Short Fiction by O. Henry

The Confession of a Murderer

Words you’ll meet in this part (12)
gaze
To look steadily and intently, often with curiosity or admiration.
crimson
A deep red color inclining toward purple.
aloft
In or into the air; flying or floating above the ground.
stain
A mark or discoloration left on a surface.
remorse
Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
brazen
Bold or shameless in behavior.
effrontery
Shameless boldness or impudence.
persistent
Continuing firmly despite obstacles or opposition.
conspired
Planned secretly with others to commit an unlawful or harmful act.
scarcely
Barely; almost not at all.
insidious
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects.
cunning
Skillful in deception or trickery.

Short Fiction by O. Henry 12 new words

The Confession of a Murderer

He is dead and I killed him.

I upon him, lying cold and still, with the blood welling from his wound, and I laugh with joy. On my hand his life blood leaped and I hold it proudly bearing it accusing and in my heart there is no pity, no , no softness. Seeing him lie there crushed and pulseless is to me more than the pleasure of paradise. For months he escaped me. With all the intense hate I bore him at times, I felt admiration for his marvelous courage, his , his absolute ignorance of fear. Why did I kill him? Because he had with a fixed purpose and a diabolical, effrontery, to rob me of that which is as dear to me as my life. Brave as I have said he was, he dared to cross my path openly, but with had ever sought to strike me a blow in the dark.

I did not fear him, but I knew his power, and I dared not give him his opportunity.

Many a sleepless night I have spent, planning some means to rid myself of his devilish machinations. He even attempted to torture me by seeking to harm her whom I love. He approached herewith the utmost care and cunning, wearing the guise of a friend, but striving to instill his poison into her innocent heart.

But, thank heaven, she was faithful and true and his honeyed songs and wiles had no effect. When she would tell me of his approaches, how I would grind my teeth and clench my hands in fury, and long for the time when I would wreak a just vengeance upon him. The time has come. I found him worn and helpless from cold and hunger, but there was no pity in my heart. I struck him down and reveled with heartfelt joy when I saw him sink down, bathed in blood, and die by my hands. I do not fear the consequences. When I tell my tale I will be upheld by all.

He is dead and I am satisfied.

I think he is the largest and fattest mosquito I ever saw.

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