# One Dollar's Worth explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

District Attorney Bob Littlefield and his fiancée Nancy Derwent go plover shooting, but are ambushed by Mexico Sam, a vengeful ex-convict who has threatened Judge Derwent and Littlefield. Meanwhile, Littlefield is prosecuting Rafael Ortiz for passing a counterfeit dollar, a crime committed to save his lover Joya Treviñas's life. During the ambush, Littlefield recalls Joya's warning and uses a pocketknife to cut the counterfeit dollar, loading it into his gun to fatally wound Mexico Sam.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Consequence

The chapter explores the consequences of crime through Mexico Sam's revenge plot and Rafael Ortiz's desperate act to save Joya's life.

### Love and Romance

Romantic love drives both the main plot (Littlefield and Nancy's engagement) and the subplot (Rafael's sacrifice for Joya).

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The counterfeit dollar symbolizes deception, while Joya's plea reveals the true motive behind the crime.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

Narrates the events of the chapter.

### Andy Donovan

Referred to as Bob Littlefield, the district attorney who is engaged to Nancy Derwent and targeted by Mexico Sam.

### Annie Williams

Referred to as Nancy Derwent, the judge's daughter and Littlefield's fiancée, who accompanies him on the shooting trip.

### George Ringo

Referred to as Mexico Sam, the half-breed desperado who ambushes Littlefield and Nancy.

### Tonia Perez

Referred to as Joya Treviñas, the Mexican girl who pleads for Rafael Ortiz's release.

### Young Murray

Referred to as Rafael Ortiz, the young Mexican accused of passing a counterfeit dollar.

## Key lines

> If the life of the girl you love is ever in danger, remember Rafael Ortiz.

Joya Treviñas warns Littlefield that if his beloved is ever threatened, he should recall Rafael Ortiz's sacrifice.

_This line foreshadows Littlefield's use of the counterfeit dollar to save Nancy._

> I guess the Greaser's as good as behind the bars.

Deputy Kilpatrick expresses confidence that Rafael Ortiz will be convicted.

_Reflects the racial prejudice of the era against Mexicans in the legal system._

> Open fire on him, Nan, across the horse's back. Fire as fast as you can! You can't hurt him, but keep him dodging shot for one minute while I try to work a little scheme.

Littlefield instructs Nancy to shoot rapidly to distract Mexico Sam while he prepares a countermeasure.

_Demonstrates Littlefield's quick thinking under pressure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/one-dollar-s-worth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters