The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
II explained
T.
What happens
T. X. Meredith, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, is in his Whitehall office berating Inspector Mansus for failing to find information about the wealthy Greek Remington Kara. The Chief Commissioner, Sir George Haley, arrives and discusses Kara's unusual request for a private police phone line due to fear of a blood feud. T. X. reveals he has already investigated Kara's house, which is fortified like a safe. The conversation shifts to John Lexman's financial troubles, and then a phone call from Lexman himself reveals he has shot and killed a man, prompting T. X. to rush to his aid.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Detection
The chapter centers on police investigation into Kara's mysterious background and fortified house, as well as the sudden crime reported by Lexman.
Wealth and Power
Kara's immense wealth allows him to build a fortress-like home and request special police privileges, while Lexman's financial troubles are noted as a possible motive for his actions.
Fear and Control
Kara lives in fear of assassination and seeks to control his environment through extreme security measures; T. X. and Sir George discuss the need to control potential violence in London.
Characters to notice
- T. X. Meredith
Assistant Commissioner of Police, known for his flippant and unconventional methods; berates Mansus, discusses Kara with Sir George, and receives a distress call from John Lexman.
- Superintendent Mansus
Inspector of metropolitan police, reprimanded by T. X. for failing to find information on Kara; leaves the office when Sir George arrives.
- Sir George Haley
Chief Commissioner of Police, concerned about Kara's potential blood feud and the security of London; discusses Kara's background and request for a private police line.
- Mr. Kara
Wealthy Greek who has taken a house in Cadogan Square; lives in a fortified room, fears assassination, and has requested a private police phone connection.
- John Lexman
Friend of T. X., recently involved in a Romanian gold swindle and appears financially troubled; calls T. X. to report that he has shot and killed a man.
Key passages
“Nothing is to be found!”
There is nothing to discover.
T. X. expresses frustration at Mansus's lack of results in the investigation.
“you’re a pie!”
You are incompetent or foolish.
T. X. uses his characteristic colorful language to insult Mansus.
“People with lots of money seldom get hung. You only get hung for wanting money.”
Rich people rarely face execution; poverty is what leads to the gallows.
T. X. makes a cynical observation about wealth and justice.
“I have shot a man, killed him!”
I have shot and killed someone.
John Lexman's urgent confession to T. X. over the phone.