The Singing Scoutmaster: Jack and the King's Riddle

One day, the king of the land put forth a challenge. He announced that anyone who could solve his riddle would receive a bag of gold. But if they failed, they would be sent to the dungeons. The riddle was simple but tricky: "What is something that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"

Many tried to answer, but none could solve it. Word of the riddle spread far and wide, and eventually, Jack heard about it. Jack, always up for a challenge, went to the palace and presented himself before the king.

"I can solve your riddle, Your Majesty," Jack said confidently.

The king raised an eyebrow. "Very well. What is your answer, young man?"

Jack thought for a moment, then smiled. "The answer is a man. In the morning of his life, he crawls on four legs as a baby. At noon, in his prime, he walks on two legs. In the evening of his life, he uses a cane, making it three legs."

The king was astonished. "You've solved it! Here, take your reward!" He handed Jack a bag of gold, and Jack bowed deeply.

But as Jack turned to leave, the king stopped him. "Wait! I have one more riddle for you. If you solve it, you can have another bag of gold. But if not, you must return the gold I've already given you."

Jack, undaunted, nodded. "Go ahead, Your Majesty. What is the riddle?"

The king smiled slyly. "What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?"

Jack's smile widened. "That's easy—a penny!"

The king burst out laughing. "You are clever, Jack. Take the gold and go with my blessing!"

And so Jack left the palace with two bags of gold, his wit and cleverness earning him more than strength ever could. From that day on, whenever people talked about the smartest lad in the land, Jack's name was always the first to come up.