Question

read the following passage and answer the adjoining questions.
passage
\after twenty years\
by o. henry
(1) the policeman 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 oclock at night, but chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them had well nigh de - peopled the streets.
(2) 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.
(3) when about midway of a certain block the policeman suddenly slowed his walk. in the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. as the policeman walked up to him the man spoke up quickly.
(4) \its all right, officer,\ he said, reassuringly. \im just waiting for a friend. its an
1 what is the meaning of the word intricate as used in paragraph 2?
a plain
b complicated
c forceful
d private

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "intricate" in paragraph 2, we analyze the context: the policeman is twirling his club with "intricate and artful movements". "Intricate" here should relate to the complexity of the movements. Option A (plain) means simple, opposite of what's needed. Option C (forceful) refers to strength, not complexity. Option D (private) is irrelevant. Option B (complicated) fits as intricate movements would be complex or detailed.

Answer:

B. complicated