The wind whispered through the sails of an old windmill, a creaky, happy sound. Inside, an old miller, with flour dusting his eyebrows, gathered his three apprentices. "My dears," he said, his voice a bit shaky, "I am getting old. Whoever brings me the finest horse will inherit this very mill!"

Two of them, Tom and Ben, thought they were very clever. They winked at each other. The third, young Jack, was a kind boy, though the others often teased him, calling him 'Simple Jack' because he was always daydreaming.

Tom and Ben set off at once, full of grand plans. "Good luck finding a horse, Simple Jack!" they snickered as they left. Jack, feeling a bit sad, wandered off into the woods. He didn't know where to find a fine horse, but he was determined to try.

Deeper and deeper he walked, until he stumbled upon a curious little castle, all sparkly and strange. He knocked. The door creaked open, and out stepped... a cat! A very fluffy, very polite cat wearing tiny, shiny boots.

"Welcome," purred the cat. "I am Mistress Pawsy. What brings you to my home?"

Jack, surprised to hear a cat talk, politely explained his master's request.

Mistress Pawsy twitched her whiskers. "Hmm," she said. "If you serve me well for seven years, I will help you find the finest horse you've ever seen."

Seven years seemed a long time, but Jack was a good-hearted boy and he had nowhere else to go. "I will," he agreed.

So Jack stayed with Mistress Pawsy. His jobs were a bit unusual. He had to chop wood for her fireplace with a little silver axe and golden wedges. He mowed the grass in her garden with a tiny silver scythe. He even helped build a beautiful, tiny playhouse for her many playful kittens, using silver tools that sparkled in the sun. Through it all, Jack was always cheerful and kind to Mistress Pawsy and all her little kitten helpers. He brushed their fur, played with them, and always made sure their food bowls were full.

Finally, the seven years were up. "Mistress Pawsy," Jack said one morning, "the seven years have passed. I must return to my master."

Mistress Pawsy smiled, a wide, catty smile. "You have served me well, Jack," she purred. "Now, what kind of horse would you like?"

"Oh," said Jack, "just a very good one, please, for my master."

Mistress Pawsy led him to the stables. And there stood the most magnificent horse he had ever seen! Its coat shone like polished chestnuts, and its mane flowed like silk. It whinnied softly when it saw Jack. Mistress Pawsy also gave him a suit of clothes that shimmered like starlight and a bag of gold.

Jack thanked Mistress Pawsy with all his heart, mounted the splendid horse, and rode back towards the mill.

When Jack arrived, Tom and Ben were already there. Tom had brought a bony old nag that looked like it might fall over. Ben had found a horse that limped badly on one leg. They both started to laugh when they saw Jack approaching. But then, their laughter died in their throats as they saw his shining clothes and the incredible horse he was riding.

The old miller’s eyes widened. "Jack!" he cried, rushing out. "That is the finest horse I have ever laid eyes on! The mill is yours!"

Just then, a splendid carriage, pulled by six white horses with plumes on their heads, rolled up to the mill. And out stepped... Mistress Pawsy! But she wasn't a cat anymore. She was a beautiful princess, wearing a gown that sparkled even more than Jack's suit!

"An evil spell had turned me into a cat," she explained, her voice like music. "Your kindness and loyal service for seven years broke the spell, dear Jack!"

Jack, now the master of the mill, and the lovely princess soon decided they quite liked each other. So, they got married, and the princess's sparkly little castle magically appeared right next to the windmill. And they all lived happily, with the creaky, happy sound of the windmill turning nearby, and lots of purring kittens playing in the yard.

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