A Question of Trust

By Victor Canning

Victor Canning was a British novelist and short story writer, known for his crime fiction, thrillers, and adventure stories. His works often feature intricate plots and engaging characters, blending suspense with wit. “A Question of Trust” centers on a skilled burglar named Horace Danby, who prides himself on his careful and trustworthy methods. Despite his criminal activities, he considers himself an honest man. However, when he attempts to rob a house, he is outwitted by a clever woman posing as the owner, leading to an ironic twist.

Q: What does Horace Danby like to collect?

Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive books which is surely a costly hobby.

Q: Why does he steal every year?

Horace Danby steals every year to fund his passion for collecting rare books. He sells the stolen jewels to purchase the books he desires.

Q: Who is speaking to Horace Danby?

A lady posing as the lady of the house is speaking to Horace Danby.

Q: Who is the real culprit in the story?

The real culprit in the story is the lady who deceives Horace Danby. She tricks him into stealing for her by pretending to be the owner of the house.

Q: 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 realize this, and how?

Yes, the suspicion arises when the lady asks Horae to break open the safe for her because it is odd for the owner of the house to ask a thief to do such a thing instead of calling the police. Her unusually calm manner in such a situation and the way she confidently interacts with him and makes specific demands also raise doubts.

Q: 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?

The lady dresses elegantly and speaks with authority, fitting the image of a wealthy homeowner. She knows specific details about the house, including the location of the safe and the type of the dog. Moreover, she also remains calm and composed, which convinces Horace who is not a regular thief that she has nothing to fear from a burglar in her own home. Therefore, Horace doesn’t suspect anything because her behavior and appearance align perfectly with what he expects from the lady of the house. Additionally, his focus on his task and his fear of getting caught distract him from questioning her identity.

Q: “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 categorized as a typical thief?

This description is apt because Horace Danby leads a generally respectable life, running a legitimate business and being well-liked in his community. However, his annual thefts reveal a dishonest side. He can’t be categorized as a typical thief because his motive is not greed but a specific desire to fund his book collection. His meticulous planning and the fact that he only steals once a year further differentiate him from common criminals.

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

Horace went wrong by trusting the lady without verifying her identity. His careful planning didn’t account for the possibility of being deceived by someone who appeared trustworthy. His overconfidence in his ability to execute the theft and his distraction by the lady’s presence led to his downfall. The lady also exploited his vulnerability and fear of getting caught.

Q: Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished, or that he deserved what he got?

Horace Danby deserved what he got because, despite his otherwise respectable life, he still committed a crime. His intention to fund his book collection does not justify breaking the law. The punishment serves as a consequence for his dishonest actions, regardless of his motives.

Q: Do intentions justify actions? Would you, like Horace Danby, do something wrong if you thought your ends justified the means? Do you think that there are situations in which it is excusable to act less than honestly?

Intentions do not necessarily justify actions. While good intentions might mitigate the severity of an act, they do not erase the wrongdoing. Personally, I believe it is important to adhere to ethical and moral standards, even if the desired outcome seems to justify dishonest actions. Situations may arise where acting less than honestly appears justifiable, but it is crucial to consider the broader implications and potential harm of such actions.