According to Their Lights (Henry)

Disclaimer: This summary was generated by AI, so it may contain errors.

O. Henry

According to Their Lights

1911

Summary of the Short Story
from the Collection «The Trimmed Lamp»

Microsummary: Two down-on-their-luck friends debated the merits of staying in the city versus escaping to the countryside during summer, while one of them refused to betray a former friend for money.

In the depths of a big city, two down-on-their-luck friends, young Murray and the Captain, met and bonded over their shared misfortunes. Both had fallen from respectable positions and were now struggling to survive.

👮🏻‍♂️

Captain — former police captain; large, red-faced, and down on his luck; loyal to his friends.

🧑🏻

Murray — young man; fallen from wealth and respectability; prefers city life in summer.

One evening, they sat on a bench in a park, discussing their hunger and failed attempts to find food. The Captain decided to try one more time to find something to eat and left Murray in the park.

I’d marry the Empress of China for one bowl of chop suey. I’d commit murder for a plate of beef stew. I’d steal a wafer from a waif. I’d be a Mormon for a bowl of chowder.

While waiting, Murray inquired about a former police captain named Maroney, who had been dismissed from the force, to see if there was a reward for his capture. The sergeant informed him that there was no reward and that Maroney was not wanted.

Meanwhile, the Captain tried to propose marriage to an Italian woman who sold apples and garlic on Essex Street, hoping to improve his situation. However, she rejected him, leaving him covered in a greasy, garlic-smelling liquid. He returned to the park, where Murray informed him of his inquiry about Maroney. The Captain was appalled that Murray would consider betraying a friend for money.

Later, a man named Charlie Finnegan approached the Captain, offering him $500 to testify against his former inspector, Dan Pickering, who was on trial for graft charges. The Captain refused, stating that he would never betray a friend. Murray, on the other hand, said he would have taken the money and testified against Pickering.

I think I would play Judas for the price of one drink of whiskey. For thirty pieces of silver I would

The story highlights the different values and moral compasses of the two friends, who both act according to their own beliefs and circumstances. Despite their hardships, the Captain remains loyal to his friends, while Murray is willing to betray them for personal gain.