An impressive statue of a Horse and Warrior stands on the outskirts of a sleepy village named Kritam, not too far from Malgudi. Muni, the local goat – herd and his family (wife and two goats) has obviously seen better day. Hunger seems to follow them about like shadows because the shopkeeper’s terms are ‘strictly cash’. And so, penniless, dreaming of drumstick curry and other such delicacies, he grazes his goats each day – lazing in the shadows of the great Horse. On one such typical day, an American tourist happens to run out of ‘gas’ near the statue. The unlikely characters meet and an interesting conversation is soon in full swing. The American speaks only English while Muni speaks chaste Tamil. Not a single word is understood by either, yet they go on like long lost friends. Finally, an unexpected bargain takes place between Muni and the American that has surprising results for Muni. The story brings out R.K. Narayan’s earthy sense of humor, dealing with communication and the language barrier.