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A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet

In this page you can find A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet, Extra Questions for Class 10 English will make your practice complete.

A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers Short Answer Type

Question 1. How were flowers hindering Horace in his work? Answer: Horace suffered from hay fever and was allergic to some flowers. On smelling the flowers, he started sneezing and was caught red-handed by another thief.

Question 2. Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the safe? Answer: It was not difficult for Horace to open the safe because he was a perfect and experienced locksmith. He had collected all the information about the safe before entering the house.

Question 3. What advice did the lady give Horace regarding his hay fever? Was she really interested in his health? Answer: The lady advised Horace that he could find a cure to the hay fever by trying to find which plant gave the disease. She was not interested in his disease or its cure, but she was rather making fun of him.

Question 4. Why did Horace Danby feel sure of his success in that year’s robbery? Answer: Horace Danby felt sure of his success in that year’s robbery too, because he had planned his work carefully. He studied every detail of the house. He had chosen an appropriate place and time for the robbery.

Question 5. How did Horace manage the small dog when he attempted to rob the house at Shotover Grange? Answer: Horace Danby was an expert thief who planned his mission without any fault. When he tried to rob the house in Grange, he encountered a dog. But Horace Danby calmed the dog by calling him by his name.

Question 6. What story did the lady tell Horace to get the jewels? Answer: The lady told Horace an interesting story. She told that her jewels were lying in the safe which she, needed at once. She also told that she had forgotten the numbers to open the safe.

Question 7. Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe? If not, why did the police arrest him? Answer: Horace was not able to get any jewels though he stole them. The young lady in red befooled him. But the police arrested him due to his fingerprints on the Grange safe.

Question 8. How can you say that Horace Danby was good and respectable but not completely honest? Answer: Horace Danby was not a typical thief. He used to rob every year enough money to last for twelve months to buy books which he loved to read. He is described as a good and respectable person but not completely honest because he could not curb his habit of stealing a safe every year.

Question 9. Why did Horace rob every year? Was he a typical thief? If so, why? In what way could Horace’s arrest have helped the lady? Answer: He robbed every year enough money to last for twelve months to buy books which he loved to read. No, he was not a typical thief because he used to steal only to buy interesting books.

Question 10. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught after the theft? Answer: Yes, the young lady knew that Horace would be caught. As he forgot to put on his gloves. Naturally his finger prints would lead the police towards him. Horace’s arrest would not let anyone think that she was the thief. So she was to be benefitted by his arrest.

Question 11. Was Horace a typical thief? Why/Why not? Answer: No, Horace was not a typical thief. He robbed only once in a year to have enough money to last for twelve months. He was fond of expensive books which he used to buy from the stolen money. Otherwise, he was considered as an honest and respectable person.

Question 12. What do you think is the meaning of the phrase ‘honour among thieves’? Who lacked it? Answer: The phrase ‘honour among thieves’ means that even the thieves have some principles and they do not cheat each other. They trust other thieves and are honest in their dealings with each other. Obviously, it is the young lady in the Red, who lacked honour as she cheated and befooled another thief. She procured the booty whereas Horace went to the jail.

Question 13. How did Horace get entry into the house? Answer: He was very keen in his observation. He was able to see that the housekeepef hung the keys to the kitchen door on a hook. He picked up the keys from there and opened the door.

Question 14. How did Horace know about the safe behind the painting? Answer: A magazine article had described this house giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. Even the fact that the safe was hidden behind a picture was given there.

A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers Long Answer Type

Question 1. Horace was a thief who planned his work carefully. He was in a way a successful thief. Should we call him a successful thief and appreciate his work? Why/Why not? Answer: Horace Danby was a good, honest citizen of about 50 years. He planned his work carefully. He was a meticulous planner. He used to observe and supervise the house to be burgled. He never acted in haste. He studied the map and other minute details of the house at Shotover Grange.

He had the details of electric wiring, dogs and servants of the house. He knew when it was the right time to strike. He did his work so well that there was no cause of his arrest. No doubt he was a successful thief but his act of theft can not be appreciated. Stealing is a vice which can not be appreciated. To fulfil our needs we should not resort to theft.

Question 2. Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished or that he deserved what he got? Do you agree that honesty in wrong acts is not desirable? Answer: The story, A Question of Trust’ is a story of distrust. The lady in the red is the real culprit. She was a very clever lady and was successful in befooling Horace. She made him believe that she was the mistress of the house and told him a story with conviction. Horace had taken off his gloves, because he thought that the wife of the owner was with him. That was the biggest mistake of his life.

Horace Danby left his fingerprints and was arrested. He was not punished unfairly. He was not innocent as he entered the house with the intention to rob the house. Honesty in wrong acts can not be justified. It is not desirable at all.

Question 3. Do intentions justify actions? Would you, like Horace Danby, do something wrong if you thought your ends justify the means? Do you think that there are situations in which it is excusable to act less than honest? Answer: Yes, intentions justify the actions. If any wrong act is committed unintentionally, it can be excused. But if the wrong act is done intentionally it is not excusable. Horace Danby had the intention to rob the house. This is an intentional crime. He helped the house lady by opening the safe, he had good intentions but that too, for his own motive of being free. I would not indulge in any wrong act even if it is justified. Mere justifcation of the wrong act does not serve the purpose. Yes, there are situations in which it is excusable to act less than honest. But the case of Horace Danby does not fall in that category.

Question 4. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realise this, and how? How will you appreciate the act of the lady? Answer: Yes, it is very natural to suspect that the lady was not the owner of the house as she did not express surprise on seeing a burglar in her house rather she promised him that she would not hand him over to the police. Secondly, she even did not know the number of the safe. But Horace was too nervous to notice all these things.

The lady in red was very clever. She was successful in befooling Horace Danby. She was a good actress and acted so smartly that Horace Danby was trapped in her scheme. She lacked honour. Her act cannot be appreciated as she trapped another person for her greed and bad intentions.

Question 5. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn’t Horace suspect that something is wrong? What are the negative aspects of her character? Answer: The lady is very smart and clever. She succeeds in befooling Horace Danby that she is the owner of the house. She is a well dressed, well planned and organised thief who drafted her trick so meticulously that a brilliant thief like Horace could not suspect her. The way she enters and talks to Horace Danby, he is unable to doubt her integrity. Even the dog did not bark on seeing her. The lady in red had some negative traits in her personality. She was not honest. She was a thief and befooled another thief. She lacked honesty, integrity and honour.

Question 6. “Horace Danby was good and respectable – but not completely honest.” Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can’t he be categorised as a typical thief? Should we call him a good human being? Answer: The statement is an apt statement for Danby. He was a respectable person, but he was a thief who in order to fulfil his desire used to rob once in a year. He had adopted a dishonest way to fulfil his desire. So he cannot be called an honest person.

Horace Danby is not a typical thief because he steals mainly to buy rare and expensive books. He planned his theft in such a manner that he could not be arrested so far. Being an introvert, he did not blurt about his theft to anybody. No, we can’t call him a good human being. He was a victim of the trick played on him. He is not completely honest. He entered the house with bad intention. He was a thief and a thief can not be called a good human being.

Question 7. “Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered.” Where did he go wrong and why? Negative values never pay in long run: Do you agree? Answer: Though Horace Danby was a brilliant thief, he was caught in the end. He faltered because he readily handed over jewellery to the so-called owner of the house. Horace Danby was befooled by the lady in red. She pretended to be the owner of the house and made him open the safe without gloves. Horace left his fingerprints. He failed in his plan and was caught for a crime that he did not commit.

Negative values never pay in the long run. Every criminal has his punishment. Sooner or later one is caught and punished. Horace Danby was no doubt a meticulous planner but he was on a wrong path. His intention had never been good. He planned to rob others and was ultimately paid for it.

Question 8. The lady in red dress was a more professional thief than Horace Danby. Do you agree? Elaborate. Answer: The lady in red not only outsmarted Horace Danby rather she went one step forward to ensure that all the evidence went against Horace to establish him as the real culprit and the lady walked out freely and untraceably. The lady combined her female arrogance and confidence to prepare a perfect recipe to befool Horace as he could not suspect that she was not the real lady of house. The lady tricked Horace Danby to utilise his years of experience in theft for her own benefit and Horace on the basis of his fingerprints was put behind the bars.

Question 9. How did Horace Danby plan his robbery of shot over Grange? Answer: Horace Danby was not a typical thief. He planned his act of burglary meticulously. He always studied his target carefully. He planned his robbery of Shotover Grange carefully. He studied the situation . of rooms, electric fittings and other aspects well in advance. He collected details from different magazines and articles. He was aware about the safe which had jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds.

He knew the family was on vacation in London. He also knew that all the servants had gone for a movie. He knew the place of the keys too. When the right time came he struck his plan but outwitted by the lady in red. His plan failed and he was arrested.

The More Is always Less.

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A Question of Trust: CBE Questions | NCERT Solution | Board Exam 2024

Updated: Aug 3, 2023

A Question of Trust: Competency Based Questions, NCERT Solution, Extract Questions, English Board Exam 2024

Lesson Architecture

Story At a Glance

Explanation of Important lines

NCERT Solution

Cbe questions, recommended reading.

The theme of the story "A Question of Trust" revolves around the idea that trust and honor are not necessarily present among individuals involved in illegal or dishonest activities.

The story presents a cautionary tale about misplaced trust and the consequences of deception, especially in criminal circles.

1. Deception and Betrayal : The story highlights how easily trust can be broken in the criminal world. Horace Danby, the protagonist, is a skilled thief who appears to be good and respectable on the surface. However, he falls victim to a young woman who also happens to be a thief. She deceives him into believing that she is the owner of the house and manipulates him into breaking open the safe. This deception leads to Danby's arrest, revealing that there is no honor or trust among thieves, even when they seem to share a similar profession.

2. The Fragility of Trus t: The story shows how trust can be fragile and easily exploited, especially when dealing with individuals engaged in criminal activities. Horace Danby's trust in the young woman leads him to make a grave mistake, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. It underscores the idea that trust should be placed with great caution, especially among people involved in illegal endeavors.

3. The Irony of Deceit : The story highlights the irony of a professional thief being deceived by another thief. Horace Danby, who is accustomed to planning his burglaries meticulously, becomes a victim of clever manipulation, making him realize that he cannot trust anyone, even those within his own criminal profession.

4. The Consequences of Dishonest y: "A Question of Trust" illustrates the repercussions of dishonesty and criminal behavior. While Danby himself is a thief, he experiences the harsh reality of being deceived, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. The story emphasizes that dishonest actions have consequences, and no one is exempt from facing the outcomes of their deeds.

Overall, the theme of the story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of caution, integrity, and the understanding that trust should not be taken for granted, especially in a world where dishonesty and deception are prevalent.

It warns against assuming that there is honor among thieves, as even those within the same profession may exploit trust for their own gain.

Story-At-A-Glance

Explanation of important lines.

Yes, Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest. (Page 20/Paragraph 1)

Explanation:

In brief, Horace Danby was perceived as a good and respectable person, but he had a hidden flaw: he was not completely honest. Despite his outward appearance, he engaged in illegal activities, robbing safes each year to support his love for rare and expensive books. This contrast between his public image and his hidden dishonesty adds complexity to his character.

Horace saw them go, and he felt happy in spite of a little tickle of hay fever in his nose. (Page 20/Paragraph 3)

In this sentence, the author describes how Horace Danby observed the two servants leaving the house, likely creating an opportunity for him to carry out his planned robbery. Despite experiencing a mild tickle of hay fever in his nose (a minor discomfort), Horace still felt happy or content with the situation because the absence of the servants allowed him to proceed with his burglary without interruption. The mention of the hay fever tickle adds a touch of realism to the character's experience, showing that even though he is engaged in unlawful activities, he is still subject to ordinary human sensations and emotions.

There were about fifteen thousand pounds’ worth of jewels in the Grange safe. If he sold them one by one, he expected to get at least five thousand, enough to make him happy for another year. There were three very interesting books coming up for sale in the autumn. Now he would get the money he wanted to buy them. (Page 20-21/Paragraph 4)

In brief, the passage explains that the safe at Shotover Grange contains jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds. Horace Danby plans to steal these jewels and sell them individually, expecting to make at least five thousand pounds, which would be enough to satisfy his desires for another year. With this money, he looks forward to purchasing three intriguing books that will be available for sale in the upcoming autumn.

How foolish people are when they own valuable things, Horace thought. A magazine article had described this house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. The writer had even mentioned that the painting hid a safe! (Page 21/Para 7)

In brief, Horace Danby reflects on people's foolishness when they possess valuable items. He realizes that the owners of the house at Shotover Grange have made a mistake by publicly revealing information about the location of their safe in a magazine article. The article provided a detailed plan of the house and even mentioned that the painting in the room hid a safe. This careless disclosure makes it easier for Horace to plan his burglary and access the valuable items in the house.

The voice went on, “You can cure it with a special treatment, you know, if you find out just what plant gives you the disease. I think you’d better see a doctor, if you’re serious about your work. I heard you from the top of the house just now.” (Page 21/Para 11)

In brief, the lady advises Horace Danby to seek medical attention for his ailment, which seems to be caused by exposure to a specific plant. She overhears him from a distance and suggests that he should see a doctor if he is serious about his work.

It was a quiet, kindly voice, but one with firmness in it. A woman was standing in the doorway, and Sherry was rubbing against her. She was young, quite pretty, and was dressed in red. She walked to the fireplace and straightened the ornaments there. (Page 22/Para 1)

In the story "A Question of Trust," this passage introduces a woman who unexpectedly enters the scene while Horace Danby, the protagonist, is in the process of attempting a burglary at Shotover Grange. The woman's voice is described as quiet and kindly, yet with a sense of firmness, suggesting she has a certain authority or confidence.

As the woman stands in the doorway, Horace notices her pet cat, Sherry, rubbing against her, indicating a friendly and familiar relationship between them. Her appearance is described as young, pretty, and dressed in red.

Without appearing alarmed or disturbed by the presence of a burglar in the house, the woman casually walks to the fireplace and starts straightening the ornaments there. This behavior implies that she is comfortable in the house and familiar with her surroundings, suggesting that she might be connected to the place in some way.

The passage adds an element of surprise and tension to the story, as Horace is caught off guard by the unexpected presence of the woman. Her confident demeanor and ease in the house create uncertainty for Horace and lead to a twist in the plot, making the reader curious about her identity and role in the unfolding events.

Horace said, “I would, of course, cut the telephone wires first and then...,” he hesitated, a smile on his face, “I would make sure that you could do nothing for some time. A few hours would be enough.” (Page 23, Para 1)

In brief, Horace suggests a plan to disable the telephone wires and prevent the person from seeking help or contacting anyone for a few hours.

His statement indicates that he has devious intentions and is willing to take drastic measures to achieve his goals. The smile on his face while mentioning this plan adds to the intrigue and ambiguity surrounding his character.

“Before we left for London, I promised my husband to take my jewels to our bank; but I left them here in the safe. I want to wear them to a party tonight, so I came down to get them, but…” (Page 23)

The woman confesses that she had promised her husband to take her jewels to the bank before leaving for London, but she left them in the safe at Shotover Grange instead. She now wants to retrieve the jewels to wear them to a party that night. However, her hesitation suggests that something has gone wrong or she is facing an unexpected obstacle in accessing the safe.

Horace is now the assistant librarian in the prison. He often thinks of the charming, clever young lady who was in the same profession as he was, and who tricked him. He gets very angry when anyone talks about ‘honour among thieves’. (Page 24)

In this passage, it is revealed that Horace Danby is currently working as the assistant librarian in prison. Despite his imprisonment, he often reflects on the memory of the charming and clever young lady who deceived him. The lady was also a thief like him, but she tricked him during their burglary attempt at Shotover Grange.

Horace's anger is evident when the topic of "honour among thieves" is brought up. This phrase refers to the belief that even criminals have a code of conduct or a sense of loyalty to each other. However, his personal experience has shattered this notion. Being deceived by someone within his own profession makes him dismiss the idea of trust or honor among thieves, as he realizes that even those in the criminal world can betray one another.

Read and Find Out [Page 20]

Q1. what does horace danby like to collect.

Ans. Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive books. He has a passion for these valuable books, which he finds worth stealing from safes every year to support his collection. Despite his respectable appearance and successful lock-making business, his weakness lies in acquiring these cherished books through his illegal activities.

Q2. Why does he steal every year?

Ans. Horace Danby steals every year because he has an intense passion for collecting rare and expensive books. However, his love for these books exceeds his financial means. To support his book-collecting hobby, he resorts to robbing a safe annually, ensuring that he acquires enough money to buy the books he desires through an agent secretly. Despite the risk and the consequences of his criminal behavior, his overwhelming desire to possess these valuable books compels him to engage in theft regularly.

Read and Find Out [Page 22]

Q1. who is speaking to horace danby.

Ans. It is a woman who enters the room unexpectedly while Horace is attempting a burglary at Shotover Grange. She is described as young, pretty, and dressed in red.

Q2. Who is the real culprit in the story? How do you Know?

Ans. In the story "A Question of Trust," the real culprit is the young and pretty woman who deceives Horace Danby.

She poses as the owner of the house at Shotover Grange, tricks Horace into believing her story, and manipulates him into breaking open the safe for her. In reality, she is a fellow thief who takes advantage of Horace's trust and commits the burglary herself while shifting the blame onto him. Her cunning deception leads to Horace's arrest, making her the true mastermind behind the crime.

Think About It (Page 25)

Q1. did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person horace danby took her to be if so, at what point did you realise this, and how.

Ans: As the story progresses, suspicions about the lady's true identity start to arise before its conclusion. Her calm and composed demeanor upon encountering Horace Danby appears peculiar and raises doubts about her authenticity.

The doubts solidify into clarity when she requests Horace to break open the safe for her, claiming that she had forgotten the combination. It becomes evident that something is not quite right about her story. If she truly had access to the house, she could have simply called a locksmith to open the safe instead of resorting to blackmailing a thief to do it for her. This discrepancy in her actions points to the fact that she may not be who she claims to be.

Moreover, her assurance that the safe will be fixed before her husband's return only adds to the suspicion. If she were the legitimate owner, she could have taken a more reasonable approach to resolve the situation rather than involving a burglar.

Another telltale sign is the absence of the servants in the house. If the lady of the house had truly returned, the servants would not have gone to the movies, as they would be needed to attend to her.

Collectively, these indications lead to the conclusion that the lady is not what she seems. Her calmness, unusual request, and the absence of servants all point to a possible deception, making the reader question her true intentions and identity as the story unfolds.

Q2. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn't Horace suspect that something is wrong?

Ans: The lady skillfully employed subtle details to deceive Horace into believing she was the mistress of the house:

(i) Her appearance was impeccable, befitting the mistress of a large estate, which created the illusion of authority and ownership.

(ii) The dog's calm and affectionate behavior towards her reinforced the perception that she belonged there, as she lovingly interacted with the pet and addressed it by name.

(iii) Her confident and familiar movements as she walked to the fireplace, straightened the ornaments, and casually took a cigarette from a silver case gave the impression that she was at ease in the surroundings.

(iv) By insisting on calling the police to protect society from Horace's actions, she cleverly reinforced her role as the homeowner, adding to the illusion of her authority. Horace, already anxious about getting caught, easily fell for these small indications, further convincing himself that she was indeed the rightful owner of the house.

Upon realizing that she would release him if he opened the safe for her, Horace didn't hesitate to comply. The combination of her deceptive details and her offer of freedom was enough for him to act without suspicion, thus falling into her trap.

Q3. 'Horace Danby was good and respectable - but not completely honest." Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can't he be categorised as a typical thief?

Ans: Horace's characterization as atypical for a thief is accurate, as his lifestyle starkly contrasts with that of the stereotypical criminal. For most of the year, he maintains the appearance of a respectable individual, leading a quiet life as a fifty-year-old unmarried businessman. Unlike the common image of a thief engaged in illicit activities for personal gain, Horace's motivations are rather unique—he steals with the sole purpose of acquiring rare and expensive books, an inherently more cultured pursuit.

However, despite his relatively refined tastes and appearances, it is important to acknowledge that Horace is still a thief, engaging in dishonest and illegal behavior. While he may possess qualities that appear respectable on the surface, his criminal activities raise questions about the true extent of his respectability. The contradiction lies in the fact that even though he pursues an intellectual interest like collecting books, his actions still place him in the category of being dishonest and untrustworthy. Hence, labeling him as entirely "respectable" becomes questionable due to his dual identity as both a businessman and a thief.

Q4. Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong, and why?

Ans: At Shotover Grange, Horace's lack of critical thinking and trust in his observations proved detrimental. Despite spending two weeks studying the household, he failed to rely on his own knowledge and instincts. He noticed the absence of the servants, which indicated that the mistress of the house was not present or returning soon. However, when confronted by the mysterious woman, he naively believed her entitled demeanor and fell for her deception.

Unlike the composed and quick-thinking woman, Horace became fearful and desperate to avoid prison. His fear clouded his judgment, and he pleaded with her to release him. His desperation led to carelessness, as he heedlessly removed his gloves to please her, unknowingly leaving behind incriminating fingerprints for the police to find.

Horace's behavior serves as a cautionary example of how those engaged in wrongdoings often encounter the consequences of their actions. His blind trust and fear allowed him to be easily deceived, emphasizing the notion that trouble will inevitably catch up with those who engage in dishonest and unlawful activities.

Q1. Horace Danby was punished for a crime he did not commit. Do you feel sorry for him? Why? Why not?

Ans: Horace Danby's situation is indeed complex, as he is punished for a crime he did not commit at Shotover Grange. However, it is essential to recognize that he has committed several other similar crimes in the past, stealing from various homes throughout the years. Despite only being caught once, it is reasonable to assume that Horace has likely engaged in these criminal activities for a long time, given his age and experience.

While it may be tempting to feel sympathy for him due to the wrongful accusation, there are several factors that dampen this sentiment. Horace's criminal record shows a pattern of unlawful behavior, making it difficult to entirely view him as an innocent victim. He has consistently used his skills to break into safes and steal valuables, albeit escaping detection in most instances.

Furthermore, the story highlights that Horace's downfall was due to being outsmarted by the young lady. If she had not intervened, he would have successfully stolen the jewelry from Shotover Grange, adding to his list of successful burglaries. This indicates that Horace does not have remorse for his actions, as he would have taken pride in his criminal accomplishments, whether it involved breaking safes or evading capture.

Ultimately, while the situation of being falsely accused might evoke some sympathy, the overall character of Horace and his repeated criminal activities make it challenging to feel sorry for him. The story portrays him as a seasoned and unrepentant thief, making it difficult to view his punishment as entirely undeserved.

Q2. Is it fair to say that Horace Danby was good and respectable but not entirely honest? Please provide reasons to support your answer.

Ans: Horace Danby is widely perceived as a good and respectable citizen due to his stable life as a bachelor and the success of his lock-making business. He has managed to maintain a clean reputation, with no negative rumors surrounding him. However, there lies a hidden secret that undermines this seemingly blameless facade. Behind his respectable exterior, Horace indulges in a criminal activity: robbing people to support his passion for collecting rare and expensive books.

Given the severity of his secret actions, describing Horace as "not completely honest" appears to be an understatement. His behavior goes beyond mere dishonesty; it involves committing illegal acts that are inexcusable. While Horace might argue that he only targets wealthy individuals and steals for a supposed "good reason," such justifications do not excuse his criminal behavior. Robbing others cannot be justified under any circumstance.

The statement that Horace is good and respectable seems to downplay the seriousness of his offense. Engaging in theft goes against the very definition of being a good and respectable person. The characterization of Horace as "not completely honest" appears to soften the truth about his criminality, almost as if using euphemistic language to mitigate the severity of his actions.

In summary, the assessment that Horace Danby is good and respectable is not entirely fair, as it fails to acknowledge the gravity of his criminal activities. His unlawful actions tarnish his image as an upstanding citizen, highlighting the need for a more accurate and critical evaluation of his character.

Q3. What is your interpretation of 'honour among thieves'? Is it genuinely possible for thieves to have honor among themselves? Discuss your views in the context of the story.

Ans: In the context of the story "A Question of Trust," "honour among thieves" refers to the belief that criminals, despite their illicit activities, adhere to a code of conduct or loyalty to each other. Horace Danby, the protagonist, claims to follow this principle, asserting that he only steals from the wealthy and for a just cause. However, the arrival of the cunning young lady challenges this notion.

The lady pretends to be the owner of Shotover Grange, a fellow thief who deceives Horace and manipulates him into breaking open the safe for her. This betrayal highlights the absence of true honor among thieves. Despite Horace's belief in their camaraderie, the lady prioritizes her own interests and escapes while leaving him to face the consequences of the crime.

The story demonstrates that "honour among thieves" is merely an illusion. Self-interest and deception override any loyalty or integrity. Horace's blind trust in the lady and his eagerness to please her lead to his downfall, exposing the vulnerability of those who put their faith in such an idea. Ultimately, the story suggests that genuine honor is not achievable in the criminal world, where deceit and self-preservation often prevail.

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A Question of Trust Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 10  Footprints Without Feet

This page offers A Question of Trust  long answer type question for Class 10  from the book Footprints Without Feet.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption , creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board . So, practice to understand A Question of Trust  long answer type question

A Question of Trust Long Answer Type Question

1. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to fulfil their wishes. What values would you like such people to imbibe to reform themselves? Write in about 100-120 words.

Ans. People like Danby should adopt values like honesty, integrity, and respect for the law. Embracing these values can guide them towards making right decisions. Hard work and patience are important , as they allow individuals to achieve their goals without compromising their morals. It’s also important for them to develop empathy, which can discourage them from actions that could harm others in their community.

Horace Danby, despite being a good and respected man, chose to steal to fulfil his love for rare books. This decision led to his downfall, as he was deceived by another thief, illustrating that dishonest ways often result in negative consequences.

If Danby had embraced honesty and integrity, he could have pursued his passion for books through lawful means. Patience and hard work might have allowed him to save money over time to buy the books he desired. 

2. Considering Horace’s annual crimes were driven by his passion for collecting books, could there have been a better way to pursue his hobby? Discuss in about 100-120 words.

Ans. Considering Horace’s annual crimes were driven by his passion for collecting books, there were certainly better ways to pursue his hobby. Horace Danby could have used his locksmith skills to earn extra money legally.

He could have started a side business or offered special services. Joining book clubs and attending auctions would have helped him find rare books. Scholarships focused on rare books would also have been an option.

Volunteering in libraries or book organisations would have let him be near rare books without stealing. By choosing these better paths, Horace could have enjoyed his hobby and lived an honest life.

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3. How does the setting of Shotover Grange contribute to the plot of the story? Write your response in about 100-120 words.

Ans. The setting of Shotover Grange is very important to the story. The large, isolated country house is perfect for Horace Danby to commit his crime without being caught. The house has many valuable items, which attract Horace.

The family is away, and only a few staff members are present. This makes Horace confident about his plan. The quiet and rural setting adds suspense and tension to the story. Horace’s meeting with the young lady becomes more dramatic and crucial to the story’s twist.

The house’s detailed description helps the reader understand why Horace chose it. Its quiet surroundings and lack of immediate neighbours make it an easy target. The setting also highlights Horace’s careful planning and the unexpected challenges he faces.

4. What do you think about the young lady’s actions in the story? Were her methods justified? Explain in about 100-120 words.

Answer: The young lady in the story tricks Horace Danby and gets him arrested. She uses lies and clever tricks to do this. Her actions are smart, but they are not right. She takes advantage of Horace’s trust to benefit herself.

This is unfair and dishonest. Even though she stops Horace from stealing, her way of doing it is wrong. Using bad methods to achieve good results is not justified. It can lead to more dishonesty and mistrust.

People should always use honest and straightforward ways to reach their goals, no matter what. The young lady’s actions show that achieving good outcomes through bad means is not acceptable.

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5. Imagine Horace decides to write a book about his experiences. What would be the main message of his book? Discuss in about 100-120 words.

Answer: If Horace Danby wrote a book about his experiences, the main message would be about the results of making bad choices. He would talk about how his love for rare books led him to steal. The book would show his struggle between doing what is right and his desire for books.

Horace would tell readers to always make honest and good decisions, even when tempted. He would warn that dishonest actions, even for good reasons, can lead to serious trouble. His story would teach that short-term gains from wrong actions are not worth the long-term problems they cause.

6: How did Horace Danby’s yearly plans for stealing affect his feelings and relationships with others? Answer within 120 words

Answer: Horace Danby planned thefts every year, which greatly affected his personal feelings and relationships. Keeping his criminal activities a secret meant he couldn’t be honest with friends or family, making it hard to build close, trusting relationships. This secrecy likely led to loneliness, as he couldn’t share his true self with others. Additionally, the constant fear of getting caught would have made him anxious and paranoid.

Living with these feelings could have made him pull away from social interactions, leading to isolation. The guilt from leading a double life might have also harmed his self-esteem, making him feel bad about himself. This complex mix of emotions and social isolation would have taken a significant toll on his psychological well-being.

7. What could be the long-term effects on Horace after being tricked and arrested again? Write your thoughts in about 100-120 words.

Answer: After being tricked and arrested again, Horace Danby might face several long-term effects. Emotionally, he may develop deeper distrust towards others. This could stem from the betrayal he felt when deceived by someone posing as the homeowner.

Such experiences could make him more cynical and isolated, increasing his feelings of loneliness and regret. Psychologically, this incident might prompt him to reconsider his choices.

He could either resolve to reform his ways or, conversely, his resentments and sense of injustice might deepen, pushing him further into criminal activities. Socially, the impact would also be significant. His reputation would suffer more damage, complicating his reintegration into society after prison. 

8: Imagine a conversation between Horace and a young aspiring locksmith about ethical practices in their profession.

Answer: If Horace Danby were to have a conversation with a young aspiring locksmith, he would likely emphasise the crucial importance of integrity and honesty in their profession. He could use his own experiences as a cautionary tale, illustrating how misusing his skills for illegal activities ultimately led to his downfall.

Horace might advise the young locksmith to always channel their abilities into lawful and constructive endeavours, highlighting that the trust clients place in them is precious and must be respected.

He could say, “Our skills have the power to protect or to exploit; it is our choice that defines who we are.” Through this mentorship, Horace would aim to guide the young locksmith towards a respectable and satisfying career, helping them avoid the pitfalls he encountered.

9. What might have happened to Horace Danby if he never met the young lady during his theft and continued stealing every year?

Answer: If Horace Danby had continued his annual thefts without meeting the young lady, his life might have grown more stressful and complicated. Over the next five years, the strain of living two lives might have increased.

He could have felt more anxious, guilty, and paranoid about getting caught. Socially, he would likely have kept himself away from close relationships to keep his secret safe.

This loneliness might have worsened his emotional struggles, leading him to either seek help and change his ways or sink deeper into his criminal activities to cope with the isolation and pressure.

10. What would happen if the young lady who deceived Horace Danby was caught soon after the incident?

Answer: If the young lady who tricked Horace Danby was caught shortly after their encounter, this could really change things for Horace. Her arrest would prove that Horace was telling the truth about being deceived. This could make the legal system look at his case again.

They might see Horace more as someone who was fooled rather than just a criminal. This could mean a lighter sentence for him or even a chance to have a new trial. Also, people in society might start seeing Horace in a different light.

They might realise he was not just a thief but someone who was taken advantage of. This could make people feel more sympathetic towards him and support his efforts to change his life.

11. Suppose Horace Danby had a true mentor, how might this have helped him keep away from crime and avoid becoming a thief?

Answer:  If Horace Danby had a mentor early in his locksmith career, especially someone who had reformed from a criminal past, it could have changed his life. This mentor could teach Horace how to manage a locksmith business the right way, emphasising honesty and the benefits of being trustworthy.

By sharing stories of the bad results from a life of crime, the mentor could show Horace the risks and downsides of such choices. Support from someone who understood Horace’s challenges could help him avoid the temptation of stealing for quick money. This advice and support could lead him to a more satisfying and honest career.

12. Horace Danby justified his thefts by targeting only those who were wealthy. Discuss the ethical implications of using someone’s financial status as a justification for theft. Consider the values of equality and justice in your answer.

Ans. Justifying theft because someone is rich goes against basic ideas of fairness and justice. This idea suggests that stealing from the wealthy isn’t as bad or is okay, which is not fair.

It means making a personal choice about who should keep their property based on how much money they have, but no one has the right to make that decision. True justice should be fair and protect everyone’s rights the same way, no matter how much money they have.

Keeping these values means we respect everyone’s property rights equally, helping to build a society where people trust each other and the law.

13. Horace Danby steals to support his hobby of collecting rare books. What does this say about the impact of pursuing personal interests at the cost of ethical values?

Answer: When Horace Danby steals to support his hobby, he shows a big conflict between personal desires and ethical values. This choice suggests that personal goals can become more important than moral responsibilities to others and society. It sends a message that individual wants can sometimes seem more important than following society’s rules and laws.

This could lead to more wrong actions if they seem to help achieve personal goals. To maintain integrity, one should keep their actions in line with ethical standards, even if it means giving up personal benefits. This helps ensure that one’s actions help build their character and improve society.

14. Consider the role of deception (misleading or lying) in the story. What are the long-term effects of deceit on personal relationships and trust within a community?

Answer: Deception is a key theme in “A Question of Trust,” and it has serious effects on Horace Danby and the community. In the story, and generally in life, lying can deeply hurt personal relationships. It breaks down trust and makes it hard to connect with others sincerely.

For Horace, being tricked not only leads to his arrest but also damages his ability to trust people later. In a community, frequent lies can destroy the social bonds that hold people together, creating an atmosphere of doubt and fear.

Communities need trust to support and work together effectively. When deception is common, it harms everyone’s well-being.

15. Horace Danby justifies his thefts as necessary to support his book-collecting hobby. Explore the ethical dilemma of ‘the ends justify the means’ in this context. Is it ever acceptable to commit wrong actions for a right cause?

Answer: The idea that ‘the ends justify the means’ is about whether it’s okay to do something wrong if it leads to a good outcome. In Horace Danby’s case, he believes that stealing is fine because it helps him pursue his hobby of collecting books. However, stealing is wrong because it harms others by taking what isn’t his.

Even if his goal is to enjoy his hobby, the method he uses—stealing—hurts other people. Usually, doing bad things for a good reason isn’t right because it can lead to more harmful actions, thinking they can be excused if the result is good.

It’s important to find ways to achieve our goals that don’t hurt others and are fair. This helps build a kinder and more honest community.

16. If Horace Danby could give advice to young people about his life choices, what might he say? Why is it important to make good decisions early in life?

Answer: If Horace Danby were to give advice to young people, he would likely tell them about the importance of making good choices from the start. He could talk about his own decisions to steal because he wanted to collect rare books and how this led to bad outcomes like going to jail and losing his good name.

Horace might explain that choosing quick, wrong ways to reach goals might seem easy, but these choices can have serious, lasting problems. He would probably encourage young people to be patient, work hard, and stay honest.

Horace would emphasise that living ethically helps avoid trouble with the law and builds a strong, respectable life. He would point out that making good decisions builds trust and respect from others, which are important for a successful and happy life.

17. What do you think about the moral choices made in the story? If you were Horace Danby, would you have done the same? Consider the ethical aspects of his actions and suggest other ways he could have acted.

Answer: If I were in Horace Danby’s situation, I might consider different choices because of the ethical issues involved. Horace decides to steal to support his book collecting hobby. However, there are other ways he could have pursued his passion without breaking the law.

For example, he could have tried to make more money from his locksmith business or found cheaper ways to enjoy books, like joining book clubs or using libraries. These options would not hurt anyone and would follow the rules of society.

Making choices like these shows the importance of keeping our actions ethical and finding legal ways to achieve what we want.

18. Horace Danby is nice but does wrong things. How does this change our view of right and wrong? What can we learn about people’s behaviour?

Answer: Making Horace Danby a likeable character even though he steals makes us think more about right and wrong. This way of telling the story helps us see that people aren’t just good or bad.

They do different things based on what they want, their situation, and their choices. When we like Horace, we might try to understand why he does what he does, even if we don’t agree with it.

This teaches us to look at why people do things, not just what they do. It helps us see people in a fuller way, thinking about their reasons and life, not just judging them for their mistakes.

19. Write a character-sketch of Horace Danby.

Ans. Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was about fifty years old but he was unmarried. He was a locksmith. He was very successful in his business. Despite all these qualities, he was not completely honest. He had been to jail once. So he hated the thought of jail.

He loved rare and expensive books. He broke a safe every year to have enough money to buy books. He was a careful burglar. He planned his work well. He was very careful while robbing a safe. He wore gloves and never left fingerprints on the scene of the crime. Since he was a locksmith, it was very easy for him to break any safe.

Once he was duped by a young lady. That young lady, who pretended to be the owner’s wife, was also a thief. He gave all the jewels to the young lady and left his fingerprints all over the room. Thus, he was arrested and sent to prison. Now he did not like the thought of ‘honour among thieves’ any more. ‘

Note-  Following are the old detailed answer type of questions. These were asked before 2023-24. Actually these questions focus more on memory rather than creative thinking, imagination and extrapolation.

 Ans. Horace Danby was a successful businessman. He was about fifty years respectable citizen but had a habit that led him to do robberies. Danby loved rare, expensive books and to get them he used to rob a safe every year. Every year he planned carefully just to get what he wanted.

Danby adopted wrong ways to fulfil his wishes and hence, later got trapped in a plot by a thief like him. People should imbibe good values. They should learn that hard work is the only key to success One should work hard to fulfil his desires.

I think such people should imbibe the values of honesty, responsibility, hard work, dedication, self-confidence in order to reform themselves.

2. Horace Danby was a respectable man but he could not be called loyal. What do you think could be the reasons for leading a respectable man like him on the path of thievery? Did he feel lack of sense of freedom? Was it not in his nature to accept the differences among people regarding their social status? Discuss the values he should have possessed in 100-120 words.

 Ans. Horace Danby’s habits were not typical of a thief. He was fond of books was a respectable man but his passion for books lead him to thievery. He used to steal only once. In a year so, he was never stealing more than his needs.

He stole only to buy rare books; he loved rare and expensive books. Moreover, Danby used to rob only rich people. It was his nature. To accept the differences among people regarding their social status.

He was aware that people with high socio-background can help him to fulfil his desire. He found such people easy to rob.

3. Horace promised the young lady that he would follow the path of honesty if sills would not hand him over to the police but he could not keep his promise for more than days. Did he lack reconciliation? Was it not in his nature to keep his promise? Did he lack the courage to fulfil his needs through an honest living? Discuss the values he needed to imbibe in 100-120 words.

Ans. The lady manipulated the whole situation as well as Horace and very skillfully got the jewels without even touching anything. She talked high things like protecting the society from culprits like Horace. Horace promised her that he would follow the path of honesty.

He helped her in getting the jewels by breaking the safe without wearing gloves. But after two days, police caught him for stealing the jewels. He could not convince them that he had not taken the jewels and had helped the owner’s wife.

The condition provoked him to break his promise. Although he honestly felt that he would not rob any more he could not do so as he had no other choice left.

4. Horace stated that he robbed only those who had a lot of money. Was he really a threat to the society? Did he lack the qualities of a good citizen? Discuss the values he needs to imbibe to lead a path of righteousness in 100-120 words.

Ans. I don’t think Horace was a threat to the society. He never threatened anyone and rather stole for a very good reason. He used to rob a safe every year to pursue his hobby of getting rare and expensive books to read.

He was not a professional thief. Moreover, he never harmed anyone. He was considered a good and honest citizen by everyone. He was about fifty years old and unmarried. He had all the qualities of a good citizen.

He was not a criminal or a typical thief. He did so only to fulfil his need. He was an honest and good man. He believed in the lady’s story and gave away all the jewels to her. If he had been a criminal, he would have killed the lady or would have never handed the jewels to her.

5. Horace Danby requested the lady to forget what she saw. Was Horace afraid of being caught? Did he lack the courage to accept his crime publicly? Explain the values one must imbibe to accept one’s mistake in 100-120 words.

Ans. Yes, Horace Danby was afraid of being caught. He lacked the courage to accept his crime publicly. He was not a professional criminal or thief. He was considered a good and honest man by everyone.

He was about fifty years old and unmarried. His house was looked after by a housekeeper. He used to rob only one safe every year to pursue his habit of getting rare and expensive books to read.

He used to rob only those who were rich. He had a good reputation in the society and hence did not want anyone to know about his crimes. Although he helped the lady but was caught by the police for the crime he did not commit. He learnt from his mistake.

6.” Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting him.” Why did Horace feel so? Did he consider the young lady compassionate towards him? Did he find her free from biases? Discuss the values Horace should have imbibe understanding of the person in 100-120 words.

 Ans. Horace was a fifty-year-old man who used to rob only to buy rare and expensive. This time he decided to rob Shot over Grange. But as soon as e entered the room, a Young lady appeared. She posed to be the lady of the ruse. She was very confident in her Mat, inner of talking.

She talked about high ideals like pro-acting. The society from robbers like conium racked. Then she tried to be polite and nice to him. On hearing her, Horace felt that he had a hope of escaping. He found her a bit compassionate towards him.

He was amused at Horace.  She acted in quite a subtle manner and showed her sympathy and admiration towards a simple and honest man. He could not judge her ace. She made Horace promise that he would never commit the crime again. Horace was cleverness and shrewdness and hence later got arrested for stealing the jewels which he did not steal.

7. Write a character-sketch of Horace Danby.

He loved rare and expensive books. He broke a safe every year to have enough money to buy books. He was a careful burglar. He planned his work well. He was very careful while robbing a safe. He wore gloves and never left fingerprints on the scene of the crime. Since he was a locksmith so it was very easy for him to break any safe.

8. Describe Horace Danby’s encounter with the young lady.

‘The lady in the red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby’. Give a reasoned answer.

Ans. Horace Danby was going to rob the safe at Shotover Grange. He had cut the wires of the burglar alarm. But the flowers on the table made a tickle in his nose and he was sneezing repeatedly. Just then a young lady dressed in red came in. She spoke friendly to Danby but her sound was firm.

 She said that she was the owner’s wife. She told him that she had come there to take the jewels from the safe. She had to wear them that night at a party. She made an excuse that she had forgotten the number to open the safe. She told the thief that she would let him go if he opened the safe for her.

Danby was taken in. He opened the safe without gloves. He gave all the jewels to the young lady. She went away safely with the jewels but Danby was arrested for the jewels robbery and sent to prison.

9. What were Horace Danby’s plans for his latest robbery? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-B)]

Ans. Horace was sure that the robbery he was planning for that year was going to be as successful as all the others so far. He had been observing and studying the house at Shotover Grange for two weeks.

He had observed everything minutely. That afternoon, when he planned to rob the house, he had seen the two servants, who remained in the Grange, going to the movies. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back.

Horace knew that there were about fifteen thousand pounds worth of jewels in the Grange safe and if he sold them one by one, he was sure to get enough money to last him for another year.

Q10. How did the lady in red turn out to be much smarter and cleverer than Horace Danby? How did one thief outwit and outmanoeuvre the other?

How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and outmanoeuvre the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?

 Ans. The lady in red was also a thief. So was Horace Danby. But it was the lady in the red who outmanoeuvred and outwitted Horace. No doubt, Horace did his job quite professionally. He worked hard to find out the necessary details about the location of the house and the position of the key and the safe.

But, Horace proved to be a novice in judging the young lady in red. The young lady acted with so much confidence and in such a convincing manner that she could easily pass off as the lady of the house. Horace Danby became a mere puppet who danced to the tune of the lady.

When caught red-handed, he pleaded her to let him go. The young lady exploited his confusion and fear of going to prison fully. She made Horace open the safe. The unsuspecting Horace was made to believe that he was working for the lady of the house. So he opened the safe without putting on his gloves.

He gave the jewels to the lady leaving his fingerprints on the safe. So he was found out and arrested. Naturally, the young lady in red proved far smarter and outmanoeuvred Horace Danby.

Q11. Give a character-sketch of Horace Danby in your own words. How was he outmanoeuvred by the lady in red?

Ans. Horace Danby was about fifty years old and unmarried. Everyone thought him a good and honest citizen. He was otherwise very well and happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was fairly successful at his business. Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest.

He used to rob a safe every year. He did so because he needed money to buy books. Horace had a passion for buying rare and costly books. With that money, he secretly bought the books he loved through an agent.

 Like a professional thief, he made a lot of preparations. He made it sure that every year’s robbery was going to be as successful as all the others. He studied the location of the house at Shotover Grange—its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and its gardens in details.

He also came to know that the two servants of the house were out to the movies. He also knew where was safe and it’s key. He befriended the little dog by calling his right name.

In spite of all his professionalism, Horace Danby proved a novice in judging the lady in red. The lady in red behaved with so much confidence and authority that Horace became totally a puppet in her hands. Easily passing off as the lady of the house, she made Horace open the safe without wearing his gloves. While the lady in red decamped with the jewels, Horace was sent to prison.

 Q12. Give a character-sketch of the lady in red highlighting how she outwitted Horace Danby.

Ans. We don’t get any information regarding the past history of the lady in red as we know about Horace’s past. Her whole personality remains wrapped in mystery until the end. Only when the identity of the real lady of the house is unfolded, we come to know that she is a thief. She is the real culprit.

The lady in red comes there with the only purpose of committing a theft in the house like Horace. She cleverly decamps with the jewels while Horace is sent to prison.

The lady in red is gifted with a rare personality. She is full of confidence. She acts like a perfect actress presenting herself as the lady of the house. Her gestures, confidence and convincing power are enough to convince Horace. He turns out quite a novice in understanding and judging the lady in red and her motive. She dominates the proceeding. Horace only proves a puppet in her hands.

She exploits his fear of going to prison. She makes him open the safe without his gloves. She convinced him that she needes those jewels to wear them to a party that night. Horace willingly hands over the jewels and she decamps with them. Only when the grey-haired, sharp-tongued woman appears as the real lady of the house, we come to know that the lady in red was a professional and crafty thief much smarter than Horace.

Q13 . How had Horace planned to loot the house at Shotover Grange?

Ans. Horace Danby never committed theft in a hurry. All his previous operations were completely successful. He robbed a safe every year. This money was enough to last for a year. Like all his previous robberies, he also planned his latest robbery in a house at Shotover Grange in all details.

For two weeks, he had been studying the house, its rooms, electric wiring, paths and its garden. He also had definite information that two servants working there had gone to movies. He saw them go. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back.

He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key and opened the house. He always put on a pair of gloves before committing a theft.

A magazine article had described the house with all the rooms. It also mentioned that a painting hid a safe. He collected all these details and made all preparations to make his latest theft a complete success like the others.

Q14. How was Horace Danby arrested for the robbery of the jewels in a house at Shotover Grange? Do you think his own foolishness was responsible for his arrest? Give a reasoned answer.

 Ans. Horace Danby never acted recklessly in a hurry while committing a theft. He robbed a safe every year. All his previous thefts had been completely successful. Even to commit a theft in a house at Shotover Grange, he made detailed and fool-proof preparations.

However, he proved a novice in comparison to the young lady in red. She, in a very confident and convincing way, made him believe that she was the lady of the house. She made him open the safe without the gloves and handover all the jewels to her. She decamped with the jewels and Horace was arrested.

 By noon, a policeman arrested Horace for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. He had opened the safe without wearing his gloves. He did so believe that he was opening the safe for the lady of the house.

He pleaded that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open the safe for her. The real lady of the house appeared on the scene. She was not the young lady in red but a grey-haired woman of sixty.

She said that Horace’s story was nonsense. Only then, Horace came to know that he was outwitted by the lady in red who was also a thief like him.

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A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers

Table of Contents

The theme of this story revolves around trust, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions. It explores how people can be deceived by appearances and the importance of trust in our interactions with others.

Plot Summary:

The story introduces us to a man named Horace Danby, who appears to be a good and honest citizen in the eyes of everyone around him. He is a skilled locksmith and lives a seemingly respectable life. However, there’s a hidden side to Horace’s character – he’s also a book thief. For years, he has been stealing rare and expensive books by robbing safes.

Horace meticulously plans his annual heists to sustain his love for rare books. This time, he targets the safe at Shotover Grange, which contains valuable jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds. He believes that selling these jewels will provide him with enough money to buy the books he desires.

Horace carefully observes the house’s layout and the routine of the servants, who are away at the movies when he decides to break in. He successfully enters the house and begins working on opening the safe, all the while battling a bout of hay fever. Things seem to be going his way until he is unexpectedly interrupted.

A young woman, the owner of the house, returns home unexpectedly and catches Horace in the act. Initially, Horace tries to bluff his way out of the situation by pretending to have hay fever, but the woman sees through his lies. Instead of calling the police immediately, she engages him in a conversation and offers him a way out.

The woman proposes a deal: Horace can go free if he helps her retrieve her jewels from the safe, as she has forgotten the combination. Horace agrees, opens the safe, and gives her the jewels, believing he has escaped without trouble.

However, his relief is short-lived. The next day, he is arrested by the police for the jewel robbery. His fingerprints, left behind without gloves, provide evidence against him. No one believes his story about helping the owner’s wife, and he ends up in prison.

Character Analysis:

1. Horace Danby: He is the central character of the story. Horace is a skilled locksmith who appears to be a respectable citizen but has a secret life as a book thief. He is willing to deceive others to fulfill his desires but fears going to prison.

2. The Young Woman (Owner’s Wife): She is clever and resourceful. Instead of immediately reporting Horace to the police, she strikes a deal with him to retrieve her jewels. She is not easily fooled and uses her wits to outsmart Horace.

3. Sherry (the Dog): Sherry is a small dog in the house. While not a major character, Sherry’s presence and behavior play a role in the story, illustrating how Horace manages to calm the dog.

4. The Policeman and Other Characters: The story briefly mentions a policeman and other characters who become involved when Horace is arrested. They play a minor role in the story’s resolution.

In summary, “A Question of Trust” is a story that explores trust and deception. It highlights how appearances can be misleading and how trust can be a fragile thing. The story also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and criminal behavior.

5. Horace Danby (After Arrest): After his arrest, Horace’s life takes a dramatic turn. He loses his freedom and his respectable image. He becomes the assistant librarian in prison, reflecting on the events that led to his downfall. He harbors a deep resentment towards the woman who tricked him and has a cynical view of the concept of “honor among thieves.”

Key Takeaways:

– The story highlights the contrast between appearances and reality. Horace’s outwardly respectable life conceals his criminal activities, illustrating the theme that one should not judge a book by its cover.

– Trust plays a central role in the narrative. The woman’s decision to trust Horace and make a deal with him leads to his arrest, emphasizing the consequences of misplaced trust.

– Deception and cleverness are recurring elements in the story. Both Horace and the woman use their wits to achieve their goals. The woman’s ability to outsmart Horace ultimately results in his capture.

– The story offers a moral lesson about the consequences of one’s actions. Horace’s dishonesty and criminal activities catch up with him, leading to his imprisonment and a loss of the freedom he once enjoyed.

– The title, “A Question of Trust,” invites readers to reflect on the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships and how it can be easily broken when deceit is involved.

Conclusion:

In “A Question of Trust,” we witness the downfall of a seemingly respectable character due to his dishonest actions. The story underscores the significance of trust, the consequences of deception, and the unpredictability of human behavior. It serves as a cautionary tale about the choices we make and the impact they can have on our lives.

As an English language teacher, I encourage students to delve deeper into the themes, characters, and moral lessons of this story. Analyzing such narratives can improve comprehension skills and foster critical thinking, allowing students to appreciate the complexities of human nature and storytelling in English literature. If you have any questions or would like to discuss specific aspects of the story further, please feel free to ask!

WORD MEANINGS

Question & answers, question 1. give a brief description of horace danby., describe the character of horace danby and how the author portrays him initially..

Answer: Horace Danby was a good and respectable man.He was a 50 year old unmarried man. He lived with his caretaker.He was a successful locksmith.He had two helpers.He was healthy though sometetimes he suffered from hay fever.He was also a thief who robbed to satisfy his love of collecting rare and expensive books.

Question2. “Society must be protected from men like you”Comment on the irony pf the given quote.

Answer: These words “Society must be protected from men like you” is spoken by the young lady in red and are ironical because she herself was a thief. He duped Horace Danby easily. She robbed the jewelery from the safe and walked out safely.The statement was ironical because she herself was a thief who had robbed the house.

Question 3: What motivates Horace Danby to commit theft, and how does this motivation change in the story?

Answer: Horace Danby’s motivation is his love for rare books. It drives him to commit theft. He is a bibliophile.His hobby was to collect rare and expensive books.Every year he used to rob and invest the money in purchasing books. He purchased the books through an agent secretly.

Question 4: Analyze the symbolism of the safe in the story and what it represents.

Answer : The safe symbolizes temptation and the consequences of dishonesty. It represents Horace Danby’s desire and the moral test he faces.

Question 5: Discuss the irony in the story’s ending and its contrast with the reader’s expectations.

Answer : The irony lies in the fact that Horace Danby is arrested despite his claim of helping the young lady. This outcome is unexpected and contrasts with the reader’s

initial sympathy for him.

Question 6: What moral lesson can be drawn from the story of Horace Danby and the young lady?

Answer : The story teaches us that trust is fragile, and dishonesty can lead to unexpected consequences. It highlights the importance of integrity and the consequences of one’s actions.

Question 7: How did Horace Danby prepare for the robbery at Shotover Grange?

How danby plan his robberies, why was hoprace danby sure that bhis robbery at shotover grange wuill be a sucesful one.

Answer: Horace Danby always planned his robberies carefully.First he observe the house . He came to know that the owners lived in London and only the servants were available. He collected the blueprint of the house and studied the rooms of the house.

He noticed the wirrings ,the entry path and garden ways minutley or meticulously.He also knew that the servants were planning to go out to watch a movie that afternoon . he was sure to have 4 hours to conduct ther robbery.

Question 8.How did Horace enter Shotover Grange?

Answer: Horace had seen the housekepeper hang the key in a hook outside the kitchen door. He entered through the garden wall. He put on his gloves ,took the key and opened the door of the kitchen.

Question 9.Whom did Horace Danby see in the kitchen?

Answer: He saw the family dog Sherry ,in the kitchen. The dog greeted Horace by

wagging its tail in a friendly way. Cleverly Horace greeted the dog by calling its name. He called the name to calm the dog and make friendship with it.

Question 10. Describe the safe at Shotover Grange.

Answer|: The safe at Shotover Grange was kept in the drawing room behind a poor painting.The safe had jewels wqorth 15000 pounds. Horace was sure to succeed in his robbery becauyse he hea dplanned everything carefully. He expected to get atleast 5000 pounds if he sold the jewelry one by one

Question 11.How did the lady deceive Danby or make danby believe that she is the mistress of the house.

Answer: The lady manages to make Horace Danby believe that she is the mistress of the ouse by her grace ,charm,knowledge,way of talking with confidence and familiarity with the house details.

Question 12.How did Horace Danby fullfil his desire of reading books after getting into prison?

Answer: After Horace Danby was arrested ,he became the assistant librarian in the prison and fullfiled his desire of reading books.

Founder of Englishfry.com, a captivating and knowledge-driven blog & Founder of Android app/website Studyfunnel.com, an online Mock Test Series Portal. With a wealth of experience spanning over 16+ years, he has excelled as an Ex-professor, Teacher, Author of Book “Island of Illusion”, Website Developer, Graphic Designer,Blogger,Poet, and Creative academic content writer. His tryst in Literature helped him realize his love for writing and telling stories. A tech-savvy language nerd by day and, a passionate writer by night, he now translates his experiences into tales of wisdom served with a side of humor.His widely recognized profound insights ,captivating writing style makes him contribute to prestigious publications and a sought-after authority in the field.

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A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English

A Question of Trust Class 10 Extra Questions & Answers are available here. Class 10 English A Question of Trust extra questions and answers are prepared by our expert teachers. All these questions are divided into two or three sections. They are short type questions answers, long type question answers and extract based questions. Learning these questions will help you to score excellent marks in the board exams.

A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers

Short answer type questions.

1. How did Horace know all the details of the house?

Answer:   Horace had been studying the house for the past two weeks. Moreover, a magazine article had described this house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of the room. There were also the details of the safe hidden behind the safe.

2. How did Horace fulfill his desire of reading books after he was arrested?

Answer:   After Horace was arrested, he became the assistant librarian in the prison and fulfilled his desire for reading books.

3. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, why did he fail ?

Answer:  Though Horace planned everything meticulously; he failed led because of the smart lady. She posed herself to be the owner of the house and convinced him to open the shelf as she had “not the password of the shelf. Horace got trapped in her plot.

4. How did the flowers cause him trouble?

Answer:   Horace Danby had an allergy for flowers, especially during the pollen season. Who flowers are nearby, he got sneezing. The only cure for it was to stay away from those path flowers.

5. What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he manage to fulfill his hobby?

Answer:   Horace’s only hobby was to read expensive and rare books. He used to rob a safe every year in order to arrange money for his hobby. He used to get those books from an agent.

6. How did the lady spoil his plan?

Answer:  The lady posed as the owner of the house in front of Horace. Horace got scared and believed her. She ask him to open the safe as she had forgotten the password. Horace opened the safe and handed over the jewels to her. Hence, Horace’s plan of robbing the safe was spoiled.

7. Why did the lady report to the police though she promised that she would not report to the police? Or How did the lady deceive Horace?

Answer:  The lady was very clever and shrewd. She promised Horace that she would not report to the police if he would help her in getting the jewels from the safe. Horace broke the safe and helped her. But she didn’t keep her promise as she was also a thief and did not want to get into trouble.

8. How did Horace enter Shot over Grange?

Answer:  Horace had seen the housekeeper hang the key in the hook outside the kitchen door. He came out from behind the garden wall. He put on his gloves, took the key and opened the door of the kitchen and entered Shot over Grange.

9. Who is the real culprit in this story, the lady or Horace? How did he/she manage to rob the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?

Answer:   In this story, the real culprit is the young lady. She managed to trick Horace for breaking the safe for her. She did not even touch the safe herself. She managed to get all the jewels. She had to do no physical exercise for this. In this way, she managed to rob the safe without leaving a single fingerprint.

10. What do you think is the meaning of the phrase ‘honor among thieves’?

Answer:  The phrase ‘honor among thieves’ means that thieves have their code of conduct. One thief is honest to the other thief. They never betray one another.

11. Which of the two lacked honor?

Answer:  Among the two the young lady lacked honor. She came face to face with a thief, still, she tricked ‘him. But Horace did not know that she was a thief. She got all the jewels. She went free but poor Horace was arrested. It was against the profession of thieves.

12. Describe Horace Danby.

Answer:  Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was about fifty years old, but he was unmarried. He was a locksmith. He was very successful in his business. He was usually very well and healthy except for attacks of hay fever. But he was not completely honest.

13. How did Horace Danby manage to get rare and expensive books?

Answer:   Horace Danby loved rare and expensive books. He bought them secretly through an agent. But for this, he had to rob a safe every year because he did not have enough money to buy these books. In this way, he managed to get these rare and expensive books.

14. What did the young lady asked Horace to do for her?

Answer:   The young lady told Horace that she had come there to take the jewel from the safe. She said that she had to wear them that night at a party. She made an excuse of forgetting the number to open the safe. So she compelled Horace to break open the safe for her if not she would tell the police everything about him.

15. What story did Horace tell the police when he was arrested?

Answer:   He told the police that he had not stolen any jewels. He said that he broke open the safe for the young wife of the owner of the house. But the wife was herself an old lady of about sixty with grey-hair. So, none believed his story.

16. Why is Horace Danby described as good and respectable but not completely honest?

Answer:   Horace Danby was a good person. He made locks. He was very successful in his business. He had engaged two helpers in his business. But he was not completely honest because he robbed a safe every year.

17. Why did he rob every year? Was he a typical thief? If so, why?

Answer:   Horace loved reading rare and expensive books. So he robbed a safe every year to buy these books. He was a typical thief because he robbed only one safe every year.

18. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work?

Answer:   Horace Danby studied the house ai Shotover Grange for two weeks. He studied its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and its garden. He was sure that the family was in London. The two servants had gone to the movies and they would not come back before four hours. He came out from behind the garden wall and entered the house.

19. He was a very successful thief. What went wrong when he attempted to rob Shotover Grange

Answer:   Danby was a very successful thief. He always used gloves while breaking a safe. He never left any fingerprints behind. This time when he started his work, he felt a little tickle in his nose. It was because of a big flower pot lying on the table. He was repeatedly sneezing. This happened wrong with him.

20. What advice did the lady give Horace regarding his hay fever? Was she really interested in his health?

Answer:  The lady told Horace that he could get rid of the disease if he found out which plant had given him the disease. She advised him that he should see a doctor. Actually, she was not interested in his health. She was just trying to be friendly and sympathetic.

21. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught after the theft?

Answer:   Yes, the young lady expected Horace to be caught after the theft. She thought that it would be very easy to detect Horace with the help of fingerprints.

22. In what way could his arrest have helped her?

Answer:   If Horace Danby was arrested for the jewels robbery at Shotover Grange then she could be safe. She got the jewels but Horace broke the safe for her. Thus, his arrest could have helped her by making her tension free.

23. Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe? If not, why did the police arrest him?

Answer:  No, Horace did not get the jewels from the Grange safe. But he broke open the safe for the wife of the owner of the house without gloves. But in reality, that lady was a burglar. Thus, there were Horace’s fingerprints all over the room. So, the police arrested him for stealing the jewels from the Grange safe.

24. Who was Horace Danby?

Answer:  Horace Danby was about fifty years old and unmarried. Everyone thought that he was a good and honest citizen. He lived with a housekeeper who worried about his health. He suffered from the attacks of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was successful at his business. But he was not completely honest. He robbed a safe once a year to buy rare and costly books.

25. Why was Horace Dan by not completely honest?

Answer:  Generally, people thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest and respectable citizen. However, he was not completely honest. He robbed a safe every year. This was done to get the necessary money for the purchase of ‘rare and expensive’ books. The money he stole was enough to last a year. He secretly bought the books he loved through an agent.

26. What preparations did Horace make for ‘this year’s robbery’ at Shotover Grange?

Answer:  All the previous yearly robberies of Horace Danby were successful. He felt sure that this year’s robbery at Shot over Grange would also be successful. He had been studying the location of the house for two weeks. He studied its rooms, electric wiring, paths and garden. He found out that the two servants had gone to the movies. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside.

27. How did Horace Danby enter the house?

Answer:  Horace Danby had been preparing for the theft. He studied the house carefully for two weeks before committing the theft in the house at Shotover Grange. He studied its rooms, electric wiring, paths and its garden. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key and opened the door. Thus, he entered the house at Shotover Grange.

28. What precautions did Horace make before reaching the safe? Name three of them.

Answer:   Horace Danby took the following precautions before committing the theft: (i)He put on a pair of gloves as he was always careful not to leave any fingerprints. (ii) To tackle the house-dog, Sherry, he kept him quiet and friendly by calling him by his right name. (iii) He cut the wire of the burglar bell.

29. Why was it not hard to open the safe for Horace Danby?

Answer:  It was not going to be hard to open the safe for Horace Danby. After all, he had `lived with locks and safes all his life’. He made locks himself with two helpers. The burglar alarm was poorly built and he cut the wires of the burglar alarm. He knew about the safe and the key, and it was not a difficult job for him to open it when no one was present in the house.

30. Whose voice was it that advised Horace about the special treatment of his hay fever?

Answer:   When Horace was about to open the safe, he heard a female voice. She asked if he suffered from a cold or hay fever. He was sneezing again and again. She told that he could cure the hay fever with special treatment. He must find out what plant gave him that disease. She also advised Horace to see a doctor.

31.   Describe the unexpected meeting of the young lady in red and Horace.

Answer:  When a voice advised Horace to find a suitable treatment of his hay fever, he was surprised. It was a quiet, kindly voice but one with firmness in it. A young woman, quite pretty and dressed in red was standing there. She walked to the fireplace and straightened the ornaments. She said that she “didn’t expect to meet a burglar”.

32. Why did the woman in red threaten to call the police?

Answer:  Horace was caught red-handed. The woman in red said that she didn’t expect to meet a burglar there. She added that she knew that it had been a great inconvenience for him to meet her. She also asked what he was going to do. Horace replied that he was thinking of running away. The lady threatened that if he did so, she would call the police and tell them all about him. They would get him at once.

33. When and why did the woman in red say, “Society must be protected from men like you”? Doesn’t it sound ironical?

Answer:  Horace assured the woman in red that he would not hurt her. She must forget she ever met him. It made her angry. She couldn’t let him go, otherwise, he would rob someone else. Society must be protected from people like him. It sounds ironic because she herself was a thief and had come for the same purpose for which Horace was there in the house.

34. “I have always liked the wrong kind of people,” said the woman in red. Comment.

Answer:  It was ironic that the woman who was being considered as the lady of the house and talking big things was herself a thief. Horace requested her to let him go. He was desperate and afraid of going to prison. He promised never to do such a thing again. The lady pretended to be generous and stated that she “always liked the wrong kind of people”.

35. Why did Horace mistake the young lady in red as the lady of the house?

Answer:  The young woman in red was even smarter than Horace Danby. She was a thief and came with the same purpose as Horace to that house. However, she encountered Horace with an air of confidence and authority. She didn’t allow him to doubt or think about her. She showed that the dog, Sherry, belonged to her. He told him that she returned ‘home’ just in time. Her manner of speaking, gestures and confidence made Horace mistake her to be the lady of the house.

36. Do you think that the young woman in red proved far smarter than Horace Danby? Give reasons.

Answer:  Definitely, the young woman in red proved far smarter than Horace Danby. She played her part of being the lady of the house with complete perfection. She was an example of self-confidence. She didn’t show any hesitation. She spoke and acted with an air of complete confidence and authority. Poor Horace became a puppet who couldn’t take himself out of her spell. She threatened to call the police and made him open the safe, while Horace was later caught and arrested. She decamped with the jewels.

37. Who is the real culprit in the story, the young lady in red or Horace Danby? Comment.

Answer:  Law of any land works on evidence. Horace Danby opened the safe without wearing his gloves. He didn’t think it necessary to wear them as he thought he was working for ‘the lady of the house’. So the police matched his fingerprints and he was arrested. The lady in the red was actually the real culprit. She made Horace open the safe for her. She was also a thief and decamped with the jewels. But in the eyes of the law, Horace was the real culprit because the evidence was against him.

38 .  Why didn’t the dog bark when Horace Danby and the young lady in red entered to commit theft in the house?

Answer:  Both, Horace Danby and the young lady in red knew all the tricks of their trade. They knew the real nature of dogs and how to be friendly with them. A small dog when made a noise, Horace called out “All right, Sherry,” as he passed. Perhaps, the lady in red also knew like Horace that to keep dogs quiet, one must call them by their right names. Their trick worked and Sherry remained quiet.

39. Why did Horace Danby prefer books to collect paintings?

Answer:  Horace Danby had a passion for books. Collecting and buying rare and expensive books was his passionate hobby. He resorted to robbing a safe every year to buy them. When the preference between collecting books and paintings came, he chose the former. Paintings took up too much space. In a small house like his, books were a better choice.

40. Why didn’t Horace Danby never get any chance to look for another safe?

Answer:  Horace got nothing from the house at Shotover Grange. The lady in red decamped with the jewels. For two days, he kept his promise given to the kind, young lady in red. On the third day, he realised that he would have to look for another safe to buy books. But he never got that chance because the police arrested him for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to fulfill their wishes. What values would you like such people to imbibe to reform themselves? Write in about 100-120 words.

Answer:   Horace Danby was a successful businessman. He was about fifty years respectable citizen but had a habit that led him to do robberies. Danby loved rare, expensive books and to get them he used to rob a safe every year. Every year he planned carefully just to get what he wanted. Danby adopted wrong ways to fulfill his wishes and hence, later got trapped in a plot by a thief like him. People should imbibe good values. They should learn that hard work is the only key to success One should work hard to fulfill his desires. I think such people should imbibe the values of honesty, responsibility, hard work, dedication, self-confidence in order to reform themselves.

2. Horace Danby was a respectable man but he could not be called loyal. What do you think could be the reasons for leading a respectable man like him on the path of thievery? Did he feel a lack of sense of freedom? Was it not in his nature to accept the differences among people regarding their social status? Discuss the values he should have possessed in 100-120 words.

Answer:   Horace Danby’s habits were not typical of a thief. He was fond of books was a respectable man but his passion for books led him to thievery. He used to steal only once. In a year, he was never stealing more than his needs. He stole only to buy rare books; he loved rare and expensive books. Moreover, Danby used to rob only rich people. It was his nature. To accept the differences among people regarding their social status. He was aware that people with high socio-background can help him to fulfill his desire. He found such people easy to rob.

3. Horace promised the young lady that he would follow the path of honesty if sills would not hand him over to the police but he could not keep his promise for more than days. Did he lack reconciliation? Was it not in his nature to keep his promise? Did he lack the courage to fulfill his needs through an honest living? Discuss the values he needed to imbibe in 100-120 words.

Answer:  The lady manipulated the whole situation as well as Horace and very skillfully got the jewels without even touching anything. She talked about high things like protecting the society from culprits like Horace. Horace promised her that he would follow the path of honesty. He helped her in getting the jewels by breaking the safe without wearing gloves. But after two days, police caught him for stealing the jewels. He could not convince them that he had not taken the jewels and had helped the owner’s wife. The condition provoked him to break his promise. Although he honestly felt that he would not rob any more he could not do so as he had no other choice left.

4. Horace stated that he robbed only those who had a lot of money. Was he really a threat to society? Did he lack the qualities of a good citizen? Discuss the values he needs to imbibe to lead a path of righteousness in 100-120 words.

Answer:   I don’t think Horace was a threat to society. He never threatened anyone and rather stole for a very good reason. He used to rob a safe every year to pursue his hobby of getting rare and expensive books to read. He was not a professional thief. Moreover, he never harmed anyone. He was considered a good and honest citizen by everyone. He was about fifty years old and unmarried. He had all the qualities of a good citizen. He was not a criminal or a typical thief. He did so only to fulfill his need. He was an honest and good man. He believed in the lady’s story and gave away all the jewels to her. If he had been a criminal, he would have killed the lady or would have never handed the jewels to her.

5. Horace Danby requested the lady to forget what she saw. Was Horace afraid of being caught? Did he lack the courage to accept his crime publicly? Explain the values one must imbibe to accept one’s mistake in 100-120 words.

Answer:   Yes, Horace Danby was afraid of being caught. He lacked the courage to accept his crime publicly. He was not a professional criminal or a thief. He was considered a good and honest man by everyone. He was about fifty years old and unmarried. His house was looked after by a housekeeper. He used to rob only one safe every year to pursue his habit of getting rare and expensive books to read. He used to rob only those who were rich. He had a good reputation in the society and hence did not want anyone to know about his crimes. Although he helped the lady but was caught by the police for a crime he did not commit. He learned from his mistake.

6. “Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting him.” Why did Horace feel so? Did he consider the young lady compassionate towards him? Did he find her free from bias? Discuss the values Horace should have imbibe understanding of the person in 100-120 words.

Answer:   Horace was a fifty-year-old man who used to rob only to buy rare and expensive. This time he decided to rob Shot over Grange. But as soon as they entered the room, a Young lady appeared. She posed to be the lady of the ruse. She was very confident in her Mat, inner of talking. She talked about high ideals like pro-acting. The society from robbers like conium racked. Then she tried to be polite and nice to him. On hearing her, Horace felt that he had a hope of escaping. He found her a bit compassionate towards him. He was amused at Horace.  She acted in quite a subtle manner and showed her sympathy and admiration towards a simple and honest man. He could not judge her ace. She made Horace promise that he would never commit the crime again. Horace was cleverness and shrewdness and hence later got arrested for stealing the jewels which he did not steal.

7. Write a character-sketch of Horace Danby.

Answer:  Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was about fifty years old but he was unmarried. He was a locksmith. He was very successful in his business. Despite all these qualities, he was not completely honest. He had been to jail once. So he hated the thought of jail.

He loved rare and expensive books. He broke a safe every year to have enough money to buy books. He was a careful burglar. He planned his work well. He was very careful while robbing a safe. He wore gloves and never left fingerprints on the scene of the crime. Since he was a locksmith so it was very easy for him to break any safe. Once he was duped by a young lady. That young lady, who pretended to be the owner’s wife, was also a thief. He gave all the jewels to the young lady and left his fingerprints all over the room. Thus, he was arrested and sent to prison. Now he did not like the thought of ‘honor among thieves’ anymore. 

8. Describe Horace Danby’s encounter with the young lady. Or ‘The lady in the red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby’. Give a reasoned answer.

Answer:  Horace Danby was going to rob the safe at Shotover Grange. He had cut the wires of the burglar alarm. But the flowers on the table made a tickle in his nose and he was sneezing repeatedly. Just then a young lady dressed in red came in. She spoke friendly to Danby but her sound was firm.

She said that she was the owner’s wife. She told him that she had come there to take the jewels from the safe. She had to wear them that night at a party. She made an excuse that she had forgotten the number to open the safe. She told the thief that she would let him go if he opened the safe for her. Danby was taken in. He opened the safe without gloves. He gave all the jewels to the young lady. She went away safely with the jewels but Danby was arrested for the jewels robbery and sent to prison.

9. What were Horace Danby’s plans for his latest robbery? 

Answer:   Horace was sure that the robbery he was planning for that year was going to be as successful as all the others so far. He had been observing and studying the house at Shotover Grange for two weeks. He had observed everything minutely. That afternoon, when he planned to rob the house, he had seen the two servants, who remained in the Grange, going to the movies. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back. Horace knew that there were about fifteen thousand pounds worth of jewels in the Grange safe and if he sold them one by one, he was sure to get enough money to last him for another year.

10. How did the lady in red turn out to be much smarter and cleverer than Horace Danby? How did one thief outwit and out maneuver the other? Or How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?

Answer:  The lady in red was also a thief. So was Horace Danby. But it was the lady in the red who out maneuvered and outwitted Horace. No doubt, Horace did his job quite professionally. He worked hard to find out the necessary details about the location of the house and the position of the key and the safe. But, Horace proved to be a novice in judging the young lady in red. The young lady acted with so much confidence and in such a convincing manner that she could easily pass off as the lady of the house.

Horace Danby became a mere puppet who danced to the tune of the lady. When caught red-handed, he pleaded her to let him go. The young lady exploited his confusion and fear of going to prison fully. She made Horace open the safe. The unsuspecting Horace was made to believe that he was working for the lady of the house. So he opened the safe without putting on his gloves. He gave the jewels to the lady leaving his fingerprints on the safe. So he was found out and arrested. Naturally, the young lady in red proved far smarter and out maneuvered Horace Danby.

11. Give a character-sketch of Horace Danby in your own words. How was he outmanoeuvred by the lady in red?

Answer:  Horace Danby was about fifty years old and unmarried. Everyone thought him a good and honest citizen. He was otherwise very well and happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was fairly successful at his business. Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest. He used to rob a safe every year. He did so because he needed money to buy books. Horace had a passion for buying rare and costly books. With that money, he secretly bought the books he loved through an agent.

Like a professional thief, he made a lot of preparations. He made it sure that every year’s robbery was going to be as successful as all the others. He studied the location of the house at Shotover Grange—its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and its gardens in details. He also came to know that the two servants of the house were out to the movies. He also knew where was safe and it’s key. He befriended the little dog by calling his right name.

In spite of all his professionalism, Horace Danby proved a novice in judging the lady in red. The lady in red behaved with so much confidence and authority that Horace became totally a puppet in her hands. Easily passing off as the lady of the house, she made Horace open the safe without wearing his gloves. While the lady in red decamped with the jewels, Horace was sent to prison.

12. Give a character-sketch of the lady in red highlighting how she outwitted Horace Danby.

Answer:  We don’t get any information regarding the past history of the lady in red as we know about Horace’s past. Her whole personality remains wrapped in mystery until the end. Only when the identity of the real lady of the house is unfolded, we come to know that she is a thief. She is the real culprit. The lady in red comes there with the only purpose of committing a theft in the house like Horace. She cleverly decamps with the jewels while Horace is sent to prison.

The lady in red is gifted with a rare personality. She is full of confidence. She acts like a perfect actress presenting herself as the lady of the house. Her gestures, confidence and convincing power are enough to convince Horace. He turns out quite a novice in understanding and judging the lady in red and her motive. She dominates the proceeding. Horace only proves a puppet in her hands. She exploits his fear of going to prison. She makes him open the safe without his gloves. She convinced him that she needs those jewels to wear them to a party that night. Horace willingly hands over the jewels and she decamps with them. Only when the grey-haired, sharp-tongued woman appears as the real lady of the house, we come to know that the lady in red was a professional and crafty thief much smarter than Horace.

13 .  How had Horace planned to loot the house at Shotover Grange?

Answer:  Horace Danby never committed theft in a hurry. All his previous operations were completely successful. He robbed a safe every year. This money was enough to last for a year. Like all his previous robberies, he also planned his latest robbery in a house at Shotover Grange in all details. For two weeks, he had been studying the house, its rooms, electric wiring, paths and its garden.

He also had definite information that two servants working there had gone to movies. He saw them go. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key and opened the house. He always put on a pair of gloves before committing a theft. A magazine article had described the house with all the rooms. It also mentioned that a painting hid a safe. He collected all these details and made all preparations to make his latest theft a complete success like the others.

14. How was Horace Danby arrested for the robbery of the jewels in a house at Shotover Grange? Do you think his own foolishness was responsible for his arrest? Give a reasoned answer.

Answer:  Horace Danby never acted recklessly in a hurry while committing a theft. He robbed a safe every year. All his previous thefts had been completely successful. Even to commit a theft in a house at Shotover Grange, he made detailed and fool-proof preparations. However, he proved a novice in comparison to the young lady in red. She, in a very confident and convincing way, made him believe that she was the lady of the house. She made him open the safe without the gloves and handover all the jewels to her. She decamped with the jewels and Horace was arrested.

By noon, a policeman arrested Horace for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. He had opened the safe without wearing his gloves. He did believe that he was opening the safe for the lady of the house. He pleaded that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open the safe for her. The real lady of the house appeared on the scene. She was not the young lady in red but a grey-haired woman of sixty. She said that Horace’s story was nonsense. Only then, Horace came to know that he was outwitted by the lady in red who was also a thief like him.

Self-Assessment Test

Short Answer Questions

1. Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished? 2. How did the lady deceive Horace? 3. What did Horace Danby study about the Shotover Grange house? 4. Why was it very easy for Horace to open the safe? 5. What story did the lady tell Horace to get the jewels?

Long Answer Questions

1. The lady in the red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby. Give a reasoned answer. 2. Describe the scene of theft at Shotover Grange committed by Horace Danby. 3. Why did Horace Danby get angry when anyone talked about ‘honour among thieves