**Horace Danby's Meticulous Planning and His Downfall:**

**Introduction:**
In the chapter "A Question of Trust" from class 10, we learn about Horace Danby, a meticulous planner who ultimately faces a downfall. This begs the question: where did he go wrong and why? Let's delve into the details to understand the reasons behind his faltering.

**1. Overconfidence in Planning:**
One of the key mistakes made by Horace Danby was his overconfidence in his planning abilities. He meticulously planned every step of his theft, believing that his attention to detail would guarantee success. However, this overconfidence led him to overlook certain crucial factors that ultimately led to his downfall.

**2. Underestimating Holmes:**
Another significant factor that contributed to Danby's failure was his underestimation of Sherlock Holmes. Danby believed that he had outsmarted the police and had successfully deceived them. However, he failed to consider that Holmes was an exceptionally perceptive detective with a keen eye for detail and a sharp intellect. Underestimating Holmes ultimately proved to be a fatal mistake for Danby.

**3. Lack of Adaptability:**
Despite being a meticulous planner, Danby lacked the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. When faced with unexpected challenges, such as the sudden arrival of Holmes during the theft, Danby became flustered and failed to come up with an effective solution. His rigid adherence to his original plan left him vulnerable and unable to respond effectively to changing situations.

**4. Overlooking Potential Weaknesses:**
In his planning process, Danby failed to thoroughly assess and address potential weaknesses in his scheme. For instance, he did not consider the possibility of being caught on surveillance cameras or the chance of a security guard arriving earlier than expected. These oversights ultimately exposed Danby's flaws and led to his eventual capture.

**5. Lack of Trust in Others:**
Lastly, Danby's downfall can be attributed to his lack of trust in others. He preferred to work alone and did not involve any accomplices in his plan. This lack of trust meant that he had no backup or assistance when faced with unexpected obstacles. In contrast, Holmes had the support of the police force and was able to collaborate with others to solve the case effectively.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, Horace Danby's meticulous planning faltered due to his overconfidence, underestimation of Holmes, lack of adaptability, overlooking potential weaknesses, and his reluctance to trust others. These factors highlight the importance of considering all possible scenarios, being adaptable, and recognizing the strengths of others when formulating a plan. Danby's downfall serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significance of thorough planning and the need to anticipate and address potential challenges.