[Mani] was only sorry that the matter should have been handled by elders. He saw no sense in it. Things of this kind should not be allowed to go beyond the four walls of the classroom.
-- Narrator (1: Monday morning)

Importance: Here, the narrator paraphrases Mani's thoughts on the issue Swami raised with himself and Ebenezar, after the latter made derogatory remarks about Hinduism. While Swami's friends show pride in him standing up for himself and his religion, they chastise him for involving his father in the issue, something Swami himself also grows to regret, especially when the Headmaster pressures him not to do it again.

By the way, may I inform you that you have earned a new name? The Tail–Rajam's Tail, to be more precise. We aren't good enough for you, I believe. But how can everyone be a son of a police superintendent?
-- Somu (4: 'What is a tail?')

Importance: Some says these bitter words to Swami while...