THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

SYNOPSIS

Roberta ( also known as Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis live in a comfortable home in London with a
wonderful mother and father as well as a maid. One day their father leaves home with two men. He is
actually taken away to prison but the children do not know this at first. When he leaves and does not
come back, they have to move to a poor cottage in the country (rural area) near a railway station. The
children become familiar with the passing trains, the workers at the train station and signal-box, and
life in a small town while their mother struggles to make ends meet by writing stories. They learn to
live with what little they have and they get used to being poor. They also learn not to steal coal from
the railway station, even if they have so little to keep warm. They have various adventures - stopping
a train when a landslide covers the tracks, finding an injured older boy in the train tunnel and getting
help, while dealing with the mystery of their fathers disappearance. Sometimes they argue and have
crises, but in time they make many new friends. They also experience amusing adventures aplenty
which happen near the railway and the canal. The children develop the habit of waving to the train as
it goes past and sometimes the people in the coaches wave back. Their friendly gestures forge a
special friendship with one person in particular, who goes by in the train. He then eventually gets to
know them, and helps them out in various ways. Then, one day a train calls at the station and the
children are pleasantly surprised to see their father. They are finally re-united.

PLOT SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 :
THE BEGINNING OF THINGS - One night at their home in London, Father, Mother, Roberta (also
known as Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis are talking about Paters broken model engine when there is a
knock on the front door. Two gentlemen come to see Father and talk for a long time. Father speaks
briefly with Mother and mysteriously leaves home. The next morning, Mother leaves for London and
returns in the evening, looking tired. She requests the children to be good while she is away and not to
ask any question about Father. Several horrid weeks go by and one morning, Mother tells the children
that they are moving to a little white house near a railway line in the country. They take the train and
arrive at their new home in the dark.

CHAPTER 2 :
PETER AND THE COAL- The family do not get a decent supper as they think Mrs. Viney has not
prepared it for them. Mother prepares what she can and off they go to bed. The next morning, the
children wakeup feeling excited in their new home. They discover that a nearby field backs onto a
railway line but the railway station is too far to see from where they are. Before supper the children
decides to go to the railway station. They have a lot to see and a large heap of coal catches Peters
attention. When Peter steals coal from the station yard, he is caught by the Station Master. Peter
thinks that taking some coal from the middle of the heap is harmless. The Station Master warns them

that what they have done is stealing because the coal belongs to the railway station. It is only then
they realise what they have done is wrong. 12

CHAPTER 3 :
THE OLD GENTLEMAN - By now the children know the time when the trains pass. Every morning
they will wave to an old gentleman who always waves back at them. They pretend that the old man
knows their father and takes their love to him in London. One day, their mother becomes very ill and
Bobbie resolves to do something positive to help. The children paint the words, "LOOK OUT AT
THE STATION" on a large white sheet and wave it at the 9.15 train the next day. When the train is
about ready to leave, Phyllis passes a letter to the Old Gentleman. In the evening, a large box of
supplies is delivered to the children with all the things they have asked for.

CHAPTER 4 :
BOBBIES RIDE - When their mother finally recovers from her illness, they confess to her what they
have done earlier. The family later celebrates Bobbies 12th birthday, all dressed in their best. Bobbie
receives various presents from the family including Peter who reluctantly has to give her the broken
half of his toy train filled with sweets. Her lovely birthday party however ends on asad note when she
realises that her mother is very upset later that night. Bobbie secretly wants to repair Peters broken
train. She goes to the station and accidentally gets into the engine of one of the trains. Feeling scared,
she seeks help from two railway workers. The two men not only repair the toy train but also make
sure she arrives home safely. Weeks later, Bobbie introduces Peter and Phyllis to the friendly engine
driver and Jim, the fireman.

CHAPTER 5 :
SAVING THE TRAIN - The children witness a landslide that covers the railway line. The children
prevent an imminent accident by waving the girls red petticoats. The train comes to rest just in time
,at about twenty metres from where Bobbie stands on the tracks. Weeks later, a ceremony is held at
the station to commemorate the childrens bravery. The Old Gentleman presents the children with a
gold watch each and meets their mother at home. The children relay the eventful day to their mother

.CHAPTER 6 :
A BIRTHDAY FOR PERKS - The childrens mother has just sold a story and suggests having some
cakes for tea. Bobbie requests that they have it on Perks birthday and Mother agrees. Peter comes up
with an idea to ask the villagers for little gifts, confident that they will give something to a person as
nice as Perks. Some of the villagers are delighted with the idea but others, such as Mrs. Ransome
simply brushes them off. The three children, however, go home and collect several roses for Mrs.
Ransome since it is her birthday. That kind gesture touches Mrs. Ransomes heart and she gives the
children several apples as well as her dead grandchilds pram for Perks son. The children bring the
gifts to Perks house and wait for his arrival so as to surprise him. In spite of this, Perks becomes
upset as he sees the gifts as a form of charity. The children explain that these gifts are given sincerely
and Perks relents. He asks the three children to stay for tea.

CHAPTER 7 :
THE TERRIBLE SECRET - Bobbie discovers the reason for her fathers disappearance when she
reads the newspaper article. Deeply upset, she refuses to believe that he is a spy and is imprisoned.
Her mother attempts to explain that her father has been falsely accused of selling government secrets
to another country. Bobbie believes in her fathers innocence and decides to write to the Old
Gentleman to clear his name.

CHAPTER 8 :
THE BOY IN THE RED SHIRT - The boy in red goes missing during a hare and hounds game
organised by their school. Bobbie and her siblings enter the dark railway tunnel to look for him. They
find him lying by the railway track with a broken leg. Bobbie stays with the injured boy, Jim, in the
dark tunnel while Peter and Phyllis seek help from the farm. The children take Jim home for medical
attention. They later learn that Jim is the grandchild of the Old Gentleman whom they have met
earlier. The Old Gentleman visits the little white house where Jim is taken care of. Mother offers
herself to take care of Jim until he gets better. The Old Gentleman is grateful to the family. When the
Old Gentleman leaves the house, he has a private chat with Bobbie about her father. He says that he
has received the letter and has been looking into the case. He also believes that her father is innocent.
CHAPTER 9 :
THE MAN AT THE STATION - The children wave at the passing 9.15 train and all the passengers
respond. At the station, an overjoyed Mr. Perks, who has read about Bobbies father in the
newspapers, greets her. A London train stops at the station and Bobbie sees her father return after
serving his sentence in prison. They return home happy and reunited.

CHARACTERS
ROBERTA (BOBBIE)
A twelve-year old girl -Twelve lighted candles on it, one for each of Bobbis years. (p 22)
Eldest child of the family - ....she was always called Bobbie, and family was the oldest. (p 1)
Very determined - Mother must have those things, said Bobbie. The doctor said so. How can
we get them for her? Think, everybody, just as hard as you can. (p 17)
- She is determined to get help so that she can help her father who is in
jail. She tells the old gentleman about him and with the gentlemans
help, her father finally returns to the family.
Caring - Bobbie picked up the box with Petes toy engine inside it. II wanted to ask if you
could mend this, she explained and took the engine out of the box. (p 26)

-Why didnt you go with them? he said. Someone had to stay with you, said Bobbie. I
must put out the candles or it will burn itself out. (p 49)

Resourceful - You must go and get help, said Bobbie quickly. Ill stay with him. You take
the longest bit of candle, but be quick.(p 48)
-

She used Peters knife to cut off the boot, then she looked at the broken leg. It

needs something soft under it, she thought, and then remembered her petticoat. She
took it off and carefully put it under the boys leg. (p 49)

Sensitive - It was a lovely birthday. But later that night, Bobbie came silently down the stairs to
get her presents. She saw her mother sitting at the table, with a pen and some writing
paper in front of her. Shes writing to Father, thought Bobbie. (p 23)
-

Its my birthday, and she doesnt want me to know shes unhappy, thought Bobbie. (p
24)

Responsible - Then Bobbie fetched coal and wood, and lit a fire. It was a strange supper
tomatoes, potato chips, dried fruit and cake. And they drank water out of tea- cups.
After supper, they put sheets and blankets on the beds, the mother went to her own
room.(p 7)
* She takes charge and gets her siblings to think of a way to get their mother the things
the doctor said she must have when she is ill. Pg ___

Brave - She runs onto the railway track to stop the train when a landslide covers the
railway line. _______________________________________________________
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PETER

Second child (only boy) - Next came Peter...(p 1)

- Wanted to be an ...who wanted to be an engineer when engineer he grew
up. (p 1)

Courageous - Perhaps hes had an accident, said Peter, Lets go and look. (p 46)

Adventurous - On their last night in the house, Peter had to sleep on the floor, which he enjoyed
very much. I like moving, he said. (p 4 and 5)
-Where shall we go? said Bobbie, although she already knew the answer. To the
railway, of course! cried Peter (p 9)

-It was very exciting!said Peter. (p 10)

Innocent - I didnt think it was stealing, said Peter. Theres so much coal here. I took some from
the middle of the heap, and I I thought nobody would mind. And Mother says were too poor
to have a fire... (p 14)

Quick thinking - We need something red. Then we could go down on the line and wave it, said
Peter. Everyone knows that red means danger, and the train would stop (p 29) 17

PHYLLIS

Youngest - the youngest was Phyllis, who was always trying to be good. (p 1)

Insecure - They went inside the darkImmediately, the candle went out. Oh, I wish we hadnt
come! said Phyllis. (pgs 6,7)
-There was a low noise on the railway line Let me go back! cried Phyllis. (p 47)

Nave -The boy in the red shirt was on the ground, beside the line. His eyes were closed and he did
not move when they reached him. Is...he dead? asked Phyllis.(p 47)

MOTHER

Homely - Mother was almost always at home, ready to play with the children, or to read to them to
the children to them. (p 1)

Protective - We have to play being poor for a while. (p 4)

Practical- Then we cant have any supper, said Phyllis, unhappily.Yes, we can. We can unpack
one of the boxes. Theres some food from the old house. (p 7)

Resourceful - Mother spent every day in her room, writing stories. Sometimes she managed to sell
a story to a magazine, and then there were cakes for tea. (p 12)

Caring - ...ready to play with the children, or to read to them. (p 1)

Proud - Now listen, its true that were poor. she told them, but you must not tell anyone. And
you must never, never ask strangers to give you things. (p 21)

FATHER

Tolerant - ...who was never angry ... (p 1)

A civil servant- The children knew that Father worked government officer in a Government
office. (p 4)

Wonderful - always ready to play a game. (p 1)

Caring - Of course theres hope! Ill mend it on Saturday (p 3)

Wrongly accused - FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR SPY! And the name of the spy was her
father. (p 40)

OLD GENTLEMAN

Friendly - And a hand waved back! It was holding a newspaper and it belonged to an old
gentleman.(p 15)
Kind and Helpful - The old gentleman asked me to bring it, he (Perks) said. Perks left, and the
children opened the box. Inside were all the things they have asked for
(pgs 19, 20)
-When I read about your father in the newspaper at the time, I began trying to
find out things (p 52)

PERKS

Friendly / railway porter -a nice friendly man called Perks (p 17).

-and there stood Perks, the friendly Porter, (p 19)
-Perks is nice to everybody (p 34)
Hardworking - He says he doesnt keep birthdays anymore, because he has other things to keep
his wife and children ! (p 34)
-And other people said you were kind and polite and hardworking. said Bobbie.
(p 38)
Proud -Im not having any of it! Weve managed all these years, asking people for nothing, and
Im not going to start taking things now. We may be poor, but we dont need charity. (p
38)
Reasonable - I I wont, said Perks, quietlyI take every word I said. I-I dont know if I were
ever so pleased...not only with the presents, but with the kind thoughts of our
neighbours. (pgs 38, 39)
Responsible - I am pleased to give something to Mr. Perks. He always pays his bills. (p 38)

MRS RANSOME

Sensitive - Its my birthday tomorrow, said old Mrs. Ransome at the post office. Nobody
will remember mine. Why should I give anything to Perks? Go away! (p 35)

Appreciative - I want to thank you for the roses. she said. (p 36)

Generous - And here is your box, said Mrs. Ransome, giving it back to them. It was full of
shiny red apples.(p 36)
- The Perks children will like them. And Ive got a pram in the back of the shop.
(p 36)

DR FOREST

Hopeful - I expect you want to be nurse, Dr. Forest said to Bobbie, after he had seen the
mother. Your mother is ill and must stay in bed (p 17)

Responsible - Ill send some medicine for her, but she will need fruit and milk, and some
other special things that Ill write down on a piece of paper for you. (p 17)

MRS. VINEY

A woman from the village - Whos she? asked Bobbie. A village woman from the village.
asked her to clean the place and make our supper, said Mother.
(p 6)

Responsible - Theres a letter from Mrs. Viney, explained Mother. Her son broke his arm
and she went home early. Shes coming again later this morning. (p 8)

BACKGROUND:

BRITISH SETTING having tea (p 1) , tea-time (p 41), ...stay to tea (p 39) make our supper
(which means dinner to other cultures) (p 6), high hats and long coats (p 32) 21

Edwardian times - petticoats (p. 29), large heap of coal which steam trains used for their engines (p
10), telegraph (p 10)

Cultural Setting The village ( pgs. 34,35 )

Social Setting The railway tunnel (p 43) The railway lines (p 11) The railway station (p 10) Little
white house in the country that stands in a field near the top of a hill. (p 8) A home in London (pgs
1,2 )
Place
House in London
The cottage in the country side
The railway station
The railway tunnel
The village
Social
Edwardian Type of Clothes
Coal used for steam engine trains
Cultural
Having tea
High hats and long coats

THEMES

The Importance of a Family - There is a strong bond in the family.

-Mother was almost always at home, ready to play with the children, or read to them(p 1)
-they also had a wonderful father who was never angry, and always ready to play a game (p 1)
-the children did not forget their father, ... (p 12)
-The children are always together - at the railway line, railway station and even when they collect
gifts for Perks. Lets go and look at the railway, said Peter. (p 8)
- the children went to fetch the presents which other people had promised (p 36)

Hope and Optimism

-Father is always positive with his children that everything shall be fine.Of course, theres hope! said
Father, smiling. Ill mend it on Saturday, and you can all help me. (p 3)
-Bobbie has high hopes that the old man can help her seek the truth about her fathers innocence. But
Bobbie did think about it. She did not talk to Peter or Phyllis, but she wrote a letter to the old
gentleman. (p 42)
- The old man believes that Bobbies father is innocent. I havent done much yet but I have hopes,
my dear I have hopes. (p 52)

The Joys of Childhood

-The family is fortunate to move to a country house that many would dream of living in. They do
not go to school; hence, they fully enjoy their privileged freedom and have some adventures at
their neighbouring railway line. The three siblings have more adventures than they ever did in
London. They spend a lot of their time on their own as their mother has to work. They have a
freedom they never had before. The children did not go to school now and Mother spent every
day in her room, writing stories. (p12)
-The children could not keep away from the railway... (p 15)

Kindness Brings Reward - As a note of appreciation to Perks for being nice, his birthday is celebrated with much kindness and
benevolence from the children as well as the villagers But other people gave things a pipe, a tin of
tea, a walking stick and others promised to give small presents too. (p 35)

The Loss of Innocence.

-The children have been formerly sheltered from a life of hardship and led a comfortable life.
However, after their circumstances change, they have to learn and, over time, discover the harsh
truth of poverty. Mother must have those things, said Bobbie. The doctor said so. How can we get
them for her? Think, everybody, just as hard as you can. (p 17)
- We have to play being poor for a while. (p 4)
- Can we light a fire? asked Bobbie.We cant have fires in June, said Mother.Coal is very
expensive. (p 12)

Justice Shall Prevail

The father of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis is an innocent man being falsely imprisoned for spying. He is
finally vindicated with the help of the Old Gentleman. He held her hand and said.You must go in by
yourself, and tell Mother very quietly that its all right. Theyve caught the man who did it. Everyone
knows now that your Daddy isnt a spy. We always knew you werent,:said Bobbie. (p 57)

Coping with Hardship.

The characters in this novel are resilient and courageous as they go through hardship and difficulties
without complaints or despair. We cant take everything, Mother told them. Just the necessary
things. We have to play being poor for a while. On their last night in the house Peter had to sleep
on the floor, which he enjoyed very much. I like moving, he said. (pgs 4,5)
Then Bobbie fetched coal and wood, and lit a fire. It was a strange supper tomatoes, potato chips,
dried fruit and cake. And they drank water out of tea-cups.. Despite being thrown into poverty, the
childrens mother does not use it as an excuse to deprive the children of having one or two pleasures
in life. Ive sold another story, darlings, she said. We can have cakes for tea. (p 34).
The children are deprived of school, and Mother has to write stories to put food on the table. Yet they
are told that they are not to depend on others. The children did not go to school now, and Mother
spent every day in her room, writing stories. Sometimes she managed to sell a story to a magazine,
and then there were cakes for tea. (p 12) Mother said we werent to ask people for things. (p 34)

Resourceful and Innovative

The children send danger signals to stop the train by making flags from red petticoats.
Bobbie uses her petticoat to support Jims broken leg in the tunnel while waiting for help. They cut
the petticoats into six pieces and put them on to sticks (p 29)

Bobbie uses her petticoat to support Jims broken leg in the... It needs something soft under it, she
thought, and then remembered her petticoat. She took it off and carefully put it under the boys leg. (p
49)

Naivety.
Peter is naive to think that no one would notice if he takes coal from the middle of the heap. Taking
coal from the middle of the heap goes unnoticeable. Peter denies he is stealing the coal when caught
by the Station Master. He isnt sure that he is stealing. (pgs13, 14)
Im not a thief, said Peter, but he did not sound very sure about it. (pgs 13, 14)

Bravery
The children risk their lives to prevent a train accident. They try to stop the train by standing on the
railway line (pgs 30,31)
The children enter the dark tunnel to look for the last hound in a red shirt (p 46).
Mother is being brave and patient with the children. Bobbie saw her face when she turned away. Oh,
Mother,she thought. How brave you are! How I love you! (p 5)
Bobbie was determined to make the train stop at the risk of her own life. She ran on to the line,
waving her two flags (p 30)
Bobbie did not move from the line. She waved and waved her flags, shouting, Stop, stop! as the big
black engine came towards her. (p 31)
Bobbie writes a letter to the Old Gentleman to seek justice for her father. My Dear Friend, You see
what is in this newspaper. It is not true. Father never did it (p 42)

MORAL VALUES
1.

We must be responsible
- The children are very responsible. All day, they helped Mother to unpack and arrange
everything in the rooms. (p 9). The mother is responsible in taking care of her childrens welfare.
Mother spent every day in her room, writing stories. Sometimes she managed to sell a story to
a magazine, and then there were cakes for tea. (p 12). Mrs Viney is a responsible person in the
sense that she prepares the meals and cleans the house as instructed. There was a table in the little
square room, and on the table was their supper. (p 8)

2. We must be able to stand proud even when we are poor.

The Mother has a very strong sense of moral conviction that she does not see the need to seek
help from others as long as she can hold the fort. Now listen, its true that were very poor, she

told them, but you must not tell anyone. And you must never, never ask strangers to give you
things. (p 21)
Perks may be poor, but he does not want charity. Im not having any of it. Weve managed all
these years, asking people for nothing and Im not going to start taking things now. We may be
poor, but we dont need charity. (p 38)
3. The novel teaches us to be benevolent and generous
G.P (The Old Gentleman) is very benevolent when he responds to their pleas for the things that
the doctor said their mother required. He gave the children more than what they have actually
asked for. Here are the things you need. Your mother will want to know where they came from.
Tell her they were sent by a friend who heard she was ill (p. 20)
The villagers gave various presents to Perks for his birthday. But other people gave things a
pipe, a tin of tea, a walking stick and other promised to give small presents, too. (p 35)
4. The novel teaches us to be helpful.
When Jim hurts his leg in the tunnel during the paper chase, the children help him. The others came
out, but you didnt. So we came to look for you. (p 47)
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5. The novel teaches us that we must show our appreciation.
The children are given an invitation from the Secretary of the Railway Company as appreciation for
their brave act as in the following letter: Dear Sir and Ladies we would like to say thank you for
saving the train and stopping a very bad accident. Please come to the station at the three oclock on
the 30th of the month, if this is a suitable day. (p 31)
It was a very special day indeed Then everybody sat down and an important man got up to speak.
He said nice things about the children how brave and clever they were - (pgs 31,32)
6.The novel teaches us that we must be honest
The children admit to their mother about writing to the Old Gentleman despite knowing that she
would be upset about it. Then it was time for the children to tell Mother what they had done. It was
not easy, but they had to do it... Were sorry, said Phyllis and Peter, crying too.(p 21)
The children admit to stealing the coal. We did it too,Bobbie told the Station Master. (p 14)
7. We must be brave.
The children risk their lives to prevent a train accident. They try to stop the train by standing on the
railway line (pgs 30,31)
The children enter the dark tunnel to look for the last hound in a red shirt (p 46).

Mother is being brave and patient with the children. Bobbie saw her face when she turned away. Oh,
Mother,she thought. How brave you are! How I love you! (p 5)
Bobbie was determined to make the train stop at the risk of her own life. She ran on to the line,
waving her two flags (p 30)
Bobbie did not move from the line. She waved and waved her flags, shouting, Stop, stop! as the big
black engine came towards her. (p 31)
Bobbie writes a letter to the Old Gentleman to seek justice for her father. My Dear Friend, You see
what is in this newspaper. It is not true. Father never did it (p 42)
POINT OF VIEW

As the narrator, I am the master storyteller! Its up to me to keep the story alive and interesting with
exciting detail. So, I tell everything with expression and excitement! Narrator The novel is being told
in the third persons point of view.

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

1. WHEN MOTHER FALLS ILL ( CHAPTER 3 )
Mother falls ill. Peter fetches Dr Forrest. The doctor gives the children a list of food that their
mother needs. Mother says they have no money to buy the things on the list. The children
write a message on a white sheet for the old gentleman on the 9.15 train. It tells him to look
out for something at the station. Phyllis gives the old gentleman a letter. The letter explains
what happened to the childrens mother and asks the old gentleman for help to get the things
on the doctors list. That evening, Perks delivers a large box to the childrens house. Inside the
box are all the things in the list plus some extra things and a letter from the old gentleman.
2.

SAVING THE TRAIN ( CHAPTER 5 )

One day, the children took a walk along the top of the hill beside the railway line. Suddenly,
they heard a noise and saw half the hillside crashed down onto the railway line below. The
children realised that the 11.29 a.m train was in danger. They used the girls red petticoat to
make six flags to warn the train. The train came down the track too fast. Bobbie was afraid
that it would not see them. She ran onto the line waving two flags. The train stopped just
twenty metres away from Bobbie.
3. A BIRTHDAY FOR PERKS ( CHAPTER 6 )
The children asked to have the cakes on Thursday. They wanted to make a birthday tea for
Perks. Peter wanted to ask everybody in the village to help them give Perks a nice birthday.
Not everyone was kind. Old Mrs Ransome said no one remembered her birthday so she did
not want to help but many gave them all kinds of things to Perks. The next day, Bobbie and
Phyllis gave Mrs. Ransome roses and a handkerchief for her birthday. On Thursday, the
children went around to collect presents the people had promised. At three oclock, the
children took the presents and the pram to Perks house. When Perks came home and saw the

pram and the presents, he was angry. He thought people would laugh at him for being poor
and needing their things. Bobbie explained that the people wanted to give him the presents
because they liked him. Perks calmed down. He was glad that his neighbours thought so
kindly of him. The children stayed for tea.

What about other important events? Can you list them down and find evidence on them?

SAMPLE LITERATURE QUESTIONS:

compare and contrast two interesting characters

write about a character you dislike the most.
write about a character you sympathize with
write about a character who is heroic/intelligent/courageous/friendly
write about the qualities of one of the major/minor characters in the story
write about a characters decision and how it has affected his or her life
write about a lesson that you have learnt.
explain one value that you have learnt from it.
write about a part of the story you found interesting
write about an incident that changes the life of one of the characters in the story
write about a tense situation
write about an incident that makes you feel sad
write about the setting of the story
write about the most exciting part of the novel
write on whether you like/dislike the ending of the story
state whether you enjoyed reading the novel
write on one of the following themes
-loyalty
-friendship
-good versus evil
- love and sacrifice
- survival against all odds

* You must always remember to put your own personal thought in the last paragraph to earn more marks.
Examples of personal response:
1.

From this novel, I learnt that we need to be brave. The children risk their lives to prevent a train accident. May be
someday I will have the chance to do a brave deed like Bobby. When the time comes I will remember to do it
wholeheartedly and sincerely like Bobby

2.

I like this novel because from it I learnt that we need to help others who are in need. The children enter the dark tunnel
to look for the last hound in a red shirt. They are willing to help the boy though they dont know him. I will help
others in the future when others need my help

3.

From the novel, I know that life is full of challenges. When I read it, I realize I must be ready for different obstacles in
life. I must be patience and solve the problem one by one and with wit.

4.

What do I learnt from The Old Gentleman? Being compassionate towards others is a virtue. I must learn to help others
in need sincerely like him.