(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/shortstory/ohenry.jpg) | The Ransom of Red Chief by O'Henry (1862-1910) Two hoboes strike on a get-rich quick scheme to kidnap an overly-energetic 9 year old. Web-Book The Ransom of Red Chief (http://fiction.eserver.org/short/ransom_of_red_chief.html) William Sydney Porter (http://www.lsjunction.com/people/porter.htm) O. Henry - pseudonym of William Sydney Porter (http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/ohenry.htm) |
If this story continued - I could see the Dad very proudly walking into town bragging how his son outsmarted the kidnappers and in the meantime the kid is either using a pea shooter at the ladies hats or nipping a piece of candy from the jar when the store clerk is not looking. Since the Dad is mayor everyone shakes their heads but puts up with the kid who later in life goes on to The Citadel or at minimum, Alabama Military Academy [AMA] and comes back a sterling community leader.