October (Second) 2009 Rs 15.

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 OCTOBER (SECOND) 2009
FOUNDER
VISHWA NATH NO. 769
1917-2002

Detective Stories Special

STORIES SECRET OF DAMDAMA
COUNTRY BUMPKIN 4 HOUSE 75
SONIT'S SPYING 8 HAWKER, THE GANG
BANK ROBBERY 14 MEMBER 79
THEFT IN THE PICTURE STORIES
COMPANY 22
CHEEKU 44
SECRET OF SKULLS 28
GRANDPA AND SNAIL 64
VICTORY OF CHINTOO 37
SNAG IN HELICOPTER 52 YOUR PAGE
CHHUK CHHUK CHAMPAK CHEKERS 41
EXPRESS 60 IT IS FUNTIME 48
INTERESTING NEWS 70 WHO AM I? 59

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S.Mallick
Country Bumpkin
by Shantha Nagarajan

B
UNTY BEAR and his
family spent a few
days at their relative’s
house at Madhuvan. While
returning to Champakvan,
they brought Meeku Rabbit
along with them, as he
agreed to serve them as their
domestic help. Poor Meeku
had never in his life moved
out of his hamlet in Mathuvan where he was
born and brought up. So, for Meeku it was his
first journey by train. No wonder, he was full
of excitement during the journey. It was fun
watching his stupid acts and listening to his
childish talk.
As soon as they boarded the train, the
wonderstruck Meeku exclaimed, “Oh my god, this
train is so long! Bunty saab, tell me, are the other
coaches also going to the same station? What about
the next coach? To which place is it going?” Bunty
and the others burst into laughter.
“Fool, all the coaches are connected to each
other. How can each one go to a different
place?”
As the train started running faster, Meeku
shrieked, “Saab, how strange are the things outside
— the huts, trees, shops, everything is moving.”
There was a roar of laughter in the compart-
ment.
Bunty explained, “Stupid fellow, when we are in
a moving train the trees and all the things outside
us will appear to be moving in the opposite
direction but they are not actually moving.”

B unty’s sons — Billu Bear and Chillu Bear —

were amused by the very sight of the clownish
villager.
“Papa, how are we going to manage this stone
age creature? He is so ignorant.”
Meeku watched everything in wonder — the call
phones, the walkmans with which Bunty was
listening to music, the colourful stalls in the
stations.
Billu and Chillu enjoyed his comical expres-
October (Second) 2009 5
sions and taunted him as a good for nothing
fellow.
In the night, to everyone’s amusement, Meeku
spread a dirty towel on the floor to lie down.
“Hey Meeku, why are you lying here?
Go up. The upper berth is for you,” Bunty lifted
him.
“Saab, in the hut I have always slept on the mud
floor. I never slept on a cot or a cushioned cot.”
“Ugh! That is not cot, that is sleeper birth. We
have paid for it.”
With trembling legs, he climbed up. But lo, in
the midnight, when everyone was asleep, Meeku,
who used to roll in the mud floor at home, did the
same in the upper
berth. Thud! He fell
down and hurt the leg
of Bunty’s wife who
was lying in the lower
berth.
Oh! There was a
commotion. Meeku,
who was hurt, started
weeping. The rest of
the night, he lay on the
floor.
“Papa, what sort of
country bumpkin we
have brought along
with us? He will be of
no use to us. The
junglee is unfit for
working in our
house,” Chillu
muttered.
 “Oh! His muddy chappal and running nose are
sickening. Send the fool back to his hamlet,” Billu
advised.
The train was nearing Champakvan station. It
was raining heavily. They learnt from the
passengers that Champakvan had been flooded due
to continuous rain. They were correct.
When the train reached Champakvan, they
could not step out of the station, as the whole area
was flooded.
“Oh! It is dangerous to step into the deep water.
We cannot go home.”
While Bunty Bear and the others were
wondering what to do, Meeku suddenly dived into
the water. “Saab, floods are not new to me. We are
used to a hard life, we know how to overcome
hardships. We, in the hamlet cross the river daily to
reach the other side. So, do not worry. I shall help
you.”
Meeku looked around. He suddenly dived into
the water and swam a little distance. He saw a log
of wood floating some distance away. After a
search he got 2 wooden poles. Hurray, Meeku sat on
the wooden float and rowed it using the poles as
oars.
One by one Bunty and his family reached the
nearby taxi stand with the help of the float, rowed
by Meeku.
Billu and Chillu who ridiculed and condemned
Meeku as a good for nothing bumpkin, were
dumbstruck by the courage, skill and presence of
mind of their new servant.

W hen they reached home, Bunty patted Meeku

thankfully. He said, “Sons, the ignorant
jungle folks too have skills. We may know all about
gadgets, machines and modern life but often we do
not know how to deal with life’s problems. These
simple folks, who live a hard life, manage them
better.
“See, today when we saw the heavy floods, we
stood helplessly and it is this jungle folk who
found a quick solution.
“Now do you realise that Meeku would be of
great help to us?”
Billu and Chillu nodded their heads and
happily welcomed the country bumpkin into their
house. ●
8 Champak
 The Detective Monty and
the Fake Scientist
A cheat posed as a scientist and claimed in the
market that he can cause a rain with the help of
his newly invented machine. The clouds thus
made by will roar and will emit lightning.
The Dectitive Monty caught his lie. How?

lightning.
lightning in the atmosphere will only cause
Ans: Because lightning never roars and the

October (Second) 2009 9

Sonit’s Spying
by Anil Satija

T
ODAY, SONIT had got
up early in the
morning. His father
was a milkman.
He said to Sonit, “Take
this cans. I have filled milk
in them.”
“Yes Papa,” Sonit replied
and put both the cans on his
cycle.
Though his father did this
work everyday but today he
was not feeling well so Sonit
was going to distribute milk.
Father had given him the list
of all his customers.
These days they were
running tight. The milk
business was not fetching good money. On top of
that it was difficult to pay the school fees and other
household expenses. Sonit had decided to give up
studies.
Sonit left for work. His village was 3 km away
from the town. Sonit was passing through a lonely
stretch on the highway. He saw a truck standing in
the middle of the road. It was probably off road.
Two people were trying to repair it with the bonnet
open.

A s Sonit passed from there, the chain of his cycle

gave way. He got down and got at a side of the
road. He saw that some wild dogs were barking
madly at the 2 men. One of them, who was bald, got
angry on them. The men picked up some
stones and threw on the dogs. But the dogs kept
barking.
'Why are the dogs barking so much on them?
There is surely something wrong. The truck is
covered from all the sides too,' coming near the
truck, Sonit thought.
'Oh, there is some foul smell of animal coming
from the truck like the horse of Jumman uncle. If I
am not wrong, there is some horse-like animal
locked up in the truck,' Sonit was just guessing as
the other man came to him.
“Hey you boy, what are you searching here?” the
man chided.
“Nothing, it was just my cycle chain that fell. I
am just picking it up,” Sonit said fearlessly and
picking up the chain from the ground, started
putting it back on the cycle.
“Come on, vanish from here soon,” the bald man
said.
October (Second) 2009 11
 Sonit moved on.
“The men appear to be criminals by face. How
rudely the man talked. Surely, there is something
fishy.”
Sonit reached the town in no time. He was
thinking of Inspector Prashant. Father went to his
house daily to supply him milk. Sonit straight went
to his house instead of going anywhere.
Prashant was at home and getting ready to go
out. Sonit told him everything.
“You did a good job by coming here first. Last
night a special horse named Sikander was stolen.
He always came first in races. Thieves have stolen
him so that they can earn great money by selling
him.”
“Look, there is a news in yesterday's newspaper.
His owner Manik Lal Mehta has filled a complaint
and is very upset. If Sikander is not found, he will
bear loss of lakhs of rupees.”
And Prashant went towards the phone, Sonit
gave him milk and
went away, as he
had to supply milk
to others also.
Soon, he return-
ed home tired. Next
morning Sonit got
ready to go to
school. Father had
left home to supply
milk. Sonit had
almost forgotten
yesterday's episode.
He had just stepped
out of his house
when a police jeep halted at his gate.
Everyone in the village was surprised to see a
jeep. A crowd collected immediately. A smiling
Inspector Prashant got down from the jeep and
came near Sonit, “Keep it up Sonit, you have
helped nabbing the thieves of Sikander. Soon, after
talking to you, I sent mobile police vans to the
highway because of which both the thieves were
caught. Sikander was found lying unconscious in
the truck. They had given him a tranquilising
injection after stealing him.
“Mr Mehta is also very happy with you. He has
decided to reward you one lakh rupees.”
Sonit, along with his family, were very pleased.
All their worries were now over. Sonit could go to a
good school. They had tears of happiness in their
eyes. ●

HA! HA! HA!

Manish: Suresh, you had a colour TV. Then how
did it change into a black and white one?
Suresh: See, there are so many advertisements
for washing soaps coming in the TV. They have
changed our colour TV into a black and white one.
—Ashok, Palampur.
*
Teacher: If it takes 15 men 12 hours to build a
wall, how long will it take 5 men?
Mohan: No time at all. The 15 have already built
it. —Amrit Singh, Mumbai.
*

October (Second) 2009 13

A
S JACKY Dog entered his office, his mobile
rang.
“Hello, Jacky speaking,” putting it behind
his ears’ he said, “Hello sir, I am Bhola Bear, the
manager of Hanmani Bank,” a nervous voice from
the other side spoke.
“Tell me, Mr manager, is all well?” Jacky asked.
“No sir, everything is disordered.”
“Why? What is wrong?”
“A bank robbery has taken place. The robbers
have fled with 2 crore rupees. Come soon, I am sure
you will be able to nab the miscreants,” Manager
explained.
“I will just be there,” Jacky replied. He thought
for a while. Then he sat in his car to head for
Hanmani Bank.
Jacky was the Sherlock Homes of Champakvan.
He had solved many difficult and complicated
cases earlier too. So for any mishappening the
animals remembered him.
When Jacky reached the bank, Inspector Chetu
Leopard was already present there. His men were
taking down fingerprints.
“Yes, tell me inspector, did you find any proof?”
Jacky asked Chetu.

by Dr Rajiv Gupta

Bank Robber y
14 Champak
 “We have not found any proof, Mr Jacky. The
robbers were very clever,” Chetu said, a little
disappointed.
“Don't worry. It is very easy for us to provide
proofs,” and Jacky immediately went to Bhola Bear,
the bank manager of Hanmani Bank to gather some
important information.
“It was sharp 11 o’clock when the robbers
entered the bank. All had pistols in their hands. As
soon as they entered, they covered everyone and
very easily filled 2 crore rupees in the suitcases
they were carrying and fled. Some of their
associates were sitting in the waiting Balero,”
Bhola informed.
“Could you not see anyone's face,” Jacky
asked.

vz
 “No, they were all masked,” Bhola answered.
Jacky collected some more information from
Bhola. For some time he kept seeing left and right
carelessly in the bank, then said, “If nobody has
seen the robbers’ faces, how can we catch them,”
and he left in his car.
Everyone present was surprised with Jacky
dog's behaviour today. Chetu Leopard was busy
trying to nab the robbers. Finally, not reaching
anywhere, he closed the bank robbery file.

T wo months passed since this case. Sonu Donkey

a well known businessman of Champakvan,
was somewhat wonky by nature. He believed in
lucky numbers. Once he advertised in the
newspaper that if anyone was in possession of one
thousand rupee note numbered XY 532161, he may
come and give him the note and take away 10,000
rupees from him.
Coincidently, Chaplu Rabbit had this number
note. Chaplu came to Sonu and happily took away
10,000 rupees after giving him the same numbered
note.
Again after 4 days, Sonu took out another
advertisement in the paper saying, “If anybody has
a thousand rupee note numbered XX 324709 can
come and give it to me and take away 20,000 rupees
as it is my lucky number.”
In the evening, Kalu Jackal met Sonu Donkey
secretly, “Is XX 324709 really your lucky
number?”
“Yes, if it was not so, why should I have given
20,000 rupees for 1,000 rupees? A famous saint has
told me about this number,” Sonu said.
“I have a note of this number. Take it and give
16 Champak
me 20,000 rupees. But don't let anyone know about
this.”
“Why?”
“Matters of Income tax.”
“Oh, so that is the matter. Why should I tell
anyone about it? I just want my lucky number at
any cost,” and giving Kalu 20,000 rupees, he took
the 1,000 rupees note from him. Kalu was very
happy getting 20 thousand rupees for a thousand
rupees note. He thought that Sonu Donkey was a
fool to throw money like this for lucky numbers.
Counting the money, he kept them in his pocket
and went home.
He had just entered his house when Jacky Dog
along with Chetu Leopard and the police nabbed
him.
“But what have I done?” Kalu was surprised.
“Two months back you along with your gang
had robbed 2 crore rupees from Hanmani Bank.”
 Jacky pointed a pistol towards him. Kalu was
petrified.
When his house was searched, loads of money
were found.
“Where have you kept more money?” arresting
him, Inspector Chetu asked.
“My men have them,” Kalu accepted.
Soon, the police nabbed his associates Chalu
Fox, Langda Dog, Tonu Jackal and Laggu Hyena
and put them in jail.
“Good, you have laid a smart trap to nab the
robbers with the help of Chaplu Rabbit and Sonu
Donkey,” Inspector Chetu thanked Jacky.
“Yes, I had taken numbers of the stolen notes
from the bank manager. Then I included Sonu and
Chaplu too in my plan so that the robbers may not
doubt and they may fall in our trap.”
“You are surely Champakvan’s Sherlock
Homes,” Chetu complimented Jacky. Jacky
smiled. ●

Playing with letters

Given below are 5 words. If you interchange the letters in
a word, you will get another word. Then try and form a
sentence using both the words.
For example: ACT changes to CAT
Sentence: A film producer wants a cat to act in his film.
Change these words and make a sentence.
Words: 1. TIER. 2. MEAT. 3. NEAR. 4. PLUG. 5. RING.
Send your answers at—
CHAMPAK (Playing with letters)
DELHI PRESS
E-3, Jhandewala Extn., Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi - 110055.
18 Champak
 Detective Teenu and The Thief
Once a car thief ran away with a stolen
car. Police gave a hot chase to the thief, but
the car hit the tree on the next turn and the
thief escaped. Little later the police caught
3 thieves. Detective Teenu came and he
identified the real thief. How?

which was from the cap worn by the thief.

Ans: He found a feather on the car's seat,

October (Second) 2009 19

 T
HERE WAS a big com-
pany named 'Teddy &
Son' in Satpuravan.
Many animals of the forest
worked in the company.
Since past few days the
owner of 'Teddy & Son'
Theft in the Company

Teddy Bear was very upset.

His office was being burgled
constantly since many days.
But today somebody had
used his computer and it
hung.
He remembered his
friend Cheeku Rabbit.
by Aparna Majumdar

Cheeku worked in a private

detective agency in
Satpuravan. He was very
clever and intelligent.
He had helped the police
in nabbing many known
criminals.
Teddy went to Cheeku's
office to meet him. Cheeku
was very happy to see Teddy
at his office. He asked,
“What brings you here,
friend?”
“I have come to you for a
very important work. Hope,
you will solve the matter as
soon as possible. Or I will be
destroyed,” Teddy cried.
“Tell me what is the
matter? How can I help
22 Champak
you?” Cheeku consoled.
Teddy said, “For the last many months my
company's documents are being stolen. But it was a
limit today when my computer too hung because of
which I had to bear a loss of crores of rupees. If my
computer is not repaired, I will finish.”
“Do you have any enemy or you suspect
anyone?” Cheeku tried to inquire.
“In the corporate culture everyone is each
other’s enemy and friend. Therefore, I cannot say
anything for sure,” Teddy said.
“Is there anyone in your company whom you
suspect?”
“No one, because all employees are old and
trusted, hard working and honest.”
“In that case, it is very difficult to say anything,”
Cheeku said.
He pondered, “I have a plan.”
“What plan?” Teddy asked surprisingly.
“Yes. Do as I tell you,” Cheeku explained his
plan nicely to Teddy.
According to the plan, Teddy Bear employed
Cheeku Rabbit in his company and introduced him
to all his employees as a labourer.
After meeting the employees, Cheeku Rabbit

Champak
came to know that company's manager Bhiku
Jackal was the oldest employee in the company
who had turned too old and so Teddy Bear was
sending him home on retirement.
One day, after all the employees left, Cheeku
Rabbit hid behind the door. It was then that he saw
Bhiku Jackal.
Cheeku Rabbit thought as his eyes fell on him,
'What is Bhiku Jackal doing here at this time? All
have gone home. Maybe, he has some work that is
why he is here.'
But he became alert when he saw Bhiku enter
Teddy Bear's cabin slyly.
Cheeku too went behind him to Teddy's cabin
and opening the door a little, tried to peep in.
Bhiku was fingering the computer. Cheeku then
entered the cabin.
Bhiku got nervous seeing Cheeku inside. He
quickly tried to shut down the computer.
“In the absence of the master what are you
doing here?” Cheeku asked in a stern voice.
Bhiku did not reply. Then Cheeku introduced
himself and said, “This is the last time that I am
asking you, what are you doing here?”

B hiku Jackal was utterly frightened seeing

Cheeku Detective in front of him. Asking
apology with folded hands he said, “I am going to
retire in a few days. After retirement I want to start
a small business of mine. Since last many years I
have put in lot of hard work in this company but
could not collect that much money as to start my
own business.”
“Suddenly one day, I met the owner of Chakmak
Company. He assured me that if I get him
October (Second) 2009 25
documents and internal information about 'Teddy
& Son' Company, he will give me 10 lakh rupees. I
was ready to do this for so much money. Please
forgive me.”
“My work is to find out the culprit. Your master
will decide whether to punish or forgive you,”
Cheeku Rabbit said.
He rang up Teddy from his mobile and called
him, “Here is your culprit.”
Teddy Bear said, “If you needed money, you
should have told me. I would not have given you so
much money but I would have helped you to start a
business. But you have deceived me by getting
greedy. You have hurt my faith. You should be
punished for it.”
Teddy Bear called the police and handed Bhiku
Jackal to them. ●

SHARP
EYE
69

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26 Champak
 Who robbed Jungle Bank?
Somebody robbed the Jungle Bank at night. One of
the animals reported that he had seen the hill tiger
coming out from the bank. Another animal reported
that he saw the leopard running with a bag in the
area. Whereas the 3rd animal said that he saw the
puma running away with the bag. Despite 3 different
versions about the robber, the Detective Doggy feels
that the bank robbers are not 3 different individuals,
but only one fellow. Why?

the names of the same animal.

Ans: Because hill tiger, leopard and puma are

October (Second) 2009 27

 ● ●

Secr et of Skulls
by Jamshed Azmi

T
HERE WAS an old tree on the way from
Sundervan to the city. According to the
elderly birds and animals, the tree was more
than 400 years old.
At night, the tree appeared very scary.
Generally, animals and birds passing were
frightened at seeing it.
Taking advantage of this fact, Baddy Jackal and
Laddy Fox made their home in the thick leaves of
the tree and decided to scare the innocent animals
and birds with the fear of ghost.
28 Champak
 One night, Jumpy Monkey was returning
home with some money when he crossed the
ghostly tree.
Suddenly, Baddy and Laddy, who were sitting
on the tree, suspended 2 skulls from the tree
making them dance in front of Jumpy like puppets.
Seeing 2 skulls right in front of him, Jumpy was
terrified. He screamed, “Ghost ... ghost. There is a
ghost on the tree. Help.”
“Now you cannot be saved. You are in our
clutches. You cannot even move without our wish,”
and one of the skulls laughed loudly.
Jumpy tried running away but his feet froze
with fear. He shook and fell down. He pleaded,
“Please ghost, let me go. I promise that I will never
pass from here again.”
“This cannot happen. You are bound to take this
way. This is the only way that connects the city to
the jungle,” said the other skull dancing.

B addy who was sitting on top said, “But all

animals and birds pass from here on a
condition. They will have to pay tax to us. You too
can put 200 rupees in the skull's nose and move
on.”
“It is ok. Money is not as important as my life,”
and Jumpy inserted 2 notes of 100 rupees each in
the skull's nose.
The skulls danced and said in one voice, “Good
Jumpy, you have acted sensibly. Now you may go.
But do tell everyone about our tax.”
Jumpy fled for his life. Reaching among his
friends he informed them, “Friends, 2 ghosts have
made the old tree their home. I have somehow
saved my life from them.”
October (Second) 2009 29
 “What? How can that be? The tree looks scary
being thick and old. But we must not believe in
ghosts and such things,” Meeku Dog asserted.
“Yes, Meeku is right. Dogs too are scared
passing from there though I don't believe in
ghosts,” said Whity Goat.
When Jumpy Monkey heard this he avered,
“Believe me, even I have seen 2 skulls dancing. I
am just coming after paying a tax of 200 rupees to
the ghosts.”
“Ha... ha... ha, somebody has made a fool of you
and extracted money,” and everybody had a hearty
laugh.
“Don't believe me. When you will experience,
you will know,” and Jumpy left frustrated.

D ays passed and everything was forgotten. On

the tree Baddy and Laddy were now waiting
for their next prey.
For many days when no one came by, Baddy
said, “Laddy, it seems that our skulls are not scary
enough. In spite of scaring Jumpy so badly, the
animals of the jungle are not frightened.”
“You are correct. Probably our plan has
flopped,” Laddy Fox said.
“But we must still wait. Maybe the animals are
just acting brave,” Baddy Fox tried being
optimistic.
Then, suddenly, they heard sounds of some
footsteps. Both got ready with the skulls in their
hands.
Chimpu Mouse was coming. As he passed from
under the tree, the skulls hung down and started
dancing in front of him.
“Ghosts, ghosts have come in the jungle. I
30 Champak
should not have returned from the city,” Chimpu
Mouse screamed with fear.
“Now as you are here, put 200 rupees in the nose
of the skulls or we will drink your blood,” the
skulls tried scaring him.
In order to save himself, Chimpu stuffed 2 notes
of 100 rupees in the nose of the skull.
“Now go and warn everyone in the jungle that if
they want to live longer, they better start giving
money. Or we will finish them,” a voice came out of
the skulls.
“I have understood,” and Chimpu ran away as
fast as he could.
Chimpu soon reached the jungle and informed
everyone about this happening. Pulling his leg
Jumpy said, “Chimpu too has become a prey. Wish
you believed that these ghosts are for real.”
“Yes, now we have also
started believing it
somewhat. We will go
and see ourselves. If
the ghosts are
really there, we
should not
mind giving
t h e m
200 rupees,”
wiping sweat
from their
heads the
animals said.
All animals
reached the
ghostly tree. The
skulls hung down
October (Second) 2009 31
 and started dancing. They took a promise
that every animal passing from under the
tree will give 200 rupees to the ghosts.
Baddy Jackal and Laddy Fox were
extremely happy at this.
This went on for a year. Baddy and Laddy
became moneyed, acting as ghosts. Their life
became very comfortable.
Suddenly, one day, Sheelu Hippo, returning
from the town, passed from under the old tree
when the skulls again hung down before him.
“What is this trouble?” Sheelu Hippo stepped
back with surprise.
“We are ghosts. If you want to stay alive, put 200
rupees in the skulls' nose or...” the skulls danced
and said.
Sheelu thought for a while. He whispered,
“Surely, this is someone’s mischief who is
extracting money out of innocent animals. After all,
why should a ghost require money? I should give
them money in order to know the truth.”
Running his eyeballs across the tree Sheelu
Hippo said, “Dear ghost, I do not want to die. I am
coming to put money in your nose.”
Sheelu went near them and inserted the notes in
the nose. As he waved his hand on top of them, he
touched the nylon wires with which the skulls were
suspended and were invisible.
“Oh! So this is the matter. Now wait and watch
how I teach these ghosts a lesson,” Sheelu
whispered to himself and went inside the
jungle.
He called everyone and said, “Brothers, I have
just met the skull ghosts and come. It is their
birthday today. They desire that all animals should
32 Champak
burn red chillies under the tree and worship them
with the smoke. Otherwise the ghosts will get
angry and create havoc in the jungle.”
“No, we cannot afford their anger. We will get
red chillies just now from our homes.”
“All the animals got bags full of red chillies and
went with Sheelu to worship the ghosts.
On the other hand, seeing Sheelu come with
bags along with a great crowd, Baddy Jackal was
excited, “Look Laddy, all animals are getting bags
full of notes.”
“Yes, it seems we are going to get lucky
today.”
By then the animals reached the tree and piled
up chillies under the tree. Without delay Sheelu
Hippo put a spark to the pile.

F ire broke out quickly in the pile of chillies.

Baddy and Laddy were choked of breath and
burst out coughing. They tried to save themselves
from the smoke but soon felt suffocated. Their eyes
started burning.
Both could not balance and fell with a thud on
the ground with the skulls.
“Oh! They are Baddy and Laddy. They have
skulls in their hands. That means they were scaring
us by acting as ghosts,” all animals were angry.
Everyone jumped on Baddy Jackal and
Laddy Fox and beat them black and blue. In order
to save themselves Baddy and Laddy came out with
the truth. By then the police came and arrested
them.
All the animals then thanked Sheelu for
opening the secret of skulls and enjoyed a tasty
feast in the evening. ●
October (Second) 2009 33
 Detective Tortoise
The duck was swimming in the swimming
pool. Her complaint is that hippo had stolen
her necklace. The hippo’s contention was
that he had gone to swim in the sea. But the
Detective Tortoise knew that the Hippo was
the thief. How?

Detective Tortoise caught the Hippo.

from the sea beach, which was missing. Thus
on his return he would carry the sand on his feet
Ans: If the hippo had gone to swim in the sea,

34 Champak
 by Yugal Kishore ‘Chintit’

T
INKOO, Chintoo
and Minkoo
V ictory Rabbits had just
arrived in Champakvan.
of There was a large pond
in the middle of the
Chintoo jungle. There was a huge
ground spread till far.
Many more rabbits lived
there too. They were in a bad shape, as they did not
have enough food to eat.
One day, Chintoo Rabbit gathered his
neighbour rabbits and said to them, “This place is
so good. There is land and a water pond too. Why
don't we get together and do some farming, grow
crops and make our lives happier.”
“Chintoo brother, you are absolutely correct. But
you are new in this jungle. The king's son Sheru is
very mischievous and arrogant. He will not let us
do farming,” Cheeku expressed worry.
“At least, start working. I will see him,”
confident Cheeku said.

T he next day all the rabbits reached the ground

with spades in their hands and started digging.
Sheru was strolling there. Hearing some digging
sound, he went to the ground.
“Why are you digging the ground?” Sheru
asked.
“We want to grow crops in the field, brother
Sheru,” Chintoo Rabbit said respectfully.
“”Is the land yours?”
“No, it is Champakvan's land and Champakvan
is for all the animals,” spoke Tinkoo.
“Look, my father is the king of Champakvan. I
will not let you do farming on this land,” Sheru
said arrogantly.
“We consider you the king of this jungle. If we
grow crops on this land we will pay you tax,
Your Majesty,” Meeku Rabbit spoke some good
words.
Sheru quickly replied, “Ok, then we will keep
half part of the crop as tax.”
“Well, Your Majesty, will you tell us which part
38 Champak
of the crop will you keep as tax. The part above the
land or the part below it?” Tinkoo Rabbit asked.
Sheru thought, ‘What will I do of the part below
the ground in the sand?’
“Listen, I will take the part above the ground,”
Sheru ordered.
“It is ok with us,” Chintoo agreed.
All the rabbits including Tinkoo, Chintoo and
Minkoo started digging. They toiled hard and
grew crops. Sheru too came when the crops were
ready.
“Your Majesty, please take the part of the crop
above the ground,” and Chintoo dug out a carrot
from the ground and extended its leaves to Sheru.
He kept the carrot in his bag.
Similarly, other rabbits too broke the leaves of
carrots, raddish, potato, and onions and keeping
the fruits in their baskets and offered the leaves to
Sheru. Sheru could not say anything. He had a pile
of leaves in front of him.
He thought for a while and said, “Chintoo, next
time you sow a crop, I will take the part that grows
under the ground,” and stamping the leaves Sheru
left.

A fter some time, another crop was ready. Sheru

was on the field. The rabbits were also there.
This time they cut wheat and gram sticks and put
them in their bags and gave the stems to Sheru.
Sheru just kept gaping. He again thought for a
while and screamed, “Next time, you pile up the
whole crop and I will chose whichever I want.”
“Ok, Your Majesty,” Chintoo said happily and
Sheru moved on angrily.
After some months, the crop was again ready.
Sheru came to the field. He saw 2 piles. The smaller
pile was that of grains and the bigger one was that
of husk.
“Here, Your Majesty, this is the bigger pile,”
pointing towards the husk pile Chintoo said.
Sheru thought, 'What will I do of this big
pile.”
He smiled and coming near to Chintoo said, “I
am a non-vegetarian. What will I do of this crop.
All of you are hardworking and sensible. You
have won. This land is yours. Now you will not
have to pay any tax. From today, you all are my
friends.”
All the rabbits were very happy. Chintoo’s
cleverness made them the winners. Sheru too
became friend and their poverty was removed by
hard work. ●
40 Champak
 Rules of the Game

● You can start the game when you get 1 on your

dice.
● If you don't have a dice then, you can pick up your
Champak magazine. Now with your eyes closed,
open the magazine, count and move
boxes as per the count of the last digit
of the right hand side page number,
such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
● Before starting the game each player
has to select the colour of his choice.
● While following the rules of the game throughout,
the player who reaches the end point first, shall be
the winner.
 Wait for
2 turns.

Move
when you
get 5.
Start Mo
again. when
get
Start
again.

Move Wait fo
when you
get 1. 1 turn

Wait for
2 turns.

Start
again.

Start
 Move
when you
get 5.

ove
n you
1.

End
or
Start
. again.

Move
when you
get 5.

Move Wait for

when you 1 turn.
get 1. Roshan Babu

Start
again.
 DABOO SPORTS A COAT AND A HAT
AND BECOMES A DETECTIVE.

HEY! YOU ARE REALLY LOOKING LIKE A

REAL DETECTIVE.

HE HAS BINOCULARS
AS WELL.

SUDDENLY, A VIXEN EMERGED WHERE DABOO HAS GONE?

OUT OF THE BUSHES.

HIS HAT AND BINOCULARS ARE

HERE. IT MEANS SOMEBODY HAS
NOW, I DON'T HAVE TO HUNT
CAUGHT DABOO.
AROUND FOR THE WHOLE DAY.

44 Champak
 WHO HAS KIDNAPPED DABOO?
SHE WOULD NOT HAVE GONE
TOO FAR.

FROM THE FOOTMARKS IT

SEEMS IT IS THE VIXEN WHO LET US SEE FROM THE
HAS CAPTURED DABOO. TREETOP.

HURRY UP! WE HAVE TO

YES, SHE IS RUNNING AWAY
SAVE DABOO.
WITH DABOO. NOW SHE HAS
ENTERED A CAVE.
BUT HOW WE BOTH WILL
FIGHT WITH THE VIXEN?

October (Second) 2009 45

 CHEEKU MADE A ROPE WITH
YOU HOLD THIS ROPE.
SOME CREEPERS.

I GOT IT. THIS STICK WILL

WE WILL FIGHT AND ALSO BE HELPFUL.
BREAK HER LEG.

CHEEKU PLACED THE HAT IN FRONT OF WHO IS THERE? HOW COME

THE DOOR AND KNOCKED THE DOOR. THIS HAT IS LYING HERE?

46 Champak
 MEEKU, HIT HER WITH STICK SO
THE MOMENT THE VIXEN MOVED AHEAD THAT SHE DOES NOT GET UP.
TO PICK UP THE HAT, CHEEKU AND
MEEKU PULLED THE ROPE. THE VIXEN
FELL FLAT.

AAH...

O.K. NOW SHE IS UNCONSCIOUS. WE I TRIED TO BE A DETECTIVE, BUT

HAVE TO GET AWAY FAST WITH DABOO. YOU ARE THE REAL DETECTIVE.

October (Second) 2009 47

 Mummy to her
daughter: Yesterday, you
went to sleep, the moment I
began singing the lullaby.
Did you like my lullaby very
much?
Daughter: No
Mummy, I slept off
quickly out of fear that I
might have to listen to
the whole lullaby.
—Himanshu, Chennai.
* *
Sunny: Mannu, today
I saved 10 rupees.
Mannu: Really, but
how?
Sunny: I ran after the
bus and reached the
school.
Mannu: Then you
suffered a loss.
Sunny: How?
Mannu: If you had
run after a taxi, then you
would have saved 100
rupees. —Naresh, Kolkata.
Rahul: My cat can tell
her name.
 Raju: And what is fellow, Uncle. He cries as
name of your cat? if he has learnt crying for
Rahul : Meeyaooo. many years.
—Ashok, Meerut. —Shruti Singh, Uttrakhand.
* *
Mummy: The one Hunny: Papa, have
who listens to me, I shall not you lost your wallet
give him the toys. anywhere?
Son: Then you better Papa: No, I don't
give the toy to Papa. think so.
—Ravi, Mumbai. Hunny: Just check, it
* might be lying some-
Mohit: What are you where.
doing? Papa (checks his
Ranjit: I am doing the pocket): No, my wallet is
homework. in my pocket.
Mohit: But why are Hunny: Then please
you doing it so slow? give me 50 rupees out of
Ranjit: Because my your wallet.
teacher is in the habit of —Deepika, Shimla.
reading slowly. *
—Aakash, Modinagar. Mummy: Son, get
* ready fast for the school,
Neighbour: Hey Raju! or else you will be late
You have a new born for the school.
member in your family, Son: Never mind
how is he doing? Mummy, the school is
Raju: He is not a new open till evening.
—Arjun, Uttar Pradesh.
 There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many mistakes
are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the keyword
DPBTB. Then leave one space and then type the total number of mistakes.
For example, DPBTB 7, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then send the
DPBTB
SMS on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct 7

respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be

given a gift of Rs. 100 each. You can also send your answers by Post
Card. Your answers should reach us by 5 November, 2009.

Find out the mistakes: Win prize-62

1

2
 by Jamshed Azmi

S
U N D E R VA N
was prospering
under the rule
of King Sher Singh.
He always thought of
Snag in the prosperity of the
jungle and worked
his best to see it
Helicopter prosper. Because of
this attitude, some
animals had become
his enemies.
The enemies
wanted to kill him
and take the reigns of
the kingdom in their
hands so that they
could themselves
become rich by
52 Champak
looting the wealth of the jungle.
One day, Sher Singh was touring his jungle in a
helicopter when the helicopter started shaking. He
told the pilot, “Our helicopter is shaking badly. You
must soon control it or we all will be dead.”
“Your Majesty, I am trying my best but it is not
coming under control. Probably, there is a serious
snag,” and he tried controlling it.
By then it was too late. The helicopter was
descending with great speed towards the ground.
Sher Singh and the pilot were frightened and
jumped out of it with the parachute. The helicopter
fell on the earth and with a loud explosion broke
into many pieces.

A fter some time, Sher Singh bought a new

helicopter. For some days everything was good.
But one day that too fell from mid air and crashed.
This time also Sher Singh barely escaped.
One by one, 6 helicopters were destroyed which
worried Sher Singh. He came to conclude that
somebody wants to kill him. Sensing danger, he
stoped flying.
One day, he called his loyal minister Jonny Bear
and said, “Jonny, till now 6 helicopters have been
targeted down. I guess some enemies want to kill
me.”
“Your Majesty, you must stop believing animals
around you blindly. If something happens to you,
the whole jungle will finish,” Jonny Bear said.
“I have to have faith on someone at least. I alone
cannot fight the enemy. Someone who can target
my helicopter can do anything,” Sher Singh said.
“You are right. You will have to be cautious till
the enemy is caught. I am there with you. One of
October (Second) 2009 53
my friends is a well known detective of the town.
He has solved the most complicated cases. I will
ring him up and call him,” Jonny Bear assured.
“Good, well thought. If the spy is from the town,
nobody will know him. Call him soon,” Sher Singh
was happy.
Jonny asked spy Billu Monkey to come to
Sundervan. The monkey happily came.
Jonny and Sher Singh met at a secret place.

O n hearing Sher Singh's case Billu said, “The

matter is really serious. Don't worry, Your
Majesty. I will soon catch the enemy and hand him
over to you.”
“I expect that from you,” Sher Singh said.
“By the way how many helicopters do you have
right now? Where do they stand and who looks
after them?” Billu Monkey asked.
Right now I have no helicopter. My helicopters
stand on the helipad at the airport and the workers
there are responsible for their safety and repair,”
Sher Singh informed.
“So now you may buy a new helicopter and park
it on the helipad at the airport so that I may reach
the enemy,” Billu Monkey said.
All the 3 then left. After reaching his palace,
Sher Singh immediately ordered a new helicopter.
From the next day, Billu Monkey dressed up as a
sweeper, started watching the workers at the
airport. He suspected some animals and birds
because of their behaviour.
After some days, he saw a new helicopter
standing at the helipad. Now Billu became alert.
One day, Lallu Jackal was strolling near the
helicopter. Billu murmured to himself, “Lallu
54 Champak
appears very smart. His standard of living is also
better than others. Surely, he only must be
fingering the helicopter. But on whose instruc-
tions?”
Billu got after Lallu.
One day, he saw Lallu going with Foreign
Minister Jhaptu Wolf to his house. Billu started
following him silently.
Lallu Jackal went to Jhaptu's house and returned
after 10 minutes with a packet. Billu sitting on the
 tree, was watching. Seeing a
packet in the hands of Lallu, his
doubt turned into belief. Lallu
hid the packet in his house and
started towards the airport.
In the afternoon, seeing no
one near the helicopter, Lallu
Jackal put pebbles in the
helicopter's petrol tank.
Billu saw this. He was very
excited knowing who it was, “So this
is it. Sher Singh's helicopter is falling due to
pebbles in his helicopter's tank. This means Jhaptu
Wolf is Sher Singh's enemy. I must soon tell the
king about it.”
He then ran to the palace and told Sher Singh
everything.
The king was very angry. He called Jonny Bear
and got Lallu Jackal and Jhaptu Wolf arrested and
produced them before the king.
The king wildly roared seeing the traitors in
front of him, “So you both wanted to kill me.
“I was fortunate enough to escape the
death. Now both of you will get punishment for
this.”
“Your Majesty, I am your faithful servant. Why
will I take your life? Perhaps, somebody has
poisoned you against me,” foreign minister Jhaptu
Wolf said.
“Yes, Your Majesty, Jhaptu is right. Jonny Bear is
your enemy and our's too. Earlier too he tried to
bribe us. I did not listen to him so he poisoned your
ears,” Lallu Jackal tried to make up.
Sher Singh was highly annoyed with the
aspersions cast on Jonny. His eyes went red. He
56 Champak
shouted at Lallu and Jhaptu badly.
Then Billu spoke, “Your Majesty, I have seen
them putting pebbles in the helicopter tank. We
must get the pebbles out by calling an engineer or
this helicopter too will be destroyed. It is necessary
to question Lallu strictly. He will ogle out all truth
if he is bashed up nicely.”
The king immediately ordered Lallu to be
beaten up black and blue.
“Oh, don't beat me, please. Let me go. I had put
pebbles inside the helicopter tank on Jhaptu's
instruction. He was paying me heftily for the work.
I had become greedy. Please forgive me,” Lallu
screamed on getting beaten up.
Jhaptu started trembling with nervousness
when Lallu came out with the truth. He tried to flee
but could not succeed.
Sher Singh put both of them behind bars.
Then he thanked Billu Monkey and appreciated
his spying.
He also gave him lots of money. Billu and Jonny
were on top of the world. ●

Do you have something to say?

Children are invited to contribute their own views,
poems, jokes (not published so far), amusing anecdotes
and cartoons. Give full name and address separately for
each column.
Kindly send them to: The Editor, Champak,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Road, New
Delhi-110055, stating that it is your own original,
unaided, unpublished work.

October (Second) 2009 57

 Inspector Kharag Singh found an
impression of a thief's hand. Where is
the impression of the thief's other hand?

Answer : 7.

58 Champak

☺  Who Am I ?  ☺

1. My 1st colour symbolize vigour, 3. Slim is my body, made of
My 2nd colour symbolize bamboo.
peace, I am sad, as I have lot of
My 3rd colour symbolize holes.
prosperity, Though I am sad, but I have
And Ashok Chakra symbolize beautiful sound.
dynamism. Smart you are, if you guess
me right.
2. Man gave me eyes but I
cannot see. 4. Alive only in water
Man gave me mouth but I But cold as dead
cannot speak. Never thirsty but ever
Man gave me legs but I cannot drinking
walk. Can you guess me quickly?
Yet I am loved by all.

How Much Do You Know?

1. Which is fastest animal on the Earth?

?
(a) Cheetah. (b) Tiger.
(c) Rhinoceros. (d) Deer.
2. In which city you can find the Kutab Minar?
(a) Jaipur. (b) Kanpur.
(c) Delhi. (d) Agra.
3. Who said ‘Aaram Haram Hai’?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi. (b) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(c) Chandrashekhar Azad. (d) Subhash Chandra.
4. A. R. Rehman is associated with which field?
(a) Arts. (b) Science.
(c) Music. (d) Sports.
5. The river 'Kaveri' flows in which state?
(a) Tamil Nadu. (b) Gujarat.
(c) Rajasthan. (d) Sikkim.
Answers
Who Am I? : (1) National Flag. (2) Doll. (3) Flute. (4) Fish.
How Much Do You Know? : (1) a. (2) c. (3) b. (4) c. (5) a.
October (Second) 2009 59
C
HHUK CHHUK Express was a good train that
moved with great speed. It started from
Sheesham Nagar at 7 am and travelled a long
distance to Sagvanpur in 25 hours. It passed stations
of Karanj, Saal and Kachnar of Champakvan during
the late night.
The train was always crowded and some cases of
theft were reported from the train lately. These thefts

generally took place between Karanj and Kachnar

stations. The thieves kidnapped little animals too who
were never found later. King Sher Singh got worried.
He summoned Gaj Elephant, the head of Railway
Police.
“Chhuk Chhuk Express is the pride of
Champakvan. All rumours should immediately stop.

by Dr Suresh Mohan Prasad

|{
Criminals should be arrested as fast as possible,”
ordered Sher Singh.
Gaj Elephant called a meeting of the officers.
“Gangs of thieves are active. We must arrest them,”
Inspector Bhalu Ram spoke of the urgency of a special
operation.
Cheetah Nand suggested, “We should travel in
plain clothes.

Chhuk Chhuk Express

Geffu Giraffe too had an idea, “Patrol parties
should be deployed.”
The meeting went on till late. It was a long drawn
mission. They were preparing for ‘Operation Chhuk
Chhuk Express’ with full seriousness.
The train had started from Saal station. Some
animals entered the train running, as it started.
Cheetah Nand was in the same coach. He had been
travelling since many days and was equipped with
mobile and wireless set, though he was in plain
clothes. Wrapped in a blanket he used to lie quietly on
the top berth. Some doubt crept in his mind and he
became alert.
They were thieves. The thieves quickly switched
off the lights on entering. Whispers could be heard in
the coach. Cheetah Nand tried straining his ears to
hear their talks. Some of their friends were already
present in the coach earlier. The thieves were wearing
monkey caps and had pistols in their hands. Some of
the looters were made to stand on the door. Cheetah
Nand was constantly watching them.
October (Second) 2009 61
 “Put all the cash and jewellery in the bags,” the
masked men started looting with their torchlights on.
Some thieves were putting small animals in sacks.
There was panic in the coach everywhere.
When the thieves came to Cheetah Nand, he
quietly put his wrist watch, ring and cash in their bag.
The thieves then went to another coach. Cheetah
Nand immediately contacted his team. A troop of
monkeys was travelling along in another coach.
The train was nearing Kachnar station. Thieves
pulled the chain to stop the train and as the train
stopped, they got down and ran. The troop of
monkeys was ready. They too jumped off. There were
62 Champak
more than 50 thieves who were looting in different
coaches. Soon, all the thieves were caught. Small
animals that were trapped too were freed. They were
terribly frightened.
The thieves were arrested and brought to
Sagvanpur. Inspector Bhalu Ram and Geffu Giraffe
were present on the station.
Laptu Fox and Leo Leopard were involved in the
thefts. The criminals were photographed and
handcuffed The loot deposited at the station, as the
travellers had to be given their things back.
Operation Chhuk Chhuk Express was successful
and such thefts did not take place in future. ●
October (Second) 2009 63
 GRANDPA, WHAT IS
THAT SHINING LINE ON A SNAIL HAS JUST
THE FLOOR. PASSED THAT WAY.

GRANDPA
AND SNAIL
BY VENU VARIATH

SNAILS FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE ON A DRY, ROUGH

WHY IS IT THAT SURFACE. SO THEY PRODUCE A SLIMY LIQUID CALLED
SHINING? MUCUS AND APPLY IT AS THEY MOVE ALONG. IT IS THIS
MUCUS THAT SHINES.

THEN THEY EASILY

SLIDE ALONG THAT. THE SNAIL ALSO HAS A YES.
SHELL, LIKE A TORTOISE.

64 Champak
 THE SHELL PROTECTS THE
SNAIL FROM EXTERNAL HEAT, IT WHEN THE HEAT INCREASES,
IS JUST LIKE A SHIELD. THE SNAIL WILL SHRINK ITSELF
INTO THE SHELL.

THEN IT WILL CLOSE THE OPENING OF HO, THE HEAT IS

THE SHELL USING A THIN MEMBRANE. UNBEARABLE.
NOW, THE SNAIL IS SAFE FROM HEAT. THEN, LET US
CLOSE THE DOOR.

CAN THE SNAIL SEE THE SNAIL DOES NOT

AND HEAR JUST LIKE US. HAVE THE SENSE OF
HEARING .

October (Second) 2009 65

 WE OFTEN SEARCH OUR
FOOD USING OUR SENSE OF
TOUCH OR SMELL...

...BECAUSE OUR
EYESIGHT IS VERY
POOR.

TWO PAIRS. RATHER,

HOW MANY THE LARGER ONES ARE LONGER TOO.
THEY ARE CALLED
‘FEELERS’ DOES THEY HAVE A SINGLE EYE ON EACH OF THEM.
TENTACLES, ONE PAIR
A SNAIL HAVE? THE SHORTER TENTACLES ARE USED AS
LARGE AND THE
FEELERS ONLY.
OTHER SMALL.

DO SNAILS HAVE YES, OF

ANY LEGS. COURSE. THE SNAIL HAS
ONLY ONE LEG.

66 Champak
 SNAILS LAY EGGS. YES, BUT THERE IS ONE
DON’T THEY? PECULIARTY. BOTH THE MALE
AND FEMALE LAY EGGS.

THE SNAIL MAY LAY EGGS IN A

PROLIFIC MANNER– UPTO HOW LONG CAN A
1,200 EGGS AT A TIME. SNAIL LIVE?

ABOUT 15 YEARS.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SNAILS.

THE LARGEST ONE IS THE GIANT LAND SNAIL
SEEN IN AFRICA. IT MAY HAVE A LENGTH OF
39 CM. AND WEIGHT ABOUT 900 GMS.

October (Second) 2009 67

 Star Night in
Ahmedabad

T
HE WORLD of children is full of colours.
They decorate their colourful imagination
with great enthusiasm and gusto.
On the morning of September 1, 'Champak
Story Writing Competition' was organised in
Sacred Heart Primary School situated in Shahi
Bagh in which children from primary to class 7th
took part.
Their faces were gleaming with the thought of
putting down their imagination on paper and
pencil and winning prizes.
Principal of the school A. Chawla said, “It is the
first time that a magazine group is organising
Story Writing Competition. It is very encouraging
and this has made us too identify jewels of our
school.”
 A teacher of the school, Simar, said, “It was a
commendable effort from the side of Champak to
have organised such a competition. Children have
come out with their best. It is through stories that
we come to know about their observation of things
around them.
Such competitions develop skills of writing and
reading in them.”
The credit of getting children of Sacred Heart
School to write stories and prepare them went to
Madam Anne Sequera and Madam Jasmeet
Sanghera.
Mr Shashi Kapoor of ‘All Fresh’, who was the
sponserer of ‘Champak Story Writing Competition’
encouraged children to do well.
Winners were, Nishit Vasant Kumar, Harit
Gulshan Kapoor, Sadagi Devendra Kumar Jain,
Khushboo Kushal Kumar Oswal, Smit Hitesh
Kumar Jain.
Consolation prizes went to Isha Prakash Kumar
Jain and Kritika Sohan Lal Jain.
—Geeta Kapoor
B
LACKY BEAR in Nandanvan had worked
hard to make his den deep and spacious. He
lived there with his family happily. His son
Gabdu was a small fat, naughty and clever baby
bear.
One day, Gabdu said, “Papa, the big tree on
which Jumpy Monkey uncle lives with his family,
its branch has been let out to Darky Crow to
make his nest. Now Darky is the tenant and
Jumpy is the landlord. Why don't you also give a
part of our big den to some animal on rent and boss
70 Champak
 around being the land-
lord.”
Blacky liked Gabdu’s
idea. The next day itself
he let out a part of his
den to Piggu Pig who
was searching for an
abode as his tenant and
himself became the
landlord.
Vendor Jacky Jackal
everyday delivered
Jungle News newspaper

in the morning at Blacky

by Balendu Badola Bear's den.
Piggu Pig told Jacky
Jackal to supply him
newspaper everyday. As
Piggu started calling for
Inter esting a paper for himself,
Blacky Bear stopped the
News paper for himself. He
would send his son
Gabdu to bring paper
from Piggu and read it
October (Second) 2009 71
the whole day. For some days, Gabdu would ask
Piggu for the newspaper but after some time he
would get it without asking. A day came when
before the newspaper could land at Piggu's door,
Gabdu would pounce upon the paper and
take it for himself. Till both the father and son
read the paper page by page, they would
keep it with them and poor Piggu would just see
them helplessly.
The newspaper taking crossed limits when
Gabdu Bear took away the day's newspaper in the
morning and instead kept the past day's newspaper
in its place. Frustrated Piggu had no choice but to
go through the old newspaper. Landlord Blacky
and his son, on the other hand, enjoyed reading
fresh news and get their general awareness
updated.
Poor Piggu could not muster courage to check
them in decency. He did not want to annoy the
landlord too. He found himself helpless.
One day when Gabdu was not at home, landlord
Blacky himself went to Piggu for the newspaper.
That day, after many a days, Piggu was able to go
through the latest newspaper. After wishing good
morning to Piggu, he sat down near him and
involved him in talks. For a long time when Piggu
did not leave the newspaper, Blacky by the way
asked, “You are too engrossed in reading news,
Piggu. Is there something interesting?”
Turning the pages of the newspaper Piggu Pig
said, “Yes, there is an interesting news, listen,” and
with his eyes dug into a corner of the newspaper he
cooked up a news and read aloud, “Champakvan,
30 March. In the jungles of Jhurmut Talaiya a wild
boar from the animal colony killed his neighbour
great bear Richu by attacking him with his
elongated canines. This was because the wild boar
was annoyed as great bear used to take away his
newspaper everyday.”
Suddenly, Blacky got up to go saying, “I will
leave.”
“Take the newspaper,” offering the newspaper
to Blacky, Piggu smiled.
“No thanks, I am reminded of an urgent work,”
and Blacky, disappeared quickly.
From that day, Gabdu never came to take the
newspaper. ●
 Who Stole the Necklace?
A necklace was stolen from a hotel in Paris.
Detective 007 doubted 3 tourists staying in the
same hotel. The 1st tourist is from Arab but he
contended that he had gone to see the Eiffel Tower.
The 2nd tourist is an African, who claimed that he
had gone to see the art gallery. The 3rd tourist is
from China, whose contention was that he had gone
to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Detective 007
immediately nabbed Chinese tourist and recovered
the stolen necklace from him. Can you tell how
Detective 007 identified the real thief?

was not in Paris but was in Italy.

had gone to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which
Ans: Chinese tourist was lying when he said that he
74 Champak
O
UTSIDE THE village was a thick forest.
There was an old building in the jungle
which was in a dilapidated condition. Its
plaster had come off from many places and spiders
had made large webs everywhere.

by Rajiv Saxena

Secr et of
Damdama
House
 The villagers called it Damdama House. It was
actually an arsenal during British times and used to
store weapons, guns and artillery here. But nobody
knew when was the house built and who built it.
There were many mango and blackberry trees
outside the house. Children would often climb on
the trees and play. Sometimes they would also go to
the basement of the Damdama House.

O ne day, Samarth was on top of the blackberry

tree breaking its fruit.
He thought, 'Why not go to the basement of
Damdama House?'
He said to his friends, “Come, let us go into the
basement of the house.”
“No, I have heard that it is haunted,” Dharya
replied.
“There is no ghost at all. It is just a
superstition,” Samarth tried clearing his doubt.
“But there are lots of snakes and scorpions
inside the Damdama House.”
“If you don't want to come with me, it is all
right. But I will surely go,” Samarth was
adamant.
He got down the tree and went inside the
basement. It was dark underneath and there were
bats suspended from the ceiling.
Samarth became nervous. His foot suddenly hit
upon something hard. He had got a mobile with
him from home. With the torch in his mobile he
saw that it was something hard, like an old
machine.
He soon got the machine outside. It was an old
compass that was used by earlier boatmen and
pirates.
 He looked at it under the sun. It was written
with tiny letters 'Captain Raymond, 1920.'
Truly, this compass of Captain Raymond was a
rare thing to be found.
Samarth thought, 'Captain Raymond and
compass! What could Captain Raymond have done
of this compass? I should ask grandfather.'
Samarth ran to his house with compass and
asked grandfather, “Who was Captain Raymond?”
“Captain Raymond was a British officer?”
“Did you see him?”
“Yes, I remember
vaguely. He often came
along with 10-12 friends
on their horses. All
had guns and some
horses had heavy
iron boxes on their
backs. I used to
hide behind
bushes and watch.”
“Raymond and his friends did not appear good
men. They stayed at Damdama House for many
days. There were parties,” grandfather told
Samarth about Captain Raymond.
Suddenly, Samarth thought, 'Was Captain
Raymond a pirate? Possibly he came to Damdama
House to hide all the things he looted from the
boatmen and ships.
‘If Captain Raymond was a pirate, he would
have surely hidden his treasure somewhere in
Damdama House.'
Samarth immediately opened his computer and
sent some e-mails.

O ne day, a team of officers from the Archaeological

Department arrived at the Damdama House.
They were there on the information given by Samarth
through e-mail. The officers team had many labourers
who were carrying spades and other digging
equipments with them.
They started digging the house. Many iron
treasure boxes came out from the earth which were
filled with gold coins.
This was Captain Raymond's treasurer which he
had hidden in Damdama House.
The officers were very happy when they found
it. They congratulated Samarth and thanked him
for telling them about the treasure. He was awarded
a medal by the government.
The secret of Damdama House was revealed. But
he was happier finding the compass which actually
could make him conclude that Captain Raymond
was not a government officer but a leader of the
pirates. ●
78 Champak
 Hawker, The Gang
Member
by Anil Satija

A
RYAN WAS about to leave for his school,
when his mother said, “Aryan, after the
school, sell off these old newspapers to the
hawker.”
“Ok, Mummy,” replied Aryan.
On returning Aryan asked his mother, “Mummy,
I don't see the old newspapers?”
“Oh! Yes, the hawker had come in the afternoon
and he bought all the old newspapers at the rate of
Rs. 10 per kg.”
“Rs. 10 a kg. But the market rate for the old
newspapers is Rs. 7 per kg?”
Little later, Aryan went to play at his friend
October (Second) 2009 79
Harsh's house. His mother was selling the old
newspapers to the hawker. Aryan asked the
hawker, “You bought the newspapers from the
house number 174 in the afternoon, is not it?”
“Yes, and I had paid the cost of the newspapers.”
“Really, then show me your weighing scale.”
Aryan asked the hawker.
On inspecting the weighing scale he found the
weighing scale was fine.
The hawker paid for the newspaper to Harsh's
mother and asked for a glass of water.
“Yes, just wait, I will get the water for you,” said
Harsh's mother and she went inside the
kitchen.
The hawker kept standing and kept looking
around in the house.
Aryan came out and said to Harsh, “Why the
hawker is paying extra price for the newspapers? I
have my own doubts.”
“You are always in the habit of doubting
everybody. Why are you after the poor hawker?
Leave him.”
Gradually, the days passed by.

T hefts had started taking place in the colony at

night. The police were also worried. Aryan had
asked everybody to remain alert.
One day, on their way, Aryan and Harsh came
across the same hawker.
“Hey, you were not seen in the locality for the
past 3-4 days?” asked Aryan.
“Yes, yes, I was visiting my house in Jamalpur,”
the hawker stammered and he hurriedly walked
ahead.
“He is telling a white lie. Jamalpur is quite far
80 Champak
away. One can travel to Jamlapur only by train or
bus. Nobody can return from Jamapur in 3 days. It
takes minimum 5 days to return from Jamalpur.”
“Then he must have flown to Jamalpur,” said
Harsh who was visibly irritated.
“You fool, Jamalpur is a small village. There is
no flight to Jamalpur,” Aryan tapped on Harsh's
head.
“Let us follow him,” suggested Aryan.
Harsh and Aryan started following the hawker
at a safe distance.
After walking a little distance, the hawker took
a cab. Both the young detectives also hired a cab
and started chasing the hawker.
“What is your name?” Aryan asked the taxi
driver.
“Kundan,” replied the taxi driver and he kept
quiet.
“You see Harsh, no hawker can afford a taxi,”
said Aryan.
“You are right. My doubts are confirmed.”
After travelling for some time, the hawker got
October (Second) 2009 81
down from the taxi in front of an old bungalow
outside the city limits.
Aryan asked his taxi driver to stop the taxi and
wait for them. They took cover in the bushes near
the bungalow and began listening to the
conversations in the room of the bungalow.
The hawker was telling to his boss, “Nobody is
suspecting me in the colony. Mishra family in the
colony is going out on vacations to Shimla for 8
days. I have seen silver statutes in their showcase. I
think they are a rich family.”
“Great, then we can have a big loot before
leaving this place. You have done a good job,
Sarju.”

S uddenly, Sarju saw young detectives peeping

inside the bungalow. He was surprised and
said, “How come these young boys have reached
this place? These fellows are keeping an eye on us.
Catch them ... Hurry up.”
Aryan and Harsh ran to their taxi. The thieves
from the bungalow gave them a hot chase.
The taxi driver had seen the Aryan and Harsh
running towards the taxi. He started the taxi and
drove away. Thieves could not catch the young
detectives.
Aryan immediately called up the police over his
mobile phone and appraised them with the latest
information about the thieves.
Soon, the police raided the old bungalow. The
thieves were busy gathering all the stolen stuff. A
little delay would have helped them to escape.
At the end, all the residents of the colony
felicitated Aryan and Harsh for their presence and
smart action. ●
82 Champak
(REGISTERED) RNI 26884/75 DL(C)-14/1094/09-11 WPP U(C) 145/75/2009-11