100 words to know before reading Short Fiction by O. Henry

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

out by a clerk in charge only on presentation of an order signed by the Commissioner or chief clerk. In years past too much laxity prevailed in its management, and the files were handled by all

1. A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, usually issued daily or weekly.
2. The organization responsible for producing and distributing such a publication.

Queries and Answers Can you inform me where I can buy an interest in a newspaper of some kind? I have some money and would be glad to invest it in something of the sort, if

1. A sleeveless garment worn over other clothing.
2. A piece of clothing covering the upper body, often with buttons.

“Not So Much a Tam Fool” A man without a collar, wearing a white vest and holes in his elbows, walked briskly into a Congress Street grocery last Saturday with a

1. A term historically used to refer to a person of Black African descent.
2. Considered outdated and offensive in modern usage, replaced by terms like "Black" or "African American."

“The negro bought the watermelon of the farmer” is correct, and I say it should be “The negro bought the watermelon from the farmer.” Which is correct? R. Neither. It should read, “The negro

1. A person who delivers sermons or religious speeches.
2. A minister or clergy member who leads worship services.

his rabbit’s foot successfully, although he was quite a while in doing so. Just as the preacher was about to pronounce the fatal words on which he would have realized ten dollars and had the

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

in the twilight under the stars; while the rare fragrance of the June roses and the smell of supper came gently by on the breeze. There he had told her his love; how that his whole happiness and

1. A French title of respect for a man, equivalent to "Mr." or "sir."
2. Used as a polite form of address for a man in French-speaking contexts.

Cusheau had put on his W. U. Tel. Co. climbers and climbed the steeple. “Parbleu, monsieur,” says Tictocq. “To whom am I indebted for the honor of this visit?” The Gray Wolf smiled softly

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

go to Washington and interview President Cleveland.” “All right,” said I. “Take care of yourself.” Five minutes later I was seated in a palatial drawing-room car bounding up and down quite a

1. A public room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served.
2. A large, elegant room for social gatherings or events.

Grasty’s arms. Twenty minutes later Bertram D. Snooper was seen deliberately to enter a beer saloon on Seventeenth Street.

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

eloquent eyes into her ear. “You are too hard upon us. Balzac says, ‘All women are not to themselves what no one else is to another.’ Do you not agree with him?” “Cheese it!” says the Princess.

1. A covered entrance to a building, typically at the front, often with a roof and open sides.
2. A veranda or similar outdoor space attached to a house, used for relaxation.

and for a time were as happy as mortals can be. One evening they were sitting on the porch of their residence holding each other’s hands, and wrapt in the close communion of mutual love,

1. A small, simple house, typically in a rural or semi-rural area.
2. A vacation home, often in a scenic location.

breasts, and the question runs around the group, “Who is to tell her?” In a neat little cottage near the railroad, within their sight as they stand, a bright-eyed, brownhaired young woman is

1. A fine, soft fiber produced by silkworms, used to make fabric.
2. Fabric or thread made from this fiber.

with large, lustrous eyes, a winning smile, and a charming ingénue manner. She wears a china silk, cut princesse, with diamond ornaments, and a couple of towels inserted in the back to conceal

1. A person who mixes and serves drinks at a bar.
2. A professional responsible for customer service and drink preparation in a pub or restaurant.

the man with the red tie, “it makes me right sick to think about it.” “What?” said the bartender, “water?” “No sir; the apathy displayed by the people of the state in regard to presenting the

1. A German male given name, short for Friedrich.
2. (informal) A state of disorder or malfunction (e.g., "on the fritz").

him to stop. Others caught at the bridles of Donder and Blitzen. “Donnerwetter!” shouted Fritz, with all his tremendous voice—“wass ist Release your hands from dose mules. Ve vas der United

1. A disrespectful or insulting remark.
2. (Slang) To show disrespect or contempt.

and I find your clerk made a mistake, I—” “Coom here, Emil,” shouted the grocer, “you hof dis shentleman sheated mit dos rotten eggs. Gif him ein dozen more, und—” “But you don’t understand

1. The number following seventeen and preceding nineteen (18).
2. The age at which one legally becomes an adult in many countries.

scoundrel and fired. Then I cussed myself for an idiot, for tryin’ to shoot somethin’ eighteen miles away, jabbed my Winchester back in the scabbard, stuck my spurs in my broncho, and split

1. A person who travels on foot from place to place, often without a home or job.
2. To walk heavily or noisily.

and there was something about him that indicated that he was different from the average tramp who beats his way by lies and fraud. The Post man felt a touch of sympathy and went up to him and

1. A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
2. An ecosystem dominated by grasses, herbs, and shrubs rather than trees.

His Doubt They lived in a neat little cottage on Prairie Avenue, and had been married about a year. She was young and sentimental and he was a clerk at

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

she inquired. “Well, madam,” he said, “I was in the House, but the Senate had me for about forty-five dollars when we adjourned.”

1. Long, stiff hairs growing near the mouth of certain animals, like cats or mice.
2. Slang term for facial hair, especially a mustache.

A Cheering Thought A weary-looking man with dejected auburn whiskers, walked into the police station yesterday afternoon and said to the officer in charge: “I want to

1. A small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
2. A term of endearment for someone sweet or innocent.

stuck out his chin and said: “No Texas sis can gimme de umpire face like dat. I swipes nine daisy cutters outer ten dat comes in my garden, I do.”

1. A person who writes poetry.
2. Someone skilled in the art of verse.

Press Association if I had wanted plate matter. Do you wear flannels? What is your favorite poet, brand of catsup, bird, flower, and what are you going to do when you are out of a job?” “Young

1. A political and religious leader in Islam, successor to Muhammad.
2. A title for the ruler of the Muslim community (caliphate).

nights Scheherezade No. 2, daughter of the Grand Vizier, had sat at the feet of the mighty Caliph of the Indies relating tales that held the court entranced and breathless. The soft, melodious

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

and death. Think of it! And by the way, a new bacillus has been found in water in which roses have been left standing that is very fatal. I want to warn you. Do you know that—” “Say, old

1. A unit of currency in Turkey, equal to 100 kuruş.
2. Informal term for "year" in some dialects or contexts.

you did, and wants ter take in ther sights. You asks Tony, the Dago, fer a guide and he sends yer to Creepy Jake. That’s me. I takes yer through the dives, one and all. I knows yer a preacher

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

hot, biting vapor arose. She climbed down and began to feel lonesome and scared. She called “Mamma,” three or four times loudly, but all the house was still. Then she began to cry and ran to the

1. A person who cuts, styles, and grooms hair, especially for men.
2. A professional who provides shaving and beard-trimming services.

struggling against the soap, and then he shook his head feebly. “Neither have I,” said the barber, “but I have a brother named Bill who runs an orange orchard nine miles from St. John, Fla.

1. A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between individuals or groups.
2. A state of mutual hostility, often lasting for generations.

Redmond. They were both young and handsome, and at their first meeting forgot the ancient feud of their families and loved each other. They married at once, and thus ended the great

1. Having curls or a curved shape.
2. (Of hair) Formed in tight waves or spirals.

made up as nearly resembling Major Talbot as one pea does another. The long, thin white hair, curly at the ends, the aristocratic beak of a nose, the crumpled, wide, ravelling shirt front, the

1. Torn or frayed at the edges.
2. Wearing old or tattered clothes.

The latch of his study door clicked and a being entered. He was grizzly, rum-soaked, dirty, ragged, disreputable, blear-eyed and of uncertain step. Once, he might have been a man. Across his

1. A dialectal or archaic term for a marsh or bog.
2. A variant of "mosey," meaning to move slowly or leisurely.

believe I do,” he said kindly—“unless you will assist my memory.” “Don’t you ’member Cindy’s Mose, Mars’ Pendleton, what ’migrated ’mediately after de war?” “Wait a moment,” said the major,

1. A person living in solitude, often for religious reasons.
2. A reclusive or solitary individual.

The Legend of San Jacinto The Hermit of the Battle Ground Relates an Ancient Tradition to a Post Man The battle ground of San Jacinto

1. A diminutive or informal form of the name William.
2. (Slang) A term for the male genitalia.

How Willie Saved Father Willie Flint was a little Houston boy, six years of age. He was a beautiful child, with long golden

1. A hybrid animal, offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for its strength and endurance.
2. A stubborn or obstinate person.

and an aunt on her mother’s side had married a man who had been kicked by General Lee’s mule. The lines about Bertram D. Snooper’s hands and mouth were drawn tighter as he paced to and fro,

1. The present participle of 'keel', meaning to capsize or overturn (especially of a boat or ship).
2. A surname of Irish or Scottish origin.

The Dissipated Jeweler You will not find the name of Thomas Keeling in the Houston city directory. It might have been there by this time, if Mr. Keeling had not

1. To increase in size or volume.
2. A gradual rise of the sea surface.

she would get a divorce from that ticket agent in Kansas City before she tried to cut such a swell as old Crowder’s wife.’ “ ‘Henry Baumgarten beat his wife again last night.’ “ ‘The Ladies’

1. A type of aquatic plant with large, fragrant flowers.
2. A symbol of purity and enlightenment in various cultures.

The Lotus and the Cockleburrs There are yet tales of the Spanish Main. That grim coast washed by the

1. A government official representing their country in a foreign city.
2. In ancient Rome, one of two chief magistrates elected annually.

of them were from citizens in various parts of the United States who seemed to regard the consul at Vibora as a cyclopaedia of information. They asked long lists of questions, numerically

1. A small traveling bag or suitcase, typically used for carrying clothes and personal items.
2. A portable case for holding documents or other small objects.

mistake has been made. I will convince you. Remain where you are and I will bring you the valise that you seem to covet so, and show it to you.” She moved toward the closed door that connected

1. A single-masted sailing boat with a fore-and-aft rig and one headsail.
2. A small, fast naval vessel used for escort or patrol duties.

in the offing. Then the customhouse crew would become doubly vigilant and wary. At night a sloop or two would be making strange trips in and out along the shore; and in the morning the stock of

1. A device that records and plays back sound using a rotating disc or cylinder.
2. An early term for a record player or gramophone.

You are quite a peach. But, listen, oh, Daughter of the Moon, and first cousin to a phonograph, there is one more yet to come. Let it be one that has never before been related in the Kingdom.

1. A piece of living tissue transplanted surgically.
2. The act of gaining money or advantage through dishonest means.

the policy of the government. You’d never guess in the world how I got my pull. It’s the only graft of its kind on earth. I’ll put you wise. You remember the old top-liner in the copy

1. A high-ranking naval officer, typically the commander of a fleet or naval force.
2. A butterfly of the genus *Vanessa*, known for its striking colors.

The Admiral Spilled milk draws few tears from an Anchurian administration. Many are its lacteal sources; and

1. An alcoholic drink made from sugarcane or molasses.
2. A card game where players try to match cards in sets or runs.

out a handful, bumped and thumped his head, shook it violently and hissed sarcastically: “Bay rum?” The Post Man nodded stupidly, closed his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to recall a prayer.

1. A title of respect for a woman, equivalent to "Mrs." or "Madam."
2. Used to address or refer to a woman in a formal or polite manner.

surrounded by the wittiest, the bravest, and the handsomest courtiers in the capital. “Ah, madame,” said the Prince Champvilliers, of Palais Royale, corner of Seventy-third Street, “as

1. A person or thing that bulges or protrudes.
2. (Slang) A term sometimes used to describe a large or muscular individual.

Bulger’s Friend It was rare sport for a certain element in the town when old Bulger joined the Salvation Army. Bulger was the town’s odd “character,” a shiftless, eccentric old man,

1. A historical breed of large white hunting dog, now extinct.
2. A type of hound used in medieval times for tracking game.

The Duplicity of Hargraves When Major Pendleton Talbot, of Mobile, sir, and his daughter, Miss Lydia Talbot, came to Washington to reside, they selected

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Refers to Tony Robbins, a famous motivational speaker and author.

Cherchez La Femme Robbins, reporter for the Picayune, and Dumars, of L’Abeille—the old French newspaper that has buzzed

1. A person who illegally enters a building to steal.
2. Someone who commits burglary (theft by breaking in).

alias The Weeping Widow, alias Bunco Kate, alias Jimmy the Sneak, General confidence man and burglar. Works generally in female disguises. Very plausible and dangerous. Wanted in Kansas City,

1. A person who makes or sells candles.
2. A dealer in supplies and equipment for ships.

I am a physician,” said Doctor James, pausing. “Den fo’ God’s sake come and see Mister Chandler, suh. He done had a fit or sump’n. He layin’ jist like he wuz dead. Miss Amy sont me to git a

1. A breed of hardy, black, hornless cattle originating from Scotland.
2. A region in southwestern Scotland known for its cattle and rural landscape.

of the Bealls and one of the Rankins remaining—Evalina Beall, aged nineteen, and Galloway Rankin, aged twenty-five. The last mortal shot in the feud was fired by Cupid. The two survivors

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Slang term for male genitalia (vulgar).

Cupid à la Carte “The dispositions of woman,” said Jeff Peters, after various opinions on the subject had been advanced, “run, regular, to diversions. What a

1. The larval stage of an insect, especially a beetle.
2. To dig or search for something, often in the ground.

guest,” said Boston, sternly, “shouldn’t never insult his entertainers until he’s filled up wid grub. ’Tain’t good business sense. Workin’!—but I will restrain myself. We five—me, Deaf Pete,

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

I did where he was at. ’Bout 12 o’clock I give it up, staked my pony and laid down under my saddle blanket to wait till mornin’. I was awful worried about my wife and the kid, who was by

1. A type of pasta with cylindrical, diagonally cut ends.
2. Derived from the Italian word for "quills" due to its shape.

Sound and Fury Persons of the Drama Mr. Penne, an author Miss Lore, an amanuensis Scene—Workroom of Mr. Penne’s popular novel factory. Mr.

1. A small establishment providing lodging, food, and drink (often in a rural setting).
2. A tavern or pub.

song was over. The words were David’s; the air, one of the countryside. The company about the inn table applauded heartily, for the young poet paid for the wine. Only the notary, M. Papineau,

1. A nobleman ranking above a count and below a duke.
2. The title given to certain high-ranking officials in some European countries.

Perhaps Grandemont was even Marquis de Brassé. There was that title in the family. But a Marquis on seventy-five dollars per month! Vraiment! Still, it has been done on less. Grandemont had

1. A French term for an unmarried woman or girl, equivalent to "Miss" in English.
2. A title of respect used before the name of an unmarried French-speaking woman.

the château, be he prince, charcoal-burner, or thief. You, shepherd, are the first. Mademoiselle must be wed this night. If not you, then another. You have ten minutes in which to make your

1. The flower of a plant.
2. A state or time of beauty, freshness, or vigor.

him. He caught them as they fell, then ran lightly and gave into her hand the edelweiss bloom that he carried. She thrust it into her bosom, then ran like a mountain sprite into the cottage,

1. A nickname for the southern United States, especially during the Civil War era.
2. A type of large metal pot used for cooking or washing.

get off there, too,” said Mr. Bloom. Further conversation was held, and in ten minutes the Dixie Belle turned her nose toward a little, cranky wooden pier on the left bank, and the captain,

1. A rabbit or hare, especially in fur trade contexts.
2. An archaic term for a cony (a type of rabbit).

Tobin’s Palm Tobin and me, the two of us, went down to Coney one day, for there was four dollars between us, and Tobin had need of distractions. For there was

1. (noun) Facts or circumstances that are already known or assumed to be true.
2. (mathematics) Elements or quantities provided as part of a problem or equation.

The pony danced at the end of his rope and blew a whistling snort of comprehending fear. Givens puffed at his cigarette, but he reached leisurely for his pistol-belt, which lay on the grass,

1. The capital city of Wisconsin, USA.
2. A surname of English origin.

Waldorf. It will soon give way to some other whim. Just as at a dinner party this week on Madison Avenue a green kid glove was laid by the plate of each guest to be put on and used while eating

1. Hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
2. Sturdy, sure-footed animals often used for carrying loads.

was placed in the vehicle, which was an old rickety ambulance drawn by a pair of wretched mules, and I mounted beside the driver, whose name, he said, was Pete. While we were driving along a

1. A district in New York City known for its history and culture.
2. A rural area or farm with trees or shrubs.

weeks to see after my mining plants and I’ll be at home any time after then. Upstairs, 2508 Bowery; don’t forget the number. I generally make my traveling expenses as I go. Good night.” Mr.

1. A person from York, England.
2. A type of cricket delivery bowled close to the batsman's feet.

The Champion of the Weather If you should speak of the Kiowa Reservation to the average New Yorker he probably wouldn’t know whether you were referring to a new political dodge at Albany or a

1. To damage or tarnish someone's reputation or purity.
2. To make something dirty or stained.

his hand had sent Victor to the bottom of that inscrutable river, and that he could no longer sully his love with a lie, I wonder if—I wonder what she would have done! But, Grandemont Charles,

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Slang for rural or unsophisticated people.

Harold St. Clair, the agent for a Minneapolis pants company. Her friend and schoolmate, Elsie Hicks, who married three drummers in one day, a week or two before, and won a wager of two dozen

1. To look quickly or furtively (often secretly).
2. A brief or hurried glance.

Coming out upon the sidewalk, he snapped his fingers defiantly in the direction of the Peek homestead, turned the other way, and voyaged, Columbus-like into the wilds of an enchanted

1. A musical instrument with steam whistles, often used in circuses.
2. (Greek mythology) The muse of epic poetry and eloquence.

The Reformation of Calliope Calliope Catesby was in his humours again. Ennui was upon him. This goodly promontory, the

1. An informer or betrayer, often used in a derogatory sense.
2. A strikebreaker or someone who works against labor unions.

A Harlem Tragedy Harlem. Mrs. Fink had dropped into Mrs. Cassidy’s flat one flight below. “Ain’t it a beaut?” said Mrs. Cassidy. She

1. A nickname for Margaret.
2. A type of pasta, similar to spaghetti but thicker.

now—just to show that he cared—just to show that he cared! Mr. Fink sprang to his feet—Maggie caught him again on the jaw with a wide swing of her other hand. She closed her eyes in that

1. A person or thing that swells or causes swelling.
2. A device used to expand or stretch materials.

give and take had been our rule. His morning toilet provoked our first tilt. Van Sweller went about it confidently. “The usual thing, I suppose, old chap,” he said, with a smile and a

1. A friendly argument or dispute.
2. A slang term for a fight or altercation.

extremely with stone-bruised heels. “Then and there those Colombians took your friend Barney, sir, stripped him of the insignia of his rank, consisting of a pair of brass knuckles and a

1. A historical region in central Europe, now part of the Czech Republic.
2. A lifestyle or culture characterized by unconventional, artistic, or free-spirited behavior.

A Philistine in Bohemia George Washington, with his right arm upraised, sits his iron horse at the lower corner of Union

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Historically, a local official or steward, especially in medieval England.

any other name.” “Besides myself,” said Bridger, “there are only two Americans on Ratona—Bob Reeves and Henry Morgan.” “The man I want sells coconuts,” suggested Plunkett. “You see that coconut

1. A slang term for a pimp or someone who exploits others for profit.
2. Informal term for a Mack truck, a large commercial vehicle.

The Ransom of Mack Me and old Mack Lonsbury, we got out of that Little Hide-and-Seek gold mine affair with about

1. A variant of the name Abraham.
2. A term used in some dialects to describe a type of coarse woolen fabric.

Even new guests after three or four days’ acquaintance gave him this familiar title. Father Abram came a long way to Lakelands. He lived in a big, roaring town in the Northwest where he owned

1. A small North American bird in the flycatcher family.
2. In Greek mythology, a Titaness associated with the moon.

pump the organ for Miss Phoebe, and his bare toes proudly spurned the dust of the road. Miss Phoebe, in her lilac-spray chintz dress, with her accurate little curls hanging over each ear,

1. Small, irregular pieces or fragments, often of fabric or thread.
2. A playful or informal term for tangled or messy hair.

The Making of a New Yorker Besides many other things, Raggles was a poet. He was called a tramp; but that was only an elliptical way of saying that he was a

1. A sum of money demanded for the release of a captive.
2. The act of freeing someone in exchange for payment.

The Ransom of Mack Me and old Mack Lonsbury, we got out of that Little Hide-and-Seek gold mine affair with

1. A type of thorny vine in the Smilax genus, often found in North America.
2. A plant with green stems and sharp prickles, commonly used in traditional medicine.

man—latest rolled-brim derby—good barber, business, digestion and tailor. “Greenbrier Nye!” he exclaimed, grasping the hand that had smitten him. “My dear fellow! So glad to see you!

1. To tire or exhaust someone (verb).
2. A piece of lace or linen worn around the neck (noun, historical).

gentlemen,” says this Coble. “I came up to disseminate the tidings that Major Tallahassee Tucker, our general passenger agent, is now negotiating a peachcrate full of our railroad bonds with the

1. A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
2. A person or thing of no importance.

message to Keogh. “Read that, Billy,” he said. “It’s from Bob Englehart. Can you manage the cipher?” Keogh sat in the other half of the doorway, and carefully perused the telegram. “ ’Tis not a

1. A surname of English origin, meaning "rye clearing" or "wood clearing."
2. A unisex given name, often used for both boys and girls.

Katherine. “I’m thinking there’s nothing the worse off for a little water.” In the back room Riley and McQuirk toiled like bearded witches over their strange compounds. From fifty bottles they

1. A distinctive intricate pattern of curved, feather-shaped figures, often in vibrant colors, originating from Paisley, Scotland.
2. A soft woolen fabric with such a pattern, commonly used for shawls and scarves.

“That was the first sign I noticed that the old fidus Diogenes business between me and Paisley Fish was ended forever. He knew how I hated a talkative person, and yet he stampedes into the

1. A dialect of Low German spoken in northern Germany.
2. A surname of German origin.

in the healthful vicinity of Cactus City, Texas, for the dry goods emporium of Navarro & Platt, situated there, is not to be sneezed at. Twenty thousand people in Cactus City scatter their

1. Having a fluffy or indistinct texture or appearance.
2. Lacking clarity or precision; vague or unclear.

about as fast as a policeman goin’ to a riot. It penetrated the most conspicuous lot of fuzzy scenery ever seen outside a geography. We run some forty miles in seven hours, and the train

1. A lightweight, buoyant material from the bark of the cork oak tree, used for bottle stoppers and insulation.
2. The stopper, especially for a bottle, made from cork or another material.

and Geddie picked it up. The thing was a long-necked wine bottle of colourless glass. The cork had been driven in tightly to the level of the mouth, and the end covered with dark-red

1. A breed of short-legged hunting dogs, known for their keen sense of smell.
2. A surname of English origin, possibly derived from the Old French word "bas," meaning low or short.

in Little Rock, and he was making a quick getaway. “ ‘It’s part of my business,’ says Bill Bassett, ‘to play up to the ruffles when I want to make a riffle as Raffles. ’Tis loves that makes the

1. A type of light, two-wheeled cart pulled by a person or animal.
2. A three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi in some Asian countries.

and corruption. He always gives something for the money he gets. I’m glad to meet you, Mr. Ricks—you and Mr. Peters. This is the first time I ever attended a full gathering of the National

1. A soldier armed with a halberd, a combined spear and battle-axe.
2. A historical military role in medieval and Renaissance armies.

The Halberdier of the Little Rheinschloss I go sometimes into the Bierhalle and restaurant called Old Munich.

1. A state or condition of something.
2. A local government area in Nigeria.

from the vapour of the fisherman’s vase. As he afterward told me, his name was Judson Tate; and he may as well be called so at once. He wore his green silk tie through a topaz ring; and he

1. A horse that moves at a trot (a two-beat gait).
2. A pig's foot, often used in cooking.

3,000 ramscallions you speak of, or can I throw them out in bunches?’ “ ‘Your job, Mrs. Trotter,’ says I, ‘will be practically a cynosure. You will live at a quiet hotel and will have no work

1. A medieval poet-musician who composed and performed songs about chivalry and courtly love.
2. A wandering minstrel or lyric poet.

And even an escalator in a department store might be excused for tripping up a troubadour. Oh, I know I’m one; and so are you. You remember the stories you memorize and the card tricks

1. A male deer, especially a red deer over five years old.
2. (Archaic) The heart, used poetically or in heraldry.

audible contact of the palm of one hand against the palm of the other. One afternoon Bob Hart presented his solvent, serious, well-known vaudevillian face at the box-office window of a rival

1. A unit of magnetomotive force in the CGS system.
2. A male given name of Old German origin meaning "bright pledge".

every morning, and then call a cab. He had an adopted son, the son of an old friend named Gilbert—Cyril Scott could play him nicely—who was becoming a successful painter as fast as he could

1. A person who builds or repairs wagons and carts.
2. A surname of English origin, often associated with the trade of wagon-making.

“ ‘S’nother Smith, then,’ says I. ‘The one I speak of never was arrested.’ “So Wainwright boils some more with indignation at the insensibility of people who are not corpulent to fill

1. A game played with small objects (traditionally stones or metal pieces) and a ball.
2. Devices used to lift heavy objects, such as car jacks.

might have quenched; then died of thirst because there was no more to drink.” That fitted Jacks, except that, instead of dying, he came to Paloma, which was about the same thing. He was a