Nora and Hilary visit their cousins in the countryside, where they experience the joys of nature, including blackberry picking. They are accompanied by their younger cousin, Cecil, who is initially shy but becomes excited by their adventurous spirit. As they explore the woods, they eagerly anticipate the ripening blackberries, which leads them to venture further into the forest. During their outing, Nora claims to have seen a small, peculiar creature resembling a man, dressed in a red jacket and cap, who is picking and eating blackberries. The boys are skeptical, but when they catch sight of the creature, they are frightened and flee back to the safety of their garden. They discuss their encounter but decide to keep it a secret from the adults, fearing ridicule. Later, during dessert, Cecil's father shares a story about a monkey that belongs to a neighbor, which has been spotted in the woods gathering blackberries. The children realize that the creature they saw was likely the same monkey. They confess their fears and misconceptions, leading to laughter around the table. The experience teaches them about the wonders of imagination and the importance of sharing their adventures, no matter how silly they may seem.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure