The Man Who Knew · Chapter
The Coming of Sergeant Smith explained
Jasper Cole visits May Nuttall in Chamonix, where they become engaged.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the critical reversal that Frank and Saul Arthur Man…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
