Jimmy Valentine (O. Henry)/Class XII- English/ WBCHSE.

 

Jimmy Valentine

O. Henry

Questions and Answers

Jimmy Valentine is a character from the short story “A Retrieved Reformation” by American author O. Henry. The story was first published in The Cosmopolitan Magazine in April 1903.

In the story, Jimmy Valentine is depicted as a professional and habitual burglar. He is an expert safecracker who was sentenced to prison for his crimes3. However, he was released after serving less than ten months of a four-year sentence.

After his release, Valentine committed several more robberies4. However, his life took a turn when he arrived in Elmore, Arkansas. He fell in love with Annabel Adams, the beautiful daughter of a banker. This love led him to give up his criminal career and take up the identity of Ralph D. Spencer, a shoemaker.

The story of Jimmy Valentine was so popular that it was adapted into a Broadway play titled “Alias Jimmy Valentine” in 1910. It was also adapted into several film versions and a radio series.

 

Give the character sketch of Jimmy Valantine.

Professionally Skilled: Jimmy Valentine is a professional safecracker. His expertise in cracking safes is unparalleled, making him a successful burglar.

Intelligent and Adaptable: He is intelligent and quick-witted, which helps him adapt to new situations. After his release from prison, he successfully commits several more robberies.

Transformative: His life takes a significant turn when he falls in love with Annabel Adams. His love for her motivates him to leave his criminal past behind and start a new life.

Loving and Caring: His affection for Annabel is profound. He is willing to give up his criminal life for her, which shows his caring nature.

Brave and Selfless: In the end, when a child accidentally locks herself in a vault, Jimmy risks revealing his past by using his safecracking skills to save her. This act of bravery and selflessness marks his complete transformation.

In summary, Jimmy Valentine is a complex character who evolves from a professional burglar to a loving and selfless individual. His character represents the theme of redemption and the power of love to bring about positive change.

 

Write a note on the title of the story 'Jimmy Valentine'.

The title of the story, “A Retrieved Reformation,” is deeply significant and directly relates to the transformation of the main character, Jimmy Valentine.

“A Retrieved Reformation” suggests a change or transformation that has been recovered or brought back. In the context of the story, it refers to Jimmy Valentine’s transformation from a career criminal to a reformed individual. The ‘reformation’ in the title signifies Jimmy’s change of heart and his decision to lead an honest life for the sake of his love, Annabel Adams.

 

The title does not directly mention Jimmy Valentine, keeping his transformation a surprise for the readers. It creates a sense of curiosity and suspense about who reforms and how this reformation is retrieved.

In conclusion, the title “A Retrieved Reformation” encapsulates the essence of the story - the unexpected yet profound transformation of Jimmy Valentine. It underscores the theme of redemption and the possibility of change in individuals, no matter their past.

 

Why was Jimmy sent to prison? What advice and things did Jimmy get from the prison officials at the time of his release? What is your impression of the prison of the prison and its officials where Valentine was confined?

Jimmy Valentine was sent to prison for his professional career as a safecracker. He was held captive for 10 months in Columbus, Ohio’s state jail.

Upon his release, Jimmy was given a few things by the prison officials. The warden handed him a Governor’s pardon, which officially granted him his freedom. He was also given ill-fitting clothes provided by the state for discharged prisoners. In addition, the clerk gave him a railway ticket and some money. The warden even handed him a cigar as he walked out.

The warden advised Jimmy to stop cracking safes and lead an honest life, although Jimmy insisted that he was innocent.

As for the impression of the prison and its officials, they seem to be stern yet fair. They provided Jimmy with the necessary items for his release and even gave him advice for his future. However, it’s also worth noting that the clothes provided were ill-fitting, which might suggest a lack of personal attention or resources. Overall, the prison officials appear to fulfil their duties in maintaining law and order, while also showing a degree of care towards the inmates’ rehabilitation. This is evident from the warden’s advice to Jimmy to lead an honest life post-release.

 

"That child - she can't stand it long in there"- Who is referred to here? why was she in danger? How was she saved?

The child referred to in the quote is Agatha, the daughter of Annabel’s married sister.

Agatha was in danger because she was accidentally locked in a vault by May, a nine-year-old girl who was playing with the vault’s controls. The vault’s clock had not been wound nor the combination set, and there was not enough air inside. According to Mr. Adams, there was no one nearby who could open the door, putting Agatha’s life at risk.

Agatha was saved by Jimmy Valentine. Despite knowing that it would reveal his true criminal identity, Jimmy used his safecracking skills to open the vault door. He managed to unlock the vault in ten minutes, breaking his own record, and saved Agatha1. This act of bravery marked his complete transformation and commitment to his new life.

 

Who was Jimmy Valentine? At what point in the story does he become Ralph D. Spencer?

Jimmy Valentine is the protagonist of O. Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”. He is a professional safecracker who, after being released from prison, continues his career in burglary.

However, his life takes a significant turn when he moves to the town of Elmore. Here, he falls in love with Annabel Adams, the daughter of a local bank owner. His love for Annabel inspires him to give up his life of crime.

At this point in the story, Jimmy Valentine adopts the alias of Ralph D. Spencer3. He chooses this name arbitrarily and starts a new life as an honest shoe salesman4. This transformation marks the “retrieved reformation” referred to in the title of the story.

 

Who was Ben Price? How did he conclude that Jimmy had resumed burglary again? What did he decide next?

Ben Price is a renowned detective in the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry1. He is portrayed as the epitome of morality and hard work, serving as a foil to Jimmy Valentine’s criminal lifestyle. He is attentive, pays attention to minute details, and is relentless in his pursuit of criminals.

After Jimmy Valentine’s release from prison, several cases of burglary were reported. By investigating the manner and method of these burglaries, Ben Price concluded that Jimmy had resumed his life of crime. The burglaries bore the unmistakable mark of Jimmy’s handiwork, leading Price to this conclusion.

Upon realizing that Jimmy had returned to his criminal ways, Ben Price decided to track him down. His pursuit led him to Elmore, where he found Jimmy living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer. However, after witnessing Jimmy’s selfless act of saving a little girl locked in a vault at the risk of revealing his past life, Ben Price acknowledged Jimmy’s reformation.

In a surprising turn of events, when Jimmy surrendered himself, Ben Price pretended not to recognize him and let him go. This decision shows that Ben Price was not only a good detective but also a good judge of character. He recognized Jimmy’s sincere transformation and allowed him to continue leading an honest life.

 

What did jimmy Write to his friend? Why does he write so?

Jimmy Valentine wrote a letter to his old friend after he had decided to give up his life of crime. In the letter, he informed his friend about his new life in Elmore, where he was living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer. He also mentioned that he was engaged to Annabel Adams and was leading a successful and honest life.

The main purpose of the letter was to arrange a meeting with his friend at a place called Old Rock. The reason for this meeting was to hand over his kit of safecracking tools, which he no longer needed. This act symbolized Jimmy’s commitment to his new life and his decision to permanently abandon his criminal past. His love for Annabel had inspired this transformation, and he wanted to ensure that there were no remnants of his past life that could jeopardize his future.

 

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What is the climax of the story, 'Jimmy Valentine'? How does the climax come to a conclusion?

The climax of the story “A Retrieved Reformation” occurs when a child, Agatha, accidentally gets locked in a vault. The situation is dire as the vault’s clock had not been wound nor the combination set, and there was not enough air inside. Jimmy Valentine, who has been living an honest life under the alias Ralph D. Spencer, is faced with a dilemma. He can either reveal his past as a safecracker to save the child or maintain his new identity but risk the child’s life.

Jimmy chooses to save Agatha. He uses his safecracking skills to open the vault, thereby revealing his true identity. This act of bravery and selflessness marks the climax of the story.

The climax concludes when Ben Price, the detective who had been pursuing Jimmy, arrives at the scene. Despite Jimmy’s readiness to be arrested, Ben Price, noticing the change in Jimmy, intentionally refuses to identify him. This surprising turn of events allows Jimmy to continue leading his reformed life. The climax thus resolves with an unexpected act of mercy and understanding from Ben Price, underscoring the theme of redemption and transformation in the story.

 

What evidence of Jimmy's change is found in the story, Jimmy Valentine'?

Several pieces of evidence in the story “A Retrieved Reformation” highlight Jimmy Valentine’s transformation:

Change in Profession: After moving to Elmore, Jimmy abandons his life of crime and starts a new, honest career as a shoe salesman.

Change in Identity: Jimmy adopts a new identity, Ralph D. Spencer, to distance himself from his criminal past.

Engagement to Annabel Adams: His love for Annabel Adams, the banker’s daughter, is a significant factor in his transformation. His engagement to her symbolizes his commitment to leading an honest life.

Disposal of Safecracking Tools: In a letter to his friend, Jimmy arranges to hand over his safecracking tools, symbolizing his decision to abandon his criminal past.

Act of Bravery and Selflessness: The ultimate evidence of Jimmy’s change is when he risks revealing his past by using his safecracking skills to save Agatha, who was accidentally locked in a vault. This act of bravery and selflessness marks his complete transformation.

These instances collectively provide evidence of Jimmy Valentine’s transformation from a professional safecracker to a reformed individual leading an honest life.

 

"The frightened child, unharmed, fell into her mother's arms" - Who was the child? Why was the child frightened? How did the child fall into her mother's arms unharmed?

The child referred to in this quote is Agatha, the daughter of Annabel’s married sister.

Agatha was frightened because she was accidentally locked in a vault by May, a nine-year-old girl who was playing with the vault’s controls. The vault’s clock had not been wound nor the combination set, and there was not enough air inside. According to Mr. Adams, there was not a man nearer than Little Rock who could open that door, putting Agatha’s life at risk.

Agatha fell into her mother’s arms unharmed because of Jimmy Valentine’s brave act. Despite knowing that it would reveal his true identity, Jimmy used his safecracking skills to open the vault. He managed to unlock the vault in ten minutes, breaking his own record, and saved Agatha1. This act of bravery marked his complete transformation and commitment to his new life.

 

Who was Miss Annabel Adams? How did Jimmy come to know about the lady? What impression did Miss Adams have on Jimmy?

Miss Annabel Adams is a character from O. Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”. She is the daughter of Mr. Adams, the owner of The Elmore Bank.

Jimmy Valentine first sees Annabel outside her father’s bank while he is casing potential safes1. He was in Elmore with the intention of robbing the town bank, but upon seeing Annabel, he immediately falls in love with her.

Annabel made a profound impression on Jimmy. Her beauty and innocence captivated him, leading him to denounce his life of crime. He was so smitten by her that he decided to transform himself into a good, honest citizen. He even established himself as a successful shoe-businessman to win her heart. Thus, Annabel played a crucial role in Jimmy’s transformation and his decision to lead an honest life.

 

Why did Jimmy think about going into the shoe business/ How did he establish himself in Europe? What did Jimmy Valentine write to his friend

Jimmy Valentine, after falling in love with Annabel Adams, decided to give up his life of crime and start afresh. He learned from a conversation with the hotel clerk that Elmore did not have a shoe store and that business was good in the town. Seeing this as an opportunity, he decided to go into the shoe business.

However, there seems to be a misunderstanding in your question. The story does not mention Jimmy Valentine establishing himself in Europe. He established himself in Elmore, Arkansas, under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer.

After his success in Elmore, Jimmy wrote a letter to his old friend. In the letter, he informed his friend about his new life and arranged a meeting at a place called Old Rock. The purpose of this meeting was to hand over his kit of safecracking tools, which he no longer needed1. This act symbolized Jimmy’s commitment to his new life and his decision to permanently abandon his criminal past.

 

Who was Ben Price? Why did he pretend not to know Jimmy Valentine? Was he correct in his decision?

Ben Price is a renowned detective in the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry. He is portrayed as the epitome of morality and hard work, serving as a foil to Jimmy Valentine’s criminal lifestyle. He is attentive, pays attention to minute details, and is relentless in his pursuit of criminals.

After Jimmy Valentine’s release from prison, several cases of burglary were reported. By investigating the manner and method of these burglaries, Ben Price concluded that Jimmy had resumed his life of crime. His pursuit led him to Elmore, where he found Jimmy living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer.

However, after witnessing Jimmy’s selfless act of saving a little girl locked in a vault at the risk of revealing his past life, Ben Price acknowledged Jimmy’s reformation. When Jimmy surrendered himself, Ben Price pretended not to recognize him and let him go. This decision shows that Ben Price was not only a good detective but also a good judge of character. He recognized Jimmy’s sincere transformation and allowed him to continue leading an honest life.

As for whether he was correct in his decision, it’s subjective and depends on one’s perspective. From a legal standpoint, he let a criminal go free. However, from a moral standpoint, he acknowledged Jimmy’s genuine transformation and gave him a second chance at life. This act underscores the theme of redemption and transformation in the story.

 

"I wouldn't do another crooked thing for the whole life" - Who is the person referred to here as 'I'? To whom did he makes such a promise and when? Was he able to keep his promise?

The person referred to as ‘I’ in the quote is Jimmy Valentine, the protagonist of O. Henry’s short story "A Retrieved Reformation".

However, I couldn’t find the exact quote you mentioned in the story. It’s possible that there might be some variations in different versions of the story. But based on the context of the story, it can be inferred that such a promise would likely be made by Jimmy Valentine after his transformation into Ralph D. Spencer, when he decided to lead an honest life.

As for whether he was able to keep his promise, yes, he did. Despite being faced with a situation where he could have easily returned to his life of crime, Jimmy chose to risk revealing his past to save a child locked in a vault. This act of bravery and selflessness marked his complete transformation and commitment to his new life. So, it can be said that he kept his promise of not doing another ‘crooked thing’ for the rest of his life.

 

"Can't you do something Ralph- try won't you?" - Who implored Ralph in such a manner? What was the occasion? What was the immediate reaction of Ralph to this appeal? What did he do then?

The person who implored Ralph (Jimmy Valentine’s alias) in such a manner was Annabel Adams. The occasion was a dire situation where Annabel’s niece, Agatha, had accidentally locked herself in a vault. There was not enough air inside the vault, and the child’s life was at risk.

Upon hearing this appeal, Ralph (Jimmy Valentine) was faced with a dilemma. He could either reveal his past as a safecracker to save the child or maintain his new identity but risk the child’s life.

Choosing to save Agatha, Jimmy decided to use his safecracking skills to open the vault, thereby revealing his true identity. He managed to unlock the vault in ten minutes, breaking his own record, and saved Agatha. This act of bravery and selflessness marked his complete transformation and commitment to his new life.

 

Mr. Ralph Spencer, the phoenix that arose from Jimmy Valentine's ashes." - Write a note on phoenix? Why does the author compare Jimmy Valentine to phoenix?

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that symbolizes rebirth, strength, and perseverance. It is said to live for centuries before bursting into flames and then rising from the ashes, reborn and renewed. This cycle will repeat forever, making it a strong symbol of resurrection, eternal life, endurance, and immortality. The Phoenix is a powerful and enduring symbol that has captivated the imaginations of people around the world for centuries.

Jimmy Valentine is compared to a Phoenix because his transformation mirrors the life cycle of the Phoenix. Just like the Phoenix rises from its ashes, Jimmy rises from his criminal past to lead an honest life. After falling in love with Annabel Adams, he decides to leave his life of crime and starts a new life as Ralph D. Spencer. Thus, Jimmy’s old identity as a criminal is reduced to ashes, and a new identity as an honest businessman arises from it. This comparison underscores the theme of redemption and transformation in the story. It highlights Jimmy’s ability to change and start anew, just like the Phoenix.

 

That Dandy Jim Valentine's autograph." - Who makes this comment? who is Dandy Jim Valentine? What does the speaker mean through this remark?

The comment “That’s Dandy Jim Valentine’s autograph” is made by Ben Price, a renowned detective.

“Dandy Jim Valentine” is another name for Jimmy Valentine, the protagonist of O. Henry’s short story "A Retrieved Reformation". The term “dandy” often refers to a man who is excessively concerned about his clothes and appearance, implying that Jimmy Valentine was known for his style and sophistication.

 

When Ben Price says “That’s Dandy Jim Valentine’s autograph”, he is referring to the unique method of safecracking that Jimmy Valentine used. He recognizes the ‘autograph’ as the unmistakable mark of Jimmy’s handiwork in the burglaries. This remark indicates that Ben Price has deduced that Jimmy Valentine has resumed his life of crime.

 

"A remarkable similarity in the methods of the burglaries was noticed" - In how many cases of burglary was Valentine involved after his release from jail? Describe how he cracked the safes at different places. Which similarities was observed in the method of action?

After his release from jail, Jimmy Valentine was involved in three cases of burglary at Richmond, Logansport, and Jefferson City.

As for how he cracked the safes, Jimmy used a unique set of burglary tools that he had designed himself. These tools were made of specially tempered steel and included drills, punches, braces, and clamps. Using these tools, Jimmy was able to spoil the mechanism of the vaults, throw back the bolts, and open the steel doors.

The similarities observed in the method of action were likely due to the unique and distinctive way Jimmy used his tools to crack the safes. His methods were so distinctive that they served as his ‘autograph’, allowing detective Ben Price to identify his handiwork. This led Ben Price to conclude that Jimmy had resumed his life of crime5. However, it’s important to note that the exact similarities in the methods are not explicitly described in the story.

 

" He will do his bit next time without any short time or clemency? foolishness." - Who makes this comment and about whom? What message does the person intend to convey through this remark?

The comment “He will do his bit next time without any short time or clemency foolishness” is made by Ben Price, a renowned detective. He makes this comment about Jimmy Valentine.

By saying this, Ben Price is expressing his confidence that if Jimmy Valentine were to be caught again, he would serve his full term in jail without any reduction in sentence or pardon. The term ‘bit’ was used during O. Henry’s time (around 1900) to mean legal punishment. The phrase “short time or clemency foolishness” refers to the practice of reducing a prisoner’s sentence or showing them mercy, which Ben Price views as a mistake that should not be repeated. In essence, Ben Price is conveying his belief that Jimmy Valentine, if caught again, should face the full consequences of his actions without any leniency.

 

Describe the contents of Jimmy Valentine's suitcase. Why do you think he gazes fondly at them?

Jimmy Valentine’s suitcase contained a set of state-of-the-art burglars tools. These tools were made of specially tempered steel and included the latest designs in drills, punches, braces and bits, jimmies, clamps, and augers. Some of these tools were even invented by Jimmy himself. The tools were so unique and valuable that they cost him over nine hundred dollars to have made.

As for why he gazed fondly at them, it could be because these tools were not just instruments for his profession, but also a testament to his skill and ingenuity. They represented a significant part of his past life as a safecracker. Moreover, after being separated from these tools for ten months while in prison, seeing them again might have brought back memories. However, it’s also worth noting that as he transformed into a reformed individual, these tools became a symbol of his past that he was ready to leave behind.

 

How many safes were cracked and where cracked? How much amount was stolen from those places? Who did this job? What did he do then?

After his release from prison, Jimmy Valentine was involved in three cases of burglary1. The safes were cracked at the following locations: Richmond, Logansport and Jefferson City.

The total amount stolen from these places was as follows:

Richmond: $800, Logansport: $1500, Jefferson City: $5000

Jimmy Valentine, a professional safecracker, was the one who committed these burglaries. After these incidents, he moved to Elmore, Arkansas, where he fell in love with Annabel Adams and decided to give up his life of crime. He started a new life under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer and opened a successful shoe store.

 

" Sorry we could not make it sooner." - Who said this to whom? What could not be made sooner and why?

The statement “Sorry we could not make it sooner” is made by Mike Dolan, Jimmy Valentine’s friend1. He says this to Jimmy Valentine.

Mike Dolan was apologizing because he could not arrange for Jimmy’s release from jail earlier. The reasons for the delay are not explicitly mentioned in the story, but it could be due to the legal procedures and formalities associated with securing a prisoner’s release.

 

"That began to interest the rogue catchers." - Who were rogue catchers? What began the interest of rogue catchers? Who came in front to solve the matter?

In the context of the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry, the term “rogue catchers” refers to detectives or law enforcement officers who are tasked with catching criminals or 'rogues’.

The interest of the rogue catchers, specifically detective Ben Price, was piqued by a series of high-profile safe burglaries. These burglaries occurred in Richmond, Logansport, and Jefferson City. The unique and distinctive method used to crack the safes led Ben Price to conclude that they were the work of Jimmy Valentine.

 

Detective Ben Price came forward to solve the matter. He recognized the ‘autograph’ as the unmistakable mark of Jimmy’s handiwork in the burglaries4. This led him to conclude that Jimmy Valentine had resumed his life of crime.

 

" Ben Price knew Jimmy's habits." - What were Jimmy's habits?

Jimmy Valentine had certain habits that made him a successful burglar12. These habits were well-known to Ben Price, the detective who had been tracking him. Here are some of Jimmy’s habits:

Long Jumps: Jimmy was known for making long jumps, which likely refers to his tendency to travel long distances between his crimes. This made it harder for the authorities to track him.

Quick Get-aways: After committing a burglary, Jimmy would make a quick escape, leaving little time for anyone to catch him.

No Confederates: Jimmy worked alone and did not have any partners in crime. This reduced the risk of information leaks and increased his chances of evading capture.

Taste for Good Society: Jimmy had a preference for high society, which is where he often targeted his burglaries.

These habits helped Jimmy become noted as a successful dodger of retribution12.

 

"..... looked into her eyes, forgot what he was and became another man."  - Who looked into whose eyes? Explain the line.

The person who looked into someone’s eyes is Jimmy Valentine12. He looked into the eyes of Annabel Adams.

This line signifies a pivotal moment in the story. When Jimmy Valentine looked into Annabel Adams’ eyes, he was so captivated by her that he forgot his past as a safecracker. In that moment, he decided to become “another man”, leaving behind his criminal past and transforming into Ralph D. Spencer, an honest and respectable citizen12. This moment marked the beginning of his "retrieved reformation".

 

Write the letter written by Jimmy to his old Pal, Billy.

Here’s a recreation of the letter that Jimmy Valentine might have written to his old friend, Billy:

 

He hopes this letter finds him in good health. It's been a while since they last spoke, and a lot has changed in his life. He is living in Elmore, Arkansas, under the name Ralph D. Spencer.  He has started a successful shoe business and is engaged to a wonderful woman named Annabel Adams.

He is writing to him because he has decided to give up his old ways for good. He wants to meet him at Sullivan's Place in Little Rock next Wednesday night at nine o'clock]. He has something important to give him - his kit of tools. These tools, which were once his lifeline, are now a symbol of a past he wishes to leave behind

Please take care of these tools for him. They are impossible for anybody else to replicate. I no longer need them as he has chosen to live an honest life.

Looking forward to seeing you.

 

Best,

Jimmy Valentine

 

"With that act Ralph D, spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place." What is the context of the line, explain?

The line “With that act Ralph D, Spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place” is from O. Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”. It refers to a pivotal moment in the story when Jimmy Valentine, living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer, is faced with a moral dilemma.

A child named Agatha accidentally gets locked in a vault, and her life is at risk. Jimmy, who has been leading an honest life as Ralph D. Spencer, has the skills to open the vault but doing so would reveal his past as a safecracker.

Choosing to save Agatha, Jimmy decides to use his safecracking skills to open the vault. With this act, he sheds his alias of Ralph D. Spencer and reverts to being Jimmy Valentine. This moment signifies his complete transformation from a criminal to a hero. It’s a turning point in the story that underscores the theme of redemption and transformation.

 

“I don't know that it makes much difference." - What is context of the line, explain it.

The line “I don’t know that it makes much difference, now” is spoken by Jimmy Valentine in O. Henry’s short story "A Retrieved Reformation".

The context of this line is a pivotal moment in the story when Jimmy Valentine, living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer, has just used his safecracking skills to save a child who was accidentally locked in a vault. By doing so, he has revealed his true identity as a safecracker.

Just after this act, Ben Price, the detective who had been pursuing Jimmy, arrives at the scene. Despite Jimmy’s readiness to be arrested for revealing his past, he says to Ben Price, "I don’t know that it makes much difference, now". This statement signifies Jimmy’s acceptance of the consequences of his actions and his willingness to face them for the sake of doing what’s right. He believes that even if he is arrested now, it won’t make much difference because he has already proven his transformation by saving the child.

 

Don't believe I recognize you." - Who said to whom, when and why?

The line “Don’t believe I recognize you” is said by Ben Price. He says this to Jimmy Valentine, who is living under the alias of Ralph D. Spencer. This happens after Jimmy uses his safecracking skills to save a child locked in a vault, thereby revealing his past. Despite Jimmy’s readiness to be arrested, Ben Price pretends not to recognize him and lets him go. This decision shows that Ben Price acknowledges Jimmy’s sincere transformation and allows him to continue leading an honest life.