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Ruthless | William De Mille | Summary | Neb English Support
Ruthless by William De Mille
ABOUT THE STORY
Ruthless by William De Mille
This short fictitious story, "Ruthless," was written by William De Mille, an American author. This story was published in 1945. This story has been narrated by an omniscient third-person narrator. This story is about a rich man called Judson. The story has presented a major problem with his character. He is quite a possessive and controlling type of person. He is ready to harm anyone who gets in the way of what he wants. While this particular attitude helps him succeed in his business, it eventually causes his downfall when he accidentally drinks poisoned liquor intended for someone else. The main point of this story is that one who takes extreme revenge will be punished.
MAIN PLOT SUMMARY
Ruthless by William De Mille
The Liquor Cabinet
The story "Ruthless" starts in the woods during October at Judson Webb's rustic vacation cabin. Judson goes from the bathroom to the basic living room and unlocks a cabinet built in the wall. This cabinet has Judson's guns, ammo, fishing rods, liquor, etc. Even his wife, Mabel, isn't allowed to touch them. Judson gets angry if someone touches his belongings. He smiles quite strangely at the liquor in the cabinet, placing an already opened bourbon bottle in front. Soon, he and his wife will be heading back to the city for the winter.
From the other room, Mabel informs him about packed things and inquires where Alec, the groundskeeper, is. Judson tells her that Alec is getting the boats out of the water. When Mabel comes in, she's upset to find Judson at the liquor cabinet, thinking he's drinking early. Judson tells her that he's adding something, not taking anything. He puts two tablets into the bourbon, and they dissolve quickly. Mabel recognises the tone in his voice, the one he uses when planning something in business. Judson explains that his liquor got stolen earlier, and he expects the thief to try it again. Mabel asks if what he added will make the thief sick, and Judson hints it might be fatal.
The Ethics of Poisoning
Mabel pleads with him not to leave the poisoned Bourbon, calling it horrible and murderous. Judson happily argues that it's not murder to shoot a thief breaking into his house, and the poison in a locked cabinet can't harm anyone innocent. Mabel says death is more severe than the punishment for burglary, but Judson insists he makes his own rules for his property. She thinks a little stolen liquor isn't worth killing over, but Judson says theft is theft, whether it's $5 or $100. In desperation, Mabel asks what happens if something happens to them, and no one knows the bourbon is poisoned. Judson is willing to take that chance, saying he made his fortune by taking risks. He tells her that if he dies, she'll inherit the cabin and can do as she pleases.
Mabel stops arguing with him. She decides to tell Alec's wife about the poisoned liquor. According to her, "someone had to know" about this. She heads toward the farmhouse down the road, saying Judson can come pick her up there later.
The Twist
Judson thinks of some boots he wants to add to the cabinet and goes to get them from the "heavy, rustic table" on the porch. While on the porch, he sees Alec coming up the road. Judson's noisy steps scare a chipmunk, making it drop an acorn. Judson slips on the acorn, hitting himself against the table, and passes out. When he wakes up, Alec is helping him up and offering a glass of whiskey. "Here, take this," Alec says in a kind way. Still a bit dizzy, Judson drinks.
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