Here are a few idioms that you will find in the story. Look for them in the dictionary in the following way.

First, arrange them in the order in which you would find them in a dictionary.

(Clue: An idiom is usually listed under the first noun, verb, adjective or adverb in it. Ignore articles or prepositions in the idiom).

To help you, we have put in bold the word under which you must look for the idiom in the dictionary.)

(i) at/from close quarters	(close: adjective)
(ii) break into a smile	(break: verb; look under ‘break into something’)
(iii) carry on	(carry: verb)
(iv) have a clean record	(you may find related meanings under both these words)
(v) beat about the bush	(verb)

Now refer to your dictionary and find out what they mean.

 

What did Mr Mukerji say? Did it comfort Bepin Babu, or add to his worries?

Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?

Why was Dr Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu's loss of memory?

Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?

Why do you think Chunilal did what he did? Chunilal says he has no money; what is it that he does have?

The author describes Bepin Babu as a serious and hardworking man. What evidence can you find in the story to support this?

Why did Bepin Babu change his mind about meeting Chunilal? What was the result of this meeting?

Bepin Babu lost consciousness at Hudroo Falls. What do you think was the reason for this?

How do you think Bepin Babu reacted when he found out that Chunilal had tricked him?

Look at these two sentences.

A) He had to buy at least five books to last him through the week.

B) Bepin had to ask Chuni to leave.

Had to is used to show that it was very important or necessary for Bepin Babu to do something. He had no choice. We can also use ‘have to’/ ‘has to’ in the same way.