One of the most famous humorists in world literature, O. Henry created a unique panorama of American life at the turn of the XIX-XX 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 raises to the top of success, then throws to the very bottom of life. "You've heard from me before," said Jeff Peters, "that women's deceit has never given me too much credence. Even in the most innocent of scams, it is impossible to rely on women as accomplices and companions. A well-deserved compliment, I said.... “I think they have every right to be called the fairest sex.”