🧍 Chapter 2 – The Thief’s Story --✍️ By Ruskin Bond (Footprints without feet)

📝 Summary

This story is about a young thief (narrator) who changes his life because of the kindness shown to him by a simple man named Anil.

The thief is just 15 years old. He lies to Anil to get work and is given shelter and food. Anil teaches him how to cook and write. One day, the thief steals 600 rupees from Anil and runs away. But his conscience troubles him.

He realizes that if he runs away, he will lose the chance to become educated and a better man. He returns to Anil, quietly puts the money back, and decides to change his life.

Anil knows the truth but says nothing. He only gives the boy a new note the next morning and continues treating him kindly.

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👥 Characters

🧒 The Narrator (Thief)

• Young, clever, liar

• Learns from experience

• Finally reforms himself

👨 Anil

• Kind, simple, trusting

• Educates the thief

• Forgives silently

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💡 Themes

• 🧠 Trust and betrayal

• ❤️ Power of kindness

• 🔁 Chance for change

• ✍️ Importance of education

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🧠 Word Meanings

Word	Meaning
Modest	Simple, not showy
Grunting	Making low sounds
Flattery	False praise
Unlined face	Young face
Conscience	Inner sense of right/wrong

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❓ Extra Questions & Answers

Q1. Why did the thief choose Anil as his target?
👉 Anil looked simple and kind. The thief thought he would be easy to fool.

Q2. What was the thief’s real intention?
👉 He wanted to steal money, but later realized the value of trust and education.

Q3. What made the thief return to Anil?
👉 His conscience and desire to change made him return the stolen money.

Q4. How did Anil react to the returned money?
👉 He said nothing but showed he knew by giving a new note, showing forgiveness.

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📌 Moral of the Story

👉 A small act of kindness can change someone’s life.
👉 Education and trust are more valuable than money.

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💬 Famous Line from the Story

“It was a simple matter to steal – and sometimes, just as simple to be caught.”