Footprints Without Feet · Chapter 3
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English: The Midnight Visitor
by Robert Arthur
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter "The Midnight Visitor" turns the spy thriller on its head by replacing gadgets and gunfights with something far more interesting: quick thinking. Robert Arthur introduces us to Ausable, a secret agent who looks nothing like the dashing hero young reporter Fowler expects, and Max, a rival agent who breaks into Ausable's hotel room to steal an important report. Instead of fighting or fleeing, Ausable invents a calm, convincing lie about a secret balcony, and lets Max's own greed and fear do the rest. This page gives Myclass24 students the full chapter breakdown, a free downloadable PDF, structured comparison tables, and clear answers to the questions most often asked about this story in exams.
Download the Free PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor
Get the complete NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor, as a printable PDF for offline revision.
Chapter Focus: How Ausable Outsmarts Max
The brilliance of this story lies entirely in its method, not its action. Ausable never raises his voice, never reaches for a weapon, and never physically confronts Max. He simply describes a balcony outside the window that does not exist, said with such calm conviction that Max believes it and panics. The story works because Ausable understands something more important than self-defence: he understands Max's psychology, his fear of being caught, and uses words as his only weapon. Also read NCERT Solutions for Class 10 and NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English.
Equally important to the chapter is Fowler's reaction. He arrived hoping to see a real spy in action — secret codes, daring escapes, dramatic confrontations — and instead watches a quiet act of verbal cunning. His disappointment is the story's gentle commentary on how fiction exaggerates espionage compared to its real, far subtler nature. Exam questions often ask students to compare Fowler's expectations with the actual events, or to explain precisely why and how the balcony story succeeds as a trick.
Quick Character Guide
| Character | Role in the Story | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Ausable | A secret agent staying in a Paris hotel; outwits Max | Calm, quick-witted, unremarkable in appearance |
| Fowler | A young writer hoping to write about Ausable's adventures | Idealistic, expects dramatic spy action |
| Max | A rival spy who breaks in to steal a report | Armed, suspicious, ultimately gullible |
Themes and Quick Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Spy thriller/suspense fiction |
| Setting | Ausable's hotel room in Paris, France |
| Central Theme | Intelligence and presence of mind triumph over force |
| Key Device | An invented "secret balcony" used to deceive Max |
| Narrative Twist | Fowler's disappointment highlights fiction vs. reality in spy stories |
| Common Exam Tags | character sketch, presence of mind, irony, extract-based Q&A |
Questions
Who is the author of The Midnight Visitor?
The chapter is written by Robert Arthur, an American writer recognised for his contributions to mystery and suspense fiction.
What trick does Ausable use to deal with Max?
He invents a convincing story about a secret balcony outside the window, prompting Max to check it himself, which leads to his capture without any violence.
Why is Fowler disappointed at the end of the story?
He expected an exciting, action-filled spy encounter, but instead saw a calm verbal trick, which felt far less dramatic than the spy fiction he was used to.
Is The Midnight Visitor important for the Class 10 CBSE exam?
Yes. It is regularly tested through questions on Ausable's cleverness, the balcony trick, and the contrast between real and fictional spy work.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3: The Midnight Visitor – FAQs
Ausable demonstrates that quick thinking and intelligence can overcome dangerous situations. When Max enters his room with a gun, Ausable remains calm and creates a believable story about a balcony outside the window. He then uses the arrival of a waiter to convince Max that the police have arrived. Believing he is trapped, Max jumps through the window and falls because no balcony actually exists. The incident shows that mental sharpness and confidence can defeat threats that seem impossible to handle. The chapter emphasizes the value of intelligence, presence of mind, and strategic thinking.
Fowler expects a secret agent to be adventurous, athletic, and dramatic, similar to characters in spy stories. When he meets Ausable, he is surprised to find an overweight and ordinary-looking man who appears far from the image of a typical spy. This creates disappointment and confusion for Fowler. However, as events unfold, he realizes that successful espionage depends more on intelligence than appearance. The chapter challenges stereotypes about heroes and demonstrates that true capability is measured by skill and judgment rather than physical appearance or glamorous lifestyles.
The imaginary balcony is the most important element in Ausable's plan. Knowing that Max is unfamiliar with the room, Ausable confidently invents a story about a balcony that supposedly allows unwanted visitors to enter. He repeats the lie so convincingly that Max accepts it as reality. When Ausable creates the impression that police officers are approaching, Max attempts to escape through the balcony and falls. The fake balcony highlights Ausable's creativity and psychological understanding. It serves as a symbol of how perception can be manipulated through confidence and clever communication.
The chapter teaches that intelligence, confidence, and presence of mind are often more valuable than physical power. Ausable remains calm under pressure and solves a dangerous problem without violence. His actions show the importance of logical thinking and self-control during challenging situations. Students also learn not to judge people based on appearance, as Ausable's ordinary looks hide extraordinary abilities. The story encourages readers to rely on knowledge, observation, and creativity when facing difficulties. Its suspenseful plot delivers a meaningful lesson about problem-solving and the true qualities of an effective leader.