Question

“Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest”. Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can’t he be categorised as a typical thief?

Answer 1

Horace Danby, a man in his fifties, was characterized by a blend of respectability and dishonesty. His criminal activities were selective; he targeted only the wealthy and committed theft annually. His sole motivation for stealing was to acquire rare and costly books. While his intention to enrich his collection through acquiring books was commendable, the act of stealing to achieve this objective revealed his inherent dishonesty. Unlike a common thief, Horace did not steal for sustenance or habitual gain, nor did he inflict harm during his robberies. He was a successful businessman who owned a house and employed two assistants in his lock-making venture. He stole only the amount necessary to purchase his desired books. His integrity was further demonstrated by his adherence to a promise made to a woman at Shotover Grange, refraining from any theft or planning for several days.