Mr. Lister is a wealthy, eccentric old man who lives alone in a large house. He is known for his strange behavior and his love of animals. One day, he decides to take in a large number of cats, dogs, and other animals, much to the dismay of his neighbors. The animals cause chaos in the house, and Mr. Lister's sanity begins to unravel. He starts to believe that the animals are talking to him and that they are plotting against him. He begins to act erratically, and his neighbors become increasingly concerned. When Mr. Lister's niece arrives to take care of him, she discovers the truth about his mental state and decides to take him away to a sanatorium. However, Mr. Lister's love for his animals is so strong that he refuses to leave them behind. The story follows Mr. Lister's journey as he struggles to keep his sanity and his beloved animals. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the importance of family.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Satire