His resolution was now taken to cut out his path to fortune and honour.
So he took down from its resting-place a rusty old sword that had
belonged to some of his forebears, and set out in search of adventures.
After travelling a long way, he came to a country that was much troubled
by two giants, whom no one was bold enough to meet, and strong enough to
overcome. He was soon told of the giants, and learned that the King of
the country had offered a great reward and the hand of his daughter in
marriage to the man who should rid his land of this scourge. John's
heart rose to the deed, and he offered himself for the service. The
great haunt of the giants was a wood, and John set out with his old
sword to perform his task. When he reached the wood, he laid himself
down to think what course he would follow, for he knew how weak he was
compared to those he had undertaken to kill. He had not waited long,
when he saw them coming with a waggon to fetch wood for fuel. My! they
were big ones, with huge heads and long tusks for teeth. Johnny hid
himself in the hollow of a tree, thinking only of his own safety.
Feeling himself safe, he peeped out of his hiding-place, and watched the
two at work. Thus watching he formed his plan of action. He picked up a
pebble, threw it with force at one of them, and struck him 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.