THE Giant gently lifted the little boy into the branches of the wintry tree, and was rewarded with a kiss of thanks and a sudden burst of blossom, as his tree welcomed the Spring.

Next day, the Giant searched for his little friend in vain. No one had seen him, or knew where he lived. Each day he waited for him, and year upon year.

At last when he was very old and frail, but eagerly awaiting another Spring, he looked out over his garden, and saw that one tree had blossomed and fruited; and beneath it was the little boy. As he neared the tree, he saw the boy’s hands and feet were pierced and bleeding. ‘Who hath dared wound thee?’ he cried. But the child smiled and said, ‘You let me play once in your garden, today you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise.’

And next day they found the Giant lying under that tree, covered in white blossom.