Chapter 1 Capping Day Summary

The narrative begins with Will Parker thinking about his father's wristwatch. Will's father owns the only wristwatch in town, and it is an object of intrigue and value. The wristwatch was made many, many years ago by an ancient civilization that no longer exists. Mr. Parker keeps the watch locked away, but Will knows where the key is hidden. One Saturday morning, while everyone else is out of the house, Will decides to sneak a look at the watch. After retrieving the key and obtaining the watch, he puts it on his own arm and admires it. He then decides to sneak out into the town and find his cousin and best friend, Jack Leeper, to show him the wristwatch.

While Will is walking through the town of Wherton, England, he realizes his hated cousin, Henry Parker, is coming...