Question

Why did the narrator feel startled at the old man's question?

Answer 1

Answer:

The narrator, a ten years old boy, felt startled at the old man's question because the question was altogether confusing as the old man's appearance was. Besides, the old beggar asked him in English when English speaking beggars were utmost rare in the narrator's place.

Answer 2

Answer:

When the old beggar spoke to the narrator, he was startled because he who was a stranger to him, was dressed in shabby clothes and asked him a very surprising question in English which was also strange