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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the narrator say causes Bob to tell officer about his career in the West?
(a) His suspicions about the officer's identity.
(b) His ego.
(c) The officer asks him about it.
(d) He is trying to fill an awkward silence.

2. What causes Bob to realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy?
(a) His teeth.
(b) His eye color.
(c) His hair color.
(d) His nose.

3. What duty is the police officer performing in the opening of the story?
(a) Enforcing the city's noise ordinance.
(b) Checking doors to make sure they are locked.
(c) Enforcing the city's curfew.
(d) Searching for a wanted criminal.

4. What is the name of the restaurant that used to be in the spot where the man is waiting?
(a) Bill Broozy's.
(b) Bill Diamond's.
(c) "Big Joe" Brady's.
(d) "Diamond Jim" Brady's.

5. In his explanation of what has happened, what is the first thing that Jimmy wants to be sure Bob knows?
(a) He truly struggled with the decision to turn Bob in.
(b) He still considers Bob his best friend.
(c) He has no sympathy for criminals.
(d) He showed up for their meeting on time.

Short Answer Questions

1. On page 621, Bob uses the slang word "bully." What does this word mean in the context of the story?

2. What is the first thing that Bob notices about the plainclothes officer he thinks is Jimmy?

3. How does the plainclothes officer get Bob to walk with him?

4. What finally reveals the plainclothes officer's face?

5. Bob's eyes are described as "keen" (620). What does this description of his eyes communicate about his character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about the way that Bob describes his old friend to the "policeman" he encounters?

2. How is Bob characterized by the accessories that he carries?

3. Why does Jimmy, in his role as the police officer, ask Bob if he is going to keep waiting for his friend to show up?

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

5. How does the introduction of Bob's character contrast with the introduction of Jimmy's character?

6. What is appropriate about the plainclothes officer greeting Bob with the line "It's Bob, sure as fate" (621)?

7. What were the circumstances of the agreement Jimmy and Bob made 20 years ago?

8. What does the note from Jimmy explain to Bob?

9. What surprises Bob about the appearance of the man that he thinks is his old friend, and how does the man explain away Bob's doubts?

10. How did Bob and Jimmy know one another, 20 years ago?

(see the answer keys)

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