The action takes place on the playing fields of Eton College, the college of which M.R. James was provost between 1918 and 1936. While walking across the playing fields on Midsummer evening, the story's unnamed narrator encounters a talking owl. The owl is tormented by unseen fairies which, although mischievous, are not particularly dangerous. When midnight approaches, however, the owl suddenly appears to be in fear for its life.