Summary

Margayya has become a celebrity in Malgudi. Public organizations such as the "Flood Relief Fund here, a Gandhi Fund there, Earthquake Relief for a far-off country, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Promotion of Child Welfare, Education, and the War Fund” (365). Margayya rejects their requests. Applications come pouring in. Dr. Pal is critical of efforts to raise money for war funds, as he sees the British as the Indians’ enemy. They decide Margayya must buy a car in order to better transport the bags of money he takes home from the office. Every evening he counts his cash over an over again: “his mind was fully occupied with various calculations” (367).

Dr. Pal tells Margayya that there is talk of giving him a Public Service medal in recognition of his service of the people. Meanwhile, the sacks of money have begun to fill...