PLAID TROUSERS
by Abbie Phillips Walker · from Sandman's rainy day stories
Adapted Version
Tim Coon had special trousers. They were red and green. They were very bright. All the animals liked them. But Mr. Fox liked them most of all.
Mr. Fox was very jealous. He wanted those trousers. He brought Tim fat hens. "Do you want to trade?" asked Mr. Fox. Tim said, "No." Then Mr. Fox brought Tim fat ducks. "Do you want to trade?" he asked. "No," said Tim. "I like my trousers."
Mr. Fox was angry. He sat and thought for a long time. "I have a clever trick," he said.
Mr. Fox painted his old chair black. The paint was very wet. "Come sit, Tim!" said Mr. Fox. Tim sat down on the black chair. The wet paint got on his trousers. "Oh no!" cried Mr. Fox. "I am so very sorry!"
"I can help you," said Mr. Fox. He looked very kind. "Wash them in hot water. Use strong soap. They will be clean!" Mr. Fox smiled a big, friendly smile.
Mr. Fox found some strong soap. He held it in his paw. Mr. Fox helped Tim. Tim put his trousers in a big pot. Mr. Fox poured hot water. He added the strong soap. "Leave them here," said Mr. Fox. "Leave them all night. They will be clean tomorrow."
Mr. Fox left Tim's house. He walked away. He chuckled to himself. "My clever trick worked," he thought. He knew the trousers would be very small.
The next morning, Tim woke up. He ran to the pot. He pulled out his trousers. Oh no! The black paint was still there. And the trousers were tiny. They were very, very small. Tim could not wear them. They only reached his knees.
Tim was very sad. He went to Mr. Fox's house. "My trousers!" cried Tim. "They are small! They are still dirty!" Mr. Fox looked sad. "Oh dear," he said. "That is very bad. I am so sorry, Tim." He looked innocent.
"Maybe you can wear a skirt?" said Mr. Fox. He smiled a little. "Or maybe you can wear short trousers?" He looked at Tim. He was happy inside. He knew his trick worked. Mr. Fox was very pleased. Tim had no nice trousers now. Mr. Fox was happy. Tim was sad. It is not good to be tricky.
Original Story
PLAID TROUSERS
Mr. Tim Coon had a pair of red-and-green plaid trousers and that was what made everybody in the woods envious.
But there was one who not only was envious—he was very jealous of his rights—and that one was Mr. Fox.
For Mr. Fox thought, and so did every one else in the woods, that he was the very smartest and nattiest fellow around until Tim Coon came along with those red-and-green plaid trousers.
Mr. Fox at first did not bother much about the trousers, for he felt sure that in a short time he could persuade Tim Coon to part with them, but here he was mistaken, as time proved.
Mr. Fox had called on Tim every day. He had carried the fattest hen or duck, and even two fat chickens, and each time he hinted that he might part with each or any of them if he were offered the right thing.
But Tim Coon was well supplied with the season’s good things to eat and would not offer anything worth having.
And that was the reason that Mr. Fox sat on his steps one morning in deep thought while he smoked his old corncob pipe.
While he was thinking his eyes happened to alight upon a piece of paper on which there was some printing, and then he saw the word WOOL in big letters.
“Wool?” thought Mr. Fox; “that is what those red-and-green trousers are; all wool, Tim Coon says.”
Mr. Fox got up from the steps and picked up the paper. He began to read, and as he read his eyes grew big. The more he read the bigger they grew, and at last he became so interested he dropped his pipe from his mouth without noticing it.
Mr. Fox read all the printing. Then he crumpled up the paper and threw it into the bushes.
“If he only would get them soiled,” he said, “the rest would be easy; he would be sure to ask my advice.
“I know what I will do,” he said, starting for his barn. “I’ll paint the seat of my rocking-chair; he loves to sit in that.”
Pretty soon Mr. Fox had his rocking-chair painted a nice shiny black, and then he sat down to watch for Tim Coon, who always passed by about that time. He did not have to wait long before Tim came along, wearing the plaid trousers. “Come in, Tim, and have a smoke,” said Mr. Fox, in his most polite manner.
Mr. Fox went to the closet to get a pipe for Tim, and, just as he expected, down sat Tim Coon in the rocking-chair right on the wet paint.
“Oh dear, oh dear, how sorry I am!” said Mr. Fox, hurrying to Tim.
“Get up quick, Tim! I just painted that chair. I hope you have not got it on your plaid trousers.”
Mr. Fox’s eyes twinkled as he got behind poor Tim to look at the seat of his trousers, but that, of course, Tim Coon did not see, and when Mr. Fox told him there was a big black spot, but that he felt sure he could tell him just how to get it out, Tim thought he was a very kind fellow.
“Don’t you bother at all, Tim. I read the other day just how to wash woolen garments. It said it was sure and safe, so I will help you, for I really feel to blame; I ought to have remembered that rocker was freshly painted.
“First, I must get you some white soap, and as I have none in the house I shall have to run over to Mr. Man’s and get some; he has everything in his house.”
Tim Coon thought Mr. Fox was the very kindest fellow he knew, and he ran right home to take off the trousers and wait for Mr. Fox to return.
“Oh, you might put on a kettle of water,” called Mr. Fox as Tim was hurrying away, “and have it boiling; it must boil hard.”
Mr. Fox had a harder time than he expected getting the soap from Mr. Man’s, for Mr. Dog had gone to sleep right in the doorway of the barn, and that was where Mr. Fox wanted to go.
He had seen a piece of white soap on a box in the barn one day, where Mr. Man had been washing his best harness, and he hoped very much he would find it there now.
After a while Mr. Dog awoke and went away and Mr. Fox crept in. He was lucky enough to find the soap, and off he ran for Tim Coon’s house just as the sun was going down.
“I risked a good deal, Tim, to get this soap,” he said. “I do not like to go over the hill in the daytime—too risky.
“Now we must put the trousers in a pail,” explained Mr. Fox, “and then very slowly pour the water on them. Are you sure the water is boiling hard?”
Tim said he was, and so Mr. Fox told him to bring it along, and as Tim poured it in the pail Mr. Fox shaved up the soap and dropped it in.
“Now get me a stick,” he said, “so I can stir it and make a good suds, and now I will leave you, for I am sure you can do the rest, and I must get home, as it is getting dark.
“All you have to do is to let them soak overnight and take them out in the morning and hang them in the sun, and if that recipe for washing woolen is good for anything your trousers will be as good as new.”
Off ran Mr. Fox for home, chuckling to himself all the way. “Yes, they will be as good as new,” he said, “but not for you to wear, my friend Tim. They may fit a very young coon, but not a full-grown-up coon like you. Oh no.”
Poor Tim Coon viewed his trousers as they hung on the line the next day with a sinking heart, for the black stain of the paint was of course still to be seen, but later when they were dry and he tried to put them on it was not a feeling of sadness which came over him. It was anger.
Tim looked at himself in the looking-glass and saw that his handsome plaid trousers were no longer fit for him to wear. They were well up to his knees, and so snugly did they fit him he could not bend, let alone walk.
It took some time to get out of them, but when he did he took them over to Mr. Fox’s house and showed him the remains of what had once been his plaid trousers.
“It did not work right. That is all I can say,” said Mr. Fox, trying hard to look sad. “You never can tell about those recipes you read in papers and magazines until you have tried them.”
“I wish some one else had tried it first,” said Tim, with a sigh, as he looked at his trousers.
“I might have worn a long-tailed coat and covered up the paint spot, but there is nothing I can do with these short legs.”
“You could wear a skirt or put some lace on the bottom of the legs,” suggested Mr. Fox.
“Are you sure the water had to boil?” asked Tim.
“Sure as I am that the sun will shine!” replied Mr. Fox. “Are you sure, Tim, those trousers are all wool?”
“I thought they were,” said Tim.
“I know they are,” said Mr. Fox, looking after Tim down the path.
Of course the plaid trousers were of no use to any one, but Mr. Fox was satisfied so long as he did not have to see Tim Coon wearing them.
Story DNA
Moral
Envy can lead to elaborate schemes, and sometimes the cleverest tricksters succeed in their mischief.
Plot Summary
Tim Coon's unique plaid trousers make him the envy of the woods, especially Mr. Fox. Unable to acquire them through trade, Mr. Fox devises a scheme: he paints his rocking chair and tricks Tim into sitting on it, staining the trousers. Feigning helpfulness, Mr. Fox provides a 'sure and safe' washing recipe that involves boiling the wool trousers. Tim follows the instructions, only to find his beloved trousers shrunken and unwearable, much to Mr. Fox's secret delight, who maintains his innocent facade.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to humiliation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects a common trope in American folk tales and children's literature where animals exhibit human characteristics and engage in clever trickery, often with a moral or humorous outcome.
Plot Beats (12)
- Tim Coon possesses unique red-and-green plaid trousers, making him the envy of the forest, especially Mr. Fox.
- Mr. Fox, previously the 'nattiest fellow,' is jealous and tries unsuccessfully to trade for the trousers with food.
- Mr. Fox reads a paper about wool and devises a plan to make Tim soil his trousers so he can offer a 'solution'.
- Mr. Fox paints his rocking chair black and invites Tim Coon to sit on it, successfully staining the trousers.
- Mr. Fox pretends to be sympathetic and offers a 'recipe' for washing wool, instructing Tim to use boiling water and strong soap.
- Mr. Fox goes to Mr. Man's barn to get white soap, narrowly avoiding Mr. Dog.
- Mr. Fox returns, helps Tim start the washing process, and instructs him to let the trousers soak overnight in boiling water.
- Mr. Fox leaves, chuckling to himself, knowing the trousers will shrink and be unwearable for Tim.
- The next morning, Tim finds the black stain still present, and the trousers are shrunken to his knees, making them impossible to wear.
- Tim confronts Mr. Fox, who feigns sadness and blames the unreliable 'recipes' in papers.
- Mr. Fox offers unhelpful suggestions like wearing a skirt or lace, and confirms the boiling water was essential, while secretly enjoying Tim's misfortune.
- Mr. Fox is satisfied that Tim Coon can no longer wear his coveted plaid trousers.
Characters
Mr. Tim Coon ★ protagonist
A full-grown raccoon, implied to be of average raccoon height and build, with the characteristic black mask around his eyes and ringed tail. He is described as 'handsome' when wearing his trousers.
Attire: His signature item is a pair of red-and-green plaid trousers, which are made of wool. After being shrunk, they become knee-length and too tight to bend in.
Wants: To enjoy his unique and admired plaid trousers and maintain his comfortable life.
Flaw: His vanity and trusting nature make him susceptible to Mr. Fox's trickery.
He begins as a proud and envied character, then becomes a victim of Mr. Fox's jealousy, losing his prized possession and experiencing anger and regret.
Trusting, somewhat naive, proud of his possessions, easily persuaded by flattery, and later, angry when wronged.
Image Prompt & Upload
A full-grown raccoon standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a black mask across his eyes, dark gray fur with lighter underparts, and a ringed tail. He wears bright red-and-green plaid wool trousers that fit him well. His expression is one of contentment and slight pride. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Mr. Fox ⚔ antagonist
A clever and cunning fox, likely with reddish-brown fur, a bushy tail, and a lean build. He is described as thinking himself the 'smartest and nattiest fellow around'.
Attire: No specific clothing is mentioned, implying he wears his natural fur. He might carry a corncob pipe.
Wants: To acquire or, failing that, destroy Mr. Tim Coon's plaid trousers because he is envious and feels his own status as the 'smartest and nattiest fellow' is threatened.
Flaw: His overwhelming jealousy and pride, which drive him to elaborate schemes.
He begins as a jealous schemer and successfully executes his plan to ruin Tim Coon's trousers, ending the story satisfied with his malicious achievement.
Jealous, cunning, manipulative, persistent, deceptive, and self-satisfied.
Image Prompt & Upload
A reddish-brown fox standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has pointed ears, a long snout, and keen, intelligent amber eyes. His fur is sleek and well-groomed. He holds an old corncob pipe in one paw. He has a sly, cunning expression with a slight smirk. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Mr. Man ○ minor
A human character, implied to be a farmer or homeowner, as he has a barn, chickens, and a dog. No specific physical details are given.
Attire: No details provided, but likely practical, rural attire given his setting.
Wants: To maintain his household and farm.
Flaw: Not applicable, as he is not a central character.
Does not have an arc; serves as a source for an item Mr. Fox needs.
Implied to be a typical homeowner who keeps supplies like soap and has domestic animals.
Image Prompt & Upload
A human man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sturdy build and wears practical, simple work clothes like a denim shirt and trousers. His face is weathered, and he has short, practical brown hair. He holds a piece of white soap in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Mr. Dog ○ minor
A dog, likely a farm dog, who guards Mr. Man's barn. No specific breed or size is given, but he is large enough to block a doorway.
Attire: His natural fur.
Wants: To rest and guard the barn.
Flaw: His sleepiness allows Mr. Fox to eventually enter the barn.
Does not have an arc; serves as a temporary obstacle for Mr. Fox.
Loyal to his owner (implied by guarding the barn), sleepy, and eventually moves on.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, shaggy brown farm dog standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has floppy ears and a friendly but watchful expression. His fur is thick and slightly unkempt. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Mr. Fox's House
A cozy, perhaps slightly rustic, dwelling in the woods, featuring a front porch or steps where Mr. Fox often sits and a barn nearby. Inside, there's a closet and a rocking chair.
Mood: Initially appears welcoming and friendly, but subtly becomes a place of trickery and deception.
Mr. Fox plots to ruin Tim Coon's trousers, paints his rocking chair, and later offers the 'washing' advice here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, weathered wooden cottage, typical of a woodland dwelling, with a low-slung porch and a sturdy rocking chair painted shiny black on the porch. Sunlight filters through the surrounding deciduous trees, dappling the ground and the cottage walls. A well-trodden dirt path leads up to the steps. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mr. Man's Barn
A functional barn belonging to a human, where various items are stored, including soap. The doorway is large enough for a dog to sleep in.
Mood: Slightly tense and risky for Mr. Fox, as he needs to sneak in past Mr. Dog.
Mr. Fox sneaks in to retrieve the white soap needed for his deceptive washing instructions.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a rustic, timber-framed barn, with shafts of golden hour sunlight streaming through gaps in the wooden planks and a large open doorway. Dust motes dance in the light. A wooden box sits on the dirt floor, with a bar of white soap resting on it. Old leather harnesses hang from pegs on the rough-hewn walls. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Tim Coon's House
Tim Coon's residence, where he has a looking-glass and a place to hang clothes outside.
Mood: Initially hopeful, then turns to disappointment and anger as the trousers shrink.
Tim Coon follows Mr. Fox's instructions to 'wash' his trousers, only to find them ruined the next day.
Image Prompt & Upload
A simple, cozy woodland den or small cabin, with a warm, inviting interior. A cast-iron kettle steams on a hearth, and a wooden pail sits on the floor nearby. Outside, a clothesline stretches between two sturdy trees, with a pair of shrunken, red-and-green plaid trousers hanging forlornly in the morning sun. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
