CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 4 Summary

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 4 Summary: Here, we have provided a summary of Chapter 4, A Question of Trust, from the  CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook. This chapter is an integral part of the CBSE 10th English syllabus, and understanding it can help students grasp key themes related to trust, deception, and human nature.

Previous Year Question Papers Class 10

 The chapter explores how a character's trust is betrayed, leading to consequences. This summary serves as a guide to help students prepare for their exams by covering the main ideas and ensuring they align with the latest English exam pattern. Studying it thoroughly will assist in scoring well on the English paper.

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 4 A Question of Trust Summary

"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.

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.

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 4 Summary PDF 

​Here, we have provided a PDF summary of Chapter 4, "A Question of Trust," from the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook. This concise summary will assist you in understanding the chapter's key themes and events, enhancing your performance in exams. Access the PDF below: