Two men kidnap a mischievous boy and request a large ransom for his return.

O. Henry's short stories brim with lively wit and wisdom, sudden twist endings and amusing characterizations, plus memorable moral lessons. An iconic author at his height in the early 20th century, O. Henry was industrious and prolific, turning out short stories at astonishing speed. This anthology contains 24 of his finest tales, with highlights being a parody of Sherlock Holmes named ?Shamrock Jolnes?, and send-ups of certain frivolous yet monied city dwellers. The breezy dialogue and descriptive prose tend to be witty and playful, with the author occasionally venturing to the satirical in his plotting. The titular story is among O. Henry's most famous; a pair of opportunistic crooks kidnap the son of a wealthy Alabama businessman, hoping to collect a hefty ransom. They are soon driven to their wits end however, when the boy turns out to be a wildly misbehaving brat. The boy's father makes a counteroffer: for a modest sum, he?ll take the boy back. The kidnappers agree and the youngster is returned.

"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time.

Do you believe that people can change? Can a bank robber marry the banker’s daughter without having any hidden thoughts and intentions? "A Retrieved Reformation" tells the story of Jimmy, a formal prisoner, who decides to quit violating the law in the name of love. He takes up a new identity and starts a new life as an honorable man. However he is about to face a choice which can cost him his future. Will he sacrifice himself in order to save a child in danger or he will prefer to keep his old identity in secret? William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

|| The Gift of The Magi || "The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time. The plot and its twist ending are well-known, and the ending is generally considered an example of comic irony. It was allegedly written at Pete's Tavern on Irving Place in New York City.***The Ransom of The Red Chief *** : "The Ransom of Red Chief" is a 1910 short story by O. Henry first published in The Saturday Evening Post. It follows two men who kidnap and attempt to ransom a wealthy Alabamian's son; eventually, the men are driven crazy by the boy's spoiled and hyperactive behavior, and pay the boy's father to take him back.The story and its main idea have become a part of popular culture, with many children's television programs using a version of the story as one of their episodes. Things make it different from other books:1. Illustrations2. Author Biography3. Summary

Clearly a literary great, O. Henry gave his great gifts to the world with his classic works, including this western short story, "The Ransom of Mack." Enjoy Henry's amazing imagination as you take a trip into the Old West. The Ransom of Mack is the 2nd short story of the Heart of the West collection of short stories by author O. Henry.

William Sydney Porter (1862 1910), better known as O. Henry, led a life similar to those of his own fictional characters. Convicted of embezzlement, he drew inspiration from his prison experiences. This volume includes "The Ransom of Red Chief," "The Last Leaf," the classic, "The Gift of the Magi" and 13 more.

A hilarious story of the kidnapping of a small, unpredictable boy who turns his captures into captives.