Class 10 The Midnight Visitor Summary Chapter 3: The Midnight Visitor is a story included in the Class 10 syllabus that follows Philip, a clever young lawyer, and Miss Meadows, an elderly lady whose money is stolen by a crafty thief. Using careful observation, intelligence, and reasoning, Philip recovers the stolen money without confronting the thief directly.
This chapter teaches key lessons in vigilance, problem-solving, and ethical behavior. For Class 10 board exams, it is important as questions may focus on the summary, character analysis, moral values, and lessons on intelligence and quick thinking in challenging situations.
Key Takeaways for Class 10 Students:
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Smart observation and reasoning can prevent and solve problems effectively.
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Quick thinking and intelligence can outwit deception.
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Honesty, vigilance, and courage are essential in daily life.
The Midnight Visitor Class 10 Summary PDF
CBSE Class 10 English, Footprints Without Feet chapter “The Midnight Visitor,” narrates how the clever secret agent Ausable outsmarts a dangerous criminal, Max, using his quick thinking. Despite his ordinary appearance, Ausable tricks Max with a story about a balcony, causing him to jump out of the window. This chapter is important for Class 10 board exams, as questions may be asked on the summary, character analysis, and the story’s moral lessons in extract-based or short-answer sections. A PDF is provided below for easy reference and revision.
The Midnight Visitor Class 10 Summary PDF
CBSE Class 10 Summary of The Midnight Visitor
The Midnight Visitor is a detective story by Robert Arthur featuring a clever secret agent named Ausable. One evening, Ausable and his writer friend, Fowler, went out together. As they talked, Ausable explained that Fowler must have imagined him to be a typical secret agent involved in espionage, with danger lurking around every corner. However, when Fowler met Ausable, he found him to be a chubby, unremarkable man who spoke French and German with an American accent, having moved from Paris to Boston 20 years ago.
Later, they reached Ausable’s room, and when he unlocked the door and turned on the light, Fowler was shocked to see a man holding a gun. Ausable quickly identified him as Max, a secret agent who had come to demand a report about missiles. Fowler was surprised, as this was his first encounter with such a situation.
Ausable then began telling a story about a balcony beneath the window to distract Max. Just then, they heard loud knocking at the door, which Ausable explained was probably the police, who visited him regularly. Max, confused and believing Ausable, pointed his gun at them and said he would wait on the balcony until the police left.
Max jumped out of the window to go to the supposed balcony, but there was a loud scream. Ausable then opened the door to reveal a waiter with wine, surprising Fowler. When Fowler asked about the police, Ausable lied to calm him down. He explained that Max must have believed in the imaginary balcony and had jumped to his death.
This story shows how quick-thinking Ausable used his cleverness to outsmart Max and save both himself and Fowler, despite not fitting the typical image of a secret agent.
About The Author
Robert Arthur Jr. (1909–1969), the author of "The Midnight Visitor" from CBSE Class 10 Footprints Without Feet, was an American writer and editor renowned for suspenseful short stories, mysteries, and science fiction tailored for young readers. Born in New York, he began in radio scripts before editing Alfred Hitchcock anthologies and penning over 30 books that blended clever twists with moral undertones, like clever agent Ausable outwitting foes through psychology rather than force. His accessible style championed ingenuity over violence, influencing juvenile thrillers until his death at 59.
Character Sketches
Fowler, a crime writer, shadows secret agent Ausable, expecting glamour but finding a fat, ordinary man. In a French hotel, rival spy Max holds them at gunpoint for missile plans. Ausable invents a balcony story and fakes police at the door; panicked Max jumps out the sixth-floor window to his death, revealing no balcony existed.
Ausable
Fat, middle-aged secret agent with a French accent, unassuming and calm under pressure. Uses sharp wits and fabricated tales (balcony, police) to outsmart foes without violence, proving brains trump brawn in espionage.
Max
Slim, ruthless rival spy, desperate for the report, enters via passkey with pistol drawn. Gullible and hasty, falls for Ausable's bluff and jumps to doom, embodying impulsive villainy.
Fowler
Skeptical young writer thrilled for spy adventure, shocked by Ausable's ordinariness and clever resolution. Transforms from a disappointed observer to awed witness of real intrigue
Conclusion of The Midnight Visitor Chapter 3 English
In conclusion, The Midnight Visitor highlights the importance of wit, intelligence, and quick thinking in critical situations. Despite his unassuming appearance, Ausable proves that being a secret agent is not just about looks or physical strength but about using one's mind to outsmart opponents.
Through his clever manipulation of Max’s fear and confusion, Ausable is able to save himself and Fowler from a dangerous situation. The story also shows that appearances can be deceiving, as the real hero is not the stereotypical, suave spy, but an ordinary-looking man with extraordinary intelligence. Overall, the narrative emphasizes the power of resourcefulness and how it can turn the tables in the face of danger.
Final Day Preparation Strategy for The Midnight Visitor Class 10
To score well in the Class 10 board exam for Chapter 3, The Midnight Visitor, students should focus on quick revision and key points:
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Revise the Summary and Key Events: Go through the PDF or notes to recall the plot, including Ausable’s clever tactics, Max’s impulsiveness, and Fowler’s observations. Focus on the sequence of events to answer narrative-based questions.
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Character Analysis: Remember the traits of Ausable, Max, and Fowler. Note Ausable’s intelligence, Max’s hasty behavior, and Fowler’s transformation from skepticism to admiration. Board exams often ask short-answer or character-based questions.
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Moral and Themes: Emphasize quick thinking, intelligence over appearances, and resourcefulness. Be ready to explain these in extract-based or value-based questions.
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Poetic/Story-based Questions: Practice answering 3–5 mark questions using concise points about plot, character traits, and moral lessons.
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Quick Recall Tips: Make a one-page revision sheet with headings like Plot, Characters, Themes, and Important Incidents. Skim this sheet before the exam to reinforce key details.
