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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. How long does Bob wait for Jimmy after he speaks with the police officer?
(a) 20 minutes.
(b) 10 minutes.
(c) 5 minutes.
(d) 15 minutes.

2. What does Bob's nickname turn out to be?
(a) "Slippery" Bob.
(b) "Bully" Bob.
(c) "Silky" Bob.
(d) "Betting" Bob.

3. Why have the two men set this particular meeting time?
(a) It was the time that they both used to get off of work 20 years ago.
(b) It was the time that the restaurant's band used to begin to play.
(c) It was the time they met for dinner 20 years ago.
(d) It was the time that they said goodbye 20 years ago.

4. What is a logical inference based on the way the officer is twirling his baton?
(a) He is trying to impress people.
(b) He is in a good mood.
(c) He is expecting trouble.
(d) He is bored.

5. Why are there so few people on the streets?
(a) There are no open businesses nearby.
(b) There is a curfew.
(c) It is very late.
(d) The weather is unpleasant.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Bob leave New York?

2. In his explanation of what has happened, what is the first thing that Jimmy wants to be sure Bob knows?

3. What is it reasonable to infer is the officer's motive in listening to Bob "with interest" (621)?

4. How far does Bob say he traveled in order to meet with Jimmy?

5. How did the police discover that Bob was in New York?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes Bob to finally realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy Wells?

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

9. What is amusing about the plainclothes officer's answer to Bob's question about whether he is doing well in New York?

10. What is the effect of the passage depicting Bob continuing to wait in the doorway as it begins to rain?

(see the answer keys)

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