The Stranger's Appeal

"The Stranger's Appeal" is a short story by O. Henry that showcases the author's signature wit and keen observation of human nature. The narrative revolves around an unexpected encounter between a street-smart con artist and a wealthy yet disillusioned woman. As their paths cross, themes of identity, deception, and social class come to light, revealing both the quirks and vulnerabilities of the characters involved. O. Henry expertly weaves humor and poignancy into the tale, culminating in an insightful commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the allure of the unfamiliar.

• Short story

								
He was tall and angular and had a keen gray eye and a solemn face. His
dark coat was buttoned high and had something of a clerical cut. His
pepper and salt trousers almost cleared the tops of his shoes, but his
tall hat was undeniably respectable, and one would have said he was a
country preacher out for a holiday. He was driving a light wagon, and
he stopped and climbed out when he came up to where five or six men
were sitting on the post-office porch in a little country town in
Texas.

"My friends," he said, "you all look like intelligent men, and I feel
it my duty to say a few words to you in regard to the terrible and
deplorable state of things now existing in this section of the
country. I refer to the horrible barbarities recently perpetrated in
the midst of some of the most civilized of Texas towns, when human
beings created in the image of their Maker were subjected to cruel
torture and then inhumanly burned in the public streets. Something
must be done to wipe the stigma from the fair name of your state. Do
you not agree with me?"

"Are you from Galveston, stranger?" asked one of the men.

"No, sir. I am from Massachusetts, the cradle of liberty of the
downtrodden negro, and the home of the champions of his cause. These
burnings are causing us to weep tears of blood and I am here to see if
I can not move your hearts to pity on his behalf."

"I guess you might as well drive on," said one of the group. "We are
going to look out for ourselves and just so long as negroes keep on
committing the crimes they have, just so long will we punish them."

"And you will not repent of the lives you have taken by the horrible
agency of fire?"

"Nary repent."

"And you will continue to visit upon them the horrible suffering of
being burned to death?"

"If the occasion demands it."

"Well, then, gentlemen, since you are so determined, I want to sell
you a few gross of the cheapest matches you ever laid your eyes upon.
Step out to the wagon and see them. Warranted not to go out in a
strong wind, and to strike on anything, wood, bricks, glass, bloomers,
boot soles and iron. How many boxes will you take, gentlemen?"
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