Here is a PDF summary of Chapter 4, "A Question of Trust," from the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook. This concise resource covers the chapter’s key events, themes, and moral lessons, helping students revise effectively and perform confidently in the Class 10 board exam. Access the PDF below:
A Question of Trust Summary Chapter 4: A Question of Trust is a story from the Class 10 syllabus that highlights honesty and moral values. It narrates the experience of a young man traveling alone, who loses his money along the way. Distressed and unsure, he seeks help from a local shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper, noticing the man’s situation, returns the lost money without expecting anything in return. This act of honesty surprises the young man and teaches him a valuable lesson about trust and integrity.
The story emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, kindness, and goodwill in daily life. It shows that even in unexpected situations, honesty and moral courage can guide people toward justice and build faith in humanity.
Key Takeaways for Class 10 Students:
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Honesty and integrity are always rewarded.
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Trusting others can lead to positive outcomes.
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Moral values are essential in personal and social life.
A Question of Trust Class 10 Summary PDF
A Question of Trust Class 10 Summary PDF
Summary of A Question of Trust
"A Question of Trust" was written by Victor Canning. The story is about a man named Horace Danby, a 50-year-old locksmith and businessman who led an honest life but had a secret hobby of stealing rare books. Once a year, he would rob a safe to fund his expensive passion for books. Horace would carefully plan each burglary, and this year, he targeted a house at Shotover Grange, which he studied for two weeks.
The family was away in London, and the caretakers went out to the movies, making it the perfect time for Horace to carry out his plan. He snuck into the house, using a key he found on the kitchen door, and entered carefully.
As he worked, he sneezed due to the flowers in the room, and that's when a woman in red appeared. She claimed to be the wife of the house's owner and convinced Horace to open the safe for her, saying she had forgotten the combination and needed her jewels for a party.
Horace, frightened of getting caught, helped her open the safe. The woman took the jewels, and Horace left, thinking he had escaped without being caught.
However, three days later, the police arrested him for the robbery. It turned out that the woman was also a thief who tricked him into opening the safe. Horace was arrested because his fingerprints were found all over the crime scene.
He told the police his story, but no one believed him, as the real owner’s wife was much older than the woman he described. Horace was sent to prison, where he became a librarian and often thought about the clever woman who tricked him. From then on, whenever someone talked about "honor among thieves," Horace would get upset.
About The Author
Victor Canning (1911-1986), a prolific British author, wrote the engaging short story "A Question of Trust," featured in the CBSE Class 10 English textbook Footprints Without Feet. Born in Plymouth, England, he overcame early financial hardships by working as a clerk while publishing short stories and achieving fame with his 1934 novel Mr. Finchley Discovers His England. Known for thrillers blending mystery, romance, and ironic twists—like the clever tale of thief Horace Danby outwitted by a greater crook—Canning authored over 40 books, including bestsellers such as Panther’s Moon and the Rex Carver series, cementing his legacy in engaging, unpredictable narratives.
Character Sketches – A Question of Trust
Horace Danby
Horace Danby, a skilled 50-year-old locksmith, leads a double life—honest by day, robbing one safe yearly for rare books. Methodical and confident, his naivety leads him to trust a disguised thief at Shotover Grange, forgetting gloves and getting caught via fingerprints.
The Lady in Red
The clever young woman impersonates Shotover Grange's owner with poise and wit, tricking Horace into opening the safe. Always gloved and sharp, she steals the jewels and frames him, embodying cunning deception among crooks
Conclusion of A Question of Trust Chapter 4 English
The conclusion of A Question of Trust reveals the ironic twist of the story. Horace Danby, a thief with a well-planned strategy for his burglaries, is outwitted by a woman who appears to be an innocent member of the household. Despite his careful planning, Horace’s trust in the woman leads to his downfall.
The story highlights the theme of deception, as the young lady, who pretends to need help, is a thief herself. In the end, Horace is arrested, and his confession goes unheard because no one believes his story.
The tale underscores the idea that trust can be easily manipulated, and even the most careful criminals can fall prey to deceit. It also portrays the consequences of dishonesty and betrayal.
How to Attempt Questions from This Chapter in Board Exams
To score well in CBSE Class 10 English questions from A Question of Trust, follow these strategies:
1. Identify the "Irony" of the Situation
Most 5-mark questions from this chapter revolve around irony. In your answer, clearly state the two levels of irony:
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Level 1: Horace, a man who makes safes, is unable to see through a fake owner of a safe.
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Level 2: Horace is an "honest thief" who gets caught because he trusted another thief who lacked that very "honor."
2. Focus on the "Missed Clues"
If asked how the lady managed to trick Horace, list the specific psychological tactics she used:
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Authority: She spoke with a quiet, calm voice as if she truly belonged there.
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The Dog: She petted Sherry (the dog), and the dog didn't bark, which convinced Horace she was the owner.
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The Cigarette: She waited for Horace to offer her a lighter. This was a brilliant move because it forced Horace to take off his gloves, leading to the fingerprints that eventually got him arrested.
3. Use Chapter-Specific Terminology
Incorporate these terms to show deep familiarity with the text:
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Shotover Grange: The target house.
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Hay Fever: The reason Horace kept sneezing (triggered by the flowers on the table).
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Honour among thieves: The central theme/proverb that is subverted in the story.
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Librarian in Prison: Horace’s final role, which is ironic given his love for books.
4. Handling Value-Based Questions
You may get a question like: "Is Horace Danby a typical criminal? Support your answer."
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Your Response: Argue that he is not a typical criminal. He has a respectable business, loves rare books, and is non-violent. However, stress that "a crime is a crime," and his passion for books does not justify his annual burglaries.
5. The Climax and Evidence
When describing the arrest, mention that the police didn't believe Horace because the real owner's wife was a "gray-haired, sharp-tongued woman of sixty," completely different from the young "Lady in Red." This detail proves that Horace was blinded by fear and didn't verify the lady's identity
A Question of Trust Summary FAQs
Who is the main character in the story?
The main character is Horace Danby, a locksmith and a thief.
What does the young lady ask Horace to do?
She convinces him to open the safe for her as she has forgotten the combination.
How does Horace plan his burglaries?
He carefully studies the house and makes detailed plans before committing a robbery.
Who does Horace meet in the house at Shotover Grange?
Horace meets a young woman who pretends to be the house owner’s wife.
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