William Sydney Porter, known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American short story writer. His wit and plot twists were adored by his readers, but often panned by the critics. Collected Short Stones includes two famous stories by O. Henry: "Waifs and Strays" and "The Ransom of Red Chief - a short story that follows two men who kidnap and attempt to ransom a wealthy Alabamian`s son; eventually, the men are driven crazy by the boy`s spoiled and hyperactive behavior.