# The Escape explained — The Clue of the Twisted Candle

> Chapter companion for The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se/chapters