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Question
Sketch the character of Ausable.
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Solution
Ausable does not look very handsome, worthy of being called a secret agent or a detective. He is the central character of the story “The Midnight Visitor”. He is not physically very strong. There is nothing elegant or mysterious about him. He is an American who is unable to cover up his American accent when he speaks French and German though he has lived in France for over 20 years. He is practical and shrewd. He is a well-balanced individual. Even at gunpoint, he keeps his cool and instantly cooks up a story to trap the villain, spy Max. He outwits Max without moving from his armchair. He uses his presence of mind. He tells two lies that not only save him and Fowler but also give the momentum for Max to kill himself in an attempt to hide in the non-existent balcony.
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| a) Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial. |
| b) The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money. |
| c) Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt. |
| d) Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank. |
| e) To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him. |
| f) Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham. |
| g) Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members. |
| h) Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him. |
| i) Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his Bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity. |
| j) The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him. |
Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
What made Martha withdraw her money from the bank?
John feels Gresham deserves punishment. Why?
When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below.

Trace the bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham. Explain why Baldwin wished to attribute some credit to his friend.
How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham?
Sketch the character of:
i) Robert Baldwin
ii) John Gresham.
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How did Ausable describe the balcony and the manner in which one could get into his room, through it?
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The scientists______ that the Sun would come out on Venus that day after seven years.
How did Roger react to Lord Weston’s advice?
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How did Lord Weston ‘defuse’ the ‘infernal machine’?
Who reminded Lord Weston about Mr. Caesar?
