O. Henry is an American short story writer, and possibly the greatest short story writer of all time. 

He is a master of the twist ending. He is good at using humorous language to write about ordinary life.   

O. Henry is his pseudonym (pen name) and his real name is William Sydney Porter. 

He was born in New York, and wrote for the ordinary working class people in New York.  

While working for a newspaper, he was accused of embezzlement and spent time in prison. 

He was not organized and always short of money.

He was empathetic and always lent a helping hand to others. 

He died of an illness related to alcoholism in 1910.  

O. Henry’s other short stories include: The gift of the Magi, The cop and the anthem, The last leaf, and The Ransom of Red Chief.