Class 10 English - KARNATAKA
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary chapter 'A Question of Trust' by Victor Canning tells the story of Horace Danby, a meticulous and clever thief who robs only once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare and costly books. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when he attempts to rob a safe at Shotover Grange and is outsmarted by a young, clever woman posing as the homeowner's wife. This chapter teaches students a crucial moral lesson: there is no honor among thieves, and trust can easily be manipulated by deception. For board exams, questions focus on Horace's character and the plot twist.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby
A fifty-year-old unmarried locksmith who is generally respected as a good, honest citizen but secretly commits one meticulously planned robbery every year to buy rare books.
The Allergy
Horace suffers from a severe allergy to flowers, which causes him to sneeze violently and leaves a trail of clues that compromise his stealth during the robbery.
The Clever Young Lady
A sophisticated woman dressed in red who unexpectedly enters Shotover Grange, posing as the homeowner's wife, and cunningly tricks Horace into opening the safe for her.
The Irony of Trust
Horace believes that thieves respect one another, but he is ultimately betrayed and arrested because he blindly trusted the young woman, highlighting the story's title.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Karnataka (KSEEB) Class 10 English examinations, supplementary reading chapters typically carry around 3 to 4 marks. Questions are usually of the 2-mark or 3-mark descriptive type, focusing on character sketches (like Horace Danby), summary of the plot, or explaining how Horace was outwitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Horace Danby steal only once a year?
Horace stole only once a year to buy rare and expensive books, as he loved collecting them and needed enough money to last twelve months.
How did the young lady trick Horace Danby?
She acted very calmly and confidently, pretending to be the mistress of the house, and threatened to call the police unless he opened the safe and handed over the jewels for her.
Did Horace Danby consider himself an honest thief?
Yes, Horace considered himself honest because he only stole from wealthy people, never stole enough to cause serious hardship, and hated the thought of prison.
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