# The Coming of Sergeant Smith explained — The Man Who Knew

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

## What happens

Jasper Cole visits May Nuttall in Chamonix, where they become engaged. May returns to England and is met by Saul Arthur Mann, who is troubled by the engagement. Frank Merrill and Mann discuss their suspicions about Cole and plan to intervene. May is later lured to a mission and kidnapped by a man in a car.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Manipulation

Jasper's engagement to May appears genuine but is viewed with suspicion by Frank and Mann, who believe Cole is manipulating her.

### Secrecy and Knowledge

Mann and Frank uncover hidden information about Cole's past, including a woman in Holland, and attempt to use it to prevent the marriage.

### Crime and Justice

The unresolved murder of John Minute hangs over the characters, and May's kidnapping introduces a new criminal act.

## Character check-ins

### Jasper Cole

Visits May in Chamonix, becomes engaged to her, and is suspected by Mann and Frank.

### May Nuttall

Engaged to Jasper Cole, returns to England, and is later kidnapped.

### Frank Merrill

Distressed by May's engagement, plans with Mann to prevent the marriage.

### Saul Arthur Mann

Investigates Cole, meets May at Charing Cross, and coordinates with Frank to stop the wedding.

## Key lines

> Jasper, who killed John Minute?

May directly asks Jasper about the murderer of John Minute.

_This question highlights the unresolved mystery and Jasper's evasive response._

> I know that the man who killed John Minute is alive and free.

Jasper claims the murderer is still living and unpunished.

_Jasper's statement adds to the suspense and suggests he knows more than he reveals._

> She was radiantly happy and bubbling over with good spirits, a picture of health and beauty. All this Mr. Mann observed with a sinking heart.

May appears joyful and healthy, but Mann is deeply troubled by her happiness.

_Contrast between May's outward joy and Mann's inner dread about her engagement._

> You scream and I will kill you!

The kidnapper threatens May with death if she cries out.

_Dramatic escalation as May is abducted, showing the danger she faces._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se/chapters/xvi-the-coming-of-sergeant-smith
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_who_knew_se/chapters