The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Kara instructs his valet Fisher to detain the one-armed Gathercole if he arrives.
What happens
Kara instructs his valet Fisher to detain the one-armed Gathercole if he arrives. After Kara leaves, Fisher searches the study and bedroom, discovering that the Greek withdrew £6,000 in cash. Miss Holland, the secretary, sends Fisher out with a letter to T. X. Meredith, then uses duplicate keys to open Kara's safe. She finds a red morocco case she has been seeking for three months, but is caught by Kara as she exclaims triumphantly.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
Miss Holland's secret search of Kara's safe and her use of duplicate keys highlight the theme of hidden motives and false appearances.
Mystery and Detection
Fisher's covert investigation of Kara's papers and the discovery of the cash withdrawal, along with Miss Holland's clandestine search, build an atmosphere of detection and hidden secrets.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Kara
Gives instructions to Fisher about Gathercole, leaves the house, and later catches Miss Holland at his safe.
- Fred Fisher
Kara's valet who searches the study and bedroom, discovers the Greek's cash withdrawal, and is sent out with a letter to T. X. Meredith.
- Miss Holland
Kara's secretary who sends Fisher away, uses duplicate keys to open the safe, and finds a red morocco case before being caught by Kara.
- George Gathercole
Expected visitor with one arm; Kara instructs Fisher to detain him.
- Mrs. Beale
The maid/cook who complains about the cellar door and is sent out for stamps by Miss Holland.
Key passages
“I am paying you 3 pounds a week, I think. I intend increasing that to 5 pounds because you suit me most admirably.”
Kara offers to raise Miss Holland's salary from three to five pounds a week, praising her work.
Kara attempts to buy loyalty with a raise, but Miss Holland refuses.
“He lifted the latch to the hook which held it up, left the room, closing the door softly behind him.”
Fisher examined the heavy latch on Kara's bedroom door, then left the room quietly.
Fisher's inspection of the latch hints at its importance for security or later events.
“It was a square case covered in red morocco leather. She inserted her shaking hand and took it out with a triumphant little cry. 'At last,' she said aloud, and then a hand grasped her wrist and in a panic she turned to meet the smiling face of Kara.”
Miss Holland found the red morocco case she had been seeking, but as she cried out in triumph, Kara grabbed her wrist and smiled.
Climactic moment: Miss Holland's secret search ends in discovery by Kara.