Yes, I love that story, and the old black & white movie.

As for my possible shortcomings, I ask too many questions and I go to sleep really late, which the kidnappers would probably get tired of. : )

I love that O. Henry story. I have been told that I mumble sometimes. I also tend to try on clothes when I am packing to go away. I am fussy. I do not like dishes in the sink and counter; prefer dirty dishes in the dishwasher. The kidnappers may not like that sometimes I am quick to clear the table after dinner. I have been known to remove a glass or dish before the diner is done.

Thanks for reminding me of this story.

The story is an example of bad parenting. This little boy needs real parents. He is growing up feral. that is what I thought when I read it as a kid. Apparently I have a defective sense of humor but as a kid I was very pragmatic. As a slightly older sibling I could see the problem.

That is a very funny story, by a wonderful short story writer, O. Henry. (I'm guessing here). Kidnappers would be thrilled to get rid of me because I would insist on taking along a substantial library of books.

I don't know that they'd want to get rid of me. I am a good traveler, easy-going and uncomplaining (unless the bed is really awful). I was the cook for an overseas archaeological excavation; everything was outdoors including the little stove, and I was pretty good at creating meals with whatever they brought me.

This movie, O. Henry's Full House, is one of my favorites, with actors before they became famous (Marilyn Monroe, Farley Granger, Jeanne Crain, who I thought was so beautiful). The stories are extremely sentimental, but their messages ring true.

I had a friend who always referred to her husband as the Chief. I didn't much like the nickname as I thought it implied he was the boss. She told me one day it referred to this story. He was that rotten of a child and occasionally she asked him how much money his parents required to take him back.

I haven't read the story, but it reminds me of my dad. He would say "if somebody stole that car, they'd bring it back and demand an apology."

Read it in 9th grade in the 50s. Light, funny piece.

I too read it so so many years ago and remembered it right away with a smile.

Yes , I read it when I was in school. I thought it was hilarious and tried to remember to behave badly if I was kidnapped so the kidnappers would return me. So far, so good. Love O. Henry stories, especially The Gift of the Magi.

Lately, the kidnappers might find it more cost effective to return me than pay for my medical coverage.

I must have read it because the title and plot are so familiar, and I do like O.Henry stories. So, me as a 10 year old: I'd be returned by kidnappers because of my pig-headed stubborn belief that my mom would NOT STAND for such nonsense, and they'd better shape up before she sends my dad to get me back! Yeah, those kidnappers are headed for BIG TROUBLE.

These days, the kidnappers wouldn't even see me. I'm invisible because I'm an older, quiet and mild, medium in appearance female, therefore an easily overlooked person (which as an introvert mostly suits me.) Ha ha, kidnappers!

I just mentioned this on Facebook a few days ago. Read it about 60 years ago, never forgot it. I still think it's hilarious.

Some time in the late forties, Betty MacDonald wrote a series of childrens books. They focused on a Mrs.Piggle-Wiggle, who had common sense 'cures' for various childhood 'character disorders'. One little boy was a show-off; Mrs. P-W prescribed The Invisibility Cure. He stops trying to draw attention to himself when his actions have the opposite effect: His family ignores him when he does it.

Another 'cure' involved a selfish child who refused to share his toys. At first he was delighted to keep all his toys to himself in his bedroom...until they took up all of the room. He had to fight to make a path to his bed at night. He couldn't sleep with toys poking him. Worst, he was bored, alone with no one to play with him.

These cautionary stories were intended to be read to children, so the stories have amusing bits for the adults doing the reading. I loved hearing them, certain of *my* superiority to these obnoxious kids!

I can't be giving away all of my secrets.

I remember seeing the black and white movie, on television. Here's a clip from Youtube (1952) [CLIP]

I remember Mrs Piggle-Wiggle. One of the kids wouldn't bath and she sowed the kid's face with radish seeds.

A long time ago! When I was growing up the whole collection of O. Henry short stories was in my bedroom bookcase, and I read through the whole thing. Which probably explains why I enjoy writing surprise endings.

I'd have to be kidnapped with my three cats, and one must be kept separated from the other two. This arrangement could get old in a hurry, especially if the kidnappers live in a rented room.

I remember Mrs PiggleWiggle! Her stories were so fun.

The only O Henry story I remember is Gift of the Magi. I’ll check out Red Chief. Thanks.

That book sounds like a hoot!

Here is a link to the story. it is a fun read.

Happy, the link didn't take. Try again.

Try this. https://dwcaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Henry_Red_Chief.pdf

DH gives me a copy of the O. Henry awards for short stories every year. I adore short stories. It is beyond my favorite form of literature. I appreciate the condensing that must take place to make a good short story. For me the shorter the better. This past year had some really good ones. His own work was often soft but the awards can be really fantastic. I am a fan. I get multiple short story books at Christmas. I enjoy the traditional character of the O. Henry award stories. A really good short story is reduced to its essence. An astonishing to me really good writer of shorts is of all people Stephen King. I do not read his novels. His shorts are too searing. He doesnt win awards because he is so prolific. Politics in writing.

I read that story way-back-when I was in school. - Enjoyed it along with other O'Henry stories. My English teacher used O'Henry's stories to illustrate the difference between a 'short story' and a 'long story'. Short and long stories have nothing to do with length of the text; Its the length of time it covers.

The story was funny due to the inept kidnappers. They weren't truly vicious persons, just a pair of guys down on their luck and looking for an easy buck. It did not work out. In today's world, I doubt you'd find such characters. Today, a kidnapper is more likely to kill or abandon a troublesome catch.

I remember the O. Henry stories from my long-ago school days as well. The surprise endings were always so enjoyable. When I was a young teenager, I once read The Ransom of Red Chief to entertain two young male cousins who were visiting. Forever after when I met them, they always mentioned fondly the reading of that story. Their parents had too many children so I am not sure they made time to read to them. It would thrill me to know that I inspired one of them to become a reader.