Short Fiction by O. Henry

Taking No Chances

Words you’ll meet in this part (9)
genial
Friendly and cheerful in manner.
atlas
A collection of maps in book form.
twain
An archaic term meaning "two" or "a pair."
curls
Twists or coils of hair.
barbarian
A person considered uncivilized or primitive.
orators
Skilled public speakers who deliver speeches with eloquence and persuasion.
abounds
Exists in large numbers or amounts.
parables
Short stories that teach moral or spiritual lessons.
ample
Enough or more than enough in quantity (e.g., ample space).

Short Fiction by O. Henry 9 new words

Taking No Chances

“Let’s see,” said the manager as he looked over the . “Here’s a town one might strike on our way back. Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, is a city of 100,000 inhabitants.”

“That sounds promising,” said Mark , running his hands through his busy , “read some more about it.”

“The people of Madagascar,” continued the genial manager, reading from his book, “are not a savage race and few of the tribes could be classed as people. There are many native among them, and their language in figures, metaphors, and , and evidence is given of the mental ability of the inhabitants.”

“Sounds like it might be all right,” said the humorist, “read some more.”

“Madagascar is the home,” read the manager, “of an enormous bird called the epyornis, that lays an egg 15½ by 9½ in. in size, weighing from ten to twelve pounds. These eggs—”

“Never mind reading any more,” said Mark Twain. “We will not go to Madagascar.”

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