The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
III explained
In the early hours after the shooting, John Lexman recounts the events to T.
What happens
In the early hours after the shooting, John Lexman recounts the events to T. X. Meredith at Beston Priory. Lexman describes meeting Vassalaro, the confrontation, and the accidental shooting. T. X. notes the missing revolver and the suspicious burning of the threatening letter, realizing the evidence against Lexman is mounting. He interviews Grace Lexman, who reveals Kara's past proposal and her fear of him. T. X. and Mansus search the crime scene, finding only a cartridge. The chapter ends with Lexman being charged with murder.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The mounting circumstantial evidence against Lexman and the destruction of the threatening letter suggest a potential miscarriage of justice.
Deception and Appearances
Grace's hidden past with Kara and the mysterious burning of the letter highlight how appearances can be deceiving.
Mystery and Detection
T. X. investigates the missing revolver, the cartridge, and the unusual circumstances of the shooting, setting up a detective puzzle.
Characters to notice
- John Lexman
Gives his account of the shooting, is visibly shaken and remorseful, and is later charged with murder.
- T. X. Meredith
Investigates the case, interviews Grace, searches the scene, and realizes the evidence against Lexman is heavily stacked.
- Grace Lexman
Reveals Kara's past proposal and her fear of him, expresses remorse for not telling John.
- Superintendent Mansus
Assists T. X. in the investigation, searches the crime scene and finds a cartridge.
- Mr. Kara
Mentioned as the man who introduced Lexman to Vassalaro and who once proposed to Grace; his warning to Lexman is recalled.
- Mr. Vassalaro
The victim, described as agitated and brandishing a revolver before being shot by Lexman.
Key passages
“The evidence against Mr. Lexman is very heavy... Our only chance is to find the Greek’s revolver”
T. X. acknowledges the strong case against Lexman and pins hope on finding the victim's missing revolver.
Highlights the pivotal missing evidence.
“I think there are one or two things I ought to tell you... they concern Mr. Kara”
Grace hints at a secret involving Kara, which she later reveals to T. X.
Foreshadows Kara's role in the plot.
“This drawer feels very hot... the whole contents burst up in a quick blaze of flame”
The threatening letter self-destructs when the drawer is opened, destroying key evidence.
Shows the deliberate destruction of evidence against Lexman.