Summary

At the edge of Malgudi lies the River Sarayu, which many of the town residents go to at the end of the day to relax. On one evening, Swami and Mani sit at the edge of the river. Mani states his plan to throw Rajam, a new student into the river. Rajam is very wealthy, and had been educated in an English school, making his academic skills a rival to even Sankar, and, much to Mani’s dislike, did not seem afraid of Mani. Swami points out that Rajam’s father is the Police Superintendent, making Rajam as much harder target. Mani calls him a coward and tells him not to hang around Rajam. Swami assures him that Rajam is not a rival to his friendship.

At the next day in school, Mani makes Swami send...