About the book: year / One of the most famous humorists in world literature, O. Henry created a unique panorama of American life at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, in grotesque situations conveyed the contrasts and paradoxes of his era, which opened up space for people with business acumen, whom the game of chance either lifts to the pinnacle of success, or casts down to the very bottom of life. “In Denver, the Baltimore Express was taken with a fight. In one of the carriages, a very pretty, elegantly dressed girl sat comfortably and even comfortably, as is typical for experienced passengers. Among those who had just boarded the train were two, both young, one handsome, with a bold, open face and the same demeanor; the other is preoccupied, gloomy, overweight, simply dressed. They were handcuffed to each other…»