after 20 years.docVIP

After Twenty Years By O Henry The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. The impressiveness was habitual and not for show, for spectators （An observer of an event. ）were few. The time was barely 10 oclock at night, but chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them had well nighNearly; almost: depeopled depopulate the streets. Trying doors as he went, twirling（To rotate or revolve ）his club with many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye adown the pacific thoroughfare （A main road or public highway.）, the officer, with his stalwart (strong) form and slight swagger昂首阔步, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace. The vicinity was one that kept early hours早起早睡. Now and then you might see the lights of a cigar store or of an all-night lunch counter; but the majority of the doors belonged to business places that had long since been closed. When about midway of a certain block the policeman suddenly slowed his walk. In the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. As the policeman walked up to him the man spoke up quickly. Its all right, officer, he said, reassuringly. Im just waiting for a friend. Its an appointment made twenty years ago. Sounds a little funny to you, doesnt it? Well, Ill explain if youd like to make certain its all straight. About that long ago there used to be a restaurant where this store stands--Big Joe Bradys restaurant. Until five years ago, said the policeman. It was torn down then. The man in the doorway struck a match and lit his cigar. The light showed a pale, square-jawed face with keen eyes, and a little white scar near his right eyebrow. His scarfpin领带针 was a large diamond, oddly set. Twenty years ago to-night, said the man, I dined here at Big Joe Bradys with Jimmy Wells, my best chum (friend), and the finest chap in the world. He and I were raised here in New York, just like two brothers, together. I was eighteen and Jimmy was tw