In the "Chinking"
The narrative unfolds in a secluded mountain area where a small log church serves as a gathering place for the local community. The story begins with Tom Brent, who notices young Jim Coggin's comforter caught in the church's chinking while he prepares to retrieve his father's mare. In a playful act, Tom ties Jim's comforter to a bush, leaving Jim trapped inside the church as the congregation disperses. As darkness falls and a storm approaches, Jim awakens to find himself alone and unable to move due to the knot binding his comforter. He panics, fearing that his family will not search for him, but reassures himself that the congregation will return the next day. Suddenly, two men enter the church, revealing themselves as robbers. They are described as brutish and malicious, with one, Amos Brierwood, having a maimed hand. They discuss their recent crime of robbing a traveler and hide the stolen money in the church. Jim, terrified and unnoticed, listens as the men plot. Brierwood, noticing Jim, initially threatens him but then concocts a plan to manipulate the boy. He fabricates a story about witches and convinces Jim to keep quiet about the robbery in exchange for a promise of protection. Jim, frightened and confused, agrees and is sent home with a message for Tom Brent. Upon reaching Tom's house, Jim delivers a distorted message about witches, which prompts Tom to investigate. Meanwhile, the traveler, who was robbed, arrives at the church and discovers the missing money. The local constable, alerted by the traveler, begins to suspect the Coggins family due to Jim's earlier message. As the story progresses, Jim's innocent actions lead to a series of misunderstandings that implicate his family in the robbery. The constable and townsfolk confront Jim's father, John Coggin, and brother, Alf, leading to a tense situation where Jim must decide whether to reveal the truth about the hidden money. Ultimately, a stranger who witnessed the robbery clears the Coggins' name, identifying Brierwood as the true criminal. The tale concludes with Jim reflecting on the events, realizing that the real evil was not the witches he feared but the men who sought to exploit his innocence. The story explores themes of childhood innocence, fear, and the consequences of deception, set against the backdrop of a close-knit mountain community.
By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1890 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age · 4,420 words
First lines
Not far from an abrupt precipice on a certain great mountain spur there stands in the midst of the red and yellow autumn woods a little log "church-house. " The nuts rattle noisily down on its roof; sometimes during "evenin' preachin" -- which takes place in the afternoon -- a flying-squirrel frisks near the window; the hymns echo softly, softly, from the hazy sunlit heights across the valley.
What this Textopian page supports
In the "Chinking" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Mystery, Regional Fiction
- Length: 4,420 words
- Structure: 1 section, 95 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the "Chinking" by Mary Noailles Murfree
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In the "Chinking"?
- How does this short story by Mary Noailles Murfree fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and the exploration of themes such as innocence, fear, and morality.
- Adventure — The plot involves a young boy's unexpected encounter with danger and the unfolding of a suspenseful situation.
- Coming-of-Age — The story centers on a young protagonist, Jim, who faces challenges that contribute to his growth and understanding of the world.
- Mystery — The narrative includes elements of suspense and intrigue, particularly surrounding the robbery and the boy's predicament.
Tags
Regional Fiction · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Class · Rural Life · Isolation · Loneliness · Nature vs Nurture · Identity Crisis · Morality · Ethics