The narrative explores the peculiar behavior of match-boxes, which mysteriously vanish from their designated spots in a household. The protagonist, intrigued by this phenomenon, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearing match-boxes. He meticulously maps out his living space, marking all potential hiding places, and conducts a thorough search, yet finds no trace of them. His investigation leads him to a neglected room, referred to as the Haunted Room, where he recalls that he may have overlooked the secret combination to enter. After a frantic search through his pockets, he discovers the address book containing the combination. Following the instructions, he successfully opens the door to the room. Inside, he finds all the missing match-boxes gathered on his desk, suggesting a mysterious connection among them. The protagonist reflects on their ability to congregate despite being scattered throughout the house, pondering the implications of their behavior and the term "Safety Matches." The story combines elements of humor and whimsy, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of curiosity about the nature of everyday objects and their hidden lives.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Mystery, Humor, Satire