O. Henry's short, simple stories are noted for their careful plotting, ironic coincidences, and surprise endings. Contents: The Octopus Marooned; Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet; Modern Rural Sports; The Chair of Philanthromathematics; The Hand That Riles the World; The Exact Science of Matrimony; A Midsummer Masquerade; Shearing the Wolf; Innocents of Broadway; Conscience in Art; The Man Higher Up; A Tempered Wind; Hostages to Momus; The Ethics of Pig.