Question

Read the opening paragraph of "After Twenty Years” by O. Henry.

The police [officer] on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. The impressiveness was habitual and not for show, for spectators were few. The time was barely 10 o'clock at night, but chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them had well nigh de-peopled the streets.

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. The vicinity was one that kept early hours. 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.

Based on the text, which prediction for what will happen in this story is most valid?

The police officer will get soaked in a sudden rainstorm, as hinted at by the weather.
The police officer will decide to quit his job, as hinted at by the boring nature of his beat.
The police officer will be aware of anything unusual, as hinted at by the quiet, empty streets.
The police officer will step into a café for something to eat, as hinted at by the setting.

Answer 1

The most valid prediction is: "The police officer will be aware of anything unusual, as hinted at by the quiet, empty streets."

Reason: the paragraph emphasizes his watchfulness — "cast his watchful eye," "guardian of the peace," and the emptiness of the avenue makes any anomaly more likely to be noticed. The other choices (getting soaked, quitting, or going into a café) are not strongly supported by the text.