# The Friendly Call explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

The narrator, a hardware salesman, visits Simon Bell in Saltillo, Colorado, to inform him of a business opportunity. Bell introduces him to his friend George Ringo, a flamboyant and surly man with a long scar on his hand. The narrator stays at Bell's home, where he overhears a quarrel between Bell and his wife. Later, Bell recounts the history of his unique friendship with Ringo, based on strict reciprocity and mutual aid, including a story about burying a dead man and a scheme to divert a widow's romantic interest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Bell and Ringo's friendship is based on a facade of mutual disinterest, while their true bond is revealed through shared secrets and reciprocal favors.

### Crime and Consequence

The story alludes to past criminal activities, including burying a dead man and dealing with 'trouble,' suggesting hidden consequences.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator, a hardware salesman, visits Saltillo and observes Bell's interactions with Ringo and his wife.

### Simms Bell

A storekeeper in Saltillo, Bell is a calm, patient man who shares stories of his long friendship with George Ringo.

### George Ringo

Bell's friend, a flamboyant and surly man with a scarred hand, involved in a mysterious business deal.

### Mrs. Bell

Bell's wife, described as handsome but petulant, with a tendency toward tantrums and emotional instability.

## Key lines

> The full moon is a witch. In her light, truthful men dig up for you nuggets of purer gold; while liars squeeze out brighter colors from the tubes of their invention.

The moonlight inspires honesty in some and embellishment in others.

_The narrator reflects on how the moon influences confessions and storytelling._

> A man don't need but one friend. The fellow who drinks your liquor and hangs around you, slapping you on the back and taking up your time, telling you how much he likes you, ain't a friend, even if you did play marbles at school and fish in the same creek with him.

True friendship is rare and based on reliability, not casual companionship.

_Bell explains his philosophy of friendship to the narrator._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-friendly-call
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters