Yet it was in good repair, and all the chimneys smoked.
Jack went in through the gable; and there was one room after
another, all bare, but all furnished in part, so that a man could
dwell there; and in each there was a fire burning, where a man
could warm himself, and a table spread where he might eat. But
Jack saw nowhere any living creature; only the bodies of some
stuffed.
"This is a hospitable house," said Jack; "but the ground must be
quaggy underneath, for at every step the building quakes."
He had gone some time in the house, when he began to be hungry.
Then he looked at the food, and at first he was afraid; but he
bared the sword, and by the shining of the sword, it seemed the
food was honest. So he took the courage to sit down and eat, and
he was refreshed in mind and body.
"This is strange," thought he, "that in the house of sorcery there
should be food so wholesome."
As he was yet eating, there came into that room the appearance of
his uncle, and Jack was afraid because he had taken the sword. But
his uncle was never more kind, and sat down to meat with him, and
praised him because he had taken the sword. Never had these two
been more pleasantly together, and Jack was full of love to the
man.
"It was very well done," said his uncle, "to take the sword and
come yourself into the House of Eld; a good thought and a brave
deed.
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