Samacheer Kalvi Class 11 English Solutions Chapter 2 A Shot in the Dark

4. Answer the Following Questions in a Paragraph of About 100-150 Words:

Question a. Describe the youth's strange behaviour when he was in the train.
Answer: When the young man got on the train, he quietly cursed. He seemed very upset, searching for something important he couldn't find. From time to time, he pulled out a small sixpenny coin, looked at it sadly, and then continued searching. He then started talking to Mr. Sletherby, introducing himself as Bertie, Mrs. Saltpen-Jago's younger son, and mentioned he was going to Bill Manor. Bertie also said he hadn't seen his mother in six months. Seeing that they were both going to Brill Manor, he used this chance to ask Sletherby for a three-pound loan, explaining that he had lost his money bag and urgently needed help. He promised to pay it back the following Monday. *His combination of desperation and careful planning was quite noticeable.*
In simple words: The young man on the train cursed and looked frantically for something he had lost. He looked sad when he saw his last coin. He told Mr. Sletherby his name was Bertie, Mrs. Saltpen-Jago's son, and asked for a three-pound loan because he had lost his money.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a character's behavior, use vivid verbs and details of their actions, expressions, and words to reveal their feelings and true intentions.

Question b. How did Sletherby's judgment of Bertie turn out to be a wrong one?
Answer: Sletherby initially believed Bertie was dishonest. Bertie claimed his mother's family crest was a demi-lion, but Sletherby recalled seeing a greyhound crest on a letter from Mrs. Saltpen-Jago. Bertie then said the greyhound was the Jago crest and that his mother had dark brown hair, like his own. Sletherby, however, knew Mrs. Jago had blonde hair. Because of these differences, Sletherby refused to help Bertie. Later, Sletherby was surprised to learn that Mrs. Jago had actually changed her hair from dark brown to blonde only five weeks before. This new information showed Sletherby that his first impression and judgment about Bertie were incorrect. *This incident highlights how quickly new facts can change a person's initial opinion.*
In simple words: Sletherby first thought Bertie was lying. Bertie spoke about his mother's crest and hair color differently than what Sletherby knew. But Sletherby later found out that Bertie's mother had changed her hair color recently. This made Sletherby realize his first judgment was wrong.

🎯 Exam Tip: In questions about incorrect judgment, clearly state the initial belief, the conflicting information, and the final piece of evidence that corrects the understanding.

Question c. As Sletherby, would you apologize to Bertie for your rude behavior? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, as Sletherby, I would definitely apologize to Bertie for wrongly assuming he was trying to trick me. I would explain that the circumstances at the time, such as the greyhound crest I saw on his mother's letter and her new blonde hair color (which I was unaware of), led me to doubt him. I would admit that I should have offered him at least two pounds to help him with his problem, even though he might have been a bit careless. I would express deep regret for leaving him feeling angry and let down, as an apology can help mend misunderstandings and make situations easier. *A sincere apology is crucial for building trust and correcting past mistakes.*
In simple words: Yes, I would say sorry to Bertie. I would tell him that the things he said about his mother's crest and hair confused me. I would also admit I should have helped him with some money, even if he was a bit careless. I would feel bad for making him angry and disappointed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering from a character's point of view, use "I" statements, clearly state the reasons for your actions, and articulate any regret or lessons learned from the situation.

About the Author:

Hector Hugh Munro (1870-1916) is Saki's real name. He used 'Saki' as his pen name for his writings. Also known as H.H. Munro, he was a British writer.

His writings are humorous, novelistic, thrilling, and satirical of the Edwardian era society and culture in England.

He is best at writing short stories. His writings are often compared to O'Henry's writings. He also co-wrote the play 'The Watched Pot' with Charles Maude.

About This Story:

Philip Sletherby is a person who wants to be a politician. He traveled to Brill Manor to meet Mrs. Saltpen-Jago, a very famous lady in the nearby village, to get political support and stay as a guest.

In the train compartment, he saw a young man next to him who was searching for something. The young man claimed to be the second son of Saltpen-Jago and said he was going to spend three days fishing in a nearby village. He also mentioned that he forgot to bring money from home in a hurry.

So, he asked Philip Sletherby for money. Sletherby asked him about his family crest, and the young man told him. Then Sletherby asked about his mother.

Sletherby first agreed to lend him money but later changed his mind, thinking the young man was lying. He was proud of his cleverness, but in the end, he realized the young man's statement was true.

A Shot in the Dark Summary in Tamil

Philip Sletherby was on a pleasant and profitable journey in an empty train compartment. He was traveling to Brill Manor, the home of his new friend, Mrs. Saltpen-Jago.

Mrs. Saltpen-Jago is a respected lady in London and is very influential in Chalkshire.

Philip Sletherby has a personal interest in the eastern part of that country. He is a member of the government's law council and a person who does not want re-election. Sletherby is considered a winner in that meeting. If he is lucky, he will get that position.

Mrs. Saltpen-Jago's actions would definitely have an impact. A friendly dinner for political leaders was held in Honorio. There, he was delighted to see Mrs. Saltpen-Jago. She had invited him to be a country guest at her home from Monday to Tuesday for the dinner.

It was very grateful. He must ensure her support and his position. If he fails to do so, ordinary leaders will lose interest in him.

While many passengers waited for their trains on the platform, Sletherby spotted a party member and called him to the window to talk. "Oh, you are going to spend the weekend with Mrs. Saltpen Jago?"

You have a good time. She is famous for hosting parties. She will help you with the plan for that legislative assembly. "Okay, I'll go."

Sletherby sent his friend off, closed the window, and focused on his newspaper. Before he could read two pages, he saw another person in the compartment. The traveler was a young man estimated to be about twenty-two years old.

He had dark hair, a pale complexion, and looked like a madman from the countryside. He was intensely searching for something. From time to time, he took out a sixpenny coin from his pocket and looked at it sadly.

Next, I saw all these things: a cigarette box, a matchbox, keys, a silver pencil, and a train ticket. Nothing in it made him feel at ease.

He started cursing himself a little louder than before. Sletherby ignored his cruel traits and began reading his newspaper again.

"I heard you say you are going to stay at Brill Manor," he said with surprise. "What a coincidence! What a match! My mother will be there on Monday evening. We can meet then. I still don't know who you are."

"Do you know what happened six months ago? I haven't seen my mother in many days. I've been traveling all this time. I've done something truly disgusting. 'You've lost something, haven't you?' Sletherby asked.

Not at all, I forgot to bring my money purse when I came. It had four pounds in it. That was all my money. It was in my pocket. I just started. Then I had to seal a letter. That purse was like a treasure to me. I took it out and stamped it. I am going to spend three days at a holiday resort for fishing. The silver coins were few. But only sixpence from the taxi and ticket was left. I am not going anywhere.

The money to be used for my weekend account, and the carriage fare, came from the station, and my Brill ticket. All this would be about two or three pounds, wouldn't it?

So, if you lend me ten pounds and three shillings, it would be great. He said it would save him from his trouble. "I think I can give it," Sletherby said after a while.

"Thank you very much, I am very happy, this shows your good heart. I have a chance to meet my mother's close friend. 'You should never go anywhere without money' is a lesson for me. It's in my pocket."

It must be. Everyone knows this. We should not change things as we wish.

You should not try to change it unnecessarily. "My identity is still in my purse," he said. "Okay, what is your identity?" Sletherby asked. "Nothing special," the young man said. A small lion with a cross on its foot, like a cross.

"Your mother gave a note in her letter on the trains. If I think correctly, she looked for a gray hunting dog on her book. There was a tremor in his voice.

"It's Jago's mark," the young man replied, "that small lion is Saltpen's mark." We have the right to use both. I will use the small lion. Because we are true Saltpens."

There was silence for a while. The young man was collecting the necessary tackle for fishing.

"Although I have spoken to your mother many times, I have never met her," he said. "My introduction is through politics. Will she be like you? If I see her on the platform, I will recognize her."

They will be like me. I have dark ash-grey hair and a good complexion, just like me. It runs in your family. "I think it's time to go." Sletherby said, "I'm leaving."

"You have forgotten those three pounds." The young man opened his compartment door and pushed his things out.

"You don't want me to give you three pounds and three shillings," Sletherby said. "But you said..."

Yes, when I heard your story, I had doubts. You could not explain your different identity well. Then I laid a trap for you. I said I had not seen your mother. I met her last Monday. She looked different with blonde hair.

As the train moved, Mrs. Saltpen Jago's family honor cursed and walked away on the platform.

"Yes, he shouldn't have told me his fishing story with such a weird detail." Sletherby laughed. He would tell his interesting story at dinner in the evening. His sharp wit could earn him applause.

"He also said he was a man of wealth and intelligence. His imaginative adventures would captivate his dinner guests. A tall man on the platform greeted him kindly and eagerly. K.C. had traveled in the same carriage as him.

"Hello, Sletherby! Are you going to spend these weekdays in Brill? Very good. We can play a round of golf tomorrow. I will give you a replay at Hoylake... that won't be bad."

When going through villages, no accidents will happen. Oh! Here it is; the car waiting for us, it's good.

The car K.C. had was a very expensive car. It was neat, comfortable, and had a powerful locomotive engine. Its elegant lines and designs had countless wheels. It looked like a car standing in a hotel lounge.

"My grandfather used various horse-drawn carriages, didn't he?" the lawyer said. Sletherby explained all its qualities, structure, and functionality to know more about it.

Sletherby did not pay attention to anyone. He did not pay attention to anything he described (expounded). His eyes were fixed on the door. There were two crests there. An ash-grey courant and a small lion with a cross on its foot.

K.C. did not notice his silence. He was silent for an hour of the train journey. His tongue did not give him time to speak. Political speeches, general topics, and all known things were poured out from him.

The car was driving on a country road. The sorrows of the Dublin coolies, the Prince Designate of Albania (Albanian prince) talking about public life, and Sandwich matters from the ninth hole at Sandwich were mentioned. The Duchess of Pathshire also spoke about Tango Tea. As the car entered Brill, K.C. looked at him. He looked at the qualities of his servants.

"A wise woman, a good thinker. She knows clearly where to pick up and drop off individuals. An influential woman. But she wastes herself with endless work. Nothing is difficult. She looks good, and she is still doing that thing."

"Change?" Sletherby murmured, "What change?"

"What change? You don't need to say. Oh, you just saw her. She had beautiful dark brown hair. That suited her complexion; one day, five weeks later, she surprised everyone. She came in with beautiful blonde hair. Here we are. What happened to you? You are sick."