Folksburywoods Story Blog

“I’m going to tell Ms. Fidget that you were throwing rocks at Missy Barnes,” scolded Timothy Tattletales.

“I see you stealing those apples, Jimmy Farnesworth, and you, Billy Kroger, I know you took farmer MacKye’s pumpkins last night,” hollered the tattler.

If you did something wrong and were a kid, you could bet dollars to doughnut Timothy would get you in trouble. The grown-ups didn’t mind initially.

Eventually, they grew tired of the tattling, “Doesn’t that boy have anything better to do than cause trouble?” asked farmer Fitzgibbons, whose strawberry patch was constantly being raided by the village children.

Sandy Burgh and Daniel Thompson were the eldest at the village school and had enough of Timothy’s shenanigans. “Tonight, we’ll show that loud mouth, just you see,” Sandy said to one of the little boys, knowing he would run to Timothy and tell.

“Timothy, guess what? Sandy and Daniel are going to Widow’s Cave tonight to drink hard cider they stole from the general store,” said the boy.

“Well, won’t they be surprised when I catch them in the act? I’ll take that cedar back to Mr. Jones’s store. Perhaps he’ll reward me with rock candy,” remarked Timothy, walking home to get his candle and matchbox.

Quarter past four, Timothy lit his candle and entered the cave, expecting to find the two boys sipping on the stolen goods. “Sandy, I know you’re here. Come out and give me that cider,” said Timothy boldly.

There was no response, so he walked further in and repeated his demands. Meanwhile, the tricksters were at the general store having a sarsaparilla and laughing about how stupid Timothy would feel when he found out it was all a spoof.

“Did you boys say someone went into Widow’s Cave tonight? ” the storekeeper asked.

The boys told Mr. Jones their rues and were surprised to see his reaction. “You idiots, don’t you know Ned Timmons is blasting down there for ore? Who knows what might cave in during an explosion?” the man shouted.

“I’m Sorry, Mr. Jones. We were tired of him always blaming us, and we thought it would teach him a lesson,” said Daniel.

“I can’t blame you boys for that. We better get down there quickly and see if he is alright,” the storekeeper remarked.

Upon arrival, the dust had settled at the cave’s blocked entrance. After days of digging, they broke through, but Timothy was nowhere to be found.

Some say the cave critters got him. Others tell of the devil taking him for being such a naughty boy and sticking his nose where it didn’t belong.

Whatever the truth, most folks agreed Timothy finally got his reward for being a Tattletale.