A Thief in the Night · Chapter
The Rest Cure explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
Raffles adopts multiple disguises and aliases, including posing as an old soldier and planning to return to the Albany under a false identity. The theme is central to his survival and criminal activities.
Crime and Morality
The chapter explores the moral consequences of crime, particularly through Bunny's guilt over the attack on Colonel Crutchley and his desire to confess.
Adventure and Risk
Raffles' 'Rest Cure' involves risky activities like following cabs and breaking into houses, highlighting the thrill and danger of his lifestyle.
Characters to notice
- A. J. Raffles
Has been hiding in a rented house on Campden Hill, taking a 'Rest Cure' and reading criminology. He follows cabs for exercise and plans a provincial tour under an alias.
- Bunny
Joins Raffles in hiding, but struggles with guilt over the attack on Colonel Crutchley. He considers confessing to the police.
- Narrator
Bunny serves as the first-person narrator, recounting the events of the Rest Cure and his internal turmoil.
- The Colonel
Colonel Crutchley, the owner of the house where Raffles is hiding. He returns unexpectedly and is attacked, becoming the victim of a dastardly outrage.
Key passages
“I prefer to call it my Rest Cure”
Raffles describes his hiding as a 'Rest Cure' to Bunny.
This phrase is the chapter's title and encapsulates Raffles' ironic approach to his criminal lifestyle.
“I follow cabs. Yes, Bunny, I turn out about dusk and meet the expresses at Euston or King's Cross”
Raffles explains his exercise routine of following cabs from train stations.
This reveals Raffles' method of staying fit while also scouting potential targets.
“West-End Outrage Colonel Crutchley, R.E. , V.C. , has been the victim of a dastardly outrage”
A newspaper headline reports the attack on Colonel Crutchley.
This event triggers Bunny's guilt and desire to confess.