The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
V explained
Six months after John Lexman's conviction, T.
What happens
Six months after John Lexman's conviction, T. X. Meredith continues his investigation, searching for the missing revolver that could exonerate Lexman. He and Superintendent Mansus discover a second set of lodgings belonging to the murdered man Vassalaro, where they find a hidden packet wrapped in tin foil. Meanwhile, T. X. has maintained a strained friendship with Kara, who attempted to have him fired but was appeased by an apology. T. X. reflects on the case and the lack of evidence that led to Lexman's fifteen-year sentence.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
T. X. persists in seeking justice for John Lexman, believing him innocent despite the conviction, while the legal system has failed to find the missing revolver.
Deception and Appearances
Kara maintains a facade of friendship with T. X. despite having attempted to have him fired, and T. X. reciprocates with a false apology to further his investigation.
Mystery and Detection
The discovery of Vassalaro's second lodgings and the hidden packet wrapped in tin foil advances the detective work, as T. X. methodically searches for clues.
Characters to notice
- T. X. Meredith
Continues investigating Lexman's case, searching for the missing revolver and discovering a hidden packet in Vassalaro's second lodgings.
- Superintendent Mansus
Brings news of Vassalaro's second address in Great James Street, leading to the discovery of a hidden packet.
- John Lexman
Serving a fifteen-year sentence; T. X. remains determined to find evidence for his pardon.
- Mr. Kara
Attempted to have T. X. fired but accepted an apology; now maintains a friendly relationship with T. X., hosting him at Hever Court.
- Grace Lexman
Living in a London flat arranged by T. X., supported by her own income and royalties from the trial's publicity.
- Sir George Haley
Chief Commissioner who discusses Kara's attempt to have T. X. fired and invites T. X. to lunch.
Key passages
“Two people believed implicitly in the story, and a sympathetic Home Secretary had assured T. X. personally that if he could find the revolver and associate it with the murder beyond any doubt, John Lexman would be pardoned.”
Only two people believed Lexman's account, but the Home Secretary promised T. X. that if he could find the revolver and prove it was linked to the murder, Lexman would be freed.
Highlights the slim hope for Lexman's pardon and the importance of the missing revolver.
“Kara was a vain man, immensely conscious of his good looks, conscious of his wealth. He had behaved most handsomely, for not only had he accepted the apology, but he left nothing undone to show his desire to create a good impression upon the man who had so grossly insulted him.”
Kara, being vain and wealthy, accepted T. X.'s apology and went out of his way to impress him, even arranging a private theater performance.
Reveals Kara's vanity and his strategic effort to win over T. X. despite their past conflict.