A little Brownie lives in a coal-cellar, unseen by most, but known to the children of the household who enjoy his playful company. He thrives on mischief, helping the family by scaring away pests. His routine is disrupted when a new cook neglects to leave out his nightly bowl of milk. Hungry and frustrated, he decides to venture out for food. Discovering a messy kitchen with leftover supper, he indulges in a feast, leaving the tablecloth marked with his coal-dusty footprints. The cook, unaware of his existence, mistakenly blames the family cat for the missing food and dirty tablecloth. Determined to secure his meals, the Brownie transforms into a mouse to escape the locked cellar and returns to the kitchen for another late-night snack. His antics continue, leading to further confusion for the cook, who punishes the innocent cat and dog instead. Eventually, the cook is advised to leave out a bowl of milk, which the Brownie happily consumes, restoring peace in the household. The Brownie’s playful spirit remains, ensuring that he will return for more adventures, as long as the kitchen stays untidy.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 6 chapters