Each time young Bartholomew Cubbins takes off his hat, another appears on his head. This infuriates the King, who has commanded the boy to remove his hat. Even the King's wise men and magicians cannot keep the hats from reappearing. The 500th hat, however, is so beautiful that the King decides he must have it. He pays Bartholomew 500 gold pieces, and Bartholomew goes home a richer, though hatless, young man.