In O. Henry's story "After Twenty Years," Bob has traveled to meet his old "chum" Jimmy after two decades. He waits in the dark doorway of what was once their favorite restaurant, so when a man comes towards him shortly after the pre-arranged time on a lonely night, Bob assumes that this man is Jimmy. Who else would have reason to come out at night and walk directly toward a man who is not clearly...
In O. Henry's story "After Twenty Years," Bob has traveled to meet his old "chum" Jimmy after two decades. He waits in the dark doorway of what was once their favorite restaurant, so when a man comes towards him shortly after the pre-arranged time on a lonely night, Bob assumes that this man is Jimmy. Who else would have reason to come out at night and walk directly toward a man who is not clearly visible in the doorway of a store that is closed?
Since they have parted when Bob was eighteen and Jimmy twenty, Bob may also assume that Jimmy has grown taller since that time because men can grow up until the age of twenty-five. (http://www.newhealthguide.org/When-Do-Men-Stop-Growing.html). Also, the man calls out to him as he approaches, "Is that you Bob?" This action certainly suggests that he knows that Bob will be standing in this doorway.
So, it is not until the two men walk down the street that Bob does ask "Jimmy" about his being taller. They continue arm-in-arm until they pass a drug store that is brilliantly lighted; the men turn to look into the face of the other. Then, Bob is completely perplexed,
"You're not Jimmy Wells," he snapped. "Twenty years is a long time, but not long enough to change a man's nose from a Roman to a pug."
The taller man with the pug nose informs 'Silky' Bob that he has been under arrest for the last ten minutes; then, he hands Bob the note from his old friend, Patrolman Jimmy Wells.
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