Jimmy Hayes and Muriel by O. Henry

Name: Jimmy Hayes and Muriel
Author: O. Henry

The story revolves around Jimmy Hayes, a young man who has been wrongfully accused of theft and sentenced to prison. Muriel, his sister, sets out to clear his name by gathering evidence and tracking down the real culprit. Muriel's efforts are hindered by her own naivety and lack of experience in dealing with the complexities of the law. However, she perseveres and eventually uncovers a crucial piece of information that leads her to the true thief. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and the power of determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

By O. Henry · First published 1911 · Genre: Western Fiction, Humor, Adventure · 3 chapters · 2,227 words

First lines

Supper was over, and there had fallen upon the camp the silence that accompanies the rolling of cornhusk cigarettes. The water hole shone from the dark earth like a patch of fallen sky. Coyotes yelped. Dull thumps indicated the rocking-horse movements of the hobbled ponies as they moved to fresh grass. A half-troop of the Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers were distributed about the fire.

A well-known sound -- the fluttering and scraping of chaparral against wooden stirrups -- came from the thick brush above the camp. The rangers listened cautiously. They heard a loud and cheerful voice call out reassuringly:

What this Textopian page supports

Jimmy Hayes and Muriel is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1911 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: O. Henry
Date: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Character Study, Tragedy
Length: 2,227 words
Structure: 3 chapters, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Jimmy Hayes and Muriel by O. Henry
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Western Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Western Fiction — The story is set in the American West, featuring Texas Rangers and themes of bravery and camaraderie.
Humor — The protagonist's relationship with his horned frog and his humorous personality provide comedic elements throughout the narrative.
Adventure — The plot involves action and conflict, including a surprise attack by bandits and the subsequent search for the protagonist.
Character Study — The narrative explores the development of the protagonist's character and his relationships with others in the ranger camp.