The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
The Clue of the Twisted Candle explained
T.
What happens
T. X. Meredith arranges for John Lexman to deliver a lecture titled 'The Clue of the Twisted Candle' at Belinda Mary Bartholomew's rented house in Blackheath, where Lexman promises to reveal the murderer of Remington Kara. Meanwhile, T. X. investigates a knife found in a sewer, tracing it to Hussein Effendi, a Turkish merchant from Durazzo. The Turk confirms the knife is his but refuses to speak about the murder, citing fatalistic wisdom. T. X. also receives a telegram from the Foreign Office confirming Hussein Effendi's identity and movements.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Detection
T. X. methodically traces the murder weapon to its owner, while Lexman prepares to reveal the solution to Kara's murder.
Deception and Appearances
The Turk's calm demeanor and cryptic statements contrast with the violent crime, suggesting hidden truths.
Characters to notice
- T. X. Meredith
Arranges Lexman's lecture location and interrogates Hussein Effendi about the murder weapon.
- John Lexman
Agrees to lecture at Belinda Mary's house, promising to reveal the killer's identity.
- Belinda Mary Bartholomew
Requests that Lexman lecture at her rented Blackheath house and is added to the guest list.
- Hussein Effendi
Brought from Paris to identify the knife; confirms ownership but refuses to divulge details about the murder.
- The Tall Turk
Identified as Hussein Effendi; remains impassive during interrogation.
- Mr. Kara
Referenced as the murder victim; the Turk calls him 'the Black Roman' and 'the Greek.'
Key passages
“There is no clearer brain being employed in the business of criminal detection than John Lexman's.”
T. X. praises Lexman's intellect, claiming no one is better at solving crimes.
T. X. expresses high regard for Lexman's detective abilities.
“With this weapon a murder was committed in this town.”
T. X. states that the knife was used in a local murder.
T. X. confronts the Turk with the murder weapon.
“The wicked must die in the habitations of the just, by the weapons of the worthy shall the wicked perish.”
The Turk quotes a proverb suggesting that evil people are killed by righteous means in righteous places.
The Turk uses a philosophical saying to avoid incriminating himself.