The Ransom of Red Chief

What if the kid you kidnapped turned out to be your worst nightmare?

In The Ransom of Red Chief, O. Henry transforms a simple crime story into a side-splitting comedy of errors. When two amateur criminals, Sam and Bill, concoct a plan to abduct a young boy and demand two thousand dollars in ransom, they expect a quick payout and an easy getaway. But nothing goes as planned.

The "victim," a wild, imaginative boy who calls himself "Red Chief," is not frightened by his captors - in fact, he enjoys his role a little too much. He treats the entire ordeal like an elaborate game, turning the tables on his kidnappers with relentless energy and absurd demands.

As their situation spirals out of control, Sam and Bill begin to wonder if paying the boy's father to take him back might be their only way out.

A brilliant satire on overconfidence and misjudgment, The Ransom of Red Chief showcases O. Henry's mastery of irony and comedic storytelling. This modern edition retains the charm of the original while updating the language for today's reader - making it the perfect introduction to one of America's greatest short story writers.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

• A Brilliantly Ironic Crime Comedy - Watch a kidnapping plan unravel into chaos

• One of O. Henry's Funniest Tales - Packed with sharp wit and unexpected reversals

• A Portrait of Misjudgment and Humbling Consequences - See how the best-laid schemes can go hilariously wrong

• A Modern, Accessible Translation - Retains the humor and style while enhancing readability

• A Perfect Short Read - Ideal for readers who enjoy humor, mischief, and fast-paced storytelling

The Ransom of Red Chief is a timeless reminder that sometimes, the tables turn in ways no one expects-and the joke's on the criminals.