Page 105 - 9th-language-english-2

Now, the friends were seldom seen together. The bond of
friendship was broken. In fact, Jumman saw Algu as an enemy
and wanted to take revenge.

Check your comprehension
Not to be republished
Share your responses

1. What was Jumman’s opinion about the Panch?
2. Was the old lady right in nominating Algu as the Panch
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knowing very well that he was Jumman’s best friend?
If ‘yes’, why? If ‘no’ why?
3. What decision did Algu give after listening to Jumman
and his aunt?
4. Why were Algu and Jumman seldom seen together after
the Panchayat ?

Read on

Part III

7. Days passed and, as ill luck would have it, Algu Chowdhary
was in a tight spot. He sold one of his bullocks to Sanju Sahu, a
cart driver of the village. The understanding was that Sahu would
pay the price of the bullock in a month’s time. It so happened
that the bullock sold by Algu, died within a month.

8. Several months after the death of the bullock, Algu reminded
Sahu of the money he had not yet paid. “I can’t pay you a pen-
ny for the wretched beast you sold me. He brought us nothing
but ruin,” Sahu said angrily. Algu decided to take the case to
the Panchayat. The Panchayat was held under the old banyan
tree. Algu stood up and said, “The voice of the Panch is the voice
of God. Let Sahu nominate the head Panch. I will abide by his
decision.” Sahu saw his chance and proposed the name of Jum-
man. Algu’s heart sank and he turned pale.
9. The moment Jumman became the head Panch, he realized
his responsibility as a judge and the dignity of his office. Could
he, seated in that high place, have his revenge now? He decided

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