An Afternoon Miracle
by O. Henry
A few months ago I read a short story by O. Henry that I really enjoyed (here). It had an unusual twist at the end. So, I thought I’d try another of his stories.
This one is set in a small border town on the Texas/Mexico border. Four rangers are guarding the bridge on the Texas side. They are expecting the Mexican outlaw, Garcia, to cross the bridge and wreck havoc at a cattlemen’s convention. Their goal is to stop him.
The “hero” of the story is one of the rangers, Bob Buckley. Everyone admires Bob for his extreme bravery. Bob sees himself differently.
Neither his friends nor his enemies had suspected him of aught else than the finest courage. It was purely a physical cowardice, and only by an extreme, grim effort of will had he forced his craven body to do the bravest deeds.
When the rangers hear gunfire in the village, Bob is the one who runs to the rescue. They figure it must be Garcia, but how did he get past them?
The story switches to introduce Senorita Alvarita, the beautiful Queen of the Serpent Tribe. Her eleven-foot asian python, Kuku, has escaped and she sets off to find it. Soon it all comes together when Bob meets both Garcia and Alvarita. He again puts himself in danger by trying to save Alvarita. There’s a nice little surprise involving the python.
This story was a little tricky to read. The language is stilted and a little complicated. Here’s an example:
The four rangers quickened from sprawling, symbolic figures of indolence to alert life, but only one rose to his feet. Three turned their eyes beseechingly but hopelessly upon the fourth, who had gotten nimbly up and was buckling his cartridge-belt around him. The three knew that Lieutenant Bob Buckley, in command, would allow no man of them the privilege of investigating a row when he himself might go.
In spite of the tricky language it was a good story. I liked the character of Bob Buckley. I could see him standing there in his starched shirt looking like Randolph Scott. (Actor from old classic Western movies.) People who love O. Henry’s stories, and/or people who like tales from Texas, will enjoy this one.
An Afternoon Miracle is one of the stories in Heart Of The West. It can also be found online here.
Short Story Monday is sponsored by John at Book Mind Set.
I have a few of his books in my school library…sounds like another one to read!
The O. Henry stories I’ve read so far have been a lot of fun. Seems like he usually has a little twist at the end.
It does sound to be a bit of work adjusting to this style. I’m glad it paid off.
That was an interesting quote pointing out the way language patterns change. I always liked O Henry.
I just read this story too–I liked how the bravest man in town was only brave because he was trying to face his own fears.
That looks like an interesting writing style. It doesn’t sound like the “typical” style of writing for a western.
I think you would enjoy the one I read for this week: Foster by Claire keegan
Sounds like a fun story. Interesting how they pack a lot into a short story.
Enjoying your blog. When I was twelve in my litle school in New Zealand, our teacher read us an O Henry story about a child kidnapped by two rogues who in the end offered to pay to have him removed from their care!
Funny how that story has always stayed in my memory for more than 50 years. I like short stories. Our own Katherine Mansfield is a favourite. Joan