> "He was a villainous-looking boy, with a chronic sniffle and eyes that looked as if they had been subjected to a powerful acid. He was freckled like a speckled trout, and his hair was the color of faded ginger ale. He had the kind of unwholesome complexion that goes with a diet of candy, ice-cream, and unwashed hands."
This description is filled with vivid imagery and humorous comparisons. It portrays Red Chief as a mischievous and unappealing character, using words like "villainously-looking," "chronic sniffle," "powerful acid," and "unwholesome complexion" to create a humorous and exaggerated image. The comparison to a "speckled trout" and the description of his hair as "the color of faded ginger ale" further amplifies the absurdity and comedic effect.
This example showcases O. Henry's use of exaggeration and wordplay to create comic language, making Red Chief a memorable and amusing character even in the context of a kidnapping scheme.