24. "from the O. Henry story"
 Posted by milton on 15:17:20 12/07/98
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If anyone is interested, here's the text of ransom note in the O. Henry story,
"The Ransom of Red Chief":

So, to relieve Bill, I acceded, and we collaborated a letter that ran this way:

Ebenezer Dorset, Esq.:

We have your boy concealed in a place far from Summit. It is useless for
you or the most skilful detectives to attempt to find him. Absolutely, the only
terms on which you can have him restored to you are these: We demand 
fifteen hundred dollars in large bills for his return; the money to be left at
midnight to-night at the same spot and in the same box as your reply--as 
hereinafter described. If you agree to these terms, send your answer in 
writing by a solitary messenger to-night at half-past eight o'clock. After 
crossing Owl Creek, on the road to PoplarCove, there are three large trees 
about a hundred yards apart, close to the fence of the wheat field on the 
right-hand side. At the bottom of the fence-post, opposite the third tree, 
will be found a small pasteboard box.

The messenger will place the answer in this box and return immediately to
Summit.

If you attempt any treachery or fail to comply with our demand as stated,
you will never see your boy again.

If you pay the money as demanded, he will be returned to you safe and
 well within three hours.

These terms are final, and if you do not accede to them no further
communication will be attempted.

 TWO DESPERATE MEN.