# The Return of John Lexman explained — The Clue of the Twisted Candle

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se/chapters/xiii
- 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