Class 10 English - PUNJAB
Supplementary: The Midnight Visitor
Supplementary Chapter 'The Midnight Visitor' by Robert Arthur tells the story of Ausable, a clever secret agent who challenges the traditional stereotype of a spy. Instead of being athletic and surrounded by romantic danger, he is fat, sloppy, and lives in a small French hotel room. When confronted by a rival agent, Max, who holds him at gunpoint for a secret report, Ausable keeps his cool. Through quick thinking, Ausable invents a convincing story about a non-existent balcony outside his window, successfully tricking Max into jumping to his doom. This PSEB Class 10 chapter teaches students that presence of mind is more powerful than physical weapons.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Ausable's Appearance vs. Profession
Ausable defies the typical image of a secret agent; he is overweight, speaks with an American accent, and lives in a gloomy room, which makes him appear harmless and ordinary.
Fowler's Disappointment
Fowler, a young and romantic writer, expects thrills and danger while meeting a secret agent, but initially finds Ausable's company boring and dull.
The Intruder Max
Max is a slim, crafty rival secret agent who sneaks into Ausable's room with a pistol to steal an important report concerning new missiles.
Presence of Mind
Ausable's greatest weapon is his quick wit; without panicking, he fabricates an elaborate lie about a balcony to outsmart Max.
The Climax and Irony
Max jumps out of the window to hide from the supposed police (actually a waiter), believing the fake balcony story, resulting in a dramatic and ironic end to the threat.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class 10 English exams, this chapter regularly features in the supplementary reader section. It typically carries 3 to 5 marks, often appearing as short-answer questions testing character traits (like Ausable's intelligence) or long-answer questions about the plot twist and theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ausable outwit Max?
Ausable outwitted Max by calmly fabricating a story about a non-existent balcony beneath his window, convincing Max to jump out when someone knocked at the door.
Was there really a balcony outside Ausable's room?
No, there was no balcony at all. Ausable made it up entirely on the spot to deceive Max.
Who actually knocked on the door at the end of the story?
It was not the police as Max feared, but Henry, the waiter, bringing the drinks that Ausable had ordered earlier.
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