Chapter Four

The next morning, Jack came downstairs, ate his breakfast, and acted normal. He was waiting for Mom to leave for the supermarket.

“Goodbye, Jack,” said Mom. “Be a good boy while I’m out, okay?”

“What makes you think I’d be anything else?” said Jack, smiling.

Mom rolled her eyes. And as soon as she left, Jack grabbed the hen that laid the golden eggs and ran off. He searched high and low for someone who could sell him more magic beans.

At last, a man listened to him. The man asked about the hen, then smiled.

“Magic beans?” he said. “No problem, kid. I’ve got loads!”

So Jack traded the magic hen for 100 beans. He had them planted long before Mom got home.

That evening, to Mom’s surprise, Jack sent himself to bed early. In the morning, he dashed downstairs. Mom was looking out of the window.

“There you go, Mom,” said Jack, proudly. “All of our problems are solved! Well, they will be as soon as I’ve climbed a few of those huge beanstalks, outwitted some more giants, and won lots of treasure!”

“Huge beanstalks?” asked Mom, puzzled. “All I see is a garden full of ordinary bean plants. Where did they come from? And where’s the hen?”

“Oh no! I don’t believe it!” moaned Jack, looking out the window. “I’ve been tricked!”

Of course, Mom was extra angry with him when he told her what he’d done. Now that the hen was gone, they had nothing at all to live on.

“Jack, I know you’re trying to help, but when are you going to learn to think before you do anything?” Mom said at last.

And with that, Mom stormed up the stairs and went to lie down.