Answer:
An alternative ending to the story could be that Bob recognized Jimmy and left a note for him.
Explanation:
After Twenty Year is a short story written by O. Henry. The story is about two fast friends, Jimmy and Bob, who decide to meet exactly at the same place after twenty years. The ending that O. Henry gave to the story was Jimmy, who had become a cop, get his friend Bob arrested, a most wanted criminal.
An alternative ending to the story could be that Bob recognized Jimmy and left a note for him. It can be an alternative ending because Bob recognized that the tall man was not Jimmy because of his nose, then he must have recognized Jimmy's features as well.
So, an alternative ending is written below,
After the cop and Bob bid each other a good night, Bob stood there in the dark silent night. Bob had recognized the cop and knew he was Jimmy, his old friend. The irony of the situation was that they both recognized each other but could not reveal their identity because of the professions they have taken. One had become a faithful cop of his city, New York; while the other had taken on a profession of crime in the West.
So, after the cop left the place, Bob was happy to see his old friend after a long time. Bob also knew that Jimmy has recognized him, the most wanted criminal of the West. So, he left a note for him because he knew that he would make arrangements for his arrest.
The note said:
Dear Jimmy,
I had a great twenty minutes with you. I had recognized you and also knew that you recognized me and knew what profession I have taken.
I am happy that you still a man of your word, you fulfilled your promise by coming and meeting me. And, I also know that you are a faithful cop.
So, I am leaving this note for you!
Bye!
Bob.
