The Devil and Daniel Webster, by Stephen Vincent Benét, is a 1937 version of the classic tale where someone sells their soul to the devil. This version of the story takes place in New Hampshire during the 19th century. The wording of the short story is exactly how someone would tell it in front of a camp fire.

Basically, Jabez Stone is a hard working farmer who has terrible luck, and on an especially terrible day, he says out loud that sometimes he wishes he could sell his soul to the devil for better luck. The next day, the devil shows up in the form of a man named Mr. Scratch, and Jabez signs a deal with him. Jabez enjoys six years of prosperity and good luck before Mr. Scratch returns to let him know his soul is due soon. Jabez is able to negotiate a three year extension on the deal.

When the three year extension is nearly up, Jabez seeks out a former neighbor, Daniel Webster, and asks him to argue the legality of Mr. Scratch’s deal. Jabez brings Daniel back to his house, and they drink liquor until Mr. Scratch arrives. Mr. Webster uses every argument he can think of against Mr. Scratch, and eventually they all agree that Jabez Stone deserves a trial.

Mr. Scratch instantly calls forth a judge and jury of famously unforgiving, historical figures from beyond the grave. Daniel Webster begins to argue his client’s case intensely, and he keeps getting angrier as he is arguing the case. Suddenly Daniel realizes that his anger is what is giving power to the devil, the judge, and the jury. So, he changes the direction of his speech and starts to talk about all of the good things on the earth, and about how bad things can sometimes lead to good things as well. The speech is also intensely patriotic.

Eventually Daniel Webster’s patriotic speech ends, and the jury decides that Jabez Stone should keep his soul. Mr. Scratch makes the court disappear, and he congratulates Mr. Stone and Mr. Webster. Then, Daniel Webster bullies Mr. Scratch until he agrees to sign a document saying he won’t bother Jabez Stone or his family ever again. Next, Mr. Scratch offers to tell Daniel his fortune, which Daniel agrees to. After hearing about a couple of events from his future, Daniel kicks the devil out the door, yells something patriotic, and then asks Jabez where they left the jug of liquor.