Question

. Why does Soapy want to be arrested by a cop?. Why does Soapy want to be arrested by a cop?

Answer 1

It sounds like Soapy really means it, he really wants to change his life. ... Like a genie in a bottle, the cop delivers the wish Soapy makes at the beginning of the story—to be arrested so he can spend the winter in jail.

Answer 2

Soapy decides to change his life. But before he can do so, a cop arrests him just because he is hanging around outside the church.