The Man Who Knew · Chapter
XIV: The Man Who Looked Like Frank explained
Saul Arthur Mann continues his investigation into John Minute's murder, uncovering more mysteries.
What happens
Saul Arthur Mann continues his investigation into John Minute's murder, uncovering more mysteries. He learns from Constable Wiseman about Sergeant Smith's daughter, a pretty dark girl who lived with him briefly. Mann also discovers that Rex Holland, a man who inquired after Frank Merrill at Montreux, is a distinct figure. Frank expresses despair over losing May Nuttall to Jasper Cole's influence, hinting at secrets he cannot reveal. Later, Mann witnesses a shocking scene in Flowerton Road: a man who is the exact double of Frank Merrill strikes a girl and flees, deepening the enigma.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
The appearance of a man who is the exact double of Frank Merrill creates confusion about identity and suggests deliberate deception.
Secrecy and Knowledge
Frank Merrill withholds crucial information about Rex Holland and the quarrel with his uncle, while Saul Arthur Mann struggles to uncover hidden truths.
Appearance vs. Reality
The double of Frank Merrill appears to be a violent man, contrasting with Frank's own character, and the surface of events masks deeper mysteries.
Characters to notice
- Frank Merrill
Frank is distressed about losing May Nuttall to Jasper Cole and refuses to disclose all he knows about Rex Holland, hinting at hidden secrets.
- Saul Arthur Mann
The investigator tirelessly pursues leads, interviews Constable Wiseman, and witnesses a man who looks exactly like Frank Merrill striking a girl.
- Constable Wiseman
Provides information about Sergeant Smith's daughter, a pretty dark girl who lived with him briefly after his arrival in Eastbourne.
- Rex Holland
A mysterious figure who inquired after Frank Merrill at Montreux, described as a young man with a languid manner, distinct from Sergeant Smith.
- Jasper Cole
Exercises a sinister influence over May Nuttall, causing Frank to fear losing her; he visited John Minute's house only once after the murder.
- The Girl
A pale, pretty girl seen pleading with the man who looks like Frank Merrill; she is struck by him and pushed back into the house.
Key passages
“The most strenuous efforts which the official police had made, added to the investigations which Saul Arthur Mann had conducted independently, had failed to trace the fugitive ex-sergeant of police.”
Despite extensive police work and Mann's own inquiries, the former police sergeant remained untraceable.
Highlights the difficulty in locating Sergeant Smith.
“It was as though fate had conspired to show the boy in the blackest light.”
Circumstances seemed to deliberately portray Frank Merrill as guilty.
Reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality.
“The man was the exact double of Frank Merrill.”
The man looked precisely like Frank Merrill.
Key moment of mistaken identity.
“She again grasped his arm and raised her face imploringly. Mr. Mann gasped, for he saw the young man’s hand come up and strike her back into the house.”
The girl begged him, but he hit her and forced her inside.
Shows the violent nature of the double.