Congratulations for reaching Year 4 of your American English studies. This year we will read numerous American short stories to build American English listening and reading comprehension skills. Please pay close attention to each American short story assigned here and share your insights and what you’ve learned in the comments section below.
Directions: Listen and read each short story and then share what you learned in the comments section below.
Lesson 4.2.3
American short story.
” After Twenty Years” by Henry.
” Bob: I was at the place on time. I saw the man wanted by Chicago cops. I did not want to arrest you myself. So, I went and got another cop and sent him to do the job. Jimmy”
The above message which was written on the little piece of paper from a cop, named Wells Jimmy to his childhood friend Bob. Jimmy and Bob grew up together in New York, like two brothers, best friends and best fellows. Bob wants to start for the West to find a job and get better future in any cost, no matter what it will be. Before departure they agree that they will meet at the same place after twenty years at 10 pm. For a time, they do write to each other but then then they stopped. According to their verbal talk Bob comes at the same place. He waits and takes out his fine watch covered with small jewels. It’s three minutes before ten. A cop is performing his night duty. Cop walks towards the waiting man and ask for the reason of standing here, the man, Bob tells him that he is waiting his friend. Cop, named Jimmy takes one or steps forward and watch the waiting man and goes on his way and says, ” Good Night to him and walks away.
After some time, a tall man, who is also cop, wearing a long coat, wearing a long coat comes and directly comes to the waiting man Bob. The cop introduces himself as Jimmy, but Bob recognizes him and says that he is not Jimmy. Bob says, though twenty years is a long time but not long enough to change the shape of his friend Jimmy’s nose. The tall man, says, you have been under arrest, because Chicago Cops thought you might be coming to New York. Come with me quietly but go through of this message, who wrote for you, a while ago!
4.2.4: lesson2 and 4.2.3 are the same lessons.