One of the most famous humorists in world literature, O. Henry created a unique panorama of American life at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, in grotesque situations he conveyed the contrasts and paradoxes of his era, which opened up space for people with business acumen, whom the game of chance elevates to the pinnacle of success, then plunges us to the very bottom of life. “A new path now runs to us across the Indian Ocean - golden during the day and silver at night. Dark kings and princes have sought out our western Bombay, and almost all their paths lead to Broadway, where there is much to see and admire. If chance leads you to the hotel where one of these high-ranking tourists is temporarily taking refuge, then I advise you to look among Republican henchmen besieging the front doors, Luculla Polka. You'll probably find him there. You will recognize him by his red, lively face with a Wellington nose, by his cautious but decisive manner, by his businesslike broker's appearance and by his bright red tie, which gallantly brightens up his shabby blue suit, like a battle flag still fluttering over the field. lost battle. He turned out to be a very helpful person to me; maybe it will be useful to you too. If you seek him, look for him among the crowd of Bedouins besieging the advance chain of guards and secretaries of the traveling sovereign—among the wildly blazing-eyed geniuses of Arab days who make exorbitant and astonishing demands on the prince’s money coffers...”