# The Crooked Man explained — The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes > Chapter companion for The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. ## What happens Late one night, Sherlock Holmes visits Dr. Watson at his home and asks for his help in a case involving the death of Colonel James Barclay. Holmes explains that Mrs. Barclay is suspected of murder, but he believes the truth lies elsewhere. They travel to Aldershot and interview Henry Wood, a deformed man who reveals that he was once a soldier in India, in love with Nancy Devoy, who later married Barclay. Wood recounts how Barclay betrayed him during the Indian Mutiny, leading to his capture and torture. Years later, Wood returned and confronted Barclay, who died of apoplexy at the sight of him. The inquest confirms natural causes, and the case is closed. ## Themes in this chapter ### Secrecy and Deception Henry Wood's hidden past and the secret of Barclay's betrayal drive the plot, with Holmes uncovering the truth. ### Human Morality and Weakness Barclay's guilt over his past actions and Wood's struggle with revenge illustrate moral failings and redemption. ### Crime and Justice The investigation into Barclay's death questions who is guilty, ultimately revealing a natural death and a past injustice. ## Character check-ins ### Sherlock Holmes Visits Watson late at night to enlist his help in the Barclay case; interviews Henry Wood and deduces the truth. ### Dr. Watson Hosts Holmes overnight and accompanies him to Aldershot to investigate the death of Colonel Barclay. ### Henry Wood A former soldier, now deformed, who reveals his past with Nancy Devoy and Colonel Barclay, and confesses to being present at Barclay's death. ### Colonel Barclay The deceased; his death is investigated, and his past betrayal of Wood is uncovered. ### Mrs. Barclay Nancy Devoy, the wife of Colonel Barclay and former love of Henry Wood; suspected of murder but later cleared. ### Nancy Devoy The belle of the regiment in India, loved by both Wood and Barclay; later becomes Mrs. Barclay. ## Key lines > It was a just providence that killed him. But, mind you this, that if I had knocked his brains out, as it was in my heart to do, he would have had no more than his due from my hands. Henry Wood claims that Barclay's death was divine justice, but admits he would have killed him himself if given the chance. _Wood expresses his belief that Barclay deserved to die for his betrayal._ > The bare sight of me was like a bullet through his guilty heart. Wood says that Barclay died of shock upon seeing him, as if struck by a bullet. _Wood describes the immediate effect of his appearance on Barclay._ > That one word, my dear Watson, should have told me the whole story had I been the ideal reasoner which you are so fond of depicting. Holmes remarks that the word 'David' was a clue to the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, revealing Barclay's adultery. _Holmes explains the significance of the word 'David' in solving the case._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_memoirs_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters/the-crooked-man - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_memoirs_of_sherlock_holmes_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_memoirs_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters