A Deal in Ostriches by H.G. Wells
The story revolves around a young man who becomes embroiled in a plot to smuggle ostriches into England from South Africa. The protagonist's involvement stems from his acquaintance with a woman who has connections to the smuggling operation. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy him.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1898 · Genre: Adventure, Humor, Mystery · 2,147 words
First lines
"Talking of the prices of birds, I've seen an ostrich that cost three hundred pounds," said the Taxidermist, recalling his youth of travel. "Three hundred pounds!"
He looked at me over his spectacles. "I've seen another that was refused at four."
What this Textopian page supports
A Deal in Ostriches is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: H.G. Wells
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery, Satire, Drama
- Length: 2,147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Deal in Ostriches by H.G. Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Deal in Ostriches?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Strange Adventures Of A Million Dollars by Ingersoll Lockwood
- Boon by H. G. Wells
- The Diamond Maker by H. G. Wells
- The Whizzer by Edward Everett Hale
- Pollock And The Porroh Man by H. G. Wells
- Mr Brishers Treasure by H. G. Wells
Genres
- Adventure — The story involves a journey on a ship and the pursuit of a valuable diamond, creating a sense of adventure and exploration.
- Humor — The narrative includes humorous elements, such as the absurdity of an ostrich swallowing a diamond and the ensuing chaos.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around the mystery of which ostrich swallowed the diamond, engaging the reader in a puzzle.
- Satire — The story satirizes human greed and the legal absurdities surrounding the ownership of the diamond.
Tags
Science Fiction · Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Politics · Society · Class Struggle · Economic Satire · Critique of Capitalism