NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet
Chapter 3 The Midnight Visitor
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
READ AND FIND OUT
Q1. How is
Ausable different from other secret agents?
Answer:
Ausable is different from other secret agents because he does not fit the
typical image of a spy. He is fat, unathletic, and speaks with an American
accent, unlike the glamorous and athletic secret agents often portrayed in
books and films. His physical appearance and demeanor are more ordinary, but he
compensates with intelligence and quick thinking.
Q2. Who is
Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day?
Answer:
Fowler is a young writer who follows Ausable to get material for his stories.
His first authentic thrill of the day comes when he sees a man named Max
holding a gun in Ausable’s room, which is far more exciting than the dull
evening Fowler had expected with Ausable.
READ AND FIND OUT
Q3. How has Max
got in?
Answer:
Max got into Ausable’s room using a passkey, which allowed him to enter without
any difficulty.
Q4. How does
Ausable say he got in?
Answer:
Ausable tells Max that someone had entered his room through the balcony, which
was attached to the window. He complains that this was the second time in a
month that someone had used the balcony to break into his room, though this was
a fabrication to mislead Max.
THINK ABOUT IT
Q1. “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.
Answer:
In books and films, secret agents are often portrayed as fit, agile, and
glamorous individuals with sharp instincts and an aura of mystery. Characters
like James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, or Jason Bourne are typically well-dressed
and ready for action, unlike Ausable, who appears ordinary, overweight, and
unexciting. However, Ausable’s intelligence and calm demeanor in critical
situations set him apart from the stereotypical image of a secret agent.
Q2. 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?
Answer:
Ausable creates a convincing story about the balcony by describing it in
detail, saying that it used to belong to the adjacent apartment and is now
accessible from an empty room two doors down. His irritation about the
management’s failure to block off the balcony and his past experiences with
intruders using it add to the plausibility of the story. This convinces Max,
who was unaware of the real layout of the room.
Q3. 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?
Answer:
Ausable likely thought up his plan to get rid of Max as soon as he saw the gun
in Max’s hand. His quick thinking allowed him to take advantage of the
situation by fabricating the story about the balcony and using the unexpected
knocking at the door to further scare Max into jumping out the window. It seems
Ausable was adept at improvising based on the unfolding events.
THINK ABOUT IT
Q1. 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.
Answer:
Presence of mind is the ability to stay calm and act wisely during a sudden or
dangerous situation. One example could be a situation where someone notices a
small fire starting in the kitchen. Instead of panicking, they calmly cover the
flames with a wet cloth to extinguish the fire before it spreads. This quick
thinking helps prevent a potentially disastrous situation.
Another example
from the story is Ausable’s ability to think fast when he sees Max holding a
gun. He immediately creates the story about the balcony to mislead Max and make
him believe there is an escape route, which ultimately leads to Max’s downfall.
Ausable’s calm demeanor and quick thinking save him and Fowler from harm.
TALK ABOUT IT
Q1. 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.
Answer:
If a small fire starts in the kitchen, the first thing to do is stay calm
and avoid panic. I would try to extinguish the fire by using a fire
extinguisher or covering it with a wet cloth to cut off the oxygen supply.
If the fire is caused by oil, I would avoid using water, as it could make
it worse. Instead, I would turn off the gas and use baking soda or salt to
smother the flames. I would also make sure to call the fire department if
needed. - A child starts to choke on a piece
of food.
Answer:
In the event of a child choking, I would immediately try to dislodge the
food by performing the Heimlich maneuver. For small children, I would give
firm back blows between the shoulder blades or apply gentle pressure on
their abdomen. If the child is not breathing, I would call emergency
services and continue first aid until help arrives. - An electrical appliance starts to
hiss and gives out sparks.
Answer:
If an electrical appliance starts to hiss and give out sparks, I would
quickly turn off the power supply from the main switch to avoid any danger
of fire or electrocution. I would then unplug the appliance, ensure no one
touches it, and call an electrician to inspect it before using it again. - A bicycle knocks down a
pedestrian.
Answer:
If a pedestrian is knocked down by a bicycle, I would rush to help the
injured person. I would check if they are conscious and ensure they are
not in further danger, such as on a busy road. If needed, I would call for
medical help and stay with the person until professional help arrives. - It rains continuously for more
than twenty-four hours.
Answer:
If it rains continuously for more than 24 hours, I would ensure that any
potential flooding issues are addressed by checking for waterlogging or
leaks in the house. I would also stay updated on the weather reports and
be prepared for evacuation if authorities issue warnings. Having an
emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and a first-aid kit would
be prudent. - A member of your family does not
return home at the usual or expected time.
Answer:
If a family member does not return home on time, I would first try to
contact them through calls or messages. If there is no response and the
delay is unusual, I would check with friends or colleagues who may know
their whereabouts. If the delay becomes concerning, I would report the
matter to the authorities and provide all necessary details to help locate
them.