The Midnight Visitor - Q&A

Think about it

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, in your opinion? Discuss in groups or in class some stories or movies featuring spies, detectives and secret agents, and compare their appearance with that of Ausable in this story. (You may mention characters from fiction in languages other than English. In English fiction you may have come across Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple. Have you watched any movies featuring James Bond?)

In popular books and films, secret agents are usually depicted as tall, dark, and handsome men with well-built physiques. They are often shown wearing stylish suits, smoking pipes or cigars, and are surrounded by beautiful women. They are portrayed as quick-witted, agile, and very active. Examples include James Bond, who is suave and sophisticated, or Sherlock Holmes, who is tall and lean.

In contrast, Ausable is described as "very fat" and "sloppy". He speaks with an American accent and lives in a small, musty room in a gloomy hotel, which is far from the glamorous settings usually associated with spies. Unlike the stereotypical agents who get messages from dark-eyed beauties, Ausable receives ordinary telephone calls. However, despite his appearance, Ausable proves to be just as sharp and intelligent as any fictional spy by outwitting his opponent.

2. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? Look back at his detailed description of it. What makes it a convincing story?

Ausable manages to make Max believe in the balcony by creating a detailed and plausible backstory. He reacts with "extreme irritation" when Max enters, complaining that it is the second time in a month someone has entered via the "nuisance of a balcony."

He explains that his room used to be part of a larger unit and the next room (which used to be the living room) has a balcony that extends under his window. He even mentions that the management promised to block it off but hasn't. This level of detail, combined with his annoyed tone, makes the story very convincing. Max, seeing the window and hearing this logical explanation, falls for the trap completely.

3. Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? Or did he make up a plan taking advantage of events as they happened?

Ausable likely thought up his plan the moment he saw Max in his room. He did not have a detailed plan from the beginning but improvised based on the situation.

When he saw Max, he quickly invented the story about the balcony to create a potential trap. Then, when the waiter (Henry) knocked on the door, Ausable seized the opportunity to tell Max it was the police. This terrified Max and drove him to use the "balcony" to hide. Ausable's quick wit and presence of mind allowed him to weave the events (the knock at the door, the window) into a trap, taking advantage of the circumstances as they unfolded.

Talk about it

1. In this story, Ausable shows great 'presence of mind', or the ability to think quickly, and act calmly and wisely, in a situation of danger and surprise. Give examples from your own experience, or narrate a story, which shows someone's presence of mind.

(Model Answer) Presence of mind is indeed a valuable quality. For example, I once read a story about a boy who saw a thief trying to break into his neighbor's house while they were away. Instead of shouting and scaring the thief away (which might have been dangerous), he quietly called the police and then turned on the outdoor lights of his own house to make the thief feel watched. The thief hesitated, giving the police enough time to arrive and catch him. This shows how staying calm and thinking clearly can resolve a dangerous situation.

2. Discuss what you would do in the situations described below. Remember that presence of mind comes out of a state of mental preparedness. If you have thought about possible problems or dangers, and about how to act in such situations, you have a better chance of dealing with such situations if they do arise.

• A small fire starts in your kitchen.

I would immediately turn off the gas supply or the source of the fire if it's safe to do so. If it's an electrical fire, I wouldn't use water; instead, I'd use a fire extinguisher or a heavy blanket to smother the flames. If it's a grease fire, I would cover the pan with a metal lid. I would also alert everyone in the house to evacuate if the fire grows.

• A child starts to choke on a piece of food.

I would perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) if I know how to do it correctly. I would stand behind the child, wrap my arms around their waist, and give quick, upward thrusts to dislodge the food. I would also call for emergency help immediately.

• An electrical appliance starts to hiss and gives out sparks.

I would immediately unplug the appliance if I can reach the plug safely. If not, I would go to the main fuse box and turn off the electricity supply to that area. I would warn others to stay away and not touch the appliance until it has been checked by a professional.

• A bicycle knocks down a pedestrian.

I would first check if the pedestrian is conscious and breathing. I would help them move to a safe spot off the road if they are able to move. If they are seriously injured, I would call for an ambulance and try to keep them calm and still until help arrives.

• It rains continuously for more than twenty-four hours.

I would stay indoors and ensure all windows and doors are closed to prevent water from entering. I would check for any updates on weather alerts or flood warnings. I would also make sure we have enough food, water, and emergency supplies like flashlights in case of a power outage.

• A member of your family does not return home at the usual or expected time.

I would first try to call them on their mobile phone. If there is no answer, I would contact their friends, colleagues, or the place they were visiting to see if they are there. If a significant amount of time passes without any contact, I would inform the police and provide them with all the necessary details.