Law and Order Page #5

"Law and Order" by O. Henry is a short story that explores themes of justice and morality through the eyes of a clever and resourceful narrator. Set in a bustling urban environment, the narrative revolves around a petty thief who, while trying to evade capture, inadvertently reveals deeper insights into the complexities of legal systems and human behavior. O. Henry's signature wit and twist ending highlight the contrasts between societal norms and individual choices, ultimately prompting readers to question the true meaning of law and order in everyday life.

• Short story

								

night since he was took away. But I never let on. But can we hold him?—
Can we make him stay?— I’ll make the best man of him that ever put his
foot in a stirrup. Wait a minute,’ says he, all excited and out of his
mind—‘I’ve got some-thing here in my desk—I reckon it’ll hold legal
yet—I’ve looked at it a thousand times—“Cus-to-dy of the child,”’ says
Luke—‘“Cus-to-dy of the child.” We can hold him on that, can’t we?
Le’me see if I can find that decree.’

“Luke begins to tear his desk to pieces.

“‘Hold on,’ says I. ‘You are Order and I’m Law. You needn’t look for
that paper, Luke. It ain’t a decree any more. It’s requisition papers.
It’s on file in that Magistrate’s office in New York. I took it along
when we went, because I was office deputy and knew the law.’

“‘I’ve got him back,’ says Luke. ‘He’s mine again. I never thought—’

“‘Wait a minute,’ says I. ‘We’ve got to have law and order. You and me
have got to preserve ’em both in Mojada County according to our oath
and conscience. The kid shot Pedro Johnson, one of Bildad’s most
prominent and—’

“‘Oh, hell!’ says Luke. ‘That don’t amount to anything. That fellow was
half Mexican, anyhow.’”
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