Sredni Vashtar by Saki
"Sredni Vashtar" is a short story by the British author Saki, also known as Hector Hugh Munro. The narrative centers on a ten-year-old boy named Conradin, who is living in the oppressive care of his cousin and guardian, Mrs. De Ropp. Facing a terminal illness and the constant antagonism of his guardian, Conradin seeks solace in his imagination and in a neglected toolshed, where he harbors two pets: a beloved Houdan hen and a ferret he reveres as a deity, naming it Sredni Vashtar.
As the story unfolds, Mrs. De Ropp's oppressive presence culminates in her selling the hen, leading Conradin to adapt his rituals of worship to the ferret. He begins to ask Sredni Vashtar for a single wish, revealing his desperation for escape from his guardian’s control. The tension escalates when Mrs. De Ropp investigates the shed, resulting in a climactic turn of events that alters the lives of both characters. The story explores themes of power, imagination, and the desire for freedom, ultimately highlighting the extremes of human nature and the complexities of caregiver relationships.
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Sredni Vashtar by Saki
First published: 1911
Type of plot: Horror
Time of work: The early 1900's
Locale: England
Principal Characters:
Conradin , a very imaginative, sick ten-year-old boyMrs. De Ropp , his cousin and guardian
The Story
Conradin, a ten-year-old boy whom the doctor has given less than five years to live, is antagonized by his cousin and guardian, Mrs. De Ropp, who seems to take delight in thwarting him under the guise of taking care of him. Conradin finds escape in his vivid imagination and in an unused toolshed, in which he keeps two pets—a Houdan hen, on which he lavishes affection, and a ferret, which he fears and comes to venerate as a god.
Conradin names the ferret Sredni Vashtar and worships the beast as his god, bringing it flowers in season and celebrating festivals on special occasions, such as when his cousin suffers from a toothache. When his cousin notices him spending too much time in the shed, she discovers the Houdan hen and sells it. She is surprised when Conradin fails to show any emotion at the news, but Conradin changes his usual worshiping ritual. Instead of chanting Sredni Vashtar's praises, he asks an unnamed boon of his god. Every day he repeats his request for the one wish from the ferret. Mrs. De Ropp, noticing his frequent visits to the toolshed, concludes that he must have something hidden there, which she assumes to be guinea pigs. She ransacks his room until she finds the key to the cage and goes out to the shed.
As she goes to the shed, Conradin watches her and imagines her triumph over him and his subsequent declining health under her oppressive care. He does not see her emerge from the shed for a long time, however, and he begins to hope, chanting to Sredni Vashtar. Finally, he notices the ferret coming out of the shed with dark, wet stains around its mouth and throat.
The maid announces tea and asks Conradin where his cousin is. He tells her that Mrs. De Ropp has gone to the shed, and the maid goes to announce tea to her. Conradin calmly butters his toast, relishing every moment as he hears the scream of the maid and the loud sobs and talk of the kitchen help, followed by the footsteps of someone carrying a heavy burden. Then he hears the kitchen help discussing who will tell the young boy the news as he takes another piece of toast to butter.