The Midnight Visitor

 


The Midnight Visitor 

Introduction

The Midnight Visitor is an exciting and humorous detective story written by Robert Arthur. Unlike the typical image of a spy as a tall, handsome, and athletic person, the protagonist, Ausable, is an ordinary-looking secret agent. Through his intelligence, calmness, and quick thinking, he outwits an armed enemy without using any weapon. The story teaches that presence of mind and intelligence are more powerful than physical strength.

 

Plot of the Story

The story revolves around Ausable, a secret agent staying in a hotel in Paris. A young writer named Fowler accompanies him, expecting to meet a daring, James Bond-like spy. However, Fowler is disappointed because Ausable is overweight, speaks with an American accent, and appears to be an ordinary man.

When they enter Ausable's hotel room, they are surprised to find Max, a rival secret agent, waiting with a pistol. Max has come to steal a highly confidential report on new missiles that Ausable is expecting to receive. Instead of panicking, Ausable remains calm and uses his intelligence, presence of mind, and quick wit to outsmart Max and eliminate the threat without using any weapon.


Character Sketch of Ausable

Ausable is the central character in The Midnight Visitor and an unusual but highly skilled secret agent. Unlike the typical image of a spy, he is fat, ordinary-looking, and speaks with an American accent. His appearance disappoints Fowler, who expects a smart and adventurous detective. However, Ausable soon proves that intelligence is more important than looks. When confronted by Max, an armed rival spy, Ausable remains calm and composed. Instead of panicking, he cleverly invents a story about an imaginary balcony outside his room and convinces Max that the police are about to arrive. His quick thinking, confidence, and presence of mind enable him to outwit Max without using any weapon. Ausable is also courageous, resourceful, and an excellent problem-solver. He teaches us that success depends on intelligence, confidence, and self-control rather than physical strength or appearance. By the end of the story, Fowler realizes that Ausable is a true and capable secret agent.

 

Themes of the Story

1. Intelligence over Physical Strength: Ausable defeats an armed enemy not by fighting but by using his intelligence and quick thinking.

2. Presence of Mind: Even in a dangerous situation, Ausable remains calm and creates a believable story that saves his life.

3. Appearance Can Be Deceptive: Ausable does not look like a typical spy, yet he proves to be highly capable. The story teaches us not to judge people by their appearance.

4. Power of Confidence: Ausable speaks so confidently that Max believes every word, showing how confidence can influence others.

5. Wit Triumphs over Violence: Max has a pistol, but Ausable's cleverness defeats him without any physical confrontation.

 

Additional Questions:

A. Very Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Fowler disappointed when he first met Ausable?

2. What important document was Ausable expecting?

3. What happened to Max at the end of the story?

4. Why did Fowler accompany Ausable to his hotel room?

 

B. Short Answer Questions (40–60 Words) (2–3 Marks)

1. Describe Fowler's first impression of Ausable. How did it change by the end of the story?

2. How did Fowler's idea of a secret agent change after witnessing the incident?

3. What qualities make Ausable a successful spy?

4. How did Ausable use the knock at the door to his advantage?

 

C. Long Answer Questions

1. "Appearances can be deceptive." Discuss this statement with reference to The Midnight Visitor.

2. How does Robert Arthur create suspense and humour in The Midnight Visitor?

 

D. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Quesitons.

1. Was Max defeated by Ausable or by his own overconfidence? Justify your answer.

2. Do you think Ausable planned the trick beforehand or invented it on the spot? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

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