Two boys, Corny and Chris, engage in a conversation about Corny's determination to hunt a wildcat, despite his mother's objections. Corny is eager to prove himself and plans to sneak away during a trip to the mountains with a group of summer boarders. He intends to venture into the woods alone, confident in his abilities, while Chris expresses concern for his safety. As the group ascends the mountain, Corny becomes increasingly impatient and eventually slips away into the woods, leaving behind the party. He revels in the freedom of the wilderness but soon finds himself lost and struggling. After a series of misadventures, including falling into a mud hole and losing his lunch, he decides to follow a stream in hopes of finding his way back. Corny's journey becomes perilous as he tumbles down a ravine, landing in the branches of a tree, which saves him from a fatal fall. He spends a restless night on a ledge, reflecting on his recklessness and longing for home. As dawn breaks, he devises a plan to escape by creating a makeshift rope to lower himself to the ground. After successfully descending, he encounters a wounded wildcat in an old cabin. Seizing the opportunity, he kills the animal with a piece of timber, fulfilling his goal. Exhausted but triumphant, he begins his journey back home, only to be met by Chris and others who had been searching for him. The group celebrates Corny's unexpected success, though he admits he didn't shoot the wildcat himself. The experience teaches him valuable lessons about humility, responsibility, and the importance of heeding advice. Upon returning home, Corny is welcomed with concern and affection, and he reflects on his adventure with newfound wisdom, vowing to be more considerate in the future.
By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1850 · Genre: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature