Ausable, unlike the typical suave spy, was a fat man with a wheezy accent. However, his true strength lay in his sharp intellect, quick thinking, and exceptional presence of mind. He skillfully created a convincing lie about a non-existent balcony, exploiting Max's fear and desperation to escape. When a knock came at the door, he immediately fabricated the story of the police arriving for his protection, knowing full well it was the waiter, Henry. His ability to maintain composure under pressure, to improvise elaborate deceptions, and to turn ordinary events into elements of his trap, all contributed to Max's downfall. This suggests that the true nature of espionage relies less on physical prowess or conventional glamour, and more on psychological manipulation, strategic thinking, and the ability to outsmart opponents through cunning and wit.