1. Ransom of Red Chief

2. O. Henry 1862- 1910

3. O. Henry Real name was William Sydney Porter O. Henry's stories frequently have surprise endings Most of O. Henry's stories are set in his own time, the early 20th century. Many take place in New York City and deal for the most part with ordinary people: clerks, policemen, waitresses, etc.

4. O. Henry Some of his most famous short stories are: Ransom of Red Chief The Gift of the Magi A Retrieved Reformation The Duplicity of Hargraves The O. Henry Award is a prestigious annual prize named after Porter and given to outstanding short storiesO. Henry Award

5. Vocabulary Apparition The frightened children swore they saw an apparition. Undeleterious Dragon flies are undeleterious. They do not bite or sting. Philoprogenitiveness The daycare worker showed philoprogenitivesness. She loved being around the children. Lackadasical The students showed no effort. They were very lackadasical.

6. vocabulary Diatribe The movie critic gave a diatribe review. He hated the movie. Prominent The President is a very prominent figure. Incontinent The student was incontinent. He spoke out all of the time. Reconnoiter The college coaches came to reconnoiter the high school players.

7. vocabulary Contiguous The USA and Mexico are contiguous. Somnolent I am very somnolent when my alarm goes off in the morning. Peremptory The cop gave the drunk driver no peremptory. He was going straight to jail. Proclivities The students proclivities is to talk.

8. vocabulary Depredation The robber was arrested for depredation. Impudent The girl was very impudent. She shamelessly talked about all of the trouble she was in.

9. Vocabulary Apparition – a supernatural appearance Undeleterious – not dangerous to your health Philoprogenitiveness – the love of offspring, fondness for children Lackadasical –without interest or determination

10. vocabulary Diatribe – sharp attack or criticism Prominent –leading, important, well known Incontinently – without pause Reconnoitre – to scout, check out

11. vocabulary Contiguous -- proximity Somnolent – sleepy, drowsy Peremptory – no opportunity for refusal Proclivities – natural inclination or tendency

12. vocabulary Depredation – preying upon, robbery Impudent – shamelessly or to be brazen