# A Bad Night explained — A Thief in the Night

> Chapter companion for A Thief in the Night by E. W. Hornung.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_thief_in_the_night_se/chapters/a-bad-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_thief_in_the_night_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_thief_in_the_night_se/chapters