Jumpy the Monkey was a chatterbox. He did not like painting, drawing, sports, or music but loved to just keep talking. 

He would start talking wherever he went. All he needed was a reason, and he would start telling the whole story. His friends were frustrated with this habit. They tried explaining to him, “Don’t talk so much! Think before you speak! If you keep talking unnecessarily, you will get into trouble.” 

But Jumpy never listened to any advice. 

One day, a few guests arrived at Jumpy’s house. His mom sent him to the market to buy samosas and told him, “Come back quickly! Don’t get distracted by talking!” 

“All right!” said Jumpy and left for the market. 

He placed his order and was waiting for his turn when Laptu the Jackal, who was also standing at the shop, noticed him and said, “Hello! Are you Momo the Monkey’s son?” 

That was all the reason Jumpy needed. 

He said, “No, Uncle! My father’s name is Mathew, and mine is Jumpy. I study in fifth standard in Champakvan Public School.” 

Laptu said, “Oh, yes! I’m sorry! I know your father, too. He’s a great guy! I want to meet him.” 

Jumpy started again, “Of course you want to! My dad is a big businessman. The shop ‘Jungle Electronics’ in the main marketplace belongs to us. You can buy the latest refrigerators, televisions, washing machines and air conditioners there. You have to go to the shop to make a purchase, but you won’t be able to meet my dad. He is going out of town for a few days, and the shop is closed.” 

Then Jumpy remembered that there were guests at home, and his mom was waiting for him. He took the samosas and rushed home, but the guests had already left by then. 

Mom was furious. She said, “There you are! Why did you come back so late? Did you find someone to talk to? Now, eat the samosas yourself! The guests have left!” 

Jumpy apologised and said, “But Mom, it’s not my fault! I met someone at the shop who said he knew Dad and wanted to meet him.” Jumpy told her about his conversation.

His dad too got upset after listening to his story. Jumpy thought that his dad would scold him. But he left the house at once. Jumpy went to his room, thinking that the matter was over. 

The next morning, when Jumpy was getting ready for school, the doorbell rang. Inspector Cheetah Singh was standing outside. Two other policemen were holding Laptu as a prisoner.

Seeing Laptu, Jumpy said, “Oh! This is the same person I met yesterday! He wanted to meet Dad!”

“He’s not a well-wisher! He’s a crook! He collects information about big businessmen and robs them after finding an opportunity. We’ve been looking for him for a long time. Finally, we caught him,” said Inspector Cheetah Singh.

Jumpy was shocked, and he said, “I thought he needed help. So, I told him everything…” 

“But you tell everything to everyone! You never think twice about how much you should share and with whom. When I heard your story yesterday, I realised something was fishy. So, I alerted the police immediately. That’s why we are safe. Otherwise, your ‘Uncle’ would have robbed the shop,” explained Jumpy’s father.  

Jumpy’s dad thanked Inspector Cheetah Singh for his timely action. The police left, taking Laptu away with them.

For the first time, Jumpy regretted his habit of excessive talking, which could have resulted in a huge loss for them. He promised his parents that in the future, he would always think before speaking