194 GLOOSCAP AND OTHER STORIES

“Yes, I will, and beat you soundly when 1 have a chance!” she cried, all the more angry now she saw that Jack had caught her in a trap.

“Very well, then, eat away,” said Jack.

There was nothing for her to do but to eat away as fast as she could, until she could bear it no longer. Then she cried out:

“Jack, if you will only take this food away, I promise you I will not beat you.” So Jack took away the food.

The next morning Jack was sent off to mar- ket with another cow. As he passed the house where he had stopped the day before, he found the same man waiting for him on the doorstep. This time Jack was not to be caught.

“Be off with you, you evil spirit,” he cried. “You robbed me yesterday; you will not do it again to-day.”

The man took off his belt, and threw it down in the middle of the road. Instantly the belt sprang up around both Jack and the cow. It bound the cow’s legs fast to her body, and bound poor Jack to the side of the cow. There in the road they lay, unable to stir.

“Untie me!” cried Jack, struggling to break the belt.

“Give me your cow and I will,” said the stranger.

“I will do no such thing,” said Jack.