An artist, Cunningham, hints at a wild beast in the woods while visiting Van Cheele, who dismisses the idea as mere imagination. Later, during a walk, Van Cheele encounters a wild-looking boy, who claims to live in the woods and feeds on various animals, including children. The boy's unsettling demeanor and cryptic remarks leave Van Cheele disturbed. He attempts to assert control over the situation, but the boy, displaying uncanny agility, evades him and disappears into the forest. Van Cheele reflects on recent livestock disappearances and the unsolved case of a missing child, linking them to the boy's presence. Despite his unease, he does not disclose his discovery to others. The next day, he finds the boy in his home, now clothed and named Gabriel-Ernest by his aunt, who is charmed by the boy. Van Cheele remains skeptical and decides to consult Cunningham for clarity. Cunningham recounts a strange experience where he saw a naked boy who vanished, replaced by a wolf. Alarmed, Van Cheele rushes home, fearing for Gabriel-Ernest's safety as night approaches. He learns that Gabriel-Ernest has taken a child home, prompting him to race after them. As darkness falls, he hears a child's scream but finds only the boy's discarded clothes by the river. The fate of both Gabriel-Ernest and the child remains unknown, leading to speculation about their disappearance. The community assumes the child drowned, with Gabriel-Ernest attempting to save them. A memorial is erected for Gabriel-Ernest, but Van Cheele refuses to support it, haunted by the implications of the boy's true nature. The story concludes with a sense of unresolved mystery and the chilling possibility of the boy's predatory instincts.
By Saki · First published 1914 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Fantasy, Horror