Mijbil the Otter

Q: Which word best describes Mijbil's behavior during the first night?

Aloof and indifferent. The text explicitly states 'For the first twenty-four hours Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent.'

Q: How long did it take Maxwell to completely clean the mud from Mijbil's coat?

One month. Maxwell states: 'it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours.'

Q: Which scientific name was given to Mijbil's species?

Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. The text states Mijbil was 'christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter,' naming it after Maxwell.

Q: According to SPCA guidelines, what is NOT mentioned as essential for pet care?

Teaching the pet to perform circus tricks. SPCA mentions dog licenses, vaccination, toilet training, grooming, obedience training, balanced diet, socialization, and exercise—but not circus tricks.

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Chapter Notes

Overview

This chapter is a first-person narrative by Gavin Maxwell about his unusual pet otter, Mijbil. It exists in the syllabus to develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to understand a descriptive and anecdotal text. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that keeping a wild animal as a pet requires immense responsibility, patience, and understanding of the animal's natural behaviour, as seen through Maxwell's detailed observations of Mij's intelligence, playfulness, and adaptability.

Key Concepts (15)

thraldom

Being under the control of something or someone; a state of being enslaved or dominated by a strong attachment.

e.g. Maxwell describes his life with Mij as a 'thraldom to otters', meaning he was completely captivated and controlled by his fascination with the otter.

fixation

A very strong attachment or feeling towards something; an obsessive interest.

e.g. Maxwell says he has an 'otter fixation', which means he has an intense and lasting interest in otters.

aloof and indifferent

Keeping a distance; not friendly or interested; showing a lack of concern or enthusiasm.

e.g. For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was 'aloof and indifferent', choosing to sleep far from Maxwell and showing no emotion.

apathy

Absence of interest or enthusiasm; lack of emotion or concern.

e.g. Mijbil began to lose his 'apathy' on the second night, meaning he stopped being uninterested and started showing curiosity about his surroundings.

compulsive habits

Habits that are impossible to control; actions done repeatedly and involuntarily, often as a ritual.

e.g. Mij developed 'compulsive habits' like walking on the low wall every time he returned home, similar to children who must step on every paving block.

barrage of conjectural questions

A stream of questions filled with guesses; a continuous outpouring of speculative inquiries.

e.g. Maxwell faced a 'barrage of conjectural questions' from Londoners who guessed Mij was a baby seal, a squirrel, or a hippo, but never an otter.

ricochetting bullet

A bullet which changes direction after hitting a surface; used as a simile to describe fast, erratic movement.

e.g. The driver tore through the streets of Basra 'like a ricochetting bullet', meaning he drove very fast and swerved unpredictably.

appalling spectacle

A shocking or horrifying scene; something dreadful to look at.

e.g. When Maxwell returned to the box, he saw an 'appalling spectacle' of blood trickling from the airholes, indicating Mij had injured himself.

engrossed

Completely interested in something; absorbed or occupied with an activity.

e.g. Mij would become 'engrossed' in his game with a ping-pong ball on a slanted suitcase for up to half an hour.

ambush

To attack suddenly from a hidden position; to surprise someone or something.

e.g. Mij would hide from the ping-pong ball, crouching, to 'ambush' its arrival and grab it by surprise.

nuzzle

To rub gently with the nose; an affectionate gesture.

e.g. After the chaos on the plane, Mij 'nuzzled' Maxwell's face and neck, showing affection and recognition.

Mustellines

A comparatively small group of animals that includes the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink, and otter.

e.g. Otters belong to the group called 'Mustellines', which is why Londoners guessed Mij was a mongoose or weasel.

Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli

The scientific name given to Mijbil's species, meaning 'Maxwell's otter', as it was a race previously unknown to science.

e.g. Zoologists christened Mijbil 'Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli' because he was a new discovery.

so to speak

As it were; one could say this; used to indicate that a phrase is metaphorical or not literal.

e.g. Maxwell says every drop of water must be 'so to speak, extended and spread about the place', meaning otters love to splash water everywhere.

provoking

Causing anger or some other reaction; annoying or irritating.

e.g. To an otter, static water is 'provoking' because it is wasted and not being played with.

How It Works

Maxwell's decision to keep an otter

Maxwell's dog Jonnie died, leaving him lonely.
He thought of keeping an otter instead of a dog.
He considered Camusfearna suitable because it was ringed by water.
A friend suggested he get one from the Tigris marshes in Iraq.
He travelled to Basra to collect his mail and eventually received the otter from two Arabs.

💡 Students often forget the reason for choosing an otter: the suitability of Camusfearna's water surroundings, not just the death of the dog.

Mijbil's initial behaviour and taming

First 24 hours: Mij was aloof and indifferent, sleeping far from Maxwell.
Second night: Mij came onto Maxwell's bed and slept in the crook of his knees.
During the day: Mij lost his apathy and became keenly interested in his surroundings.
Maxwell made a body-belt and took Mij to the bathroom.
Mij went wild with joy in the water, plunging, rolling, and splashing.
Within two days, Mij learned to turn on the bathtub taps with his paws.
Very soon, Mij followed Maxwell without a lead and came when called.

💡 The sequence of Mij's emotional change is crucial: from aloof to friendly, not hostile. Also, the tap-turning incident shows intelligence, not just playfulness.

Transporting Mij from Basra to London

Maxwell dreaded the journey because British airlines would not fly animals.
He booked a flight to Paris on another airline, then to London.
The airline insisted Mij be packed in a box not more than 18 inches square.
Maxwell put Mij in the box an hour before the flight to accustom him.
When Maxwell returned, he found blood trickling from the box; Mij had torn the lining.
Maxwell removed the torn lining, put Mij back, and rushed to the airport.
On the plane, the air hostess suggested Maxwell keep Mij on his knee.
Mij escaped from the box, ran down the aisle, causing panic (a woman screamed 'A rat!').
The air hostess found Mij, and he bounded onto Maxwell's knee, nuzzling him.

💡 The key detail is that Maxwell did not know otters well, so he was unprepared for Mij's escape. The air hostess's role is often tested: she was 'the very queen of her kind'.

Mij's life in London and compulsive habits

Mij played with toys like ping-pong balls, marbles, and a terrapin shell.
He invented a game using a damaged suitcase with a slanted lid.
He would place the ball on the high end, run to the other end, and ambush it.
Outside, Maxwell exercised Mij on a lead like a dog.
Mij developed compulsive habits: he would tug Maxwell to a low wall near a primary school.
He would jump on the wall and gallop its full length (30 yards) on the way home, but never on the way out.
Londoners made various guesses about Mij's identity, none correct.

💡 The compulsive habit is specific: Mij only did the wall-galloping on the way home, not on the way out. This is a frequently tested detail.

Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes

⚠ Confusing 'aloof' with 'hostile'

✗ In the beginning, the otter was hostile and unfriendly.

→ The text explicitly states Mij was 'neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent'. Hostile implies active aggression, while aloof means keeping a distance without aggression.

✓ In the beginning, the otter was aloof and indifferent, showing no interest in Maxwell and sleeping far from him.

⚠ Misattributing the naming of the otter

✗ Maxwell named the otter 'Maxwell's otter'.

→ Maxwell named the otter 'Mijbil'. The species was christened 'Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli' or 'Maxwell's otter' by zoologists because it was a race previously unknown to science.

✓ Maxwell called the otter 'Mijbil'. The species was later named 'Maxwell's otter' by zoologists.

⚠ Forgetting the reason for the box size

✗ The airline insisted Mij be packed in a box not more than 18 inches square because it was a safety regulation.

→ The text says the airline insisted on this size so the box could be carried on the floor at Maxwell's feet. The reason is practical, not safety-related.

✓ The airline insisted Mij be packed in a box not more than 18 inches square so that it could be placed on the floor at Maxwell's feet during the flight.

⚠ Confusing the air hostess's suggestion

✗ The air hostess suggested that Maxwell put the otter in the cargo hold.

→ The air hostess suggested that Maxwell might prefer to have his pet on his knee, showing her kindness and understanding. She did not suggest the cargo hold.

✓ The air hostess suggested that Maxwell might prefer to have his pet on his knee, for which Maxwell was deeply grateful.

⚠ Misinterpreting the 'compulsive habit'

✗ Mij would gallop along the wall every time he went out for a walk.

→ The text clearly states Mij would do this 'on his way home, but never on his way out'. This is a specific compulsive ritual, not a general behaviour.

✓ Mij would tug Maxwell to the low wall and gallop along it only on his way home, never on the way out.

Compare & Contrast

Adaptation to environment

Mijbil's behaviour in Basra

Mijbil's behaviour in London

In Basra, Mij was initially aloof but quickly became playful and attached to Maxwell, enjoying water in the bathtub. In London, he developed compulsive habits (like the wall-galloping) and played with toys, showing he adapted to a confined urban setting but retained his playful nature.

Emotional response to crisis

Maxwell's feelings when putting Mij back in the box

Maxwell's feelings when Mij escaped on the plane

When putting Mij back in the box after the blood incident, Maxwell felt miserable and rushed, acting out of necessity. When Mij escaped on the plane, Maxwell felt embarrassed, anxious, and grateful to the air hostess, but also unprepared because he did not know otters well.

Exam Focus

Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Short Answer (2-3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks) based on character sketch or incident description.

Most asked: Mijbil's initial behaviour and how it changed · The incident of transporting Mij to England (box, plane, air hostess) · Mij's compulsive habits in London · The naming of the otter as 'Maxwell's otter' · Londoners' guesses about Mij's identity

Don't skip: Describe the incident on the aeroplane when Mij escaped from the box.; What were Mij's compulsive habits in London? Why did Maxwell find them interesting?; How did Mij's behaviour change from the first day to the second day?; Why was Mij's species named 'Maxwell's otter'?

One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)

Gavin Maxwell decided to keep an otter after his dog Jonnie died, choosing Camusfearna because it was surrounded by water.
Mijbil was brought from the Tigris marshes in Iraq, delivered in a sack by two Arabs at the Consulate in Basra.
For the first 24 hours, Mijbil was aloof and indifferent, neither hostile nor friendly.
On the second night, Mijbil slept in the crook of Maxwell's knees, showing he was becoming attached.
Mijbil learned to turn on the bathtub taps with his paws within two days, showing his intelligence.
The otter was named 'Maxwell's otter' (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) by zoologists because it was a new species.
Mijbil was transported to England in a box not more than 18 inches square, placed on the floor at Maxwell's feet.
Mijbil injured himself tearing the lining of the box, causing blood to trickle from the airholes.
On the plane, Mij escaped and caused panic; a woman screamed 'A rat!' and Maxwell's face ended up covered in curry.
The air hostess was described as 'the very queen of her kind' for suggesting Maxwell keep Mij on his knee.
In London, Mij developed a compulsive habit of galloping along a low wall near a primary school, but only on the way home.
Londoners guessed Mij was a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard, or a brontosaur, but never an otter.
Otters belong to the Mustellines group, which includes badgers, mongoose, weasels, stoats, and minks.
Mijbil invented a game using a damaged suitcase with a slanted lid, rolling a ping-pong ball and ambushing it.
Maxwell's narrative shows that keeping a wild animal as a pet requires patience, understanding, and a sense of humour.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. What is the main reason Maxwell chose to keep an otter instead of a dog?

A. Otters are cheaper and easier to care for than dogs
B. Camusfearna's location surrounded by water made it suitable, and otters were common in Iraqi marshes ✓
C. He wanted to become famous as the first person to keep an otter as a pet
D. His friend forced him to adopt an otter against his wishes

Answer: B — Maxwell explicitly states that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone's throw from its door, would be eminently suitable, and his friend suggested getting one from the Tigris marshes where they were common.

Q2. Which word best describes Mijbil's behavior during the first night?

A. Hostile and aggressive
B. Friendly and affectionate
C. Aloof and indifferent ✓
D. Playful and curious

Answer: C — The text explicitly states 'For the first twenty-four hours Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent.'

Q3. What does the phrase 'thraldom to otters' primarily suggest?

A. Otters are dangerous and must be controlled
B. Being completely under the control of a strong attachment to otters ✓
C. Otters need to be kept in chains or confined spaces
D. Maxwell regrets his decision to keep an otter

Answer: B — Thraldom means being under the control of; in context, it indicates a very strong, lasting attachment or fixation that Maxwell shares with other otter owners.

Q4. How long did it take Maxwell to completely clean the mud from Mijbil's coat?

A. One day
B. One week
C. One month ✓
D. Six months

Answer: C — Maxwell states: 'it was not for another month that I managed to remove the last of the mud and see the otter, as it were, in his true colours.'

Q5. What is a characteristic otter behavior regarding water?

A. Otters prefer still water and remain calm
B. Otters must keep water moving and become agitated when it is static ✓
C. Otters only drink water but never play in it
D. Otters are afraid of water and avoid it completely

Answer: B — The text states otters extend and spread water about, overturn bowls, and when water is static 'it is wasted and provoking'—showing they need movement.

Q6. What does Maxwell's mail delay at the Consulate demonstrate?

A. The postal system in Iraq was intentionally delayed
B. Communication challenges in Iraq (broken lines, religious holidays) created unexpected situations ✓
C. Maxwell's friend deliberately withheld his mail
D. Mail delivery was impossible in Southern Iraq

Answer: B — The text describes line failures, closed exchanges for religious holidays, and breakdowns—showing systemic communication delays that indirectly led to Mijbil's arrival.

Q7. Which scientific name was given to Mijbil's species?

A. Lutrogale perspicillata perspicillata
B. Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli ✓
C. Lutra perspicillata maxwelli
D. Lutrogale maxwelli perspicillata

Answer: B — The text states Mijbil was 'christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter,' naming it after Maxwell.

Q8. What change in Mijbil's behavior occurred on the second night?

A. He remained aloof and distant from Maxwell
B. He came onto Maxwell's bed and slept in the crook of his knees ✓
C. He escaped and hid in the bathroom
D. He became hostile and refused to interact with anyone

Answer: B — The text states: 'The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea.'

Q9. According to SPCA guidelines, what is NOT mentioned as essential for pet care?

A. Annual vaccination against major diseases
B. Teaching the pet to perform circus tricks ✓
C. Obedience training
D. Regular grooming and bathing

Answer: B — SPCA mentions dog licenses, vaccination, toilet training, grooming, obedience training, balanced diet, socialization, and exercise—but not circus tricks.

Q10. Why is family agreement important before adopting a pet according to SPCA?

A. Only families can afford to keep pets
B. Without full agreement, the pet could end up unwanted and abandoned ✓
C. Families are always better at caring for pets than individuals
D. It is a legal requirement in all countries

Answer: B — SPCA explicitly states: 'Without full agreement by everyone, the pet could end up unwanted,' highlighting the importance of unanimous family support.

Flashcards

Why did Maxwell decide to keep an otter instead of a dog?

Camusfearna's location surrounded by water made it an eminently suitable spot for keeping an otter, and his friend suggested otters were common and easily tamed in the Tigris marshes.

What does 'thraldom to otters' mean in the text?

It means being completely under the control or strong attachment to otters, a condition Maxwell found was shared by most people who have ever owned one.

Describe Mijbil's appearance when he first emerged from the sack.

He resembled a medieval dragon, coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud armor with soft velvet chocolate-brown fur visible between them.

What was Mijbil's behavior during the first twenty-four hours with Maxwell?

Mijbil was aloof and indifferent, neither hostile nor friendly, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from Maxwell's bed as possible.

What is a characteristic behavior of otters regarding water?

Every drop of water must be extended and spread about; otters overturn bowls and splash until water moves, as static water seems wasted and provoking to them.

How did Mijbil turn on the bathroom tap on his own?

By chance, Mijbil fumbled at the chromium taps with his paws and turned it the right way to produce a trickle, then full flow of water.

What does SPCA say about acquiring a pet?

The decision should be made by the whole family with full agreement; without this consensus, the pet could end up unwanted.

What scientific name was given to Mijbil's species?

Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter, a race previously unknown to science.

Why was Maxwell's mail delay significant to the story?

The delayed mail delivery in Basra resulted in Maxwell meeting his friend again at the Consulate, which is when the two Arabs arrived with Mijbil in a sack.

What does Maxwell's experience with Mijbil reveal about pet bonding?

A pet's initial aloofness can transform into trust and affection when given proper care, as Mijbil progressed from sleeping away to sleeping on Maxwell's bed.

Important Board Questions

Based on the SPCA guidelines provided in the 'Before You Read' section, explain why simply liking the cute appearance of a puppy is not enough reason to adopt one. (2 marks) [2 marks]

Puppies' cute looks are a disadvantage because people purchase them without consideration and knowledge of proper care; pet ownership requires a lifetime commitment involving considerable responsibility, which should be decided by the whole family.

How did Maxwell's initial aloofness of Mijbil transform into affection and bonding? Explain what Maxwell did to encourage this change. (3 marks) [3 marks]

First 24 hours: Mijbil was aloof and indifferent. Change occurred: Day 2, Mijbil came on bed; Maxwell gave him water access (bathtub) where Mijbil could play freely; allowed him exploration without lead. This combination of patience, providing natural habitat needs, and interaction built trust.

Analyze why Camusfearna was an 'eminently suitable spot' for keeping an otter, whereas London (as described in the pre-reading section) would present significant challenges for Mijbil. What arrangements would Maxwell have needed to make if he had chosen to keep Mijbil in London instead? (5 marks) [5 marks]

Camusfearna: ringed by water, natural otter habitat, isolation allows freedom. London: busy city, temperate climate (neither Iraq's marshes nor extreme weather), multi-storey buildings limiting space. Arrangements needed: artificial water bodies (large pools/tanks), controlled temperature environment similar to Iraq's marshes, isolated space away from urban population, regular water circulation system, specialized veterinary care, careful management of otter's natural water-playing behavior in confined urban setting.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Mijbil the Otter

Q1. Assertion (A):

Gavin Maxwell decided to keep an otter as a pet because life without a dog was lonely after Jonnie's death.

Reason (R):

Otters are more intelligent and trainable than dogs, making them better companions.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true according to the passage—Maxwell was too sad to keep another dog and felt lonely without a pet. However, the reason is false because the passage does not state that otters are more intelligent or trainable than dogs. The reason given in the passage for choosing an otter is that Camusfearna, surrounded by water, would be suitable for an otter, not because otters are better companions.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Mijbil was of a species previously unknown to science before Maxwell brought him to Scotland.

Reason (R):

Therefore, zoologists named him Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli as recognition of this discovery.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. The passage explicitly states 'Mijbil was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at length christened by zoologists Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter.' The reason correctly explains why this scientific naming occurred—it was in recognition of Maxwell's discovery of this unknown species.

Q3. Assertion (A):

The SPCA emphasizes that pet ownership should be decided by the whole family.

Reason (R):

Because puppies and kittens are adorable and attract children.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—the SPCA clearly states this. However, the reason is not the correct explanation. While the SPCA mentions that cute looks attract people, the actual reason for family agreement is 'Without full agreement by everyone, the pet could end up unwanted.' The correct reason is about preventing abandonment and ensuring shared responsibility, not about cuteness.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Mijbil the Otter

Case Study:

A family in Mumbai is considering adopting a puppy from an animal shelter. The family has two children aged 8 and 12 years old. Their apartment is located on the third floor of a building with a small balcony but no garden. The parents work full-time and the children attend school during the day. However, they have a cook and a maid who stay with them. The family is willing to spend money on proper veterinary care and good quality food. Before making the final decision, they researched that puppies require daily exercise, regular grooming, vaccination, toilet training, and obedience training. They also learned that pets require socialization and cannot be kept confined in cages or tied up all day.

Q1. Based on the SPCA guidelines, what is the primary concern with this family's living situation?

A. The family cannot afford proper veterinary care
B. The apartment lacks adequate space and garden for the puppy's exercise and socialization needs ✓
C. The children are too young to take care of a puppy
D. The building management will not allow pets

Answer: B

Q2. How could the family address the challenge of daily exercise for the puppy?

A. Keep the puppy confined in a cage in the apartment
B. Hire a dog walker or use the building's resources to ensure daily walks and play time ✓
C. Only let the puppy exercise on the balcony
D. Give the responsibility entirely to the children

Answer: B

Q3. Which of the SPCA guidelines might be easiest for this family to follow?

A. Annual vaccination and veterinary care ✓
B. Daily exercise in outdoor spaces
C. Providing proper food and water
D. Toilet training and obedience training

Answer: A

Q4. What is suggested about family decision-making before acquiring a puppy?

A. Only the parents should decide about getting a puppy
B. Children should not be involved in the decision
C. The entire family should be in full agreement about getting a puppy ✓
D. The decision should be made immediately without much thought

Answer: C

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Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Mijbil the Otter

Real CBSE board exam questions from past papers — free to attempt.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/2/1 · 3 marks

Mention the peculiarities of Otters based on your understanding of 'Mijbil the Otter'.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/1/1 · 3 marks

In 'Mijbil the Otter', how does the narrator's patience contrast with the reactions of fellow passengers and local people? What does this reveal about human understanding of the unfamiliar?

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/3/1 · 3 marks

How does the author's portrayal of the air hostess in 'Mijbil the Otter' unveil the theme of kindness and empathy?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 3 marks

Mijbil's transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 3 marks

What efforts did the narrator make to get his mail from Europe?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/3 · 3 marks

Mijbil spent most of his time in play. Elaborate.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/2 · 3 marks

How was Mij to be transported to England?

CBSE 2024 · Set 31/4/1 · 5 marks

For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water. Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell's bed in the small hours?

He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.

CBSE 2024 · Set 31/4/1 · 2 marks

Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and indifferent for the first twenty-four hours. Give reasons in not more than 40 words.

CBSE 2024 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

Read the following descriptions (A) – (D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.

Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner's environment.
Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.

CBSE 2024 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom?

CBSE 2024 · Set 31/4/2 · 1 mark

Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell's bed in the small hours?

He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.

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