ICSE Class 9 · English · Treasure Chest
The Boy who Broke the Bank
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for ICSE Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes for Boy (ICSE Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Ruskin Bond (1988, Night Train at Deoli). Nathu, sweeper at Pipalnagar Bank, grumbles about unpaid salary; his words spread as rumour until depositors panic and the bank collapses - though Nathu never meant to break it.
Summary
Nathu, sweeper-boy at Pipalnagar Bank, has not been paid by the 20th. He angrily sweeps the steps and says he will quit once he gets his money.
Nathu, sweeper-boy at Pipalnagar Bank, has not been paid by the 20th. He angrily sweeps the steps and says he will quit once he gets his money.
Washerman's son Sitaram hears Nathu and tells Mrs Srivastava that the bank is not paying its sweeper - perhaps Nathu wants a new job.
Washerman's son Sitaram hears Nathu and tells Mrs Srivastava that the bank is not paying its sweeper - perhaps Nathu wants a new job.
Mrs Srivastava tells Mrs Bhushan under a tamarind tree that the bank cannot pay employees. The news grows juicier at each retelling.
Mrs Srivastava tells Mrs Bhushan under a tamarind tree that the bank cannot pay employees. The news grows juicier at each retelling.
Kamal Kishore tells barber Deep Chand to withdraw savings. Deep Chand nicks a customer's ear in shock. Crowds rush to the bank.
Kamal Kishore tells barber Deep Chand to withdraw savings. Deep Chand nicks a customer's ear in shock. Crowds rush to the bank.
By noon the bank has no cash. Manager cannot reach owner Seth Govind Ram, holidaying in Kashmir. Rumour seems confirmed.
By noon the bank has no cash. Manager cannot reach owner Seth Govind Ram, holidaying in Kashmir. Rumour seems confirmed.
Next morning Nathu finds broken glass and rubbish on the steps. He still wants only his salary - unaware he "broke" the bank through gossip.
Next morning Nathu finds broken glass and rubbish on the steps. He still wants only his salary - unaware he "broke" the bank through gossip.
Hard words & meanings
| grumble | complain quietly |
| bankrupt | unable to pay debts |
| withdrawal | taking money out of bank |
| satire | writing that mocks foolishness |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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