The Magic Walking Stick
A young boy named Bill returns home for a long leave filled with plans for hunting and family time. However, he becomes frustrated when he cannot find his favorite walking stick, a gift from a stalker. Instead, he encounters an old man selling peculiar sticks and buys one for a farthing. This stick, though odd in appearance, seems to possess magical properties. While duck hunting, Bill wishes to be in the middle of a flood and unexpectedly finds himself surrounded by ducks in water. After successfully shooting a few, he realizes the stick is responsible for this miraculous event. Intrigued, he decides to experiment further with the stick's powers. The next morning, he wishes to be on a beach in the Solomon Islands and, after twisting the stick's handle, he finds himself on a sandy shore. However, he soon faces danger from local tribesmen and narrowly escapes back home by wishing to return. Bill's adventures continue as he takes his younger brother, Peter, to explore their beloved Glenmore using the stick. They enjoy a brief adventure but are caught trying to sneak food from the keeper's cottage, leading to a hasty retreat. Later, while in London, Bill is devastated when he loses the stick at a conjuring show. Despite his father's efforts to retrieve it, the stick remains missing, and the assistant reveals that the keeper has also vanished under mysterious circumstances after expressing his desire to leave. Bill is left hopeful that the stick may return and urges others to keep an eye out for it, describing its unique features and the old man who sold it to him. The story concludes with a sense of wonder and the possibility of future adventures, emphasizing the stick's magical allure and the excitement it brought to Bill's life.
By John Buchan · First published 1930 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 5,580 words
First lines
When Bill came back for long-leave that autumn half he had before him a complex programme of entertainment. Thomas, the Keeper, whom he revered more than anyone else in the world, was to take him in the afternoon to try for a duck in the big marsh called Alemoor. In the evening Hallowe'en would be celebrated in the nursery with his small brother Peter, and he would be permitted to sit up after dinner till ten o'clock. Next day, which was Sunday, would be devoted to wandering about with Peter, hearing from him all the appetising home news, and pouring into his greedy ears the gossip of the foreign world of school. On Monday morning, after a walk with the dogs, he was to motor to London, lunch with Aunt Alice, go to a conjuring show, and then, after a noble tea, return to school in time for lock-up.
What this Textopian page supports
The Magic Walking Stick is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Buchan, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Buchan
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Magical Realism
- Length: 5,580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Magic Walking Stick by John Buchan
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story revolves around a magical walking stick that grants wishes, embodying elements of fantasy and the supernatural.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on various adventures facilitated by the magic of the stick, exploring different locations and experiences.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a younger audience, featuring child protagonists and themes of imagination and exploration.
- Coming-of-Age — The story reflects the growth and experiences of a young boy, Bill, as he navigates excitement and challenges.
Tags
adventure · fantasy · magic · walking stick · mystery · exploration · friendship · courage · imagination · journey · supernatural · heroism