Attila By R.K. Narayan edited and retold version

 Attila

By R.K. Narayan

In the quiet town of Malgudi, the youngest son of a modest family wanted nothing more than a dog. He begged his father for weeks until, at last, the old man gave in.

“All right,” he said with a sigh, “but get something fierce. I want a dog that makes thieves think twice before they touch our gate.”

The boy ran off excitedly and returned with a large black puppy. He had long ears, sad eyes, and a soft body that didn’t look dangerous at all. The family stared at him in disbelief.

“This is fierce?” the father muttered.

“He will be!” the boy insisted. “I’ve named him Attila—after Attila the Hun!”

Though the name was terrifying, the puppy was not. He grew fast, becoming tall and strong, with a bark that could rattle a window—but he never showed a hint of aggression.

He wagged his tail at postmen, nuzzled strangers, and once even followed a beggar who had stolen the family umbrella, as if seeing him off.

The father was furious. “Five rupees’ worth of meat a week for this? We should sell him!”

“Please,” the youngest begged, “he’s just not ready yet.”

Weeks passed, and Attila remained gentle as ever. But then, one hot afternoon, everything changed.

The family had gone out, leaving Attila alone near the gate. A thin man with a sack slipped into the house. He saw the massive dog lying in the garden, but Attila merely thumped his tail and rolled over, inviting a belly rub.

The man, reassured, crept inside, found the steel trunk under the cot, and filled his sack with silver tumblers, old coins, and a watch. As he slipped out, he patted Attila again.

“Good dog,” he chuckled.

But something stirred in Attila. Perhaps it was instinct, or boredom—or some ancient memory. He got up and followed the thief.

Down the street, through alleys, and finally into the market square, Attila trotted behind the man. The thief tried to shoo him, even threw a stone, but Attila kept coming—his tail wagging, and occasionally letting out small, puzzled barks.

People began to notice.

“Why’s that dog barking at him?”

“Is he chasing him?”

The thief panicked and ran. A crowd gave chase. Soon, the police joined in and caught him just before the railway station.

Attila arrived shortly after, panting but happy.

When the family returned and learned what had happened, they were stunned.

“Attila? Our Attila caught a thief?”

“He followed him all the way to the market,” the constable confirmed. “Led us straight to him.”

That evening, the father sat beside Attila and patted his head with pride.

“Well,” he muttered, “you’re not such a waste after all.”

Attila looked up with soft eyes, tail wagging, completely unaware of the praise. He was just glad to be home.

The End

Sure! Here's a set of 20 comprehension questions based on the slightly short version of "Attila" by R.K. Narayan (Retold) — divided into the four categories you asked for.

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✅ I. Multiple Choice Questions (5 marks)

Choose the correct answer:

1. Why did the boy name the dog “Attila”?
   a) It was a name he liked
   b) It was his grandfather’s name
   c) He thought the name would sound scary
   d) The dog was born during wartime
   → Answer: c) He thought the name would sound scary
2. What was the father's main complaint about Attila?
   a) He barked too much
   b) He bit the postman
   c) He was too lazy to guard
   d) He ate too much and did nothing
   → Answer: d) He ate too much and did nothing
3. How did Attila react when the thief entered the house?
   a) He attacked the thief
   b) He barked loudly
   c) He ignored the thief and rolled over
   d) He ran away
   → Answer: c) He ignored the thief and rolled over
4. What caused people in the market to suspect the thief?
   a) Attila was barking and following him
   b) The thief dropped the stolen goods
   c) The thief looked nervous
   d) Attila was growling fiercely
   → Answer: a) Attila was barking and following him
5. What did the constable tell the family about Attila?
   a) He needs training
   b) He saved a child
   c) He led them to the thief
   d) He was found lost in the market
   → Answer: c) He led them to the thief

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✍️ II. Fill in the Blanks (5 marks)

1. The boy wanted to buy a dog that would _______ thieves.
   → scare/frighten
2. Attila wagged his tail and followed a _______ who had entered the house.
   → thief
3. The family was away visiting an _______ when the robbery occurred.
   → uncle
4. Attila was named after a famous warrior called _______.
   → Attila the Hun
5. The thief was caught just before reaching the _______ station.
   → railway

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✏️ III. Answer the Following Questions (5 marks)

1. Why did the father finally allow the boy to get a dog?
   → Because the boy kept begging and convinced him it would scare away thieves.
2. Describe Attila’s behavior as he grew older.
   → Attila grew big and strong but remained gentle and friendly toward everyone, including strangers.
3. How did the thief manage to rob the house so easily?
   → He walked in through the gate, saw Attila lying calmly, and wasn’t stopped by the dog.
4. What made Attila follow the thief?
   → It’s unclear—perhaps instinct, boredom, or a sudden awakening of ancestral guarding instincts.
5. How did Attila become a hero in the story?
   → By following the thief and unintentionally alerting the public, which led to the thief’s capture.

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🔍 IV. Find the Word with Similar Meaning (5 marks)

1. Large and strong → _______
   → massive
2. Stolen articles → _______
   → valuables
3. To go quietly and secretly → _______
   → crept
4. Very surprised or shocked → _______
   → stunned
5. To chase or run after → _______
   → follow

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