The tin cup was attached to a rope hanging next to the well. The giant had pulled the bucket up to the edge with all the effort he could, reached for the tin cup, filled it with water and took a drink. He dipped the cup once again into the bucket and took another drink. He seemed satisfied and he dropped the bucket, letting it fall back into the well. He wiped his moist lips on his sleeve, and looked around at the barren courtyard which surrounded the well.

"You took two drinks," said a small man standing next to the giant. "Why didn't you share some of the water with me?"

"I didn't know you were thirsty," said the giant.

"You didn't know I was thirsty? I walked across the same desert you did, and you didn't know I was thirsty?"

"No," the giant responded. "I didn't know you were thirsty."

"Well, now you do," the small man said. "Would you please pull the bucket up from the well so I can have a drink of water?"

The giant wasn't quick to respond to the small man's request. He stood with as thoughtful a look on his face as a giant is able. "I will pull the bucket up," the giant finally answered. "But only if you're willing to pay my price."

"Your price?" the small man asked with a curious tone in his voice. "What is your price for pulling the bucket up from the well so that I may have a drink?"

"Give me one of your eyes," the giant said. He smiled wickedly like only a wicked giant is able to smile.

The color left the small man's face. He waited only a moment before jamming his right thumb and index finger into his left eye and pulling it out of the socket. "Here is my eye," he said, placing it in the giant's open hand. "Now give me some water to drink."

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