**Horance Danby's Meticulous Planning**

In the chapter "A Question of Trust" from the Class 10 English textbook "Footprint," Horance Danby is portrayed as a meticulous planner. However, despite his careful planning, he ultimately falters. Let's analyze where he went wrong and the reasons behind it.

**Insufficient Knowledge**

One of the reasons Horance Danby faltered despite his meticulous planning was his lack of sufficient knowledge about the individuals he was dealing with. He had meticulously planned the robbery, taking into account various aspects such as the layout of the house, the security system, and the timings. However, he did not have enough information about the people living in the house, particularly the elderly lady, Mrs. Pritchard.

**Underestimation of Mrs. Pritchard**

Horance Danby made the mistake of underestimating Mrs. Pritchard's alertness and intelligence. He assumed that she would be an easy target due to her age and frailty. However, he was proven wrong when she sensed his presence during the robbery and struck him on the head with a brass paperweight. Danby had not anticipated such a strong and quick response from an elderly woman, which ultimately led to his downfall.

**Lack of Contingency Plans**

Although Horance Danby had meticulously planned the robbery, he failed to create sufficient contingency plans. He did not consider the possibility of Mrs. Pritchard being awake or alert during the robbery. This lack of foresight left him vulnerable and unable to adapt to unexpected situations.

**Overconfidence**

Another factor that contributed to Horance Danby's failure was his overconfidence. He believed that his planning was foolproof and that he would be able to execute the robbery without any complications. This overconfidence led him to underestimate the risks involved in the crime, including the possibility of encountering unexpected obstacles.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, Horance Danby's meticulous planning was overshadowed by his lack of knowledge about the people involved, his underestimation of Mrs. Pritchard's capabilities, the absence of contingency plans, and his overconfidence. These factors ultimately led to his faltering during the robbery. It serves as a reminder that even the most meticulous planners can falter if they fail to consider all relevant aspects and possibilities.