Despite the two decades that have passed and the markedly
different paths that the two men in "After Twenty Years" have taken in their lives, the
bonds of friendship prove stronger than any differences between them. For, it is only
the professionalism of Jimmy that overrides his continuation of this friendship. That
he is professional is indicated in the exposition of the
story:
Trying doors as he went, twirling his club with
many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye adown
the pacific thoroughfare, the officer, with his stalwart form and slight swagger, made a
fine picture of a guardian of the
peace.
Because they have been
friends for so long, Jimmy Wells does not have the heart to arrest Bob as he should when
he discovers "Silky Bob's" identity in the light of the match Bob strikes for his
cigar. Instead, knowing that the friend will wait in the doorway because he has been
true to his word to return for the reunion, Officer Wells sends a plain clothes man to
make the arrest. On both parts of the men, the trust of friendship plays out, but to an
ironic
ending.
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