The Winner

"The Winner" by O. Henry is a short story that explores themes of luck, fate, and the unexpected twists of life. The narrative follows a character who, after winning a significant sum of money in a lottery, navigates the complexities of newfound wealth and the moral dilemmas that accompany it. O. Henry's signature style of irony and surprise culminates in a thought-provoking conclusion that leaves readers reflecting on the true meaning of success and happiness. With rich characterizations and witty dialogue, the story captures the essence of human nature and the unpredictable nature of fortune.

• Short story

								
After the performance of "In Old Kentucky" Friday night three old
cronies went into a saloon with the inflexible determination of taking
a drink. After doing so, they added an amendment in the shape of
another and then tacked on an emergency clause.

When they got to feeling a little mellow they sat down at a table and
commenced lying. Not maliciously, but just ordinary, friendly lying,
about the things they had seen and done. They all tried their hand at
relating experiences, and as the sky was clear, there was no matinee
performance of the Ananias tragedy.

Finally the judge suggested the concoction of a fine large julep--a
julep that would render the use of curling irons unnecessary--and the
one who told the most improbable story should be allowed to produce
the vacuum in the straws.

The major and the judge led off with a couple of marvelous narratives
which were about a tie. The colonel moistened his lips as his eye
rested on the big glass filled with diamonds and amber, and crowned
with fragrant mint. He commenced his story:

"The incident I am about to relate is not only wonderful, but true. It
happened in this very town on Saturday afternoon. I got up rather
early Saturday morning, as I had a big day's work ahead of me. My wife
fixed me up a rattling good cocktail when I got up and I was feeling
pretty good. When I came downstairs she handed me a five-dollar bill
that had dropped out of my pocket and said: 'John, you must really get
a better looking housemaid. Jane is so homely, and you never did
admire her. See if you can find a real nice-looking one--and John,
dear, you are working too hard. You must really have some recreation.
Why not take Miss Muggins, your typewriter, out for a drive this
afternoon? Then you might stop at the milliner's and tell them not to
send up that hat I ordered, and--"

"Hold on. Colonel," said the judge. "You just drink that mint julep
right now. You needn't go any further with your story."
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