The Amateur Cracksman · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Amateur Cracksman by E. W. Hornung.
Chapter 1
Dedication
A brief dedication to A. C. D., acknowledging the work as a form of flattery.
Chapter 2
The Amateur Cracksman
Raffles and Bunny engage in a series of burglaries, starting with a successful heist in Bond Street, which establishes their criminal partnership and Raffles' audacious methods.
Chapter 3
The Ides of March
Raffles and Bunny attend a dinner party where Raffles is recognized by a former schoolmate, leading to a tense confrontation. The chapter explores themes of deception and identity as Raffles navigates his double life.
Chapter 4
I
Bunny boards the Uhlan for a Mediterranean voyage with Raffles, who has secretly planned to steal the Emperor's pearl from a German officer, Captain von Heumann. Bunny, initially unaware of the scheme, confronts Raffles about his deception, but ultimately agrees to participate, reflecting on his own failed attempts at honest living.
Chapter 5
II
Raffles and Bunny are aboard the Uhlan, planning to steal a pearl from Captain von Heumann during the ship's stop at Genoa. Raffles has been flirting with a young Australian woman, Amy, to gather information about the pearl. Bunny grows jealous and suspicious, but Raffles reveals his plan to enter von Heumann's cabin through a ventilator shaft. The chapter ends with a tense exchange about Raffles's motives and his possible interest in Amy.
Chapter 6
A Costume Piece
Raffles reveals his plan to steal Reuben Rosenthall's diamonds, motivated by the thrill of the challenge rather than necessity. After a week of surveillance, they attempt the burglary but are ambushed by Rosenthall and his pugilist, Billy Purvis. Raffles escapes by bluffing about I.D.B. (Illicit Diamond Buying), leaving Bunny to be caught. Later, Raffles explains his use of disguises and a secret studio as a safe house, and outlines a new plan for the next night.
Chapter 7
Gentlemen and Players
Raffles explains his philosophy of using cricket as a cover for his criminal activities, emphasizing the need for a parallel ostensible career. He and Bunny attend a cricket match where Raffles bowls brilliantly, and later they discuss plans to rob the wealthy guests at Milchester Abbey during the cricket week. Bunny expresses reluctance but ultimately acquiesces. The chapter ends with the onset of a tragedy at the Abbey.
Chapter 8
Le Premier Pas
Raffles finally tells Bunny the story of his first crime, which occurred during a cricket tour in Australia. After a series of misfortunes, he impersonated a bank manager named W. F. Raffles to rob the bank in Yea, using a doctor's horse and a cover story about being waylaid by bushrangers.
Chapter 9
Wilful Murder
Raffles and Bunny discuss the morality of their crimes, with Raffles revealing his intent to murder the moneylender Baird, who has been blackmailing him. Despite Bunny's reluctance, they set out to Willesden to confront Baird, with Raffles determined to kill him.
Chapter 10
Nine Points of the Law
Raffles and Bunny respond to a mysterious advertisement offering a large reward for a delicate mission involving risk. They meet with solicitor Bennett Addenbrooke, who reveals that Sir Bernard Debenham's son has stolen a priceless Velasquez painting and sold it to the Hon. J. M. Craggs. Raffles and Bunny are hired to recover the painting. Later, Bunny dines with Craggs, who shows him the painting stored in an iron map-case. After Raffles fails to steal it, Bunny returns alone, chloroforms Craggs, and takes the painting himself.
Chapter 11
The Return Match
In November, Raffles intercepts Bunny in Piccadilly and brings him to his Albany rooms, where he reveals that the thief Crawshay has escaped from Dartmoor. Crawshay is traced to the Albany, and Inspector Mackenzie arrives to search the building. Raffles offers his key and leaves Bunny to stay with the police. The search leads to Raffles's own rooms, where they find Raffles lying on the floor with a wound on his forehead, apparently dead or injured.
Chapter 12
The Gift of the Emperor
Raffles and Bunny embark on a voyage aboard the Uhlan, where Raffles plans to steal a valuable pearl gifted by the Emperor. The heist leads to a confrontation in the captain's cabin, testing their wits and nerve.
Chapter 13
I
Bunny boards the Uhlan for a Mediterranean voyage with Raffles, who has secretly planned to steal the Emperor's pearl from a German officer, Captain von Heumann. Bunny, initially unaware of the scheme, confronts Raffles about his deception, but ultimately agrees to participate, reflecting on his own failed attempts at honest living.
Chapter 14
II
Raffles and Bunny are aboard the Uhlan, planning to steal a pearl from Captain von Heumann during the ship's stop at Genoa. Raffles has been flirting with a young Australian woman, Amy, to gather information about the pearl. Bunny grows jealous and suspicious, but Raffles reveals his plan to enter von Heumann's cabin through a ventilator shaft. The chapter ends with a tense exchange about Raffles's motives and his possible interest in Amy.
Chapter 15
III
Raffles and Bunny are aboard the Uhlan after stealing the Emperor's pearl. They are confronted by Inspector Mackenzie and the captain, but Raffles cleverly reveals the pearl's hiding place. He then asks to say goodbye to Miss Werner, whom he claims to be engaged to, and in a dramatic escape, he kisses her and dives overboard. Bunny is imprisoned, but later sees a speck in the water that might be Raffles. The chapter also recounts the earlier burglary of von Heumann's cabin to steal the pearl.
