To Everychild he seemed a changed person as he adjusted both his scythe and his sand-glass in his left hand and advanced with his right hand uplifted.  He seemed very stern.  His eyes traveled from one face to another until at length they rested only on Jack.  Then upon the shoulder of Jack the Giant Killer his hand descended.

Everychild could scarcely believe his own eyes for a moment or two.  A tragic change occurred in the youth who had been so splendid.

He had become old and infirm!  His clothes were in tatters, his form was bent, his sword was covered with rust.

Then Jack—­trembling and helpless—­looked wonderingly and forlornly at Father Time.  “What have you done to me?” he asked in a quivering voice.

Father Time replied calmly:  “I have laid my hand on your shoulder!”

“Yes—­but I don’t mean that,” said Jack.  “Something strange . . . my boots:  see, they have been changed.  They were new and wonderful.  In them I could take steps seven leagues long!”

Father Time replied:  “Jack the Giant Killer, when I have laid my hand upon you again and yet again, you shall possess the true seven-league boots.  They shall carry you seventy times seven leagues—­and beyond.”

“And my invisible cloak—­it was rich and fine before you came; and now it is ragged.”

“Jack the Giant Killer, when I have laid my hand upon you again and yet again, it shall be given to you to wear the true and only invisible cloak.”

Jack looked ruefully at his sword.  With a sob he exclaimed, “And my sword of sharpness! . . .”

Father Time replied, “Jack the Giant Killer, beneath my touch the sword of sharpness becomes the sword of rust.”

For an instant Jack searched the faces of the others.  “Have I no friend here?” he demanded.  “Will no one take my part?”

Everychild’s heart was touched with pity; but before he could speak Father Time continued: 

“I am your friend.  And I bid you go home and cultivate those virtues which you know not.  Be patient, and contentment shall come:  a friend more unfailing than a strong arm.  And hope shall come:  a friend more fleet than seven-league boots.  And faith shall be yours:  far better raiment than your cloak which was invisible.”

But Jack hung his head.  “And my beautiful sword that was my pride . . .”

To the amazement of all it was the giant, Will o’Dreams, who stepped forward to comfort Jack.  In a voice which was marvelously kind he said: 

“I know you for a brave youth, Jack the Giant Killer; and as for me, it has been said that I am generous.  Listen:  I alone among all the race of giants have power to bid Father Time move speedily, or to retrace his steps.  Let us see what I can do.”

He solemnly lifted his hand, and Father Time, walking backward, disappeared in the forest.

At that very moment the Masked Lady took a step forward, saying in a soft and soothing voice: