Final answer:
In the story 'Hearts and Hands' by O. Henry, the end reveals that Mr. Easton, who was believed to be a convict, is actually the marshal escorting a criminal, creating a surprising twist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story Hearts and Hands by O. Henry ends with a surprising twist. The main characters are Mr. Easton, a man in handcuffs, and Miss Fairchild, his acquaintance. At the beginning of the story, we are led to believe that Easton is a criminal being escorted by a marshal. However, at the end of the story, it is revealed that Easton is, in fact, the marshal, and the other man is the convict. Easton had pretended to be the criminal to save Miss Fairchild from embarrassment. The reveal is a classic example of O. Henry's famous ironic surprises.
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