Victor Canning. Horace Danby is a book-loving thief who steals once a year to fund his book purchases. He plans to rob Shotover Grange. A young woman (claiming to be the owner) catches him — instead of calling police, she asks him to open the safe for her! He does. She was actually a thief too — she steals the jewels and leaves. Police arrive — Horace is caught. He can't explain who the woman was. Theme: Even thieves can be deceived; don't judge by appearances.