After Jimmy leaves prison, he goes back to his normal thieving and safe-cracking ways. The only person who realizes that Jimmy is responsible for this new round of thefts is the detective Price, who uses a simile to explain why he believes Jimmy is to blame:
“That’s Dandy Jim Valentine’s autograph. He’s resumed business. Look at that combination knob—jerked out as easy as pulling up a radish in wet weather. He’s got the only clamps that can do it. And look how clean those tumblers were punched out! Jimmy never has to drill but one hole.”
In this passage, Price describes how the knob on one particular safe was “jerked out as easy as pulling up a radish in wet weather.” Given that radishes are extremely easy to pull up during wet weather (because the soil is loose), this simile captures how skilled Jimmy is at his work. While other thieves are sloppy, Jimmy uses his personalized tool set to quickly and precisely break into other people’s safes.
This moment is notable because, while Price, as a detective, is frustrated with Jimmy’s criminal behavior, he also seems to admire the man for his precision and dedication to his craft. Price’s exclamation, “And look how clean those tumblers were punched out!” indicates an appreciation for Jimmy’s skill and work ethic.
