The Open Window - Saki

Saki (Image: Wikipedia)

The Open Window

The Open Window is written by Saki (Hector Huge Munro). A young woman, Vera lives with her uncle Mr. Sappleton and his wife. Mr. Sappleton's two brothers-in-law and a pet dog are also in the country house. Mr. Nuttel arrives at the country house on the suggestion of his doctor.

Vera entertains the house-guest as the men are away and her aunt is in the kitchen. Mr. Nuttel knows nothing about the family. Mischievously, Vera characterizes her aunt as a mentally disturbed person. She tells Mr. Nuttel that her aunt keeps the French window open. Her aunt believes that the men and dog would come through the window. Vera weaves a story and tells Mr. Nuttel that the men are drowned in  a bog along with the dog three years ago.

To his horror, Mr. Nuttel finds three men and a dog coming towards the house. He is terrified. He thinks ghosts are coming. He runs away. Vera tells family members that Mr. Nuttel is afraid of dogs. He is attacked by stray dogs once and so he ran away fearing the family's pet dog.