A Green Hand

"A Green Hand" is a captivating short story by O. Henry that follows the experiences of a young and inexperienced sailor who embarks on a journey filled with misadventures and lessons in the bustling environment of a ship. The narrative explores themes of naivety, camaraderie, and the contrast between appearances and reality. Through wit and humor, O. Henry captures the challenges faced by the green hand as he navigates the complexities of life at sea, ultimately delivering a poignant reflection on growth and self-discovery.

• Short story

								
"I shall never again employ any but experienced salesmen, who
thoroughly understand the jewelry business," said a Houston jeweler to
a friend yesterday.

"You see, at Christmas time we generally need more help, and sometimes
employ people who can sell goods, but are not familiar with the fine
points of the business. Now, that young man over there is thoroughly
good and polite to everyone, but he has just lost me one of my best
customers."

"How was that?" asked the friend.

"A man who always trades with us came in with his wife last week and
with her assistance selected a magnificent diamond pin that he had
promised her for a Christmas present and told this young man to lay it
aside for him till today."

"I see," said the friend, "and he sold it to someone else and
disappointed him."

"It's plain you don't know much about married men," said the jeweler.
"That idiot of a clerk actually saved the pin for him and he had to
buy it."
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