ON a time there lived a king and a queen in Erin, and they had an only son. They were very careful and fond of this son; whatever he asked for was granted, and what he wanted he had. When grown to be almost a young man the son went away one day to the hills to hunt. He could find game, -saw thing all day. Towards evening he sat down on a hillside to rest, but soon stood up again and started to go home empty-handed. Then he heard a whistle behind him, and turning, saw a giant hurrying down the hill. The giant came to him, took his hand, and said: Can you play cards?I can indeed, said the king's son. Well, if you can, said the giant, we'll have a game here on this hillside. So the two sat down, and the giant had out a pack of cards in a twinkling. What shall we play for? asked the giant. For two estates, answered the king's son. They played: the young man won, and went home the better for two estates. He was very glad, and hurried to tell his father the luck he had. Next day he went to the same place, and didn't wait long till the giant came again. Welcome, king's son, said the giant. What shall we play for to-day?I'll leave that to yourself, answered the young man.
