himself so completely that she did not appear 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 copper.

When the giant returned, he said furiously, "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 round the room. Whilst this was
going forward, Jack was exceedingly terrified, wishing himself at home a
thousand times; but when the giant approached the copper, and put his
hand on the lid, Jack thought his death was certain. However, nothing
happened; for the giant did not take the trouble to lift up the lid, but
sat down shortly by the fireside and began to eat his enormous supper.
When he had finished, he commanded his wife to fetch down his harp.

Jack peeped under the copper lid and saw a most beautiful harp. The
giant placed it on the table, said, "Play!" and it played of its own
accord, without anybody touching it, the most exquisite music
imaginable.

Jack, who was a very good musician, was delighted, and more anxious to
get this than any other of his enemy's treasures. But the giant not
being particularly fond of music, the harp had only the effect of
lulling him to sleep earlier than usual. As for the wife, she had gone
to bed as soon as ever she could.

As soon as he thought all was safe, Jack got out of the copper, and,
seizing the harp, was eagerly running off with it. But the harp was
enchanted by a fairy, and as soon as it found itself in strange hands,
it called out loudly, just as if it had been alive, "Master! Master!"

The giant awoke, started up, and saw Jack scampering away as fast as his
legs could carry him.

"Oh, you villain! It is you who have robbed me of my