"What do you say to John Glaick wi' his aul roosty soord ?" So saying, he fell upon them, cut off their heads, and returned in triumph. He received the king's daughter in marriage and for a time lived in peace and happiness. He never told the mode he followed in his dealing with the giants.
Some time after a rebellion broke out among the subjects of his father-in-law. John, on the strength of his former valiant deed, was chosen to quell the rebellion. His heart sank within him, but he could not refuse, and so lose his great name. He was mounted on the fiercest horse that "ever saw sun or wind," and set out on his desperate task. He was not accustomed to ride on horseback, and he soon lost all control of his fiery steed. It galloped off at full speed, but, fortunately, in the direction of the rebel army. In its wild career it passed under the gallows that stood by the wayside. The gallows was somewhat old and frail, and down it fell on the horse's neck. Still no stop, but always forward at furious speed towards the rebels. On seeing this strange sight approaching towards them at such a speed they were seized with terror, and cried out to one another, "There comes John Glaick that killed the two giants with the gallows on his horse's neck to hang us all." They broke their ranks, fled in dismay, and never stopped till they reached their homes. Thus was John Glaick a second time victorious. Happily he was not put to a third test. In due time he came to the throne and lived a long, happy, and good life as king.
Walter Gregor.
