The story begins on a September evening in early autumn. The moon was just beginning to rise. Prince Michael, Electorate Valleluna’s prince, was seated on his favourite park bench. Prince Michael was not dressed princely. He bore no resemblance to a prince. He was wealthy enough to partake in all of life’s pleasures. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in art. He was well aware of the futility of all of these endeavours. He took greater pleasure in alleviating distress and assisting the poor. He favoured the deserving. He adored assisting those in need. He sat on a bench in the park, watching and smiling at how time—the clock in the tower—controls people. Their every action is governed by the passage of time.
O. Henry's short stories are well known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization and clever twist endings.