--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66c70ff25ad974e312ade1ad" title: "The Midnight Visitor" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 10" subject: "English" book: "Foot Prints Without feet" chapter: "The Midnight Visitor" chapter_slug: "the-midnight-visitor" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-english-foot-prints-without-feet-the-midnight-visitor" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-10-english-foot-prints-without-feet-the-midnight-visitor.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66c70ff25ad974e312ade1ad" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/7106c307-ccf8-4d93-bfa5-fbfeddd79890.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # The Midnight Visitor The chapter "The Midnight Visitor" tells the story of Ausable, a secret agent who is not what one would expect. Unlike the romanticized notion of spies, Ausable is an overweight man who highlights the dullness of his life while possessing a crucial document. The narrative revolves around a tense encounter with a rival agent, Max, and culminates in an unexpected twist. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 10 | | Subject | English | | Book | Foot Prints Without feet | | Chapter | The Midnight Visitor | | Pages | 14-19 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary Ausable is an unconventional secret agent who meets Fowler, a writer. They face an encounter with Max, a rival agent, in Ausable's hotel room that leads to an unexpected resolution. ### Detailed Summary Fowler is disappointed as he follows Ausable into a dull hotel room, imagining a glamorized version of espionage. Ausable acknowledges Fowler's disillusionment but hints at the importance of a document he expects soon. Suddenly, they are confronted by Max, who demands the report Ausable has. As the tension escalates, a commotion at the door causes Max to panic, believing the police are present. In a surprising turn, it is revealed that there is no balcony from which Max could escape, leading to an unexpected conclusion for Fowler and Ausable. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### Introduction to the Story The story introduces Ausable, who contrasts starkly with typical portrayals of secret agents, setting the stage for the unexpected events to follow. ### Ausable's Character Sketch Ausable is portrayed as a fat, wheezy man who lacks the thrilling aura of a spy, instead offering a mundane reality of secretive life. ### The Arrival of Max Max arrives unexpectedly with a gun, introducing a dangerous element that heightens the tension in the story. ### The Confrontation Ausable and Max engage in a face-off, with Ausable maintaining his composure despite the threat posed by Max. ### Ausable's Clever Plan Ausable cleverly misleads Max into believing that he is faced with police intervention, turning the situation in his favor. ### The Climax and Resolution The climax unfolds with Max's frantic escape attempt, leading to the resolution that Ausable's room was secure, revealing Max's plan as futile. ### Themes and Moral of the Story The story explores themes of deception, the nature of appearances versus reality, and the unpredictability of situations in espionage. --- ## Character Analysis ### Ausable Ausable's character is defined by his calm demeanor under pressure, demonstrating intelligence and resourcefulness. ### Max Max is depicted as a cunning rival agent who embodies the thrills typically associated with espionage, yet his plans are thwarted by Ausable's wit. ### Fowler Fowler serves as a contrasting character whose romanticized expectations of secret life highlight Ausable's ordinary existence. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Importance of Deception | The narrative showcases how deception plays a crucial role in turning dire situations to one's advantage. | | Reality vs. Expectations | The contrast between Fowler's expectations and the reality of Ausable's life exemplifies the theme of disillusionment. | --- ## Key Concepts | Concept | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Espionage | The practice of spying or using spies to obtain secret information. | | Deception | The act of deceiving someone, often used strategically in relationships and encounters. | --- ## Important Points for Revision * Ausable does not fit the traditional image of a secret agent. * Fowler is disappointed by the mundane reality of espionage. * Max enters Ausable's room with a gun, demanding a crucial report. * Ausable cleverly implies police presence to intimidate Max. * The story concludes with the revelation that there is no balcony, rendering Max's escape impossible. * Themes of appearances versus reality and deception are prevalent. * The setting is a small hotel room, contrasting the excitement implied in espionage. * Ausable's character showcases intelligence over physical prowess. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Espionage | The act of spying, particularly to gain secret information. | | Disillusioned | Disappointed in someone or something that one discovers to be less good than one had believed. | --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. How does Fowler feel about Ausable when he first meets him? 2. What is Max's intention when he confronts Ausable? 3. How does Ausable describe the report he is waiting for? 4. What does Ausable tell Fowler about the police? 5. What was Max's reaction to the knocking at the door? ### Long Answer Questions 1. Discuss the contrast between Fowler's expectations of a secret agent and the reality presented in the story. 2. Analyze Ausable's character and how he handles the confrontation with Max. 3. Explain the significance of the ending and what it reveals about the nature of the setting and situation. --- ## Related Concepts | Concept | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Spy vs. Reality | The disparity between the romanticized view of spies and the mundane reality experienced by Ausable. | --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66c70ff25ad974e312ade1ad | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-english-foot-prints-without-feet-the-midnight-visitor | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-10-english-foot-prints-without-feet-the-midnight-visitor.md |