Page 53 - English Reader - 4

Then Arjun ran off as fast as his legs would carry him to the sports ground. But the

game had started when he arrived.

‘Why, it’s Arjun,’ said the cricket coach, who
was standing just inside the entrance. ‘You’re

not much good if you can’t even come on
time. We have put Ruchit in your place.
Fortunately, he’s putting in some good balls.’

Arjun bit his lip. How could he explain? He
turned away and made his way slowly home.

His father opened the door.

‘Bravo, Arjun,’ he said, patting his little son
on the back.

‘But, Daddy…’ began Arjun, but his father

interrupted him.
‘It’s all right, young man,’ he explained

to him. ‘You see, I came up behind that
policeman and he told me what had happened. So, I knew you were playing the right

game although it wasn’t on the cricket-pitch. So, I went back to the market-place and
bought the bicycle I promised you. It’s a beauty. And, Arjun, your mother and I are

proud of you.

And in the classroom next morning, the boys gave Arjun three loud cheers, for they too
had learned all about his kind act.

Word Meanings

1. meadow : grassland

2. leaning : bending
3. sturdy : strong

4. tottered : walked unsteadily

5. obliged : grateful

6. stumbled : hit your foot against something

7. interrupted : spoke in between

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