"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry - Review

O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief" is a perfect example of the author's signature twist ending. The story lies in its subversion of the classic kidnapping plot. Instead of a terrified victim, the two hapless criminals find themselves held hostage by a hyperactive, imaginative, and utterly merciless little boy who calls himself Red Chief.

Beyond the sheer entertainment value, the story offers a subtle commentary on perception and value. The thing the men believed to be a valuable asset—the only child of a wealthy man—is revealed to be such a terror that his own father is reluctant to take him back. 

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/the-ransom-of-red-chief