Page 12 - LN2-EXPLANATION

summons. He was insulted by being called shameful and useless. He felt that it
was his last day in the office as his career was about to end.

Para-21
The Chief almost murdered me. He hinted that I might do well at digging
ditches. I was ordered back to New Mullion, and with me went a man who had
worked with Lutkins. I was rather sorry, because it would prevent my loafing all
over again with Bill.

Hinted: suggested
Digging: to till
Ditches: a drain or trench
Loafing: spend time in idle way

Para-21 Explanation
The narrator’s chief was very angry with him. He treated him so badly that the
clerk felt as if he would murder him. Not only this, he also suggested to him that
he was better for the job of tilling a drain or something. He was again sent to
New Mullion with a man who had worked with Lutkins. The clerk was feeling
bad not for what happened but because he would miss the chance to be with
Bill.

Para-22

When the train arrived at New Mullion, Bill was on the station platform, near
his cart. Strangely enough, that old tigress, Lutkins’ mother was there talking
and laughing with Bill, not quarrelling at all. From the train steps I pointed Bill
out to my companion and said, “There’s a fine fellow, a real man. I spent the
day with him.”He helped you hunt for Oliver Lutkins?"
"Yes, he helped me a lot."
"He must have; he's Lutkins himself."

Companion: associate, partner
Hunt: search for

Para-22 Explanation
When both the narrator and his new partner reached New Mullion station they
saw Bill on the platform. But to his (narrator’s) surprise, Bill was talking and
laughing with Lutkin’s mother, whom the narrator compared to a tigress for her
rude behaviour. He then told his partner that it was Bill, a nice man who helped
him search for Lutkins. But he was surprised by the answer given by the
companion that the man who helped him find Lutkins was none other than
Lutkins himself.