The Ransom of Red Chief

"The Ransom of Red Chief" is a short story by O. Henry that humorously portrays the tale of two kidnappers who abduct a boy named Johnny, who calls himself Red Chief. Instead of being frightened, the boy enjoys the adventure and playfully torments his captors. As the story unfolds, the kidnappers realize they can't manage the energetic child and face unexpected consequences. Ultimately, they find themselves paying the boy’s father to take him back, leading to a comedic twist that highlights themes of irony and the unpredictability of human nature.