The tailor sprang nimbly down , seized the tree with both hands as if he had carried it the whole way and said to the giant : `` Fancy a big lout like you not being able to carry a tree ! '' They continued to go on their way together , and as they passed by a cherry tree the giant grasped the top of it , where the ripest fruit hung , gave the branches into the tailor 's hand , and bade him eat . But the little tailor was far too weak to hold the tree down , and when the giant let go the tree swung back into the air , bearing the little tailor with it . When he had fallen to the ground again without hurting himself , the giant said : `` What ! do you mean to tell me you have n't the strength to hold down a feeble twig ? '' `` It was n't strength that was wanting , '' replied the tailor ; `` do you think that would have been anything for a man who has killed seven at a blow ? I jumped over the tree because the huntsmen are shooting among the branches near us . Do you do the like if you dare . '' The giant made an attempt , but could n't get over the tree , and stuck fast in the branches , so that here too the little tailor had the better of him . `` Well , you 're a fine fellow , after all , '' said the giant ; `` come and spend the night with us in our cave . '' The little tailor willingly consented to do this , and following his friend they went on till they reached a cave where several other giants were sitting round a fire , each holding a roast sheep in his hand , of which he was eating . The little tailor looked about him , and thought : `` Yes , there 's certainly more room to turn round in here than in my workshop . '' The giant showed him a bed and bade him lie down and have a good sleep . But the bed was too big for the little tailor , so he did n't get into it , but crept away into the corner . At midnight , when the giant thought the little tailor was fast asleep , he rose up , and taking his big iron walking-stick , he broke the bed in two with a blow , and thought he had made an end of the little grasshopper . At early dawn the giants went off to the wood , and quite forgot about the little tailor , till all of a sudden they met him trudging along in the most cheerful manner . The giants were terrified at the apparition , and , fearful lest he should slay them , they all took to their heels as fast as they could . The little tailor continued to follow his nose , and after he had wandered about for a long time he came to the courtyard of a royal palace , and feeling tired he lay down on the grass and fell asleep . While he lay there the people came , and looking him all over read on his girdle : `` Seven at a blow . '' `` Oh ! ''
they said , `` what can this great hero of a hundred fights want XXXXX our peaceful land ?
At While after as for if in into lest of