“The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Arthur is an interesting spy story from the NCERT English textbook Footprints Without Feet. The chapter highlights intelligence, presence of mind, and quick thinking through the character of Ausable. Below are detailed step-by-step solutions and explanations of all textbook questions in easy Unicode format for educational portals like www.mymockmate.com.
Quick Information Box
Topic
Details
Chapter Name
The Midnight Visitor
Book
Footprints Without Feet
Author
Robert Arthur
Genre
Spy / Mystery Story
Main Characters
Ausable, Fowler, Max
Main Theme
Presence of Mind & Intelligence
Exam Importance
Very Important for CBSE Class 10
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
Character Sketch
Presence of Mind
Spy Thriller Elements
Intelligence vs Physical Strength
Quick Decision Making
Suspense and Mystery
Important Extract-based Questions
Important Formulas / Key Literary Points
Literary Concept
Explanation
Suspense
Creates excitement and curiosity
Irony
Reality differs from expectation
Characterization
Describing personality traits
Climax
Max jumps from the window
Theme
Intelligence is more powerful than weapons
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions with Explanation
Question 1
“Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.” What do secret agents in books and films look like?
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Understand Fowler’s Expectations
Fowler expected a spy to be:
Smart and handsome
Physically fit
Stylish and adventurous
Fearless and mysterious
Step 2: Compare with Ausable
Ausable was:
Fat and ordinary-looking
Spoke with an American accent
Lived in a dull hotel room
Calm rather than dramatic
Step 3: Final Answer
In books and movies, secret agents are usually shown as tall, smart, stylish, brave, and physically strong people. They often carry gadgets and weapons and live adventurous lives. However, Ausable was completely different. He was fat, ordinary-looking, and spoke with a strong American accent. Yet he was highly intelligent and successful as a spy.
Question 2
How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Observe Ausable’s Intelligence
Ausable quickly creates a false story about the balcony.
Someone had previously entered through that balcony.
Step 3: Why Max Believed It
The story sounded realistic because:
Ausable gave complete details confidently.
Max was already nervous.
The dark window made the story believable.
Final Answer
Ausable cleverly invented a detailed story about a balcony connected to his room. He explained that the balcony belonged to the next apartment and that someone had entered through it earlier. Because Ausable spoke confidently and naturally, Max believed the story completely.
Question 3
When do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max?
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Analyze the Situation
Ausable suddenly found Max inside his room with a gun.
Ausable made the plan according to the changing situation rather than planning it earlier.
Final Answer
Ausable probably created his plan step by step according to the situation. First, he invented the balcony story. Later, when someone knocked at the door, he used that opportunity to frighten Max by saying that the police had arrived. His quick thinking and presence of mind helped him defeat Max.
Think About It – Solutions
Question 1
Give an example showing presence of mind.
Answer
One day, a small fire broke out in my kitchen because of a gas leak. Instead of panicking, my elder brother quickly turned off the gas supply and covered the flames with a wet cloth. Then he called for help. His quick action prevented a major accident. This incident showed great presence of mind.
Question 2
What would you do in the following situations?
(a) A small fire starts in your kitchen.
Answer
Turn off the gas cylinder immediately.
Use sand or a fire extinguisher.
Do not throw water on oil fires.
Call emergency services if needed.
(b) A child starts to choke on food.
Answer
Make the child cough.
Give gentle back blows.
Seek medical help immediately.
(c) An electrical appliance gives sparks.
Answer
Switch off the main power supply.
Do not touch with wet hands.
Call an electrician.
(d) A bicycle knocks down a pedestrian.
Answer
Help the injured person.
Call medical assistance if required.
Inform family members nearby.
(e) Heavy rain continues for 24 hours.
Answer
Stay indoors safely.
Keep emergency items ready.
Avoid flooded areas.
(f) A family member does not return home on time.
Answer
Try contacting them.
Inform relatives and friends.
Contact police if necessary.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Confusing Fowler with Max
Thinking there was a real balcony
Missing the importance of Ausable’s intelligence
Writing very short answers without explanation
Ignoring the theme of presence of mind
Exam Tips
Mention character traits clearly.
Use simple language in answers.
Write answers in proper sequence.
Include keywords like “presence of mind”, “intelligence”, and “quick thinking”.
