The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
The Escape explained
T.
What happens
T. X. Meredith secures a release order for John Lexman after discovering key evidence, but upon arriving at Dartmoor prison, he learns that Lexman has already escaped via an aeroplane. The chapter also reveals Kara's suspicious activities and Mrs. Lexman's sudden departure.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Detection
T. X. and Mansus piece together evidence including the revolver, threatening letter, and chemical paper.
Crime and Punishment
Lexman's escape from Dartmoor highlights the tension between justice and evasion.
Deception and Appearances
Kara's absence and Mrs. Lexman's sudden departure suggest hidden motives and deceit.
Characters to notice
- T. X. Meredith
Obtains release order and travels to Dartmoor, only to find Lexman has escaped.
- Superintendent Mansus
Accompanies T. X. to Devonshire and assists in the investigation.
- John Lexman
Escapes from Dartmoor prison via aeroplane before his release order arrives.
- Grace Lexman
Reported to have left her flat on Sunday with two bags, acting excited.
- Mr. Kara
Suspected of visiting Vassalaro's landlord and is out of town; implicated in the plot.
- Mr. Vassalaro
His revolver and threatening letter draft are found, providing evidence against Lexman.
Key passages
“You are wasting your young life. You ought to be a fortune teller.”
T. X. sarcastically tells Kara's manservant that his evasive answers would suit a fortune teller.
Shows T. X.'s frustration with Kara's disappearance.
“By Jove! What an excellent way for a man to escape!”
T. X. remarks that an aeroplane is a perfect escape method.
Foreshadows Lexman's escape by air.
“Thank the Lord!—that is the man who escaped!”
The prison governor is relieved that the escaped prisoner is the same one T. X. has a release order for.
Irony of the release order arriving after the escape.