A Question of Trust - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - CBSE English

Victor Canning (1911-1986) was a British novelist and screenwriter, known for his prolific work in various genres, including thrillers, mystery, and adventure fiction. Born in Plymouth, England, he began his writing career in the 1930s and continued producing novels and screenplays for over four decades.

Canning's writing is characterized by its strong plots, engaging characters, and memorable settings. In the story about Horace Danby, he masterfully combines elements of crime, humor, and irony , as the protagonist is outsmarted by a fellow thief. Victor Canning's stories often explore human nature, revealing the complexities and contradictions in the lives of his characters. His work has left a lasting impact on the world of mystery and adventure fiction, making him a noteworthy figure in 20th-century British literature.

1. Deception and Appearance:
   One of the primary themes of the story is deception and the contrast between appearance and reality. Horace Danby is introduced as a good, honest citizen, but beneath this facade , he is a thief with a passion for rare books. Similarly, the charming young woman in red pretends to be the wife of the owner of Shotover Grange, but she is actually a fellow thief. This theme underscores the idea that people and situations are not always what they seem, and appearances can be deceiving.

2. Greed and Materialism:
   Greed and materialism are also prominent themes in the story. Horace's desire for rare and expensive books drives him to commit...

1. Introduction and Background:
   The story introduces Horace Danby, a seemingly good and honest citizen with a secret life as a thief. His passion for rare and expensive books drives him to commit a burglary each year to fund his collection.

2. Planning the heist :
   Horace carefully plans his annual heist , targeting the house at Shotover Grange. He spends two weeks studying the house's....

1. "Yes, Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest."
   This line is crucial because it foreshadows Horace's dual nature and sets the stage for the story's main conflict. It introduces the reader to the fact that Horace is not as honest as he appears.
2. "Each year he planned carefully just what he would do, stole enough to last for twelve months, and secretly bought the books he loved through an agent."
   This line highlights....

1. hay fever: a disorder affecting the nose and throat, caused by allergy to pollen or dust

   During the spring season, Samantha's hay fever flared up, causing her to sneeze and have a runny nose whenever she stepped outside.

2. respectable : having a good reputation; regarded as honorable or trustworthy.

   Despite his wild youth, he eventually became a respectable member of society.

3. robbery : the act of unlawfully taking someone's property by force or threat.

   The jewelry store was .........................