Short Fiction by O. Henry

Too Wise

Words you’ll meet in this part (9)
humbugs
Deceptive or dishonest talk or behavior.
fakirs
Muslim or Hindu ascetics who live on alms and practice self-denial.
indeed
Used to emphasize a statement or response.
impose
To establish or apply as a requirement or obligation.
gent
Polite, kind, or mild in manner or behavior.
gutter
A shallow trough under the eaves of a roof to carry off rainwater.
rhinestone
A shiny, imitation gemstone made of glass or acrylic, often used in jewelry.
solitaire
A single-player card game played with a deck of cards.
scolded
Reprimanded or criticized angrily.

Short Fiction by O. Henry 9 new words

Too Wise

Here is a man in Houston who keeps quite abreast of the times. He reads the papers, has traveled extensively and is an excellent judge of human nature. He has a natural gift for detecting and , and it would be a smooth artist who could upon him in any way.

Last night as he was going home, a shady looking man with his hat pulled over his eyes stepped out from a doorway and said:

“Say, , here’s a fine diamond ring I found in de . I don’t want to get into no trouble wid it. Gimme a dollar and take it.”

The Houston man smiled as he looked at the flashy ring the man held toward him.

“A very good game, my man,” he said, “but the police are hot after you fellows. You had better select your customers with better judgment. Good night.”

When the man got home he found his wife in tears.

“Oh, John,” she said. “I went shopping this afternoon and lost my diamond ring. Oh, what shall I—”

John turned without a word and rushed back down the street, but the shady-looking man was not to be found.

His wife often wonders why he never her for losing the ring.

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