The Atavism of John Tom Little Bear by O. Henry. Short summary

5 seconds

Jeff Peters tells the story of his Indian buddy, who was well educated. In the past, they made medicine together, and figured out ways to make money.

1 minute

The protagonist notices a light in Jeff Peters’ room and rushes to him. Jeff was a jack-of-all-trades and knew how to tell stories. The men discuss the situation in the Philippine Islands. Jeff wants them to be given autonomy, as the tropical man knows best what he needs. The protagonist contradicts him by talking about the importance of education.

The buddies talk about how education has changed the Indians. Jeff thinks they didn’t become Anglo-Saxon anyway and tells the story of a friend, Native American John Tom Little Bear. He graduated from college soccer and was well educated.

In the past, John, along with Jeff, had made medicines and became a famous Indian healer. Later an unemployed Binkley joined their company. The companions figured out ways to make money. Their business was going well.

One day, John tries to shoot a boy just because he is red-skinned. It turns out that the child ran away from home and was here all alone. The hero finds out his address and brings the runaway home.