a sharp blow on the head.  The giant in his pain turned at once on his companion, and blamed him in strong words for hitting him.  The other denied in anger that he had thrown the pebble.  John now saw himself on the high way to gain his reward and the hand of the King’s daughter.  He kept still, and carefully watched for an opportunity of striking another blow.  He soon found it, and right against the giant’s head went another pebble.  The injured giant fell on his companion in fury, and the two belaboured each other till they were utterly tired out.  They sat down on a log to breathe, rest, and recover themselves.

While sitting, one of them said, “Well, all the King’s army was not able to take us, but I fear an old woman with a rope’s end would be too much for us now.”

“If that be so,” said Johnny Gloke, as he sprang, bold as a lion, from his hiding-place, “What do you say to Johnny Gloke with his old roosty sword?” So saying he fell upon them, cut off their heads, and returned in triumph.  He received the King’s daughter in marriage and for a time lived in peace and happiness.  He never told the mode he followed in his dealing with the giants.

Some time after a rebellion broke out among the subjects of his father-in-law.  John, on the strength of his former valiant deed, was chosen to quell the rebellion.  His heart sank within him, but he could not refuse, and so lose his great name.  He was mounted on the fiercest horse that ever saw sun or wind, and set out on his desperate task.  He was not accustomed to ride on horseback, and he soon lost all control of his steed.  It galloped off at full speed, in the direction of the rebel army.  In its wild career it passed under the gallows that stood by the wayside.  The gallows was somewhat old and frail, and down it fell on the horse’s neck.  Still the horse made no stop, but always forward at furious speed towards the rebels.  On seeing this strange sight approaching towards them at such a speed they were seized with terror, and cried out to one another, “There comes Johnny Gloke that killed the two giants with the gallows on his horse’s neck to hang us all.”  They broke their ranks, fled in dismay, and never stopped till they reached their homes.  Thus was Johnny Gloke a second time victorious.  So in due time he came to the throne and lived a long, happy, and good life as king.

Coat o’ Clay

Once on a time, in the parts of Lindsey, there lived a wise woman.  Some said she was a witch, but they said it in a whisper, lest she should overhear and do them a mischief, and truly it was not a thing one could be sure of, for she was never known to hurt any one, which, if she were a witch, she would have been sure to do.  But she could tell you what your sickness was, and how to cure it with herbs, and she could mix rare possets that would drive the pain out of you in a twinkling; and she could advise you what to do if your cows were ill, or if you’d got into trouble, and tell the maids whether their sweethearts were likely to be faithful.