Final answer:
Horace Danby, a planner of his crimes, faltered as he did not account for unforeseen circumstances, highlighting the importance of adaptability in plans. Negative actions such as crime do not result in long-term success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Horace Danby, as referenced in a short story about a housebreaker who meticulously planned his crimes, indeed faltered due to unexpected circumstances, as depicted in the statement provided. Despite being knowledgeable and strategic in his approach, Horace failed to account for unforeseen circumstances. He assumed everything would go according to his plans without considering potential variables out of his control.
The quote suggests that no matter how well one plans, if there's no room for adaptability, the plan may fail. Also, in the broader life context, purely negative actions, such as crime, are unlikely to lead to long-term success, aligning with the idea that negative values never pay in the long run. Thus, while meticulous planning is crucial, the ability to adapt is equally important, and integrity plays a fundamental role in sustainable success.