A kind old man lived in a little cottage with his three sons. One day, he called them together. "My boys," he said, "I don't have much gold, but I have some special things for you. It's time for you to go out into the world and seek your fortunes."

To the first son, he gave a proud rooster. "This fellow," said the father, "will wake you up every morning!" The rooster puffed its chest and crowed, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" The son thanked his father, though he wasn't sure how a rooster would make him rich.

To the second son, he gave a shiny scythe. "With this," he explained, "you can cut down tall grass in a flash!" The son took the scythe, wondering what adventures it might bring.

And to the third son, he gave a fluffy cat. "This little friend," he smiled, "is a champion mouse-catcher!" The cat purred and rubbed against the son's legs. He petted it, also a bit puzzled about his gift.

The first son set off and, after a long journey, came to an island. The people there had never seen a rooster! "What is that noisy bird with the red hat?" they asked.
"He's a time-teller!" said the son. "When he crows, it means morning is here!"
The next morning, the rooster crowed loudly. The islanders were amazed! "We must have this magical clock!" they cried. They gave the son so much gold for the rooster that his pockets were heavy.

The second son traveled to a different island. The people there had never seen a scythe. They cut their grass slowly with little knives. "What is that strange, curved tool?" they wondered.
The son showed them. "Watch this!" He swung the scythe, and *swish, swish*, a whole patch of grass was cut in no time!
"Incredible!" they shouted. "We need this wonderful grass-cutter!" They filled his bag with silver and jewels for the scythe.

The third son, with his cat, arrived at yet another island. And oh dear, this island had a big problem! It was overrun with mice! Mice in the kitchen, mice in the bedrooms, mice nibbling the king's cheese! The king was very unhappy.
When the son's cat saw all the mice, its eyes went wide. "Meeeow!" it cried, and then *pounce*! It chased and caught mouse after mouse. The people cheered! The king was overjoyed.
"This amazing creature is a hero!" the king declared. "I will give you a mountain of treasure for this fantastic mouse-hunter!"
So, the third son traded his cat for chests full of gold.

The three sons sailed back home, their pockets and bags jingling and clinking. Their father was so happy to see them and even happier to hear their amazing stories. And so, the three lucky sons, with their rather unusual gifts, lived very comfortably and happily, always remembering their surprising adventures.

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