There's really no way for me to know, and I certainly don't want to act without a better idea of the situation.' White bit his lip, thinking.
He knew all about the situation and was prepared to act. 
mnli hypothesis: He knew all about the situation and was prepared to act.  premise: There's really no way for me to know, and I certainly don't want to act without a better idea of the situation.' White bit his lip, thinking.