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1. Describe the story's opening moments, including its setting.

When the story opens, it is about 10 p.m. on a chilly, windy New York evening that threatens rain. The time period is not specified, but it is likely to be the end of the nineteenth century or beginning of the twentieth century. A lone policeman, who will eventually be revealed to be Jimmy Wells, strolls down the street twirling his baton and checking doors.

2. In the story's beginning, what evidence is there that Jimmy takes pride in his job?

Jimmy's behavior shows his pride in being a police officer. Although there is no one to see him, he walks with a "slight swagger," twirling his baton "artfully" (619). This could be interpreted as pride in himself, but the narrator makes it clear that Jimmy is being careful to check the doors he passes and keep a watchful eye on the street.

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