A Thief in the Night · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for A Thief in the Night by E. W. Hornung.
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Chapter 1
Out of Paradise
Bunny reflects on his early days with Raffles, revealing the greatest wrong Raffles ever did him: leading him into a burglary at the house of Lord Lochmaben, which Bunny had mistakenly believed to be the home of his beloved's uncle, Hector Carruthers. Bunny recounts his engagement to a woman he later renounced due to his unworthiness, and describes the night Raffles manipulated him into participating in the crime, using Bunny's intimate knowledge of the house.
Chapter 2
The Chest of Silver
Raffles recounts his latest exploit, having broken into a bank strongroom over Easter, and reveals how he deceived Bunny to ensure his genuine anxiety. He explains his plan to leave his Albany rooms for redecorating, taking his collection of silver plate with him, and dismisses the threat of the rival cracksman Crawshay.
Chapter 3
The Rest Cure
Raffles reveals to Bunny that he has been hiding in a rented house in London, posing as an old soldier and taking a 'Rest Cure' while reading criminology and following cabs for exercise. Bunny joins him, but their quiet retreat is shattered when the house's owner, Colonel Crutchley, returns unexpectedly, leading to a violent confrontation and a subsequent police investigation. Raffles and Bunny flee, with Raffles planning a provincial tour under an alias, while Bunny grapples with guilt over the colonel's fate.
Chapter 4
The Criminologists' Club
Raffles reveals to Bunny how he single-handedly robbed Lord Thornaby's dressing room during a dinner with the Criminologists' Club, a group of crime enthusiasts. He describes his meticulous planning, including watching the house from Bunny's window, sending the valet away with a fake telegram, and altering the clock to create an alibi. Bunny initially doubts Raffles's claim but is convinced by the evidence. Raffles then explains that he stored the stolen robes and coronet in the Charing Cross cloakroom and sent the ticket to Lord Thornaby.
Chapter 5
The Field of Phillipi
Raffles and Bunny revisit their old school for an Old Boys' match, where Raffles manipulates Nipper Nasmyth into making a generous donation to the school's fund. After a night of nostalgic escapades, Raffles uses a stolen hundred pounds to anonymously contribute to the fund, leading Nasmyth to be falsely credited with the donation. The chapter explores themes of deception, redemption, and the complex dynamics of friendship and loyalty.
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