The Ransom of Red Chief

"The Ransom of Red Chief" is a humorous short story by O. Henry about two men who kidnap a young boy, only to find themselves overwhelmed by his mischievous and energetic behavior. As the situation unfolds, the kidnappers experience unexpected irony, leading them to pay the boy's father to take him back. The story has become a cultural classic, highlighting clever twists and comedic irony.