The Giant-Killer

Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ... The two-handled sword also, which nothing could resist--" "What was that ?" interrupted Constantine. "I would rather that you should discover that for yourself," said Mrs. Roby. "If the kernel of an allegory be good, it is worth the trouble of cracking the shell" "Oh! but I hate all trouble," cried Adolphus, "above all, the trouble of thinking!" "Take care, take care," laughed little Laura, "or we shall suspect that you have been caught by Giant Sloth." CHAPTER IV. GIANT SELFISHNESS. "Do you know, mamma," said Laura the next day, as she and her sister sat alone with their mother, the boys being at lessons in the study, "do you know that I did not feel inclined to get up when I was called, but the clock began to strike, which put Giant Sloth into my head, and up I jumped in a minute!" "I am glad that you made such practical use of my little tale," replied Mrs. Roby with a smile. "But mamma, --if I might say something," began Bertha, then hesitated and paused "Say anything that you please, my dear." "I almost wondered at your beginning with only Giant Sloth; that seems such a little fault compared with the great ones of the Probyns. Constantine did not seem hit at all, for he is active enough in mischief" "I repeat that I hit no one," replied her mother. "Oh !--but--you know what I mean, mamma; I should have liked something very-- very--" Bertha's face had a puzzled look, for she knew not how to express her meaning, "I should have liked some story that would have made them know themselves, and hate thenfaults as every one else must hate them! I would have had a horrible Giant Selfishness!" she added, her manner becoming more excited as she spoke. "You look upon selfishness then as their grand enemy!" "Oh! mamma can anything be plainer--...