Mystery Short Story Summary
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Questions and Answers

What was Horace's initial reaction when the woman mentioned that she might call the police?

  • He immediately surrendered himself to the police.
  • He laughed it off as a joke.
  • He suggested cutting the telephone wires. (correct)
  • He tried to run away.
  • How did the woman respond when Horace indicated that he would hurt her?

  • She laughed it off. (correct)
  • She was frightened and started crying.
  • She threatened to hurt Horace back.
  • She tried to flee the scene.
  • What was Horace's reason for stealing, as mentioned in the text?

  • To redistribute wealth to the poor.
  • To steal only from the wealthy for a 'good reason'. (correct)
  • To donate to charity.
  • To buy expensive items for himself.
  • Why did Horace express his hatred for the thought of prison?

    <p>He committed crimes for a specific purpose and didn't want to be caught.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Horace try to convince the woman to let him go?

    <p>By promising never to commit such crimes again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the woman's primary concern about letting Horace go?

    <p>That society needed protection from criminals like him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Horace react when the woman mentioned that he was going to rob her?

    <p>He tried to justify his actions by claiming his targets were wealthy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Horace suggest when the woman raised concerns about society's safety?

    <p>To convince the woman to let him go without involving the authorities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I'm desperate. Let me go and I promise never to do this kind of thing again.' This statement by Horace reflects his attempt at:

    <p>'Seeking empathy' by showing remorse and asking for forgiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'I’m not a man who threatens society. I steal only from those who have a lot of money.' What moral justification can be inferred from this statement made by Horace?

    <p>'Stealing is acceptable if targeted at the wealthy.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Story Summary

    • Horace Danby, a 50-year-old unmarried man, appears to be a good, honest citizen, but is not completely honest.
    • He has a secret life as a thief, stealing from the wealthy to buy rare, expensive books.
    • He has been doing this for 15 years, ever since serving a prison sentence in a library where he developed a love for rare books.

    The Lady's Deception

    • Horace is tricked by a charming, clever young lady who is not who she seems to be.
    • The lady appears to be the wife of the owner of the house, Shotover Grange, but is actually working against Horace.
    • She deceives Horace by making him believe she is willing to help him, but actually sets him up to get caught.

    Horace's Downfall

    • Horace is caught and his fingerprints are found all over the room.
    • The lady denies knowing him, and Horace is unable to convince anyone of his story.
    • He is now serving time in prison as an assistant librarian, where he often thinks about the lady who tricked him.

    Horace's Character

    • Horace is a meticulous planner, but his flaws lead to his downfall.
    • He is not completely honest, but has a sense of morality, as he only steals from the wealthy.
    • He is not a typical thief, as he has a relatable motivation (buying rare books) and is not cruel or violent.

    The Lady's Motivation

    • The lady's motivation is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that she is trying to protect society from thieves like Horace.
    • She is sharp-tongued and clever, able to outsmart Horace and manipulate him into getting caught.

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    Description

    Test your memory and comprehension skills by answering questions about a mystery short story involving a man framed for theft. Explore the plot, characters, and twists in the narrative.

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