O. Henry

O. Henry ( 1862-1910) was a writer best known for his short stories at the the turn of the twentieth century, including the holiday classic, The Gift of the Magi. 

Fun fact about O. Henry: His real name is William Sydney Porter.  He assumed the pen name O. Henry because he was imprisoned in a federal penitentiary for embezzlement.

"He...invariably began with patter and palaver,

like a conjurer at a fair...

Then he established his people with bold,

brilliant strokes, like a great cartoonist. 

But the barb was always a surprise, 

adroitly prepared, craftily planted,

and to catch him at it is an exercise for a detective."

---Francis Hackett        

                         

*I'm switching Wednesday's and Friday's devotionals around.  Just in case you were following the order.*