“Department of Philanthropic Mathematics” O. Henry in summary


After another successful scam, Peters and Tucker decide to become philanthropists. Once in the provincial town of Floresville, they, with the consent of local residents, open the “World University” there, and they themselves become his trustees. On the first of September, the newly-opened educational institution hospitably opens the doors to students from five states, and for two months philanthropists enjoy their new social role. In late October, however, it turns out that finance is running out and you need to come up with something, and soon. However, as expressed by Andy Tucker, “if you put philanthropy on a commercial foot, it gives a very good profit.” But soon Peters, to his horror, notices in the payroll of a new mathematics professor named McCorkle with a salary of one hundred dollars a week. His indignation truly knows no bounds,

Then a man appears in the town, who opens a gambling house there. Students – the sons of wealthy farmers –

rush there and spend hours there all the time, rubbish in cash. The Christmas holidays begin, the town is empty. At the farewell party, Peters hoped to get acquainted with the mysterious professor of mathematics, but that was not there. Returning to himself, he notices that in the room Andy has a light. Looking at the light, Peters sees that Andy and the owner of the gambling house are sitting at the table, who share a huge pile of money. Seeing Jeff, Andy tells him that this is their revenue for the first semester. He adds that now no one should doubt that “philanthropy, put on a commercial foot, is such an art that does not only benefit the taker, but also the giver.” In conclusion, Tucker informs Peters that they leave Floresville tomorrow morning. Peters has nothing against it. He just wants to finally meet Professor McCorkle. Tucker is ready to satisfy a friend’s request even now. The professor of mathematics is none other than the owner of a gambling establishment.


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“Department of Philanthropic Mathematics” O. Henry in summary