Answer:
There is a slight weakness in the ending of O. Henry's story. The reader is expected to admire Jimmy Wells for doing his duty in having "Silky" Bob arrested. This makes Jimmy seem like a "staunch" character (to borrow from Bob's description of him). However, he was not "staunch" enough to make the arrest himself. This may be a sign of compassion, but it is also a sign of fecklessness. What would his superiors think of him if they found out that he had been talking face to face with a man who was wanted by the law and didn't make the arrest himself? Could he explain that dereliction of duty to them as well as he explains it to Bob in his note?
After spending some minutes talking to Bob without being recognized, Jimmy takes pains to establish how long his old friend will be waiting there in the doorway.
Explanation:
"I'll be on my way. Hope your friend comes around all right. Going to call time on him sharp?"
"I should say not!" said the other. "I'll give him half an hour at least. If Jimmy is alive on earth he'll be here by that time. So long, officer."
"Good-night, sir," said the policeman, passing on along his beat, trying doors as he went.
