o inquired why he was driving the cow from home. Jack replied
that he was going to sell her. The butcher held some curious beans in
his hat; they were of various colors, and attracted Jack's attention.
This did not pass unnoticed by the man, who, knowing Jack's easy temper,
thought now was the time to take an advantage of it; and, determined not
to let slip so good an opportunity, asked what was the price of the cow,
offering at the same time all the beans in his hat for her. The silly
boy could not conceal the pleasure he felt at what he supposed so great
an offer. The bargain was struck instantly, and the cow exchanged for a
few paltry beans. Jack made the best of his way home, calling aloud to
his mother before he reached the door, thinking to surprise her.

When she saw the beans, and heard Jack's account, her patience quite
forsook her. She tossed the beans out of the window, where they fell on
the garden-bed below. Then she threw her apron over her head, and cried
bitterly. Jack attempted to console her, but in vain, and, not having
anything to eat, they both went supperless to bed.

Jack awoke early in the morning, and seeing something uncommon darkening
the window of his bed-chamber, ran down stairs into the garden, where he
found some of the beans had taken root and sprung up surprisingly. The
stalks were of an immense thickness, and had twined together until they
formed a ladder like a chain, and so high that the top appeared to be
lost in the clouds.

Jack was an adventurous lad; he determined to climb up to the top, and
ran to tell his mother, not doubting but that she would be equally
pleased with himself. She declared he should not go; said it would break
her heart if he did; entreated and threatened, but all in vain. Jack set
out, and after climbing for some hours reached the top of the
bean-stalk, quite exhausted. Looking around, he found himself in a
strange country. It appeared to be a barren desert; not a tree, shrub,
house, or living creature was to be seen; here and there were scattered
fragments of stone, and at unequal distances small heaps of earth were
loosely thrown together.

Jack seated himself pensively upon a block of stone and thought of his
mother. He reflected with sorrow upon his disobedience in climbing the
bean-stalk against her will, and concluded that he must die of hunger.
However, he walked on, hoping to see a house where he might beg
something to eat and drink. He did not find