Summary

Suraj stands along the railways at noon to watch the steam-engine come through the tunnel. When the train comes and goes, Suraj walks through the tunnel to the tree-covered hillside. The watchman who inspects the tunnel notices Suraj and begins speaking to him. He tells him about the leopard that spends time on the hill. Sunder tells Suraj that the leopard minds its own business and spends a few days every month on the hill.

One night, the leopard was passing through the tunnel and began snarling at Suraj and Sunder. They shout and scare the animal away. A train comes, however, and they must press themselves to the side of the tunnel to avoid being struck. Suraj leaves town with his father, on the train, and thinks about Sunder when he sees the watchman’s lamp.

In Chapter 16, Vijay takes a long...