The Power of Reputation

"The Power of Reputation" by O. Henry is a short story that delves into the themes of identity, perception, and societal judgment. The narrative revolves around a character whose reputation significantly influences their interactions and the lives of those around them. Through O. Henry's trademark wit and clever plot twists, the story explores how reputation can be both a powerful asset and a burden, ultimately highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the societal constructs that shape them. The tale serves as a commentary on how people's views can be swayed by appearances and preconceived notions, revealing deeper truths about character and morality.

• Short story

								
One night last week in San Antonio a tall, solemn-looking man, wearing
a silk hat, walked into a hotel bar from the office, and stood by the
stove where a group of men were sitting smoking and talking. A fat
man, who noticed him go in, asked the hotel clerk who it was. The
clerk told his name and the fat man followed the stranger into the
barroom, casting at him glances of admiration and delight.

"Pretty cold night, gentlemen, for a warm country," said the man in
the silk hat.

"Oh--ha--ha--ha--ha--ha!" yelled the fat man, bursting into a loud laugh.
"That's pretty good."

The solemn man looked surprised and went on warming himself at the
stove.

Presently one of the men sitting by the stove said:

"That old Turkey over in Europe doesn't seem to be making much noise
now."

"No," said the solemn man, "it seems like the other nations are doing
all the gobbling."

The fat man let out a yell and laid down and rolled over and over on
the floor. "Gosh ding it," he howled, "that's the best thing I ever
heard. Ah--ha--ha--ha--ha--ha! Come on, gentlemen, and have something on
that."

The invitation seemed to all hands to be a sufficient apology for all
his ill-timed merriment, and they ranged along the bar. While the
drinks were being prepared, the fat man slipped along the line and
whispered something in the ear of everyone, except the man with the
silk hat. When he got through a broad smile spread over the faces of
the crowd.

"Well, gentlemen, here's fun!" said the solemn man as he raised his
glass.

The whole party, with one accord, started off into a perfect roar of
laughter, spilling half their drinks on the bar and floor.

"Did you ever hear such a flow of wit?" said one.

"Chock full of fun, ain't he?"

"Same old fellow he used to be."

"Best thing that's been got off here in a year."

"Gentlemen," said the solemn man, "there seems to be a conspiracy
among you to guy me. I like a joke myself, but I like to know what I'm
being hurrahed about."

Three men lay down in the sawdust and screamed, and the rest fell in
chairs and leaned against the bar in paroxysms of laughter. Then three
or four of them almost fought for the honor of setting them up again.
The solemn man was suspicious and watchful, but he drank every time
anyone proposed to treat. Whenever he made a remark, the whole gang
would yell with laughter until the tears ran from their eyes.

"Well," said the solemn man, after about twenty rounds had been paid
for by the others, "the best of friends must part. I've got to get to
my downy couch."

"Good!" yelled the fat man. "Ha--ha--ha--ha--ha! 'Downy couch' is good.
Best thing I ever heard. You are as good, by Gad, as you ever were.
Never heard such impromptu wit. Texas is proud of you, old boy."

"Good night, gentlemen," said the solemn man. "I've got to get up
early in the morning and go to work."

"Hear that!" shouted the fat man. "Says he's got to work.
Ha--ha--ha--ha--ha!"

The whole crowd gave a parting roar of laughter as the solemn man
walked to the door. He stopped for a moment and said: "Had a very
(hic) pleasant evening (hic) gents. Hope'll shee you (hic) 'n mornin'.
Here'sh my card. Goo' night."

The fat man seized the card and shook the solemn man's hand. When he
had gone, he glanced at the card, and his face took on a serious
frown.

"Gentlemen," he said, "you all know who our friend is that we have been
entertaining, don't you?"

"Of course; you said it was Alex Sweet, the 'Texas Siftings' man."

"So I understood," said the fat man. "The hotel clerk said it was Alex
Sweet."

He handed them the card and skipped out the side door. The card read:

  L. X. Wheat
  Representing Kansas City
  Smith and Jones Mo.
  Wholesale Undertakers' Supplies

The crowd was out $32 on treats, and they armed themselves and are
laying for the fat man. When a stranger attempts to be funny in San
Antonio now, he has to produce proper credentials in writing before he
can raise a smile.
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