Summer of the Monkeys

Afraid that the big monkey is after him, Jay Berry runs through a briar patch, tearing his clothing in places. He leaves the bottoms and sees Papa with the corn planter in the field. Jay Berry tells Papa that not only did the monkeys steal his traps and gunny sack, but that they communicate to one another, with the littler ones listening to the large leader. Papa wants to see for himself: “Let’s go have a look at this educated monkey” (62). Jay Berry is no longer afraid with Papa there. They cannot locate any monkeys, however, in the spot where Jay Berry attempted to trap them. Papa, Jay Berry, and Rowdy raise some noise by yelling, beating on dead trees, and howling, but no monkeys show themselves. They leave; Jay Berry is very disappointed, thinking the monkeys fled for good. Papa offers to help him catch them once the field is planted, if Jay Berry has not yet caught them. Jay Berry is thrilled by this offer. His spirits pick up, and he decides to ask Grandpa for more ideas. Papa tells him to stop at home first and inform Mama.

Daisy teases Jay Berry about his torn clothing and his stolen sack and traps.