The Other Fellow

"The Other Fellow" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a story about a man named Dick Sands trying to rebuild his life after getting out of prison. The story is set in a small town where everyone knows about Dick's past, and it explores how hard it is to get a fresh start when people judge you for your mistakes. When Dick arrives at a local tavern, you quickly figure out that the townspeople aren't so forgiving. Even though the landlord shows him a little kindness, the air is heavy with suspicion and doubt. This sets the stage for a story about whether Dick can overcome his past and find a place for himself in a community that is wary of him, or if his reputation will make it impossible for him to move on.