Page no – 20
Question 1. What does Horace Danby like to collect?
Horace Danby is passionate about collecting rare and expensive books.
Question 2. Why does he steal every year?
He commits a theft once every year so that he can afford to buy the rare and costly books he loves. Each robbery is planned very carefully to give him enough money for twelve months.
Page no – 22
Question 1. Who is speaking to Horace Danby?
A young lady, dressed in red and standing in the doorway, talks to Horace. She claims to be a member of the family at Shotover Grange and pretends she caught him just in time before her house was robbed.
Question 2. Who is the real culprit in the story?
The real culprit is the woman who pretended to be part of the household. She tricks Horace into opening the safe and cleverly escapes with all the jewels inside.
Think About It (Page 25)
Question 1. Did you suspect before the ending that the lady wasn’t who Horace thought she was? If so, when and why?
Yes, there were reasons to be suspicious before the story ended. The lady stayed calm when she saw Horace, didn’t call the police, and asked him to break open the safe for the jewels—enough to make anyone doubt her. The fact that she didn’t know the combination to her own safe was another clear sign.
Question 2. How did the lady manage to trick Horace Danby into thinking she was the owner? Why didn’t he suspect her?
Her confidence, how she greeted the dog Sherry, her casual touch-up of makeup, and instantly picking a cigarette from the right place—all made her seem like the real owner. Horace was too nervous to notice anything unusual.
Question 3. “Horace Danby was good and respectable, but not honest.” Why does this fit Horace? Why isn’t he a typical thief?
Horace wasn’t the typical criminal; he loved books and only stole once a year, just to fund his hobby. Still, stealing is a crime regardless of motive, so the description fits him well.
Question 4. Horace Danby planned his thefts meticulously, but still got caught. Where did he go wrong?
Horace missed finding out who lived in the house. He focused on technical details—maps, wiring, valuables—but ignored the people. His mistake led to trusting the woman and opening the safe without gloves, which got him into trouble.
Talk About It (Page 25)
Question 1. Was Horace Danby unfairly punished or did he deserve it?
He deserved what happened to him. Crime remains a crime, whether you benefit or help someone else.
Question 2. Do intentions justify actions? Would you do something wrong if you thought the result was worth it? Are there times when dishonest acts are excusable?
Good intentions never justify wrongdoing. While many people act dishonestly for quick gains, such behavior shouldn’t be excused or tolerated. Proper values matter more than justifying any means.