"One Thousand Dollars" is a short story written by O. Henry, the pen name of American writer William Sydney Porter. The story was first published in 1906 and is known for its twist ending, which has become a hallmark of O. Henry's writing.
The story follows the character of young lawyer Jack Halliday, who receives a gift of one thousand dollars from his uncle. Jack is overjoyed at the prospect of having this money to spend as he pleases, and he begins to dream of all the ways he could use it to live a lavish lifestyle. He imagines buying new clothes, dining at fancy restaurants, and traveling to exotic locations.
However, Jack's uncle has a different plan for the money. He intends for Jack to use it to pay off a debt that he owes to a wealthy businessman named Mr. Thompson. Jack is disappointed at first, but he eventually agrees to use the money to pay off the debt, despite the fact that it will leave him with very little left to spend on himself.
As it turns out, Mr. Thompson is not who he seems. He is actually a con artist who has tricked Jack's uncle into believing that he owed him money. When Jack confronts Mr. Thompson with the truth, he is able to get the money back and use it to live out his dreams, after all.
In the end, "One Thousand Dollars" is a story about the power of money and the importance of being honest and true to oneself. It teaches readers that sometimes, the most valuable things in life cannot be bought with money, and that it is better to be honest and do the right thing, even when it may not be the most convenient or profitable choice.
Overall, "One Thousand Dollars" is a classic O. Henry story that is sure to delight readers with its clever twist ending and thought-provoking themes.