A Thief in the Night · Chapter
A Bad Night explained
Bunny attempts to rob the Medlicott wedding gifts on his own while Raffles plays in a Test Match, but his plan goes awry when he encounters the asthmatic bridegroom and later nearly kills Raffles, who has secretly returned to oversee the jo
What happens
Bunny attempts to rob the Medlicott wedding gifts on his own while Raffles plays in a Test Match, but his plan goes awry when he encounters the asthmatic bridegroom and later nearly kills Raffles, who has secretly returned to oversee the job.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This excerpt is the dramatic climax because it reveals the long-withheld truth about Raffles’s final act of he…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Crime and Morality
Bunny's attempt at burglary and the moral conflict he feels when confronted with the humanity of his victim.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Raffles's secret return to protect Bunny and the strain on their friendship after Bunny's failure.
- Identity and Deception
Bunny impersonates a detective to gain entry to the house, and Raffles disguises himself as a burglar.
Characters to notice
- A. J. Raffles
Selected for the English Test Match at Old Trafford, but secretly returns to East Molesey to oversee the burglary; is struck by Bunny and later reconciles.
- Bunny
Takes Raffles's place in the burglary of the Medlicott wedding gifts, but fails due to inexperience and nearly kills Raffles.
- Young Medlicott
The asthmatic bridegroom who surprises Bunny during the burglary; later gives chase but is incapacitated.
Key passages
“I was not indeed deeply interested before the event, since Raffles assured me that it was 'a one-man job,' and naturally intended to be the one man himself.”
Bunny was not initially interested because Raffles said he would handle the burglary alone.
Bunny's initial lack of involvement in the plan.
“I had not only failed in my self-sought task; I had nearly killed my comrade into the bargain.”
Bunny failed his mission and almost killed Raffles.
Bunny's regret after the failed burglary.
