The narrative revolves around a young boy named Rollo attending an exclusive party hosted by Mrs. Jallatt, where social dynamics and rivalries play a significant role. Rollo anticipates a challenging evening due to the presence of the Wrotsley brothers, with whom he has a longstanding feud. The party consists of games, and Rollo finds himself outnumbered in a game where boys must think of a word for the girls to guess. As the game unfolds, Rollo and the Wrotsleys retreat to the library to select a word, leading to a humorous exchange involving a dog-whip and a whalebone riding-switch. Rollo's choice of the dog-whip initially seems poor, but he soon realizes it was the better option. The game continues with the Wrotsleys' cousin mistakenly revealing the word, prompting a return to the library for a new selection. After the game, the children gather for supper, where the limited number of peaches creates tension among the guests. Rollo's quick thinking leads him to perform a conjuring trick, producing peaches from the Wrotsleys, which earns him silent admiration. As the evening progresses, Rollo attempts to escape further games, particularly one where the boys must act out historical figures. He cleverly manipulates the situation, suggesting that the girls should take their turn, which leads to a diversion as they search for chocolates in the library. Ultimately, Rollo's cunning and resourcefulness allow him to navigate the social intricacies of the party, showcasing themes of rivalry, cleverness, and the dynamics of youth interactions. The story concludes with Rollo feeling victorious as he prepares to leave, having successfully avoided the more tedious aspects of the evening.
By Saki · First published 1913 · Genre: Comedy, Social Satire, Coming-of-Age