# The Man Who Knew explained — The Man Who Knew

> Chapter companion for The Man Who Knew by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

John Minute visits Saul Arthur Mann, a mysterious information broker whose vast network of global intelligence and criminal records has made him invaluable to the police. Mann reveals he possesses a secret dossier on Minute, including details about a person designated 'X,' but refuses to sell the information or disclose 'X's identity, leaving Minute unsettled.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Knowledge

Saul Arthur Mann's bureau thrives on collecting hidden truths, and his refusal to sell or reveal the identity of 'X' underscores the power of secret information.

### Appearance vs. Reality

John Minute's public image as a wealthy merchant contrasts with the private record Mann holds, suggesting a hidden past.

## Character check-ins

### John Minute

Visits Saul Arthur Mann to learn what is known about him; is disturbed by the dossier and the mention of 'X'.

### Frank Merrill

Referred to as Saul Arthur Mann, the proprietor of the information bureau; he is the 'Man Who Knew' and holds a secret record on Minute.

## Key lines

> He had a marvelous memory, which was supplemented by his system of filing.

His exceptional recall was enhanced by an organized filing system.

_Describes Mann's method for managing vast amounts of data._

> If you multiply that by fifty and you bring all that money into my office and place it on that table in ten-thousand-pound notes, you could not buy that little book or the records which support it.

No amount of money, even fifty times John Minute's fortune, could purchase the dossier or its supporting documents.

_Mann refuses to sell the secret record, emphasizing its priceless value to him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se/chapters/vi-the-man-who-knew
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se/chapters