From The Enigma

NPL Magazine

September, 2021

SCARAB

The first set of blanks in this flat can be filled in with a nine-letter, old fashioned word. Behead that word, and you will have the eight-letter answer for the second set of blanks.

Jack was only a lad, a mere _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , you

   might say,

But he knew that his cow was worth

   more than just hay.

A pair of nice beans was the offer he

   got,

But that wasn't enough, for he wanted 

   a lot,

So the man offered six, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his

   earlier bid.

Jack accepted the deal. Yes, he

   certainly did.

 

Answer:

 

STRIPLING

  TRIPLING