The Expanded Summaries of All The Chapters from the Class 10 English book "Footprints Without Feet" NCERT

### Chapters

1. **A Triumph of Surgery** by James Herriot

   This story is about Mrs. Pumphrey and her over-pampered dog, Tricki. Tricki, a small dog, becomes obese and ill due to Mrs. Pumphrey's excessive feeding and pampering. When Tricki's condition worsens, she calls Mr. Herriot, a veterinarian, for help. Mr. Herriot decides to take Tricki to his clinic, recognizing that the dog needs a controlled environment away from Mrs. Pumphrey's overindulgence. At the clinic, Tricki is placed on a strict diet and given plenty of exercise, eventually recovering and regaining his health. Mrs. Pumphrey is overjoyed when Tricki returns home, healthier and more active. The story highlights the importance of moderation in caring for pets and the detrimental effects of excessive pampering. It also underscores the expertise of veterinarians in handling such situations and the significance of a balanced lifestyle for animals.

2. **The Thief’s Story** by Ruskin Bond

   The story revolves around Hari Singh, a young thief, and Anil, a kind and trusting man who offers him shelter and work. Hari Singh, pretending to be a willing worker, plans to rob Anil but is deeply influenced by Anil’s generosity and trust. Anil teaches Hari Singh to read and write, providing him with an opportunity for a better future. One night, Hari Singh steals Anil’s money but later regrets his action. Overcome with guilt and the realization of the potential change Anil has brought in his life, Hari Singh returns the money. Anil, aware of Hari Singh’s act, still continues to trust him, indicating his understanding and hope for Hari’s transformation. The story beautifully portrays the themes of trust, redemption, and the impact of kindness on a person’s life.

3. **The Midnight Visitor** by Robert Arthur

   This thriller involves a spy named Ausable and a surprise visitor, Max, who confronts him in his hotel room, demanding a secret report. Ausable, despite his unassuming appearance, demonstrates quick thinking and intelligence. He concocts a story about a non-existent balcony outside his window, convincing Max that an escape route exists. The climax occurs when a knock on the door leads Max to believe that the police have arrived, prompting him to flee through the imaginary balcony, resulting in his fatal fall. Ausable’s clever manipulation of the situation not only saves him but also showcases his cunning nature. The story emphasizes the importance of wit and presence of mind in overcoming dangerous situations, highlighting that appearances can be deceiving.

4. **A Question of Trust** by Victor Canning

   Horace Danby, a professional burglar with a peculiar habit of reading books, plans a robbery at a wealthy woman’s house. However, he is outwitted by a young lady who pretends to be the owner of the house and claims she has forgotten the safe’s combination. Horace, trusting her, opens the safe only to realize later that she is a thief herself. The police arrest him, and he is left regretting his misplaced trust. The story illustrates the irony of a thief being tricked by another thief and explores themes of trust and deception. It also highlights how even the most experienced individuals can be outsmarted and that one should be cautious in whom they place their trust.

5. **The Hack Driver** by Sinclair Lewis

   The story is about a young, inexperienced lawyer who is sent to a small town to serve a summons to a man named Oliver Lutkins. Upon arriving, he meets a friendly and chatty hack driver named Bill, who offers to help him find Lutkins. They spend the entire day visiting various places in town, but Lutkins remains elusive. Later, the lawyer discovers that Bill is actually Lutkins himself, who cleverly misled him throughout the day. The lawyer’s naivety and the humorous deception by Lutkins highlight the themes of gullibility and the importance of not taking things at face value. The story also emphasizes the charm and wit of rural life and the lessons learned from experiences outside the classroom.

6. **Footprints Without Feet** by H.G. Wells

   This science fiction story follows Griffin, a scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible. Griffin’s experiments lead him to abuse his newfound power, causing chaos and fear wherever he goes. He leaves behind a trail of mysterious footprints, puzzling and frightening people. Griffin’s invisibility, initially a scientific triumph, becomes a curse as he struggles with isolation and the inability to interact normally with society. His criminal activities and the resulting consequences reflect on the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the potential for misuse of power. The story delves into themes of invisibility, isolation, and the moral responsibilities that accompany scientific discoveries.

7. **The Making of a Scientist** by Robert W. Peterson

   The chapter recounts the inspiring journey of Richard Ebright, who developed a keen interest in science from a young age. Encouraged by his mother and guided by mentors, Ebright’s curiosity and dedication lead him to achieve remarkable success in scientific research. His early fascination with butterflies evolves into a serious pursuit, culminating in significant contributions to the field of genetics. The story highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity, the role of supportive mentors, and the perseverance required to succeed in scientific endeavors. Ebright’s journey serves as a testament to the impact of early encouragement and the power of persistence in achieving one’s dreams.

8. **The Necklace** by Guy de Maupassant

   This classic tale revolves around Mathilde Loisel, a woman dissatisfied with her modest life. She borrows a beautiful necklace from her friend Madame Forestier to wear to a prestigious ball, only to lose it afterward. Unable to find the necklace, Mathilde and her husband buy an expensive replacement, plunging them into years of debt and hardship. Years later, Mathilde learns that the original necklace was a fake, worth only a fraction of the replacement’s cost. The story poignantly explores themes of vanity, pride, and the devastating consequences of dishonesty and materialism. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of superficiality and the value of honesty and contentment.

9. **Bholi** by K.A. Abbas

   Bholi, a girl neglected and ridiculed for her physical appearance and speech impediment, finds solace and self-worth through education. Her journey from being a ‘simpleton’ to a confident individual is marked by the support of her teacher. When her parents arrange her marriage to a greedy, older man, Bholi courageously rejects the match, asserting her independence and dignity. The story emphasizes the transformative power of education, the importance of self-respect, and the courage to stand up against societal norms. Bholi’s character growth underscores the significance of inner strength and the potential for change through education and self-belief.

10. **The Book That Saved the Earth** by Claire Boiko

    Set in the 25th century, this humorous story depicts an invasion of Earth by Martians, who mistake a book of nursery rhymes for a manual of Earth’s powerful strategies. The Martian invasion is thwarted due to their misinterpretation of the harmless rhymes. The story satirizes the potential for misunderstandings and the absurdity of overanalyzing simple things. It highlights the importance of communication and understanding across different cultures and the potential for literature to influence perceptions. The narrative, filled with humor and irony, underscores the idea that knowledge and wisdom can be found in unexpected places.