A Thief in the Night · Chapter
The Chest of Silver explained
Raffles recounts his latest exploit, having broken into a bank strongroom over Easter, and reveals how he deceived Bunny to ensure his genuine anxiety.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Morality
Raffles justifies his burglary as a clever exploit, downplaying the moral implications.
Friendship and Loyalty
Bunny's loyalty is tested by Raffles' deception, yet he ultimately supports his friend.
Identity and Deception
Raffles deliberately misleads Bunny to maintain the appearance of genuine anxiety.
Characters to notice
- A. J. Raffles
Describes his bank strongroom burglary, his deception of Bunny, and his plan to leave the Albany for redecorating.
- Bunny
Listens to Raffles' account, expresses reproach about the deception, and assists by fetching luggage.
- Crawshay
Mentioned as a rival cracksman; Raffles dismisses the idea that he is active again.
Key passages
“done me even better than I dared to hope.”
The Easter exodus has yielded more than I expected.
Raffles comments on the success of his bank robbery.
“I couldn’t afford to forget it, Bunny; I couldn’t afford to give a point away.”
I couldn't risk revealing any detail, Bunny.
Raffles explains why he kept Bunny in the dark.
“The old oak chests, and even the mahogany wine-cooler, for which he had doubtless paid like an honest citizen, were thus immovable with pieces of crested plate.”
The heavy oak chests and wine-cooler were filled with engraved silver that Raffles had bought legitimately.
Describes Raffles' collection of silver plate.