A Thief in the Night · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for A Thief in the Night by E. W. Hornung.
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.
Chapter 6
A Bad Night
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.
Chapter 7
A Trap to Catch a Cracksman
Bunny is roused from bed by a frantic late-night telephone call from Raffles, who reveals he is trapped in Barney Maguire's house after attempting to burgle it. Raffles had accepted Maguire's boast about a burglar trap as a challenge. Bunny rushes to Half-moon Street, only to encounter Maguire himself returning home with companions, leaving Bunny caught in his own predicament.
Chapter 8
The Spoils of Sacrilege
Bunny proposes a burglary at the home of the wealthy Guillemard, who now occupies Bunny's old family home. Raffles agrees to assist, and they plan the heist for the night of a hunt dinner. During the burglary, Bunny has a change of heart and attempts to return the stolen items, but Raffles has already taken the most valuable jewels—a diamond tiara and an emerald necklace—leaving Bunny conflicted.
Chapter 9
The Raffles Relics
Raffles reveals to Bunny that he hid inside the silver chest at Scotland Yard to retrieve the Raffles Relics from the Black Museum. He explains the secret side door of the chest and his reasons for the risky venture. Later, they visit the Black Museum together using a press pass, where Raffles subtly assesses whether the police suspect his survival. The chapter ends with Raffles hinting at a possible end to his criminal career and foreshadowing his eventual volunteering for the war.
Chapter 10
The Last Word
In the final chapter, Bunny receives a letter from his former fiancée revealing that Raffles once broke into her house to confess his role in leading Bunny into crime, sacrificing his own reputation to clear Bunny in her eyes. She explains that Raffles kept this act secret, and she urges Bunny to move forward and make a new life for himself.
