The Stake Page #2

"The Stake" is a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, commonly known by his pen name, Saki. It features his characteristic wit and biting satire. The narrative unfolds as it explores themes of social class and human nature through the lens of a seemingly mundane wager between two characters. The plot takes an unexpected turn, showcasing Saki's talent for blending humor with darker undertones, ultimately revealing the absurdities of the human condition and the consequences of personal vendettas. Set against an upper-class backdrop, "The Stake" serves as a critique of societal norms and the fragility of reputation.

• Short story

								

“the fact is, I was dining at the Norridrums’ yesterday, and they were
wishing they had a swell cook like yours, just for to-day and to-morrow,
while they’ve got some gourmet staying with them: their own cook is no
earthly good—well, you’ve seen what she turns out when she’s at all
flurried.  So I thought it would be rather sporting to play them at
baccarat for the loan of our cook against a money stake, and I lost,
that’s all.  I have had rotten luck at baccarat all this year.”

The remainder of his explanation, of how he had assured the cooks that
the temporary transfer had his mother’s sanction, and had smuggled the
one out and the other in during the maternal absence, was drowned in the
outcry of scandalised upbraiding.

“If I had sold the woman into slavery there couldn’t have been a bigger
fuss about it,” he confided afterwards to Bertie Norridrum, “and Eleanor
Saxelby raged and ramped the louder of the two.  I tell you what, I’ll
bet you two of the Amherst pheasants to five shillings that she refuses
to have me as a partner at the croquet tournament.  We’re drawn together,
you know.”

This time he won his bet.
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