The Midnight Visitor

By Robert Arthur

Robert Arthur was an American author known for his mystery and suspense stories, often blending elements of crime and adventure. He also created “The Three Investigators”, a popular children’s mystery series. “The Midnight Visitor” follows the story of a secret agent named Fowler, who is visited by an unexpected guest, Max, in his hotel room. Max, a rival spy, intends to outsmart Fowler, but through quick thinking and calm under pressure, Fowler manages to turn the situation unexpectedly, showing that intelligence and wit can outdo physical strength or aggression.

Q: How has Max got in?

Max the antagonist in “The Midnight Visitor,” got into Ausable’s room using a passkey. He managed to enter stealthily and surprise both Ausable and Fowler.

Q: How does Ausable say he got in?

Ausable explains to Fowler that Max entered the room using a passkey. He comments on the inconvenience of such old hotels where anyone can enter your room if they have a passkey.

Q: How is Ausable different from other secret agents?

Ausable is different from other secret agents in several ways. Ausable is a heavy, slow-moving man, quite the opposite of the lean, athletic figure typically associated with secret agents. In his demeanor, he is calm, unassuming, and even a bit disheveled, unlike the suave, polished demeanor often portrayed in fiction. He operated in a mundane environment, not in glamorous, exotic locations. His methods are also unlike the fictional spies. He uses his wit and intelligence to handle situations rather than relying on physical prowess or high-tech gadgets.

Q: Who is Fowler and what is his authentic thrill of the day?

Fowler is a writer who is keen on meeting Ausable to get a firsthand experience of the life of a secret agent. His first authentic thrill of the day comes when Max, the intruder, surprises them in Ausable’s room, pointing a gun at them and demanding some report.

Q: “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?

In books and films that I have read and watched, secret agents are depicted as physically fit, attractive, and well-dressed, often in suits or fashionable attire. They are depicted as skilled in combat and espionage techniques, and equipped with high-tech gadgets and weaponry. Moreover, they are often shown working in glamorous and exotic places.

Q: How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?

Ausable convinces Max of the balcony’s existence through a detailed and confident description. He talks about how it has been used before for such situations, creating a plausible backstory. His calm and assured manner adds credibility to his story, making Max believe that the balcony is real.

Q: Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max?

Ausable like thought up his plan to get rid of Max when he first saw him in the room. Given Ausable’s calm demeanor and quick thinking, it seems he improvised his plan based on the circumstances. His mention of the balcony and the “police” knocking at the door was a clever ruse to exploit Max’s nervousness and make him act impulsively. This suggests that Ausable is adept at thinking on his feet and using his surroundings to his advantage.