Summary

The short story “The Stone Boy” by Gina Berriault begins with a description of nine-year-old Arnold, who wakes up before Eugene, his 15-year-old brother. Arnold feels uncomfortable, as he believes that being awake gives him an advantage over his brother, whom he calls Eugie. After Arnold wakes his brother up to go and pick up peas in the garden, he goes to the kitchen and takes his gun that his father had given to him, because he hopes to shoot some ducks.

Eugie follows Arnold, who is impressed by his brother’s appearance. Eugie tells him that it isn’t duck season. The two brothers reach a wire fence. Eugie passes through, but when Arnold follows his gun gets caught in the wire, causing it to go off. Arnold thinks this will lead to Eugie mocking him. However, when Eugie does not respond, Arnold notices blood at the back of his brother’s neck and unsuccessfull...