Test: A Question of Trust - Class 10 MCQ

Horace Danby robbed a safe once every year. Each year, he meticulously planned his theft, ensuring that he stole enough to sustain his book-buying habit for the next twelve months. Despite his criminal activities, he managed to maintain a facade of respectability in his community.

Before planning his annual robbery, Horace Danby conducted a thorough study of the house at Shotover Grange. He examined its layout, electric wiring, paths, and garden meticulously to ensure the success of his criminal endeavor. This attention to detail was crucial for his schemes to go undetected.

Horace Danby's primary motivation for his criminal activities was his passion for rare and expensive books. Despite being a successful locksmith, his love for these books drove him to commit thefts each year, carefully planning and executing his crimes to feed his obsession.

Horace Danby experienced hay fever attacks during the summer months. Despite this seasonal affliction, he continued with his meticulous planning and execution of his annual robberies, showcasing his dedication to his criminal pursuit even in the face of personal discomfort.

Horace contemplated selling the jewels in the safe to obtain the funds necessary to purchase three intriguing books that were scheduled for sale in the near future. This decision showcases his passion for collecting books and his strategic financial planning to pursue his interests.

Horace ensured he left no fingerprints by wearing gloves while entering the kitchen. This precautionary measure was taken to avoid leaving any incriminating evidence behind and to maintain his anonymity during the intrusion.

Horace successfully kept the small dog quiet in the kitchen by showing it love and addressing it by its correct name. This simple yet effective strategy demonstrates his understanding of animal behavior and his ability to handle situations calmly and tactfully.

Horace favored collecting books over paintings for his small house because books occupy less space compared to paintings. This choice reflects his practicality and preference for maximizing the utility of limited living space by opting for a more compact and manageable collection.

Horace's progress in opening the safe was impeded by the overpowering aroma of the flowers in the room. This distraction highlights the unexpected challenges he encountered during the burglary attempt, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and adaptable in unforeseen situations.

The woman's initial reaction upon encountering Horace in the room was not one of fear or immediate suspicion. Instead, she appeared amused and engaged in conversation with him, even smiling at his presence. This reaction sets the tone for their interaction and reveals a certain level of composure and confidence in her demeanor.

Horace's initial impulse upon meeting the woman was to run away. This instinctive reaction reflects his immediate response to a potentially risky situation, showing a desire to avoid confrontation or trouble by escaping the scene. It also hints at his mindset and approach towards handling unexpected encounters.

Horace suggested that he would cut the telephone wires to prevent the woman from contacting the police, thereby ensuring that she could do nothing for some time. This strategic move indicates his attempt to temporarily disable the means of communication, buying him time to execute his plans without immediate interference.

Horace justifies his thievery by claiming that he steals from those who have a lot of money and states that he steals for a very good reason. He further asserts that he only targets the wealthy, suggesting a Robin Hood-like mentality of stealing from the rich to possibly address what he perceives as societal inequalities.

Upon realizing Horace's fear of going to prison, the woman expressed understanding and shared her own perspective, indicating a moment of connection or empathy between them. This reaction suggests a deeper level of engagement and dialogue beyond a simple confrontation, highlighting a potential shift in their interaction towards mutual understanding.

Horace's transition to becoming an assistant librarian in prison was a result of his involvement in the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange, which led to his arrest and conviction. This turn of events highlights the consequences of criminal actions and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of making ethical choices.