Jimmy Valentine Summary | Jimmy Valentine by O.Henry Summary

Jimmy Valentine Summary | Jimmy Valentine by O.Henry Summary

Jimmy Valentine, a skilled burglar, is released from prison by the Governor's order. Warden Cronin advises him to lead a straight life and not to crack safes any more. However, as soon as Jimmy leaves prison, he gets involved in a series of burglaries. This puts detective Ben Price in his pursuit. Meanwhile, Jimmy settles in Elmore and becomes a successful store owner. Jimmy falls in love Annabel who is the daughter of Mr. Adam, the banker. Having fallen in love, Jimmy undergoes a change of heart and decides to marry Annabel and live a reformed life. Jimmy writes a letter to his friend expressing his wish to give up his safe - cracking tools. The day Jimmy is to hand over his safe - cracking tools, he goes to the bank with Annabel, her sister and her two children, Mary and Agatha. Unknown to Jimmy, detective Ben Price has followed him to the bank. In the bank, Agatha is locked by accident in the bank's vault. When Annabel turns to Jimmy for help, Jimmy revives his identity as a burglar. He opens the vault with his safe - cracking tools and rescues Agatha. Detective Ben Price has the same realization as Warden Cronin, who made a remark that Jimmy was a "good fellow at heart". Ben Price does not arrest Jimmy Jimmy's goodness is finally rewarded.