O. Henry

William Sidney Porter (September 11, 1862 - June 5, 1910) used the pen name of O. Henry to write his famous stories. Set in American towns and cities early in the 20th century, the stories often have surprise endings. His story of lovers giving gifts at great personal sacrifice (The Gift of the Magi) is a popular favorite.

Probably the second best known O. Henry story is The Ransom of Red Chief, about a pair of kidnappers who soon regret their crime. Towards the end of story, the kidnappers are willing to pay someone to take their "victim".