An Afternoon in the Woods

In the story a 10-year-old boy, Manley, sneaks into the woods from a birthday party. During this sojourn he has fun humorously blaspheming by himself and reflects on his older brother who is always getting into trouble but kills a bobcat, partially redeeming himself. Manley ends up spotting a wild turkey which he chases through the woods and eventually finds it dead, suffering from a wound. The boy thinks he will be a hero when he brings the large turkey home and proves himself to his family. He marches it the long way through town so everyone can see him carrying it. Feeling bad about his blaspheming and other sins, Manely prays that he sees a homeless person to give his dime to, and he sees Hetty Gilman who takes his dime but looks dissatisfied. He sees this as testing God. People in the town notice Manley, including some boys who follow him. When he puts down the turkey to show it to the boys, they steal it and run off. Manley runs home feeling as though something terrible is chasing him.[1]