BOOK - 2
ENGLISH SUPPLEMENTARY READER
(FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET)
CLASS – 10
CHAPTER – 2
THE THIEF’S STORY
Write the meaning of the words given:-
1. Lean- thin
2. Flattery- excessive and insincere praise
3. Modestly- in an unassuming manner; without vanity or arrogance.
4. Employers- a person or organization that employs people.
5. Grunting- make a low, short guttural sound.
6. Appealing- attractive or interesting
7. Misjudged- form a wrong opinion or conclusion about.
8. Terrible- extremely bad or serious.
9. Patted- touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand.
10. Supplies- a stock or amount of something supplied or available for use.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question [Link] did Hari Singh approach Anil?
Answer:
Hari Singh was a thief who had not much luck in his work recently. So he approached Anil with the intention of
robbing him, as he seemed to be an easygoing and simple man. According to Hari, winning Anil’s confidence
was an easy task.
Question [Link] walked away. I followed casually’. Why do you think the narrator followed Anil?
Answer:
The narrator’s purpose of robbing Anil had not yet been served. He followed Anil to gain his trust and look for
an opportunity that may help him give shape to his plans.
Question [Link] Hari Singh successful in robbing Anil? Was Anil the only one who was robbed or did Hari also
rob himself of something?
Answer:
Yes, Hari Singh was successful in robbing Anil. But Anil was not the only one who was robbed at that time. Hari
had robbed himself as well. He had lost the chance of receiving education and being literate. He had robbed
Anil monetarily but he had robbed himself of the chance for a better and brighter future, which was much
more valuable.
Question [Link] did Anil and Hari agree upon to be the mode of payment?
Answer:
When Anil stated his inability to pay Hari, Anil questioned Hari if he could feed Hari. Hari realised that he had
misjudged his target and moulded the situation for his benefit. Anil then agreed to feed him if he knew how to
cook.
Question 5.
What made Hari Singh go back to Anil’s house?
Answer:
Hari Singh realised the importance of education he was receiving from Anil. He knew that learning how to read
and write and being a literate person would open doors to many opportunities. He was sure that he would
then be able to earn more than a few hundred rupees he had in hand at that time. This made him go back to
Anil.
Question 6.
Did Hari like working for Anil? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Answer:
Yes, Hari liked working for Anil. He was happy to carry on the chores for him and was grateful for the
education he was receiving. He used to make profit of about a rupee a day as well, which was a decent
amount besides being fed.
Question 7.
Why was it difficult for Hari to rob Anil?
Answer:
It was difficult for Hari to rob Anil because Anil was the most trusting person Hari had ever met. He was really
simple and kind. Hari knew that loss of money will not affect Anil but the loss of trust will make him sad.
Question 8.
State the events that took place on the night of the theft.
Answer:
The night of robbery vitas quite eventful for Hari Singh. After stealing Anil’s money and leaving Anil’s house,
Hari went to the railway station but didn’t board the train to Lucknow. He walked slowly through the bazaar as
he did i ot know anyone who would provide him shelter except Anil, for he didn’t have any friends. He was
forced to take shelter under the clock tower later when it started raining heavily. That is where he realised the
importance of education and decided to go back to Anil.
Question 9.
How was the morning after the night of the theft?
Answer:
The morning after the night of the theft was just like a normal one. Hari woke up late and Anil had made tea
by then. Anil gave a fifty rupee note to Hari and told him that he will now be paid regularly. Hari was aware
that Anil knew about the theft but he didn’t show anything.
Question 10.
How do you think Anil may have come to know about the theft?
Answer:
Anil may have come to know about the theft because of the dampness of the notes because of rain. He was a
kind but wise .man. It wouldn’t haye been difficult for Anil to make out the series of events that would have
taken place in the night.
Question [Link] Anil really forgiven Hari Singh? Support your answer with evidence.
Answer:
Yes, Anil had forgiven Hari Singh. It is evident because Anil handed over to Hari a fifty rupee note as soon as
Hari woke up. Though he knew that Hari had robbed the money at first but his subsequent actions gave him
hope of change in Hari’s character.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Money can’t make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement.
Answer:
The statement stands true in almost all the aspects of life. Money may buy us all the luxuries and fulfil our
needs but it cannot buy us knowledge, civilised thinking, skills and abilities to achieve our dreams. Education
lays the platform for all to act upon our goals according to our abilities. Education enables us to keep up with
the fast moving world. It opens the door to opportunities we do not know even exist. Money, on the other
hand, can assist us to a certain level. It can buy us a plan but education gives us the knowledge of its
execution. Just as in the story ‘A Thief s Story’, Hari Singh prioritised the chance of being literate over a few
hundred rupees, we must understand that education can help us to achieve whatever we desire.
Question 2.
Hari Singh didn’t board the express and returned to Anil. Why did he return? On what values does this
incidence put light on?
Answer:
Hari Singh was a thief and he had stolen Anil’s money. After the theft, he realised that he had robbed not only
Anil but also himself of the chance of being literate and having a bright future. His conscience pricked him to
think what all he could have got had he not done this. It was difficult for him to rob Anil but it was tougher for
him not to back. He realised that he could not make tea, buy daily supplies and learn how to read and write
then. His inner self did not agree to bypass this and forced him to return.
Hari’s return to Anil shows that despite indulging in criminal acts, he still had a practical and positive attitude
towards life. It is the awakening of Hari’s conscience and Anil’s love and care that reformed Hari’s character. It
teaches us that love alone can change a person. Anil’s understanding nature and care changed Hari’s thinking
to mend his ways for good.
