English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Ausable's witty strategy lies in his remarkable presence of mind. When Max threatens him with a gun, Ausable cleverly fabricates a story about a non-existent balcony outside his window, making Max believe intruders use it to enter his room. He then announces that the knocking at the door is the "police" he had summoned. A panicked Max jumps onto the "balcony" to hide — only to fall to his death, as no balcony exists. The knocking was merely a waiter delivering drinks. Thus, Ausable outwits Max using pure quick thinking and bluff.

Source: The Midnight Visitor, Chapter 3

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Examiners look for three clear points in a 3-mark answer:

1. The fake balcony story (the main trick).
2. The fake police announcement (the trigger).
3. The outcome — Max jumps to his death; there is no balcony.

Avoid retelling the whole story. Focus on how the strategy works — it is based on fabrication + presence of mind, not physical action. The word "witty" in the question signals you must highlight the cleverness of the plan, not just narrate events.