Hello, my dear students! Welcome to today's English lesson. I'm so happy to see you all here, ready to learn something new and interesting. Today, we are going to study a very beautiful and thought-provoking chapter from your NCERT textbook Footprints Without Feet. This is Chapter 2, titled "The Thief's Story," written by the famous author Ruskin Bond. Now, before we begin reading the story, let me tell you a little bit about Ruskin Bond. He is one of India's most loved authors, especially known for his simple and heartwarming stories about life in India, particularly in the hills of Uttarakhand. He has written many short stories and novels that are part of school textbooks, and his writing style is very easy to understand yet carries deep meaning. Now, let's dive into the story itself.
The story "The Thief's Story" is about a young boy who is a thief by profession. He is only fifteen years old but has already been working as a thief for quite some time. He meets a young man named Anil, who is about twenty-five years old, and tries to befriend him with the intention of robbing him eventually. However, as the story progresses, something unexpected happens that changes the thief's perspective on life, trust, and education. It's a story about redemption, trust, and the transformative power of kindness. So let's read through the story carefully and understand each part of it.
The story begins with the narrator introducing himself. He says, "I was still a thief when I met Anil. And though only 15, I was an experienced and fairly successful hand." Now, students, notice how the narrator refers to himself as "I" throughout the story. This is important because the entire story is told from the first-person perspective of the thief himself. So when the "Read and Find Out" question asks "Who does 'I' refer to in this story?", the answer is that 'I' refers to Hari Singh, the young thief. He tells us that he is only fifteen years old but has already been stealing for some time and has become quite skilled at it. The phrase "a fairly successful hand" means that he is quite good at stealing, perhaps not the best, but successful enough to survive.
Now, let's move to the next part. The thief approaches Anil at a wrestling match. Anil is described as "about 25 — a tall, lean fellow — and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose." The thief says he hadn't had much luck lately and thought he might be able to get into the young man's confidence. This shows that the thief is looking for an easy target, someone who seems trusting and simple-minded. He uses flattery, saying "You look a bit of a wrestler yourself," and when Anil replies with "So do you," the thief is momentarily put off because he is rather thin at that time. But he recovers quickly and says modestly, "I do wrestle a bit." This shows that the thief is good at making conversation and can adapt to situations quickly.
When Anil asks for his name, the thief lies and says "Hari Singh." He explains, "I took a new name every month. That kept me ahead of the police and my former employers." This is a very important detail. It shows that the thief has been stealing for a while and has had multiple employers in the past from whom he has stolen. Changing his name regularly helps him avoid getting caught by the police or being recognized by his former victims.
After this introduction, Anil talks about the wrestling match, but the thief "didn't have much to say." Anil walks away, and the thief follows him casually. When Anil says "Hello again," the thief gives him an appealing smile and says, "I want to work for you." Anil says he cannot pay the thief. The thief thinks for a minute, wondering if he has misjudged his man, and then asks if Anil can feed him. When Anil asks if he can cook, the thief lies again and says "I can cook." This is the second lie the thief tells. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get close to Anil and eventually rob him.
Anil agrees to take the thief to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and tells him he can sleep on the balcony. But the meal the thief cooks that night is terrible — "must have been terrible" because Anil gives it to a stray dog and tells the thief to be off. However, the thief just hangs around, smiling in his most appealing way, and Anil cannot help laughing. Then, Anil pats the thief on the head and says never mind, he would teach him to cook. He also teaches the thief to write his name and says he would soon teach him to write whole sentences and to add numbers. The thief is grateful. He thinks, "I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve."
Now, students, let's pause here and think about the "Read and Find Out" question: "What is he 'a fairly successful hand' at?" The answer is that he is a fairly successful hand at stealing. He is an experienced thief who has been stealing for some time and is good at it.
The next question is: "What does he get from Anil in return for his work?" He gets food and shelter. Anil feeds him and lets him sleep on the balcony. He also teaches him to cook, write his name, and eventually to write whole sentences and do arithmetic. So in return for his work, the thief gets meals, a place to stay, and an education — things that are extremely valuable for someone like him who has likely been living on the streets.
Now, let's continue with the story. It says, "It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the morning and then would take my time buying the day's supplies, usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind." This is interesting. The thief is cheating Anil by making a profit on the shopping, but Anil seems to be aware of it and doesn't mind. This shows that Anil is a very trusting and easy-going person. He would rather let the thief make a small profit than confront him or fire him.
The story then tells us about Anil's profession. "Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as soon as it arrived he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote for magazines — a queer way to make a living!" So Anil is a writer, someone who writes for magazines. He earns money irregularly, sometimes borrowing, sometimes lending, and when he gets his cheque, he celebrates by spending it. This is important because it shows that Anil is not wealthy; he is actually struggling financially. Yet, he is kind enough to take in a stranger and offer him food and shelter.
One evening, Anil comes home with a small bundle of notes, saying he has just sold a book to a publisher. At night, the thief sees him tuck the money under the mattress. This is the moment the thief has been waiting for. He now knows where Anil keeps his money, and he sees an opportunity to steal it.
The thief says, "I had been working for Anil for almost a month and, apart from cheating on the shopping, had not done anything in my line of work. I had every opportunity for doing so. Anil had given me a key to the door, and I could come and go as he pleased. He was the most trusting person I had ever met." This is a crucial point. Anil has given the thief a key to his room, trusting him completely. The thief realizes that Anil is the most trusting person he has ever met, and that makes it difficult to rob him.
The thief thinks, "And that is why it was so difficult to rob him. It's easy to rob a greedy man, because he can afford to be robbed; but it's difficult to rob a careless man — sometimes he doesn't even notice he's been robbed and that takes all the pleasure out of the work." This is a very insightful observation. The thief realizes that robbing a greedy person is easier because they can afford the loss, and they might not even care much about the money. But robbing a careless, trusting person is difficult because it takes away the pleasure of the work, and the thief might feel guilty.
However, the thief decides it's time to do some real work. He thinks, "Well, it's time I did some real work, I told myself; I'm out of practice. And if I don't take the money, he'll only waste it on his friends. After all, he doesn't even pay me." This shows the thief's justification for stealing. He tells himself that he needs to practice his skills, that Anil would waste the money on his friends anyway, and that Anil doesn't pay him for his work. These are all excuses to make himself feel better about stealing from someone who has been kind to him.
Now, let's look at the "Read and Find Out" questions for this section. First: "How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft?" The thief thinks that Anil might not even notice the theft because he is a careless, trusting person. He also thinks that if Anil does notice, he might just feel a touch of sadness, not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.
Second: "What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed?" The thief says that the greedy man shows fear, the rich man shows anger, and the poor man shows acceptance. But he knows that Anil's face, when he discovers the theft, would show only a touch of sadness — not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust. This shows that the thief understands human nature very well, having studied men's faces when they have lost their goods.
Third: "Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?" At this point in the story, the thief hasn't stolen the money yet. But later in the story, we will see that Anil does realize he has been robbed, but he doesn't show it outwardly.
Now, let's continue with the story. The thief waits until Anil is asleep. "Anil was asleep. A beam of moonlight stepped over the balcony and fell on the bed. I sat up on the floor, considering the situation. If I took the money, I could catch the 10.30 Express to Lucknow." The thief plans to steal the money and escape to Lucknow by the 10.30 Express train.
He slips out of the blanket, creeps up to the bed, and finds Anil sleeping peacefully. "His face was clear and unlined; even I had more marks on my face, though mine were mostly scars." This is a beautiful description. Anil's face is "clear and unlined," meaning it shows no signs of worry or anxiety. The thief, despite being younger, has more marks on his face, mostly scars from his rough life as a thief. This contrast highlights the innocence and purity of Anil compared to the hardened, scarred life of the thief.
The thief's hand slides under the mattress, searching for the notes. He finds them and draws them out without a sound. "Anil sighed in his sleep and turned on his side, towards me. I was startled and quickly crawled out of the room." The thief is startled when Anil turns towards him, but he manages to escape without being caught.
Now, let's move to what happens after the theft. "When I was on the road, I began to run. I had the notes at my waist, held there by the string of my pyjamas. I slowed down to a walk and counted the notes: 600 rupees in fifties! I could live like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two." The thief has stolen 600 rupees in fifty-rupee notes. He thinks he can live like a rich person for a week or two. This shows his short-term thinking. He doesn't think about the long-term consequences of his actions.
"When I reached the station I did not stop at the ticket office (I had never bought a ticket in my life) but dashed straight to the platform. The Lucknow Express was just moving out. The train had still to pick up speed and I should have been able to jump into one of the carriages, but I hesitated — for some reason I can't explain — and I lost the chance to get away." This is a very important moment. The thief hesitates for some reason he cannot explain, and he loses the chance to escape. This hesitation is the turning point of the story. It shows that somewhere deep inside, the thief is not fully convinced about what he has done. He has feelings of guilt, even if he doesn't admit it to himself.
"When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform. I had no idea where to spend the night. I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble than help. And I did not want to make anyone curious by staying at one of the small hotels near the station. The only person I knew really well was the man I had robbed." The thief realizes that he has no friends, no place to go, and the only person he knows well is the man he has robbed. This is a very lonely and frightening situation.
"Leaving the station, I walked slowly through the bazaar." The thief walks through the bazaar, thinking about what he has done and what he should do next.
Then, the thief reflects on his experience with victims. "In my short career as a thief, I had made a study of men's faces when they had lost their goods. The greedy man showed fear; the rich man showed anger; the poor man showed acceptance. But I knew that Anil's face, when he discovered the theft, would show only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust." This is a profound realization. The thief understands that Anil cares more about trust than about money. This makes him feel even more guilty.
Now, let's look at what happens next. "I found myself in the maidan and sat down on a bench. The night was chilly — it was early November — and a light drizzle added to my discomfort. Soon it was raining quite heavily. My shirt and pyjamas stuck to my skin, and a cold wind blew the rain across my face." The thief is sitting in the maidan, a park or open ground, in the rain. He is cold, wet, and miserable. This is a turning point in the story. He is experiencing the consequences of his actions, not just physically but also emotionally.
"I went back to the bazaar and sat down in the shelter of the clock tower. The clock showed midnight. I felt for the notes. They were damp from the rain." The thief is now sitting under the clock tower, and he realizes that the money is damp from the rain. This is a symbolic moment. The money, which he thought would bring him happiness, is now wet and worthless, just like his plans.
"Anil's money. In the morning he would probably have given me two or three rupees to go to the cinema, but now I had it all. I couldn't cook his meals, run to the bazaar or learn to write whole sentences any more." This is a very important realization. The thief understands that by stealing the money, he has lost more than he has gained. He can no longer cook meals for Anil, run to the bazaar, or learn to write whole sentences. He has lost his job, his home, and his opportunity for education.
"I had forgotten about them in the excitement of the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else." This is the moment of transformation for the thief. He realizes that education is more valuable than stolen money. He understands that while stealing is easy and can bring quick money, it doesn't earn respect. To be a "big man, a clever and respected man," he needs education. This is a profound shift in his thinking.
"I should go back to Anil, I told myself, if only to learn to read and write." The thief decides to go back to Anil, not just to return the money, but to learn to read and write. This shows that he has realized the value of education and wants to change his life.
"I hurried back to the room feeling very nervous, for it is much easier to steal something than to return it undetected." The thief is nervous about returning the money because it's harder to return something than to steal it. This shows that he is stepping out of his comfort zone and doing something that requires courage.
"I opened the door quietly, then stood in the doorway, in clouded moonlight. Anil was still asleep. I crept to the head of the bed, and my hand came up with the notes. I felt his breath on my hand. I remained still for a minute. Then my hand found the edge of the mattress, and slipped under it with the notes." The thief returns the money to where he found it — under the mattress. He is careful not to wake Anil, and he returns the money quietly.
Now, let's see what happens the next morning. "I awoke late next morning to find that Anil had already made the tea. He stretched out his hand towards me. There was a fifty-rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered." The thief wakes up and sees a fifty-rupee note in Anil's hand. He thinks he has been discovered and that Anil is going to confront him about the theft.
But then, Anil says, "I made some money yesterday. Now you'll be paid regularly." This is amazing. Anil is giving the thief a fifty-rupee note as payment, even though he hasn't made any money yesterday. This is a lie, but it's a kind lie. Anil knows that the thief stole the money and returned it, and he is pretending that nothing happened. He is giving the thief a chance to start fresh.
"My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night's rain." The thief takes the note and realizes it is still wet from the rain. This confirms that Anil knows about the theft. The money the thief returned was wet from the rain, and now Anil is giving him a wet fifty-rupee note. This is Anil's way of showing that he knows what happened but is choosing not to confront the thief. He is giving him a second chance.
"Today we'll start writing sentences," he said. Anil knows, but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. The thief smiles at Anil "in my most appealing way. And the smile came by itself, without any effort." This is a beautiful ending. The thief smiles naturally, without any effort, because he is genuinely grateful to Anil for giving him a second chance. Anil, too, smiles back, showing that he trusts the thief and wants to help him become a better person.
Now, let's look at the final "Read and Find Out" question: "Does Anil realise that he has been robbed?" Yes, Anil does realize that he has been robbed. The wet fifty-rupee note is proof of this. But he chooses not to confront the thief or hand him over to the police. Instead, he gives the thief a second chance by pretending that nothing happened and paying him regularly.
Now, students, let's move on to the "Think about it" questions. These are important for your understanding of the story and for your exams.
Question 1: "What are Hari Singh's reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? (Hint: Compare, for example, the thought: 'I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve' with these later thoughts: 'Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.') What makes him return to Anil?"
Let's analyze this carefully. At first, when Anil offers to teach him to write his name and then whole sentences and to add numbers, Hari Singh thinks, "I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve." This shows that he sees education as a means to achieve great things in life. He understands that being educated can open doors that are otherwise closed to him.
However, later, after he steals the money and is sitting in the rain, he thinks, "Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else." This shows a deeper understanding. He realizes that while stealing can bring quick money, it doesn't bring respect. Education, on the other hand, can bring both money and respect in the long run. He wants to be a "big man, a clever and respected man," and he understands that this is only possible through education.
So, yes, his reactions to the prospect of receiving an education do change over time. Initially, he sees it as a means to achieve great things. Later, he sees it as a means to become a respected and successful person, not just in terms of money but also in terms of dignity and respect.
What makes him return to Anil? Several things. First, he realizes that he has made a mistake. Stealing from a kind, trusting person like Anil makes him feel guilty. Second, he realizes that he has no friends, no place to go, and no future if he continues on his path of stealing. Third, and most importantly, he realizes that education is more valuable than stolen money. He wants to learn to read and write, and he knows that Anil is the only person who can teach him. So, he returns to Anil, not just to return the money, but to seek a new life through education.
Question 2: "Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?"
Anil does not hand the thief over to the police because he is a kind, trusting, and forgiving person. He understands that the thief is young and has made a mistake. Instead of punishing him, he gives him a second chance. He knows that the thief has returned the money, and he chooses to overlook the theft and continue to employ him and teach him.
Would most people have done so? Probably not. Most people, when they discover that someone has stolen from them, would be angry and want to punish the thief. They would call the police and hand the thief over to the authorities. But Anil is different. He is not just an employer; he is a mentor and a friend. He believes in the thief's potential to change and become a better person.
Anil is different from other employers in several ways. First, he is very trusting. He gives the thief a key to his room and lets him come and go as he pleases. Second, he is kind and generous. He feeds the thief, gives him a place to stay, and offers to teach him cooking and education. Third, he is forgiving. Instead of punishing the thief for stealing, he gives him a second chance. Fourth, he is understanding. He knows that the thief is young and has had a difficult life, and he wants to help him change.
Now, let's move on to the "Talk about it" questions. These are for discussion and to help you think deeper about the story.
Question 1: "Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?"
This is a great question for discussion. In real life, there are both kinds of people. There are people like Anil who are kind, trusting, and forgiving, and there are people like Hari Singh who are thieves but can change for the better. However, it's important to remember that not all thieves are like Hari Singh. Some people steal out of necessity, while others steal out of greed. And not all employers are like Anil. Some people are not forgiving and would immediately call the police if something was stolen. So, while the story is fictional, it is inspired by real life. There are indeed people who can change, and there are people who are kind enough to give others a second chance.
Question 2: "Do you think it a significant detail in the story that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behaviour in any way?"
Yes, it is a significant detail. Anil being a struggling writer explains several things about his behaviour. First, it explains why he is understanding and patient. Writers are often more empathetic and understanding of human nature. They know that people are complex and can change. Second, it explains why he is not wealthy. He makes money "by fits and starts," which means irregularly. He worries about his next cheque, but when it arrives, he celebrates by spending it. This shows that he is not very good at managing money, which is why he doesn't notice the theft immediately. Third, it explains why he values education. As a writer, he knows the importance of being able to read and write, and that's why he wants to teach Hari Singh. So, yes, the detail that Anil is a struggling writer is very significant and helps explain his behaviour.
Question 3: "Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?"
This is a sensitive question. In real life, there are many children who end up in difficult situations. Some children become thieves because they come from poor families and have no other way to survive. Others might be forced into crime by adults. Still others might turn to crime due to a lack of education or guidance. It's important to remember that not all children who steal are bad; some are just trying to survive in difficult circumstances. The story shows that with the right kind of guidance and support, even a thief can change and become a better person. So, while we may not have met anyone exactly like Hari Singh, we can imagine that circumstances like poverty, lack of education, or family problems can lead a young person to a life of crime.
Question 4: "Where is the story set? (You can get clues from the names of the persons and places mentioned in it.) Which language or languages are spoken in these places? Do you think the characters in the story spoke to each other in English?"
The story is set in India, specifically in a city that seems to be around Delhi or nearby. The mention of the Jumna Sweet Shop and the Lucknow Express suggests that the story is set in North India, possibly in Delhi or a nearby city. The Jumna is another name for the Yamuna River, which flows through Delhi. The Lucknow Express is a train that runs between Delhi and Lucknow. So, the story is likely set in Delhi.
The languages spoken in these places would be Hindi, along with other regional languages like Punjabi, Urdu, and English. As for whether the characters spoke to each other in English, it's unlikely. The story is written in English, but the characters would probably have spoken to each other in Hindi or a local language. However, since Anil is a writer who writes for magazines, he might know English and might even use it sometimes. But the thief, Hari Singh, is uneducated and probably speaks Hindi. So, it's more likely that they communicated in Hindi, even though the story is written in English.
Now, let's look at the glossary terms. These are important for your vocabulary and for understanding the story.
**Flattery:** insincere praise. The thief uses flattery when he first meets Anil, saying "You look a bit of a wrestler yourself." This is not a genuine compliment; it's a way to get close to Anil.
**Modestly:** without boasting; in a humble way. When Anil says "So do you," the thief responds modestly, saying "I do wrestle a bit." This is not true, but he says it in a humble way to seem more believable.
**Grunting:** making low guttural sounds. This refers to the sounds that the wrestlers make when they are lifting and throwing each other.
**Appealing:** attractive. The thief uses his "appealing smile" to win over Anil. He smiles in a way that makes him look innocent and trustworthy.
**Unlined:** (here) showing no sign of worry or anxiety. Anil's face is described as "clear and unlined," meaning he has no wrinkles or marks on his face that show worry or stress. This contrasts with the thief's face, which has scars from his rough life.
Now, students, let's do a quick recap of what we've learned in this chapter. We learned about a young thief named Hari Singh who is fifteen years old and has been stealing for a while. He meets a kind young man named Anil who offers him food, shelter, and education. The thief plans to rob Anil but eventually realizes the value of trust and education. He steals 600 rupees from Anil but feels guilty and returns the money. Anil, knowing about the theft, chooses not to punish the thief but gives him a second chance. The story ends with the thief smiling naturally, showing that he has changed and wants to become a better person.
This story teaches us several important lessons. First, trust and kindness can transform a person. Anil's trust in Hari Singh and his willingness to teach him helped the thief realize the value of education. Second, it's never too late to change. Even after stealing, Hari Singh was able to return the money and start a new life. Third, forgiveness is a powerful virtue. Anil's decision not to hand the thief over to the police shows the power of forgiveness and second chances. Fourth, education is more valuable than stolen money. The thief realizes that being able to read and write can bring him more opportunities and respect than stealing ever could.
Now, let's summarize the answers to all the questions in the chapter.
For the "Read and Find Out" questions:
1. Who does 'I' refer to in this story? 'I' refers to Hari Singh, the young thief who is narrating the story.
2. What is he "a fairly successful hand" at? He is a fairly successful hand at stealing. He is an experienced thief who has been stealing for some time and is good at it.
3. What does he get from Anil in return for his work? He gets food, shelter, and an education. Anil feeds him, lets him sleep on the balcony, and teaches him to cook, write his name, and eventually write whole sentences and do arithmetic.
4. How does the thief think Anil will react to the theft? The thief thinks that Anil might not even notice the theft because he is careless and trusting. If he does notice, he will only feel a touch of sadness, not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.
5. What does he say about the different reactions of people when they are robbed? He says that the greedy man shows fear, the rich man shows anger, and the poor man shows acceptance. But he knows that Anil's face would show only a touch of sadness for the loss of trust.
6. Does Anil realise that he has been robbed? Yes, Anil does realize that he has been robbed. The wet fifty-rupee note that he gives to the thief is proof of this. But he chooses not to confront the thief and gives him a second chance.
For the "Think about it" questions:
1. What are Hari Singh's reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? Yes, his reactions change over time. Initially, he sees education as a means to achieve great things. Later, he sees it as a means to become a respected and successful person. He returns to Anil because he realizes the value of education and wants to change his life.
2. Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers? Anil does not hand the thief over to the police because he is kind, trusting, and forgiving. Most people would not do this. Anil is different because he is patient, understanding, and believes in the thief's potential to change.
For the "Talk about it" questions, we discussed that people like Anil and Hari Singh can be found in real life, that Anil being a struggling writer is significant, that circumstances can turn a young person into a thief, and that the story is set in North India, likely in Delhi, where Hindi and other local languages are spoken.
Now, students, I want you to remember the key messages from this story. First, trust and kindness can change people. Second, it's never too late to make better choices. Third, forgiveness is a powerful virtue. Fourth, education is the key to a better future. And fifth, everyone deserves a second chance.
Thank you for listening to this lesson. I hope you enjoyed learning about "The Thief's Story" as much as I enjoyed teaching it. Remember to read the story again and again to understand it better. And always remember, no matter what mistakes we make, we can always change and become better people. Good luck with your studies, and see you in the next lesson!