# A Newspaper Cutting explained — The Four Just Men

> Chapter companion for The Four Just Men by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

The chapter presents a detailed account of the coroner's inquest into Sir Philip Ramon's death. Evidence is given by the assistant-commissioner of police, Sir Francis Katling, and Superintendent Falmouth. The court learns of the discovery of Thery's body on Romney Marshes with a similar stain on his hand, and the jury returns a verdict of 'Death from some unknown cause, and wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.' After the inquest, the coroner meets a man named Carson and they discuss the foreman of the jury, who is revealed to be Manfred.

## Themes in this chapter

### Media Sensationalism and Public Opinion

The coroner mentions receiving many fantastic theories from the public, and the press's suggestions (e.g., deadly gas) are discussed during the inquest.

### Deception, Disguise, and Identity

The foreman of the jury is revealed to be Manfred, one of the Four Just Men, who has been hiding in plain sight during the investigation.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Philip Ramon

The deceased; the inquest investigates the mysterious circumstances of his death.

### Miguel Thery

Found dead on Romney Marshes with a stain on his palm similar to Sir Philip's; his body is discussed during the inquest.

### Detective Superintendent Falmouth

Gives evidence at the inquest, describing the noise he heard and the discovery of two dead sparrows on the windowsill.

### Sir Francis Katling

Famous surgeon who testifies about possible causes of death, including a rare blow technique from Japan.

### George Manfred

Revealed at the end of the chapter as the foreman of the jury, discussed by the coroner and Carson.

## Key lines

> The Court was again crowded today in anticipation of the evidence of the assistant-commissioner of police and Sir Francis Katling, the famous surgeon.

The courtroom was packed once more as people awaited testimony from the police assistant-commissioner and the renowned surgeon Sir Francis Katling.

_Sets the scene for the inquest's proceedings._

> Has he been found? —Yes. This monosyllabic reply drew a spontaneous cry of surprise from the crowded court.

When asked if Thery had been found, the witness's single 'Yes' caused an outburst of astonishment in the courtroom.

_Highlights the dramatic revelation of Thery's death._

> Death from some unknown cause, and wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

The jury's verdict was that Sir Philip died from an unknown cause and was murdered by an unknown person or persons.

_The official verdict of the inquest._

> I think he would make a smarter lawyer than a company promoter.

The coroner remarks that the foreman would be better suited to law than business.

_Foreshadows Manfred's true identity and skills._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_four_just_men_se/chapters/xii-a-newspaper-cutting
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_four_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_four_just_men_se/chapters