The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
The Return of John Lexman explained
John Lexman returns to Scotland Yard to surrender himself, meeting T.
What happens
John Lexman returns to Scotland Yard to surrender himself, meeting T. X. Meredith and the Chief Commissioner. They discuss his pardon and future plans. Meanwhile, a mysterious phone call from Kara's residence leads T. X., Mansus, and a detective to break into Kara's room, where they find him murdered.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Detection
The chapter focuses on the police investigation into Kara's murder, including breaking into his locked room and discovering the body.
Justice and Injustice
Lexman's return and anticipated pardon highlight themes of justice, while Kara's murder raises questions about retribution.
Characters to notice
- T. X. Meredith
T. X. welcomes Lexman back and leads the investigation into Kara's death.
- John Lexman
Lexman returns to London, surrenders to police, and expresses no grief over Kara's potential fate.
- Superintendent Mansus
Mansus is present at Scotland Yard and accompanies T. X. to Kara's house.
- Sir George Haley
The Chief Commissioner discusses Lexman's pardon and accompanies the group to Kara's residence.
- Fred Fisher
Fisher is Kara's servant who lets the police in and provides information about Kara's habits.
- Mr. Kara
Kara is found murdered in his bedroom, lying half on and half off the bed with a bloodstained wound above his heart.
Key passages
“If you would care to come in, sir, I’m sure Lexman would be glad to see you,” said T. X. ; “it’s very kind of you to take an interest in the matter.”
T. X. invites the Chief Commissioner to meet Lexman, thanking him for his concern.
T. X. facilitates Lexman's meeting with the police chief.
“I hope to leave London next week for New York and take up such of the threads of life as remain. The greater thread has gone.”
Lexman plans to move to New York to rebuild his life after losing his wife.
Lexman expresses his intention to start anew after Grace's apparent death.
“If anything happened to Kara,” he said slowly, “if the worst that was possible happened to him, believe me I should not weep.”
Lexman says he would feel no sorrow if Kara were dead.
Lexman reveals his deep resentment toward Kara.