The story follows the adventures of two young boys, Tom and Jack, who are sent to collect the toll from a toll-house on the outskirts of their village. On their way, they encounter a mysterious old man who warns them of the dangers of the toll-house. Despite his warnings, the boys decide to go ahead and collect the toll. Once they arrive at the toll-house, they find it deserted and in disrepair. As they explore the house, they discover a hidden room filled with treasure. They also find a strange old woman who claims to be the guardian of the toll-house. She tells them that the toll-house is cursed and that anyone who takes the treasure will be cursed as well. Tom and Jack are terrified, but they decide to take the treasure anyway. As they leave the toll-house, they are pursued by a mysterious figure. They eventually make it back to their village, but they are haunted by the events of the night. The story ends with the boys realizing that they have been cursed by the toll-house and that they must return the treasure in order to break the curse.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy