 Chapter 1 of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace 1875-1932 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 1 of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace The 415 from Victoria to Lewis had been held up at Three Bridges in consequence of a derailment and, though John Lexman was fortunate enough to catch a related connection to Vest and Tracy, the wagonet which was the sole communication between the village and the outside world had gone. If you can wait half an hour, Mr. Lexman, said the stationmaster, I will telephone up to the village and get Briggs to come down for you. John Lexman looked out upon the gripping landscape and shrugged his shoulders. I'll walk, he said shortly, and, leaving his bag in the stationmaster's care and buttoning his macintosh to his chin, he stepped forth resolutely into the rain to negotiate the two miles which separated the tiny railway station from little Tracy. The downfall was incessant and likely to last through the night. The high hedges on either side of the narrow road were so many leafy cascades. The road itself was in place is ankle-deep in mud. He stopped under the protecting cover of a big tree to fill and light his pipe and with its bold turn downward continued his walk. But for the driving rain which searched every crevice and found every chink in his waterproof armour, he preferred indeed welcomed the walk. The road from Vest and Tracy to Little Besten was associated in his mind with some of the finest situations in his novels. It was on this road that he conceived the Tilbury mystery. Between the station and the house he had woven the plot which had made Gregory Sandish the most popular detective story of the year, for John Lexman was a maker of cunning plots. If in the literary world he was regarded by superior persons as a writer of shockers, he had a large and increasing public who were fascinated by the wholesome and thrilling stories he wrote and who held on restlessly to the skin of mystery until they came to their denouement he had planned. But no thought of books or plots or stories filled his troubled mind as he strode along the deserted road to Little Besten. He had had two interviews in London, one of which under ordinary circumstances would have filled him with joy. He had seen TX and TX was TX Meredith who would one day be Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department and was now an Assistant Commissioner of Police engaged in the more delicate work of that department. In his erratic, tempestuous way TX had suggested the greatest idea for a plot that any author could desire. But it was not of TX that John Lexman thought as he breasted the hill on the slope of which was the tiny habitation known by the somewhat magnificent title of Besten Priory. It was the interview he had had with the Greek on the previous day which filled his mind and he frowned as he recalled it. He opened the little wicket gate and went through the plantation to the house doing his best to shake off the recollection of the remarkable and unedifying discussion he had had with the moneylender. Besten Priory was little more than a cottage though one of its walls was an indubitable relic of that establishment which a pious Howard had erected in the 13th century. A small and unpretentious building built in the Elizabethan style with quaint gavels and high chimneys its lattice windows and sunken gardens, its rosary and its tiny meadow gave it a certain menorial completeness which was a source of great pride to its owner. He passed under the thatched porch and stood for a moment in the broad hallway as he stripped his drenching macintosh. The halls in darkness Grace would probably be changing for dinner and he decided that in his present mood he would not disturb her. He passed through the long passage which led to the big study at the back of the house. A fire burnt readily in the old-fashioned grate and the snug comfort of the room brought a sense of ease and relief. He changed his shoes and lit the table lamp. The room was obviously a man's den. The leather-covered chairs, the big and well-filled bookcase which covered one wall of the room. The huge solid oak writing desk covered with books and half-finished manuscripts spoke unmistakably of its owner's occupation. After he had changed his shoes he refilled his pipe, walked over to the fire and stood looking down into its glowing heart. He was a man a little above medium height, slimly built, with a vreds of shoulder which was suggestive of the athlete. He had indeed rode four in his vote and had fought his way into the semi-finals of the amateur boxing championship of England. His face was strong, lean, yet well moulded. His eyes were grey and deep, his eyebrows straight and a little forbidding. The clean shaven mouth was vegan generous and the healthy tan of his cheek told of a life lived in the open air. There was nothing of the recluse or the student in his appearance. He was in fact a typical, healthy-looking Britisher, very much like any other man of his class whom one would meet in the mess room of the British Army, in the ward rooms of the fleet or in the far-off posts of the Empire, where the administrative cogs of the great machine are to be seen at work. There was a little tap at the door and before he could say come in it was pushed open and Grace Lexman entered. If you described her as brave and sweet you might secure from that brief description both her manner and her charm. He half crossed the room to meet her and kissed her tenderly. I didn't know you were back until, she said, linking her arm in his, until you saw the horrible mess my Macintosh has made, he smiled. I know your methods, Watson. She laughed but became serious again. I'm very glad you've come back. We have a visitor, she said. He raised his eyebrows. A visitor, whoever came down on a day like this. She looked at him a little strangely. Mr. Cara, she said. Cara? How long has he been here? He came at four. There was nothing enthusiastic in her tone. I can't understand why you don't like old Cara, rallied her husband. There are very many reasons, she replied, a little curtly for her. Anyway, said John Lexman after a moment's thought, his arrival is rather opportune. Where is he? He is in the drawing room. The friary drawing room was a low-ceiling, rambling apartment, all old print and chrysanthemums to use Lexman's description. Cozy armchairs, a grand piano and almost medieval open grate faced with dull green tiles. A well-worn but cheerful carpet and two big silver candelabras were the principal features that attracted the newcomer. There was in this room a harmony, a quiet order and a soothing quality which made it a haven of rest to a literary man with jagged nerves. Two big bronze bowls were filled with early violets, another blaze like a pale sun with trim roses and the early woodland flowers filled the room with a faint fragrance. A man rose to his feet as John Lexman entered and crossed the room with an easy carriage. He was a man possessed of singular beauty of face and of figure. Half a head taller than the author, he carried himself with such a grace as to conceal his height. I missed you in town, he said, so I thought I'd run down on the off-chance of seeing you. He spoke in the well-modulated tone of one who had had a long acquaintance with the public schools and universities of England. There was no trace of any foreign accent, yet Remington Cara was a Greek and had been born and partly educated in the more turbulent area of Albania. The two men shook hands warmly. You'll stay to dinner. Cara glanced round with a smile at Grace Lexman. She sat uncomfortably upright, her hands loosely folded on her lap, her face devoid of encouragement. If Mrs. Lexman doesn't object, said the Greek, I should be pleased if you would, she said almost mechanically. It is a horrid night and you won't get anything worth eating this side of London, and I doubt very much, she smiled a little, if the meal I can give you will be worthy of that description. What you can give me will be more than sufficient, he said, with a little vow, and turn to her husband. In a few minutes they were deep in a discussion of books and places, and Grace seized the opportunity to make her escape. From books in general to Lexman's books in particular, the conversation flowed. I've read every one of them, you know, said Cara. John made a little face. Poor devil, he said sardonically. On the contrary, said Cara, I not to be pitted, there is a great criminal lost in you, Lexman. Thank you, said John. I am not being uncomplementary, am I, smiled the Greek. I am merely referring to the ingenuity of your plots. Sometimes your books baffle and annoy me. If I cannot see the solution of your mysteries before the book is half through, it angers me a little. Of course, in the majority of cases I know the solution before I have reached the fifth chapter. John looked at him in surprise and was somewhat peaked. I flatter myself it is impossible to tell how my stories will end until the last chapter, he said. Cara nodded. That would be so in the case of the average reader, but you forget that I am a student. I know every little thread of the clue which you leave exposed. You should meet T.X. said John with a laugh as he rose from his chair to poke the fire. T.X. T.X. Meredith. He is the most ingenious beggar you could meet. We were at chaos together and he is by way of being a great pal of mine. He is in the criminal investigation department. Cara nodded. There was the light of interest in his eyes and he would have pursued the discussion further, but at the moment dinner was announced. It was not a particularly cheerful meal because Grace did not as usual join in the conversation and it was left to Cara and to her husband to supply the deficiencies. She was experiencing a curious sense of depression, a premonition of evil which she could not define. Again and again in the course of the dinner she took her mind back to the events of the day to discover the reason for her unease. Usually when she had adopted this method she came upon the trivial causes in which the apprehension was born, but now she was puzzled to find that a solution was denied her. Her letters of the morning had been pleasant, neither the house nor the servants had given her any trouble. She was well herself and she knew John had a little money trouble since his unfortunate speculation in Romanian gold shares and she half suspected that he had had to borrow money to make good his losses. Yet his prospects were so excellent and the success of his last book so promising that she, probably seeing with a clearer vision the unimportance of those money worries was less concerned about the problem than he. You will have your coffee in the study, I suppose, said Grace, and I know you'll excuse me. I have to see Mrs. Chandler on the mundane subject of laundry. She favoured Cara with a little nod as she left the room and touched John's shoulder lightly with her hand in passing. Cara's eyes followed her graceful figure until she was out of view. Then, I want to see you, Cara, said John Nexman, if you will give me five minutes. You can have five hours if you like, said the other easily. They went into the study together. The maid brought the coffee and liqueur and placed them on a little table near the fire and disappeared. For a time the conversation was general. Cara, who was a frank admirer of the comfort of the room and who lamented his own inability to secure with money the coziness which John had obtained at that little cost, went on a foraging expedition whilst his host applied himself to a proof which needed correcting. I suppose it is impossible for you to have electric light here, Cara asked. Quiet, replied the other. Why? I rather like the light of this lamp. It isn't the lamp, draws the Greek and made a little grimace. I hate these candles. There was a hand to the mantle shelf where the six tall white waxen candles stood out from two wool sconces. Why on earth do you hate candles? Asked the other in surprise. Cara made no reply for the moment but shrugged his shoulders. Presently he spoke. If you were ever tied down to a chair and by the side of that chair was a small keg of black powder and stuck in that powder with a small candle that burnt lower and lower every minute. My God! John was amazed to see the perspiration stand upon the forage of his guest. That sounds thrilling, he said. The Greek white is foraged with a silk handkerchief and his hand shook a little. It was something more than thrilling, he said. And when did this occur? asked the author curiously. In Albania replied the other. It was many years ago but the devils are always sending me reminders of the fact. He did not attempt to explain who the devils were or under what circumstances he was brought to this unhappy past but changed the subject definitively. Sauntering round the cozy room he followed the bookshelf which filled one wall and stopped now and again to examine some title. Suddenly he drew forth a stout volume. Wild Brazil, he read by George Gathacole. Do you know Gathacole? John was filling his pipe from the big blue jar on his desk and nodded. Met him once a taciturn devil very short of speech and like all men who have seen and done things less inclined to talk about himself than any man I know. Dora looked at the book with a thoughtful packer of brow and turned the leaves idly. I've never seen him, he said as he replaced the book yet in a sense his new journey is on my behalf. The other man looked up. On your behalf? Yes, you know he has gone to Patagonia for me. He believes there is gold there. You will learn as much from his book on the mountain systems of South America. I was interested in his theories and corresponded with him. As a result of that correspondence he undertook to make a geological survey for me. I sent him money for his expenses and he went off. You never saw him! asked John Lexman, surprised. Kara shook his head. That was not, began his host. Not like me you were going to say. Frankly it was not but then I realised that he was an unusual kind of man. I invited him to dine with me before he left London and in reply he received a wire from Southampton intimating that he was already on his way. Lexman nodded. It must be an awfully interesting kind of life, he said. I suppose he will be away for quite a long time. Three years said Kara continuing his examination of the bookshelf. I envy those fellows who run round the world writing books, said John puffing reflectively at his pipe. They have all the best of it. Kara turned. He stood immediately behind the author and the other could not see his face. There was however in his voice an unusual earnestness and an unusual quiet remnants. What have you to complain about? he asked with that little drawl of his. You have your own creative work the most fascinating branch of labour that comes to a man. He, poor Vega, is bound to actualities. You have the full range of all the worlds which your imagination gives to you. You can create men and destroy them call into existence fascinating problems mystify and baffle ten or twenty thousand people and then at a word elucidate your mystery. John laughed. There was something in that, he said. As for the rest of your life Kara went on in a lower voice I think you have that which makes life worth living an incomparable wife. Lexman swung round in his chair and met the other's gaze and there was something in the set of the other's hands from face which took his breath away. I do not see he began Kara smiled. That was an impertinence wasn't it he said banteringly but then you mustn't forget my dear man that I was very anxious to marry your wife I don't suppose it is secret and when I lost her I had ideas about you which are not pleasant to recall he recovered his self-possession and had continued his aimless stroll about the room you must remember I am a Greek and the modern Greek is no philosopher you must remember too that I am a petty child of fortune and have had everything I wanted since I was a baby you are a fortunate devil said the other turning back to his desk and taking up his pen for a moment Kara did not speak then he made as though he would say something checked himself and laughed I wonder if I am he said and now he spoke with a sudden energy what is this trouble you are having with Vasalaro? John rose from his chair and walked over to the fire stood gazing down into its depths his legs wide apart his hands clasped behind him Kara took his attitude to supply an answer to the question I warned you against Vasalaro he said stooping by the other side to light his cigar with a spill of paper my dear Lexman my fellow countrymen are unpleasant people to deal with in certain moods he was so obliging at first said Lexman after himself and now he is so disobliging that is the way which money lenders have my dear man you are very foolish to go to him at all I could have lent you the money there were reasons why I should not borrow money from you said John quietly and I think you yourself have supplied the principal reason when you told me just now what I already knew that you wanted to marry Grace how much is the amount? asked Kara examining his well manicured fingernails £2,500 replied John with a short laugh and I haven't 2,500 shillings at this moment will he wait? John Lexman shrugged his shoulders look here Kara he said suddenly don't think I want to reproach you but it was through you that I met Vasalaro so you know the kind of man he is Kara nodded well I can tell you has been very unpleasant indeed said John with a frown I had an interview with him yesterday in London and it is clear that he is going to make a lot of trouble I depended upon the success of my play in town giving me enough to pay him off and I very foolishly made a lot of promises of repayment which I have been unable to keep I see said Kara does Mrs. Lexman know about this matter? a little said the other he paced restlessly up and down the room his hands behind him and his chin upon his chest naturally I have not told her the worst or how beastly unpleasant the man has been he stopped and turned do you know he threatened to kill me? he asked Kara smiled I can tell you it was no laughing matter said the other angrily I nearly took the little whippersnapper by the scruff of her neck and kicked him Kara dropped his hand on the other's arm I am not laughing at you he said I am laughing at the thought of Vasalaro threatening to kill anybody he is the biggest coward in the world what on earth induced him to take this drastic step he said he is being hard pushed for money and it is possibly true he was beside himself with anger and anxiety otherwise I might have given the little blagga the thrashing he deserved Kara who continued his stroll came down the room and halted in front of the fireplace looking at the young author with a paternal smile you don't understand Vasalaro he said I repeat he is the greatest coward in the world you will probably discover he is full of firearms and threats of slaughter but you have only to click a revolver to see him collapse you have a revolver by the way oh nonsense said the other roughly I can't engage myself in that kind of melodrama it is not nonsense insisted the other when you are in Rome etc and when you have to deal with a low class Greek you must use methods which at least impress him if you thrash him he will never forgive you and will probably stick a knife into you or your wife if you meet his melodrama with melodrama and at the psychological moment produce your revolver you will secure the effect you require have you a revolver John went to his desk and pulling open the drawer took out a small browning that is the extent of my armory he said it has never been fired and it was sent to me by an unknown admirer last Christmas a curious Christmas present said the other examining the weapon I suppose the mistaking donor imagined from my books that I lived in a veritable museum of revolvers swordsticks and noxious drugs said Laxman recovering some of his good humour it was accompanied by a card do you know how it works asked the other I never troubled very much about it replied Laxman I know that it is loaded by slipping back the cover but as my admirer did not send ammunition I never even practiced with it there was a knock at the door that is the post explained John the mate had one letter on the solver and he also took it up with a frown from Vassalaro he said when the girl had left the room the Greek took the letter in his hand and examined it he writes a vile fist was his only comment as he handed it back to John he slit open the sinbuff envelope and took out half a dozen sheets of yellow paper only a single sheet of which was written upon the letter was brief I must see you tonight without fail round the scroll meet me at the crossroads between Best and Tracy and the Eastbourne Road I shall be there at eleven o'clock and if you want to preserve your life you'd better bring me a substantial instalment it was signed Vassalaro John read the letter aloud he must be mad to write a letter like that he said I'll meet the little devil and teach him such a lesson in politeness as he is never likely to forget he handed the letter to the other and Cara read in silence better take your revolver he said as he handed it back John Lexman looked at his watch I have an hour yet but it will take me the best part of twenty minutes to reach the Eastbourne Road will you see him ask Cara in a tone of surprise certainly Lexman replied emphatically I cannot have him coming up to the house and making a scene and that is certainly what the little beast will do will you pay him ask Cara softly John made no answer there are probably ten pounds in the house and a check which was due on the morrow will bring him another thirty pounds he looked at the letter again it was written on paper of an unusual texture the surface was rough almost like blotting paper and in some places the ink absorbed by the porous surface had run the blank sheets had evidently been inserted by a man in so violent a hurry that he had not noticed the extravagance I shall keep this letter said John I think you are well advised Vastalara probably does not know that he transgresses a law in writing threatening letters and that should be a very strong weapon in your hand in certain eventualities there was a tiny safe in one corner of the study and this John opened with a key which he took from his pocket he pulled open one of the steel drawers took out the papers which were in it and put in their place the letter pushed the drawer too and locked it by the time Carl was watching him intently as one who found more than an ordinary amount of interest in the novelty of the procedure he took his leave soon afterwards I would like to come with you to your interesting meeting but unfortunately I have business elsewhere let me join you to take your revolver and at the first sign of any bloodthirsty intention on the part of my admirable compatriot produce it and click it once or twice you won't have to do more Grace rose from the piano as Cara entered the little drawing room and murmured a few conventional expressions of regret that the visitors stay had been so short that there was no sincerity in that regret Cara, for one, had no doubt he was a man singularly free from illusions they stayed talking a little while I will see if your chauffeur is asleep, said John and went out of the room there was a little silence after he had gone I don't think you are very glad to see me, said Cara his frankness was a little embarrassing to the girl and she flushed slightly I'm always glad to see you, Mr. Cara or any other of my husband's friends, he said steadily he inclined his head to be a friend of your husband is something, he said and then, as if remembering something I wanted to take a book away with me I wonder if your husband would mind my getting it I will find it for you don't let me bother you, he protested I know my way without waiting for her permission he left the girl with the unpleasant feeling that he was taking rather much for granted he was gone less than a minute and returned with a book under his arm I had not asked Lexman's permission to take it, he said but I am rather interested in your thought oh, here you are, he turned to John who came in at that moment might I take this book on Mexico, he asked I will return it in the morning they stood at the door watching the taillight of the motor disappear down the drive and returned in silence to the drawing room you look worried dear, she said laying a hand on his shoulder he smiled faintly is it the money, she asked anxiously for a moment he was tempted to tell her of the letter he startled the temptation, realising that she would not consent to his going out if she knew the truth it is nothing very much, he said I have to go down to Western Tracy to meet the last train I am expecting some proofs down he hated lying to her and even an innocuous lie of this character was repugnant to him I am afraid you have had a dull evening, he said Kara was not very amusing she looked at him thoughtfully he has not changed very much, she said slowly he is a wonderfully handsome chap isn't he he asked in a tone of admiration I can't understand what you ever saw in a fellow like me when you had a man who was not only rich but possibly the best looking man in the world she shivered a little I had seen aside that Mr. Kara that is not particularly beautiful, she said oh John, I am afraid of that man he looked at her in astonishment afraid, he asked good heavens Grace, what a thing to say why I believe he'd do anything for you that is exactly what I am afraid of she said in a low voice she had a reason which she did not reveal she had first met Remington Kara in Salonica two years before she had been doing a tour through the Balkans with her father it was the last tour the famous archaeologist made and had met the man who was fated to have such an influence upon her life as a dinner given by the American consul many were the stories which were told about this Greek with his jove like face his handsome carriage and his limitless wealth it was said that his mother was an American lady who had been captured by Albanian brigands and who was sold to one of the Albanian chiefs who fell in love with her and for her sake became a Protestant he had been educated at Yale and at Oxford and was known to be the possessor of vast wealth and was virtually king of a hill district forty miles out of Giurazzo here he reigned supreme occupying a beautiful house which he had built by an Italian architect the paintings and appointments of which had been imported from the luxurious centres of the world in Albania they called him Kara Rumo which meant the Black Roman for no particular reason so far as anyone could judge for his skin was as fair as the Saxons and his close cropped curls were almost golden he had fallen in love with Grace Terrell at first his attentions had amused her and then there came a time when they frightened her for the man's fire and fashion had been unmistakable she made it plain to him that he could base no hopes upon her returning his love and in the scene which she even now shudder to recall he had revealed something of his wild and reckless nature on the following day she did not see him but two days later when returning through the Bazaar from a dance which had been given by the Governor General a carriage was stopped she was forcibly dragged from its interior and her cries were stifled with a cloth impregnated with a scent of a peculiar aromatic sweetness her assailants were about to thrust her into another carriage when a party of British blue jackets who had been on leave came upon the scene and without knowing anything of the nationality of the girl had rescued her in her heart of heart she did not doubt Kara's complicity in this medieval attempt to gain a wife but of this adventure she had told her husband nothing until her marriage she was constantly receiving valuable presents which she as constantly returned to the only address she knew Kara's estate at Lamarzo a few months after her marriage she had learned through the newspapers that this leader of Greek society had purchased a big house near Cadogan Square and then to her amazement and to her dismay Kara had scraped an acquaintance with her husband even before the honeymoon was over his visits had been happily few but the growing intimacy between John and this strange undisciplined man had been a source of constant distress to her should she at this the 11th hour tell her husband all her fears and her suspicions she debated the point for some time and never was she nearer taking him into her complete confidence than she was as he sat in the big armchair by the side of the piano a little drawn of face more than a little absorbed in his own meditations had he been less worried she might have spoken as it was she turned the conversation to his last work the big mystery story which if it would not make his fortune would mean a considerable increase to his income at a quarter to 11 he looked at his watch and rose she helped him on with his coat he stood for some time irresolutely is there anything you have forgotten she asked he asked himself whether he should follow Kara's advice in any circumstance it was not a pleasant thing to meet a ferocious little man who had threatened his life and to meet him unarmed was tempting providence the whole thing was of course ridiculous but it was ridiculous that he should have borrowed and it was ridiculous that the borrowing should have been necessary and yet he had speculated on the best of advice it was Kara's advice the connection suddenly occurred to him and yet Kara had not directly suggested that he should buy Romanian gold shares but had merely spoken glowingly of their prospects he thought a moment and then walked back slowly into the study pulled open the drawer of his desk took out the sinister little browning and slipped it into his pocket I shan't be long dear, he said and kissing the girl he strode out into the darkness Kara set back in the luxurious depths of his car humming a little tune as the driver picked his way cautiously over the uncertain road the rain was still falling and Kara had to rub the windows free of the mist which had gathered on them to discover where he was from time to time he looked out as though he expected to see somebody and then with a little smile he remembered that he had changed his original plan and that he had fixed the waiting room of Louis Junction as his rendezvous here it was that he found a little man muffled up to the ears in a big top coat standing before the dying fire he started as Kara entered and at a signal followed him from the room the stranger was obviously not English his face was solo and peaked his cheeks were hollow and the beard he wore was irregular almost unkempt Kara led the way to the end of the dark platform before he spoke you have carried out my instructions, he asked briskly the language he spoke was Arabic and the other answered him in that language everything you have ordered has been done, Effendi, he said humbly you have a revolver the man nodded and patted his pocket loaded? Excellency asked the other in surprise what is the use of a revolver if it is not loaded? you understand you are not to shoot this man said Kara you are merely to present the pistol to make sure you'd better unload it now wonderingly the man obeyed and clicked back the ejector I will take the cartridges said Kara holding out his hand he slipped the little cylinders into his pocket and after examining the weapon returned it to its owner you will threaten him he went on present the revolver straight at his heart you need do nothing else the man shuffled uneasily I would do as you say Effendi he said but there are no buts replied the other harshly you are to carry out my instructions without any question what will happen then you shall see I shall be at hand that I have a reason for this play be assured but suppose he shoots persisted the other uneasily he will not shoot said Kara easily besides his revolver is not loaded now you may go you have a long walk before you you know the way the man nodded I have been over it before he said confidently Kara returned to the big limousine which had drawn up some distance from the station take a word or two to the chauffeur in Greek and the man touched his hat end of chapter one the clue of the twisted candle by Edgar Wallace this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter two Assistant Commissioner of Police T. X. Meredith did not occupy offices in New Scotland Yard it is the peculiarity of public offices that they are planned with the idea of supplying the margin of space above all requirements and that on their completion they are found wholly inadequate to house the various departments which mysteriously come into progress coincident with the building operations T. X. as he was known by the police forces of the world had a big suite of offices in Whitehall the house was an old one facing the board of trade and the inscription on the ancient door told passersby that this was the public prosecutor special branch the duties of T. X. were multifarious people said of him and like most public gossip this was probably untrue that he was the head of the illegal department of Scotland Yard if by chance you lost the keys of your safe T. X. could supply you so popular rumour ran with a burglar who could open that safe in half an hour if there dwelt in England a notorious individual against whom the police could collect no scintilla of evidence to justify a prosecution and if it was necessary for the good of the community that person should be deported it was T. X. who arrested your obnoxious person hustled him into a cab and did not loose his hold upon his victim until he had landed him on the indignant shores of another wise friendly power it is very certain that when the minister of a tiny power which shall be nameless was suddenly recalled by his government and brought to trial in his native land for putting into circulation furious bombs it was somebody from the department which T. X. controlled who burgled his excellency's house burnt the locks from his safe and secured the necessary incriminating evidence I say it is fairly certain and here I am merely forcing the opinion of very knowledgeable people indeed heads of public departments who speak behind their hands mysterious undersecretaries of state who discuss things in whispers in the remote corners of their club rooms and the more frank views of American correspondents who had no hesitation in putting those views into print for the benefit of their readers that T. X. had a more legitimate occupation we know for it was that flippant man whose outrageous comment on the Home Office Administration is popularly supposed to have sent one home secretary to his grave who traced the Depford murderers through a labyrinth of perjury and who brought to books the Julius Wadlite though he had covered his trail of defalcation through the balance sheets of 34 companies on the night of March the 3rd T. X sat in his inner office interviewing a disconsolate inspector of metropolitan police named Mansus in appearance T. X conveyed the impression of extreme youth for his face was almost boyish and it was only when you looked at him closely and saw the little creases about his eyes the setting of his straight mouth that you guessed he was on the way to 40 in his early days he had been something of a pert and had written a slight volume of Woodland's lyrics the mention of which at this later stage was sufficient to make him feel violently unhappy in manner he was tactful but persistent his language was at times marked by a violent extravagance and he had had the distinction of having provoked by certain correspondence which has seen the light the comment of a former home secretary that it was unfortunate that Mr. Meredith did not take his position with the seriousness which was expected from a public official his language was as I say under great provocation violent and unusual he had a trick of using words which never were on land or sea and illustrating his instruction or his admonition with the quaintest phraseology now he was tilted back in his office chair at an alarming angle scowling at his distressed subordinate who sat on the edge of a chair at the other side of his desk but TX protested the inspector there was nothing to be found it was the outrageous practice of Mr. Meredith to insist upon his associates calling him by his initials a practice which should earn disapproval in the highest quarters nothing is to be found he repeated rothfully curious Mike he sat out with a suddenness which caused the police officer to start back in alarm listen said TX grasping a knife, repapering a knife savagely in his hand and tapping his blotting pad to emphasise his words you're a pie I'm a policeman said the other patiently a policeman exclaimed the exasperated TX you're worse than a pie you're a slut I'm afraid I should never make a detective of you he shook his head sorrowfully at the smiling Mansus who had been in the police force when TX was a small boy at school you are neither wise nor wily you combine the innocence of a baby with the grubbiness of a county parson you ought to be in the choir at this outrageous insult Mr. Mansus was silent what he might have said or what further provocation he might have received may never be known for at that moment the chief himself walked in the chief of the police in these days was a grey man rather tired with a hawk nose and deep eyes that glared under shaggy eyebrows and he was a terror to all men of his department save to TX who respected nothing on earth and very little elsewhere he nodded curtly to Mansus well TX he said what have you discovered about our friend Kara he turned from TX to the discomforted inspector very little said TX I've had Mansus on the job and you've found nothing eh? growled the chief he has found all that it is possible to find said TX we do not perform miracles in this department Sir George nor can we pick up the threads of a case at five minutes notice Sir George Haley grunted Mansus has done his best the other went on easily but it is rather absurd to talk about one's best when you know so little of what you want Sir George dropped heavily into the armchair and stretched out his long thin legs what I want, he said looking up at the ceiling and putting his hands together is to discover something about one Remington Kara a wealthy Greek who has taken a house in Cadogan Square who has no particular position in London society and therefore has no reason for coming here who openly expresses his detestation of the climate who has a magnificent estate in Songwab placed in the Balkans who is an excellent horseman a magnificent shot and a passable aviator TX nodded to Mansus and with something of gratitude in his eyes the inspector took his leave now Mansus has departed said TX sitting himself on the edge of his desk and selecting with great care a cigarette from the case he took from his pocket let me know something of the reason for this sudden interest in the great ones of the earth Sir George smiled grimly I have the interest which is the interest of my department he said that is to say I want to know a great deal about abnormal people we have had an application from him he went on which is rather unusual apparently he is in fear of his life from some cause or other and wants to know if he can have a private telephone connection between his house and the central office we told him that he could always get the nearest police station on the phone but that doesn't satisfy him he has made bad friends with some gentleman of his own country who sooner or later he thinks will cut his throat TX nodded all this I know he said patiently if you will further unfold the secret dossier Sir George I am prepared to be thrilled there is nothing thrilling about it growl the older man rising but I remember the Macedonian shooting case in south London and I don't want a repetition of that sort of thing if people want to have blood feuds let them take them outside the metropolitan area by all means said TX let them personally I don't care where they go but if that is the extent of your information I can supplement it he has had extensive alterations made to the house he bought in Cadogan Square the room in which he lives is practically a safe Sir George raised his eyebrows a safe he repeated TX nodded a safe he said its walls are burglar-proof floor and roof are reinforced concrete there is one door which in addition to its ordinary lock is closed by a sort of steel latch which he lets fall when he retires for the night and which he opens himself personally in the morning the window is unreachable there are no communicating doors and altogether the room is planned to stand a siege the chief commissioner was interested any more he asked let me think said TX looking up at the ceiling yes the interior of his room is plainly furnished there is a big fireplace rather an ornate bed a steel safe built into the wall and visible from its outer side to the policeman who beat is in that neighborhood how do you know all this? asked the chief commissioner because I've been in that room said TX simply having by an underhand trick succeeded in gaining the misplaced confidence of Kara's housekeeper who by the way he turned round to his desk and scribbled a name on the lotting pad will be discharged tomorrow and must be found a place is there any... began the chief? funny business interrupted TX? not a bit house and man are quite normal safe for these eccentricities he has announced his intention of spending three months of the year in England and nine months abroad he's very rich, has no relations and has a passion for power then he'll be hung said the chief rising I doubt it said the other people with lots of money fill them get hung you only get hung for wanting money then you are in some danger TX smiled the chief for according to my account you'll always roar or less broke a genial rival said TX but talking about people being broke I saw John Lexman today you know him? the chief commissioner nodded I have an idea he's rather hit for money he was in the Romanian gold swindle and by his general gloom which only comes to a man when he's in love and he can't possibly be in love since he's married or when he's in debt I fear that he's still feeling the effect of that rosy adventure a telephone bell in the corner of the room rang sharply and TX picked up the receiver he listened intently a trunk haul he said over his shoulder to the departing commissioner it may be something interesting a little pause and a horse voice spoke to him is that you TX? that's me said the assistant commissioner commonly it's John Lexman speaking I shouldn't have recognised your voice said TX what is wrong with you John can't you get your plot to went I want you to come down here at once said the voice urgently and even over the telephone TX recognised the distress I have shot a man killed him TX gasped god lord he said you are a silly ass end of chapter 2 chapter 3 of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Peter Tomlin chapter 3 in the early hours of the morning a tragic little party was assembled in the study at Best and Priory John Lexman White and Haggard sat on the sofa with his wife by his side a media authority as represented by a village constable was on duty in the passage outside whilst TX sitting at the table with a writing pad and a pencil was briefly noting evidence the author had sketched the events of the day he had described his interview with the Moneylander the day before and the arrival of the letter you have the letter John Lexman nodded I am glad of that said the other with a sigh of relief that will save you from a great deal of unpleasantness my poor old chap tell me what happened afterwards I reached the village said John Lexman and passed through it there was nobody about still falling very heavily and indeed I didn't meet a single soul all the evening I reached the place of point about five minutes before time it was the corner of Eastbourne Road on the station side and there I found Vasalaro waiting I was rather ashamed of myself at meeting him at all under these conditions but I was very keen on his not coming to the house for I was afraid it would upset Grace all the more ridiculous was this infernal pistol which was in my pocket vanging against my side with every step I took as though to nudge me to an understanding of my folly where did you meet Vasalaro asked TX he was on the other side of Eastbourne Road and crossed the road to meet me at first he was very pleasant though a little agitated but afterward he began to behave in a most extraordinary manner as though he was lashing himself up into a fury which he didn't feel I promised him a substantial amount on account but he grew worse and worse and then suddenly before I realised what he was doing he was brandishing a revolver in my face and uttering the most extraordinary threats then it was I remembered Cara's warning Cara said TX quickly a man I know and who is responsible for introducing me to Vasalaro he is immensely wealthy TX said TX go on I remembered this warning the other proceeded and I thought it worth while trying it out to see if it had any effect upon the little man I pulled the pistol from my pocket and pointed it at him but then only seemed to make it and then I pressed the trigger to my horror four shots exploded before I could recover sufficient self-possession to loosen my hold of the butt he fell without a word the revolver and out by his side I could tell he was dangerously wounded and indeed I knew at that moment that nothing would save him my pistol had been pointed in the region of his heart he shuddered dropping his face into his hands and the girl by his side encircling his shoulder with a protecting arm murmured something in his ear presently he recovered he wasn't quite dead I heard him murmur something but I wasn't able to distinguish what he said I went straight to the village and told the constable and had the body removed TX rose from the table and walked to the door and opened it come in, constable, he said and when the man made his appearance I suppose you were very carefully removing this body and you took everything which was lying about in the immediate vicinity yes sir replied the man I took his hat in his walking stick if that's what you mean and the revolver asked TX the man shook his head there weren't any revolver sir except the pistol which Mr. Lexman had he fumbled in his pocket and pulled it out gingerly and TX took it from him I look after your prisoner you go down to the village get any help you can and make a most careful search in the place where this man was killed and bring me the revolver which you will discover you'll probably find it in a ditch by the side of the road I'll give a sovereign to the man who finds it the constable touched his hat and went out it looks rather a weird case to me said TX as he came back to the table can't you see the unusual features yourself Lexman it isn't unusual for you to owe money and it isn't unusual for the usurer to demand the return of that money but in this case he's asking for it before it was due and further than that he was demanding it with threats it is not the practice of the average moneylenders to go after his clients with a loaded revolver another peculiar thing is that if he wished to blackmail you that is to say bring you into contempt in the eyes of your friends why did he choose to meet you in a dark and unfrequented road and not in your house where the moral fresher would be greatest also why did he write you a threatening letter which would certainly bring him into the grip of the law and would have saved you a great deal of unpleasantness if he had decided upon taking action he tapped his white teeth with the end of his pencil and then suddenly I think I'll see that letter he said so far and was unlocking the still draw in which he had placed the incriminating document his hand was on the key when TX noticed a look of surprise on his face what is it? asked the detective suddenly this draw feels very hot said John he looked round as though to measure the distance between the safe and the fire TX laid his hand upon the front of the draw it was indeed warm open it said TX and Lexman turned the key and pulled the draw open as he did so the whole contents burst up in a quick blaze of flame it died down immediately and left only a little coral smoke that flowed from the safe into the room don't touch anything inside said TX quickly he lifted the draw carefully and placed it under the light in the bottom was no more than a few crumpled white ashes and a blister of paint the flame had caught the side I see said TX slowly he saw something more than the handful of ashes he saw the deadly peril in which his friend was standing here was one half of the evidence in Lexman's favour gone irredeemably the letter was written on a paper which was specially prepared by a chemical process which disintegrated the moment the paper was exposed to the air probably if you had delayed putting the letter in the draw another five minutes you would have seen it burn before your eyes as it was it smoldered before you had turned the key of the box the envelope Kara burnt it so Lexman in a low voice I remember seeing him take it from the table and throw it in the fire TX nodded there remains the other half of the evidence he said grimly and when an hour later the village constable returned to report that in spite of his most careful search he'd failed to discover the dead man's revolver his anticipations were realised the next morning John Lexman was lodged in Lewis jail on a charge of willful murder a telegram bought Manson from London to Beston Tracy and TX received him in the library I sent for you Manson's because I suffer from the illusion that you have more brains than most of the people in my department and that's not saying much I am very grateful to you sir for putting me right with a commissioner began Manson's but TX stopped him it is the duty of every head of department he said oraculally to shield the incompetence of his subordinates by the adoption of some such method that the decences of the public life can be observed now get down to this he gave a sketch of the case from start to finish in as brief a space of time as possible the evidence against Mr. Lexman is very heavy he said he borrowed money from this man and on the man's body were found particulars of the very promissory note which Lexman signed why he should have brought it with him I cannot say anyhow I doubt very much whether Mr. Lexman will get a jury to accept his version our only chance is to find the greeks revolver I don't think there's any very great chance but if we are to be successful we must make a search at once before he went out he had an interview with Grace the dark shadows under her eyes told of a sleepless night she was unusually pale and surprisingly calm there are one or two things I ought to tell you she said as she led the way into the drawing room closing the door behind him and they concerned Mr. Cara I think said TX she looked at him startled how did you know that I know nothing he hesitated on the brink of a flipping claim of omniscience but realising in time the agony she must be suffering he checked his natural desire I really know nothing he continued but I guess a lot and that was as near to the truth as you might expect TX to reach on the spur of the moment she began without preliminary in the first place I must tell you that Mr. Cara once asked me to marry him and for reasons which I will give you I am dreadfully afraid of him she described without reserve the meeting at Solonica and Cara's extravagant rage an attempt which had been made upon her does John know this asked TX she shook her head sadly I wish I had told him now she said oh how I wish I had she rung her hands in an ecstasy of sorrow and remorse TX looked at her sympathetically then he asked did Mr. Cara ever discuss your husband's financial position with you never how did John Lexman meet Vassalaro I can tell you that she answered the first time we met Mr. Cara in England was when we were staying at Babacome on a summer holiday which was really a prolongation of our honeymoon Mr. Cara came to stay at the same hotel I think Mr. Vassalaro must have been there before at any rate they knew one another and after Cara's introduction to my husband the rest was easy can I do anything for John she asked piteously TX shook his head so far as your story is concerned I don't think you will advantage him by telling it there is nothing whatever to connect Cara with this business and you would only give your husband a great deal of pain I'll do the best I can he held out his hand and she grasped it and somehow at that moment they came to TX Meredith a new faith and a greater determination than ever to solve this troublesome mystery he found mansus waiting for him in a car outside in a few minutes they were at the scene of the tragedy a curious little knot of spectators had gathered looking for morbid interest at the place where the body had been found there was a local policeman on duty and to him was deputed the ungracious task of warning his fellow villagers to keep their distance the ground had already been searched very carefully the two roads crossed almost at right angles and at one corner of the cross thus formed the hedges were broken admitting to a field which had evidently been used as a pasture by an adjoining dairy farm some rough attempts had been made to close the gap with barbed wire but it was possible to step over the drooping strands with little or no difficulty it was to this gap that TX devoted his principal attention all the fields had been carefully examined without result the four drains which were merely the connecting parts between ditches at the sides of the crossroads had been swept out and only the broken hedge and its tangle of bushes behind offered any prospect of the new search being rewarded hello said mansus suddenly and stooping down he picked up something from the ground TX took it in his hand it was unmistakably a revolver cartridge he marked the spot where it had been found by jamming his walking stick into the ground and continued his search but without success I am afraid we shall find nothing more here said TX after half an hour's further search he stood with his chin in his hand a frown on his face mansus he said suppose there were three people here next one the money lender and a third witness and suppose this third person for some reason unknown was interested in what took place between the two men and he wanted to watch unobserved isn't it likely that if he as I think instigated the meeting he would have chosen this place because this particular hedge gave him a chance of seeing without being seen mansus thought he could have seen just as well from either of the other hedges with less chance of detection he said after a long pause TX grinned the makings of a brain he said admiringly I agree with you always remember that mansus that there was one occasion in your life when TX noticed and you thought alike mansus smiled a little feebly of course from the point of view of the observer this was the worst place possible so whoever came here if they did come here dropping revolver bullets about must have chosen the spot because it was get-assable from another direction obviously he couldn't come down the road and climb him without attracting the attention of the Greek who was waiting for Mr. Lexman we may suppose there is a gate farther along the road we may suppose that he entered that gate came along the field by the side of the hedge and that somewhere between here and the gate he threw away his cigar his cigar said mansus in surprise his cigar repeated TX if he was alone he would keep his cigar alight until the very last moment he might have thrown it into the road said mansus don't jibber said TX and led the way along the hedge from where they stood they could see the gate which led onto the road about a hundred yards further on within a dozen yards of that gate TX found what he had been searching for a half-smoked cigar it was sodden with rain and he picked it up tenderly a good cigar if I am any judge he said cut with a pen knife and smoked through a holder they reached the gate and passed through here they were on the road again and this they followed until they reached another crossroad that to the left inclining southwards to the new eastbourne road and that to the westward looking back to the lewis eastbourne railway the rain had obliterated much that TX was looking for but presently he found a faint indication of a car wheel this is where she turned and backed he said and walked slowly to the road on the left and this is where she stood there is the grease from her engine he stooped down and moved forward in the attitude of a Russian dancer and here are the wax matches which the chauffeur struck he counted one two three four five six allow three for each cigarette on a boisterous night like last night that makes three cigarettes here is the cigarette end mansus goldflake brand as he examined it carefully and the goldflake brand smoked for twelve minutes in normal weather but about eight minutes in gusty weather a car was here for about 24 minutes what do you think of that, mansus? a good bit of reasoning TX said the other calmly if it happens to be the car you are looking for I am looking for any old car said TX he found no other trace of car wheels though he carefully followed up the little lane until it reached the main road after that it was hopeless to search because rain had fallen in the night and in the early hours of the morning he drove his assistant to the railway station in time to catch the train at one o'clock to London you will go straight to Cadogan Square and arrest the chauffeur of Mr. Cara he said upon what charge asked mansus hurriedly when it came to the step which TX thought fit to take in the pursuance of his duty mansus was beyond surprised you can charge him with anything you like said TX with fine carelessness probably something will occur to you on your way up to town as a matter of fact the chauffeur has been called unexpectedly away to Greece and has probably left by this morning's train for the continent if that is so we can do nothing because the boat will have left over and will have landed him at Boulogne but if by any luck you get him keep him busy until I get back TX himself was a busy man that day and it was not until night was falling that he again turned to Bessen Tracy to find a telegram waiting for him he opened it and read chauffeur's name Goul, formerly waiter English club Constantinople left for east by early train this morning his mother being ill his mother ill said TX contemptuously how very feeble I should have thought Cara could have gone one better than that he was in John Lexman's study as the door opened and the maid announced Mr Remington Cara End of Chapter 3 Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 4 of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 4 TX folded the telegram very carefully and slipped it into his waistcoat pocket he favoured the newcomer with a little bow and taking upon himself the honours of the establishment pushed a chair to his visitor I think you know my name said Cara easily I am a friend of poor Lexman's so I am told said TX but don't let your friendship for Lexman prevent your sitting down for a moment the Greek was non-plussed and then with a little smile and bow he seated himself by the writing table I am very distressed at this happening he went on and I am more distressed because I feel that as I introduce Lexman to this unfortunate man I am in a sense responsible if I were you said TX leaning back in the chair and looking half questioningly and half honestly into the face of the other I shouldn't let that fact keep me awake at night most people are murdered as a result of an introduction the cases where people murder total strangers are singularly rare that I think is due to the insularity of our national character again the other was taken aback and puzzled by the flippancy of the man for whom he had fetched at least the official manner when did you see Mr. Vassilaro last asked TX pleasantly Kauru raised his eyes as though considering I think it must have been nearly a week ago think again said TX for a second the Greek started and again relaxed into a smile I am afraid he began don't worry about that said TX but let me ask you this question you were here last night when Mr. Lexman received the letter that he did receive a letter there is considerable evidence he said as he saw the other hesitate because we have the supporting statements of the servant and the postman I was here said the other deliberately and I was present when Mr. Lexman received the letter TX nodded a letter written on some brownish paper and rather bulky he suggested again there was that momentary hesitation I would not swear to the colour of the paper or as to the bulk of the letter he said I should have thought you would suggested TX because you see you burnt the envelope and I presumed you would have noticed that I have no recollection of burning any envelope said the other easily as any rate TX went on when Mr. Lexman read this letter out to you to which letter are you referring to Mr. Lexman Mr. Lexman received a threatening letter repeated TX patiently which he read out to you and which was addressed to him by Vassalaro this letter was handed to you and you also read it Mr. Lexman to your knowledge put the letter in his safe in a steel drawer the other shook his head smiling gently I'm afraid you've made a great mistake he said almost apologetically I have no recollection of him receiving a letter I did not read it nor was it read to me the eyes of TX narrowed to the very slips and his voice became metallic and hard and if I put you into the box will you swear that you did not see that letter nor read it nor have it read to you and that you have no knowledge whatever of such a letter having been received by Mr. Lexman no certainly said the other Cooley would you swear that you have not seen Vassalaro for a week certainly smiled the Greek that you did not in fact see him last night persisted TX and interview him on the station platform at Lewis that you did not after leaving him continue on your way to London and then turn your car and return to the neighborhood of Best and Tracy the Greek was white to the lips but not a muscle of his face moved will you also swear continued TX inexorably that you did not stand at the corner of what is known as Miter's Lot and re-enter a gate near to the side where your car was and that you did not watch the whole tragedy and swear to that car's voice was strained and cracked would you also swear as to the hour of your arrival in London during the reason of 10 or 11 said the Greek TX smiled would you swear that you did not go through Guilford at half past 12 and pull up to replenish your petrol the Greek had now recovered his soft possession and rose you are a very clever man Mr. Meredith I think that is your name that is my name said TX calmly there has been no need for me to change it as often as you have found the necessity he saw the fire blazing in the other's eyes and knew that his shot had gone home I am afraid I must go said Cara I came here intended to see Mrs. Lacksman and I had no idea that I should meet a policeman my idea Mr. Cara said TX rising and lighting a cigarette you will go through life enduring that unhappy experience what do you mean just what I say you will always be expecting to meet one person and meeting another and unless you are very fortunate indeed that other will always be a policeman his eyes twinkled for he had recovered from the gust of anger which had swept through him there are two pieces of evidence I require to save Mr. Lacksman from very serious trouble the first of these is the letter which was burnt you know yes said Cara TX lent across the desk how did you know? he snapped somebody told me I don't know who it was that's not true replied TX nobody knows except myself and Mrs. Lacksman but my dear good fellow said Cara pulling on his gloves you've already asked me whether I didn't burn the letter I said envelope said TX with a little laugh and you were going to say something about the other clue the other is the revolver said TX Mr. Lacksman's revolver drawled the Greek that we have said TX shortly what we want is the weapon which the Greek had when he had threatened Mr. Lacksman there I'm afraid I cannot help you Cara walked to the door and TX followed I think I will see Mrs. Lacksman I think not said TX the other turned with a sneer have you arrested her too he asked pull yourself together said TX coarsely he escorted Cara to his waiting limousine you have a new chauffeur tonight I observe he said Cara towering with rage stepped dangerously into the car if you are writing to the other you might give him my love and make most tender inquiries after his mother I particularly asked this Cara said nothing until the car was out of earshot then he lay back on the down cushions and abandoned himself to a paroxysm of rage and blasphemy End of Chapter 4 Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 5 of the clue of the twisted candle by Edgar Wallace this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 5 6 months later TX Meredith was laboriously tracing an elusive line which occurred on an ordnance map of Sussex when the chief commissioner announced himself so George described TX as the most wholesome corrective a public official could have and never missed an opportunity of meeting his subordinate as he said for this reason what are you doing there he growled the lesson this morning said TX without looking up is maps so George passed behind his assistant and looked over his shoulder that is a very old map you have got there he said 1876 I suppose the course of a number of interesting little streams in this neighbourhood which have been lost sight of for one reason or the other by the gentleman who made the survey at a later period I am perfectly sure that in one of these streams I shall find what I am seeking you haven't given up hope then in regard to Lexman I shall never give up hope said TX until I am dead and possibly not then let me see what did he get 15 years 15 years repeated TX and a very fortunate man to escape with his life so George walked to the window and stared out on a busy white hall and told you are quite friendly with Kara again TX made a noise which might be taken to indicate his ascent to the statement I suppose you know that gentleman has made a very heroic attempt to get you fired he said I shouldn't wonder, said TX I made as heroic an attempt to get him hung and one good turn deserves another what did he do, see ministers and people? he did, said Sir George he's a silly ass responded TX I can understand all that the chief commissioner turned round but what I cannot understand is your apology to him there are so many things you don't understand Sir George said TX that I despair of ever cataloging them you are an insolent cub come to lunch where will you take me asked TX cautiously to my club I'm sorry said the other with elaborate politeness I have lunch once at your club need I say more he smiled as he worked after his chief had gone to the next section of Kara's profound astonishment and the gratification he strove so desperately to disguise Kara was a vain man immensely conscious of his good looks conscious of his wealth he had behaved most handsomely for not only had he accepted the apology but he left nothing undone to show his desire to create a good impression upon the man who had so grossly insulted him TX had accepted an invitation to stay a weekend at Kara's little place in the country and had found there assembled everything that the heart could desire in the way of fellowship eminent politicians who might conceivably be of service to an ambitious young assistant commissioner of police beautiful ladies to interest and amuse him Kara had even gone to the lengths of engaging a theatrical company Sweet Lavender and for this purpose the big ballroom at Hever Court had been transformed into a theatre as he was undressing for bed that night TX remembered that he had mentioned to Kara that Sweet Lavender was his favourite play and he realised that the entertainment was got up especially for his benefit in a score of other ways Kara had endeavoured to consolidate the friendship he gave the young commissioner advice about a railway company which was operating in Asia Minor and the shares of which stood a little below par TX thanked him for the advice and did not take it nor did he feel any regret when the shares rose £3 in as many weeks TX had super intended the disposal of Best and Priory he had the furniture removed to London and had taken a flat for Grace Lexman he had a small income of her own and this added to the large rortes which came to her as she was bitterly conscious in increasing volume as a result of the publicity of the trial placed her beyond fear of want 15 years remember TX as he worked and whistled there had been no hope for John Lexman from the start he was in debt to the man he killed his story of threatening letters was not substantiated and flourished at him had never been found two people believed implicitly in the story and a sympathetic home secretary assured TX personally that if he could find the revolver and associate it with the murder beyond any doubt John Lexman would be pardoned every stream in the neighbourhood had been dragged in one case a small river had been downed and the bed had been carefully dried and sifted and TX had tried methods more effective and certainly less legal a mysterious electrician had called at 456 Cadogan Square in Cara's absence and he was armed with such indisputable authority that he was permitted to penetrate the Cara's private room in order to examine certain fitments Cara returning next day thought no more of the matter when it was reported to him until going to his safe that night that it had been opened and ransacked as it happened most of Cara's valuable and confidential possessions were at the bank in a fret of panic and at considerable cost he had the safe removed and another put in its place of such potency that the makers offered to indemnify him against any loss from burglary TX finished his work, washed his hands and was drying them when Manchester came bursting into the room it was not unusual for Manchester to burst into anywhere he was a slow methodical painstaking man with a deliberate and an official manner what's the matter? asked TX quickly we didn't search Vasilaro's lodgings cried Manus breathlessly it just occurred to me as I was coming over Westminster Bridge I was on top of a bus wake up said TX you're amongst friends and cut all this bus stuff out of course we searched Vasilaro's lodgings no we didn't sir said the other triumphantly he lived in Great James Street he lived in the Adelphi corrected TX there were two places where he lived said Manus when did you learn this? asked the chief dropping his flippancy this morning I was on a bus coming across Westminster Bridge and there were two men in front of me and I heard the word Vasilaro and suddenly I pricked up my ears it was very unnatural but proceed said TX one of the men a very respectable person said that chap Vasilaro used to lodge in my place and I still got a lot of his things what do you think I ought to do? and you said suggested the other I nearly frightened his life out of him said Manus I said I'm a police officer and I want you to come along with me and of course he shut up and would not say another word said TX that's true said Manus but after a while I got him to talk Vasilaro lived in Great James Street 604 on the third floor in fact some of his furniture is still there he had a good reason for keeping two addresses by all accounts TX nodded wisely what was her name he asked he had a wife said the other but she left him about four months before he was killed he used the Adelphi address for business purposes and apparently he slept two or three nights of the week at Great James Street I told the man to leave everything as it is and that we will come round ten minutes later the two officers were in the somewhat gloomy apartments which Vasilaro had occupied the landlord explained that most of the furniture was his but there were certain articles which were the property of the deceased man he added somewhat unnecessarily that the late tenant owed him six months rent the articles which have been the property of Vasilaro included a tin trunk a small writing bureau a secretary bookcase and a few clothes the secretary was locked as was the writing bureau the tin box which had little or nothing of interest was unfastened the other locks needed very little attention without any difficulty Manus opened both the leaf of the bureau went let down the desk and piled up inside was a whole mass of letters opened and unopened accounts, notebooks and all the paraphernalia which an untidy man collects letter by letter TX went through the accumulation without finding anything to help him then his eye was attracted to a small tin case thrust into one of the oblong pigeon holes at the back of the desk this he pulled out an open and found a small water paper wrapped in tin foil hello hello said TX and he was pardonably exhilarated End of Chapter 5 Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 6 of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter 6 A man stood in the speckless courtyard in his house at Darkmore Jail he wore the ugly livery of shame which marks the convict his head was clipped short and there were two days' growth of beard upon his haggard face standing with his hands behind him he worked it for the moment when he would be ordered to his work John Lexman AO43 looked up at the blue sky as he had looked up so many times from the exercise-yard and wondered what the day would bring forth a day to him was the beginning and the end of an eternity he dare not let his mind dwell upon the long aching years ahead he dare not think of the woman he left or let his mind dwell upon the agony which she was enduring he had disappeared from the world, the world he loved and the world that knew him and all that there was in life all that was worthwhile had been crushed and obliterated into the granite of the Princeton quarry and its wide horizon shrunken by the gaunt moorland with its menacing tours new interest made up his existence the quality of the food was one the character of the book he would receive from the prison library another the future meant Sunday chapel the present whatever task they found him for the day he was to paint some doors and windows of an outlying cottage a cottage occupied by a warder who for some reason on the day previous had spoken to him with a certain kindness and a certain respect which was unusual faced the wall, growl the voice and mechanically he turned his hand still behind him and stood staring at the grey wall of the prison store-house he heard the shuffling feet of the quarry-gang his ears caught the clink of the chains which bound them together they were desperate men peculiarly interested in him and he had watched their faces furtively in the early period of his imprisonment he'd been sent to Dartmoor after spending three months in wormwood scrubs old hands had told him variously that he was fortunate or unlucky it was usual to have twelve months at the scrubs before testing the life of a convict establishment he believed there was some talk of sending him to Parkhurst and here he traced the influence which TX would exercise for Parkhurst was the prisoner's paradise he heard his warder's voice behind him right turn forty-three quick march he walked ahead of the armed guard through the great and gloomy gates of the prison turned sharply to the right and walked up the village street towards the moors beyond the village of Princeton and on the Tavistock Road where were two or three cottages which had been lately taken by the prison staff and it was to the decoration of one of these that A043 had been sent the house was as yet without a tenant a paper hanger under the charge of another warder was waiting for the arrival of the painter the two warders exchanged greetings and the first went off and the other in charge of both men for an hour they worked in silence under the eyes of the guard presently the warder went outside and John Lexman had an opportunity of examining his fellow sufferer he was a man of 24 or 25 life and alert by no means bad looking he lacked the indefinable suggestion of animalism which distinguished the majority of the inhabitants at Dartmoor they waited until they heard the warder step clear the passage and until the iron-shod boots were tramping over the cobbled path which led from the door through the tiny garden to the road before the second man spoke what are you in for he asked in a low voice murder said John Lexman iconically he had answered the question before and had noticed with a little amusement the look of the speck which came into the eyes of the questioner what have you got said the other that means 11 years and 9 months said the first man you've never been here before I suppose hardly said Lexman's riding I was here when I was a kid confessed to paper hanger I am going out next week John Lexman looked at him enviously had the man told him that he had inherited a great fortune and a greater title his envy would not have been so genuine going out the drive in the break to the station the ride to London increased but comfortable clothing free as the air at liberty to go to bed and rise when he liked to choose his own dinner to answer no call say the call of his conscience to see he checked himself what are you in for he asked in self defence conspiracy and fraud said the other cheerfully I was put away by a woman after three of us had got clear with 12,000 pounds damn rough luck wasn't it John nodded it was curious he thought how sympathetic one grows with these exponents of crime one naturally adopts their point of view and sees life through their distorted vision I bet I'm not given away with the next lot the prisoner went on I've got one of the biggest ideas I've ever had and I've got a really good man to help me John asked John in surprise the man jerked his head in the direction of the prison Larry Green he said briefly he's coming out next month too and we are all fixed up proper we're going to get the pile and then we're off to South America and you won't see us for dust though he employed all the colloquialisms which were common his tone was that of a man of education and yet there was something in his address which told John as clearly as though the man had confessed as much that he'd never occupied any social position in life the water step on the stones outside reduced them to silence suddenly his voice came up the stairs 43 he called sharply I want you down here John took his paint pot and brush and went clattering down the uncarpeted stairs where's the other man asked the water in a low voice he's upstairs in the back room the water stepped out of the door and looked left and right coming up from Prince Town was a big grey car put down your paint pot he said his voice was shaking with excitement I am going upstairs when that car comes abreast of the gate ask no questions and jump into it get down into the bottom and pull a sack over you and do not get up until the car stops the blood rushed to John Lexman's head and he staggered my god he whispered do as I tell you is the water like an automation John put down his brushes and walked slowly to the gate the grey car was crawling up the hill and the face of the driver was half enveloped in a big rubber mask through the two great goggles John could see little to help him identify the man as the machine came up to the gate he leapt into the tonneau and sank instantly to the bottom as he did so he felt the car leap forward underneath him night was going fast now faster night rocked and swayed as it gathered speed he felt it sweeping down hill and uphill and once he heard a hollow rumble as it crossed a wooden bridge he could not detect from his hiding place in what direction they were going but he gathered they had switched off to the left and were making for one of the wildest parts of the moor never once did he feel the car slag in its pace until with a grind of brakes it stopped suddenly get out cellar voice John Lexman threw off the cover and leapt out and as he did so the car turned and sped back the way it had come for a moment he thought he was alone and looked around far away in the distance he saw the grey bulk of Flintstown jail it was an accident that he should see it but it so happened that a ray of the sun fell a thwart it and threw it into relief he was alone on the moors where could he go he turned he turned at the sound of a voice he was standing on the slope of a small tour at the foot there was a smooth stretch of green suede it was on this stretch that the people of Dartmoor held their pony races in the summer months there was no sign of horses but only a great duck-like machine without stretched pinions of torqued white canvas and by that machine a man clad from head to foot in brown overalls stumbled down the slope as he neared the machine he stopped and gasped Karra, he said and the brown man smiled but I do not understand what are you going to do, asked Lexman when he had recovered from his surprise I'm going to take you to a place of safety, said the other I have no reason to be grateful to you as yet Karra, breathed Lexman a word from you could have saved me I could not lie my dear Lexman and honestly I forgot an existence of the letter if that is what you're referring to but I'm trying to do what I can for you and for your wife my wife, she is waiting for you said the other he turned his head listening across the moor came the dull, sullen boom of a gun you haven't time for argument they discovered your escape, he said get in Karra followed this is a self-starter, he said one of the newest models of monoplanes he clipped over a lever and with a roar the big three-bladed tractor screw spun the aeroplane moved forward with a jerk, ran with increasing gate for a hundred yards and then suddenly the jerky progress ceased the machine swayed gently from side to side and looking over the passenger saw the ground recede beneath him up they climbed in one long sweeping ascent passing through the drifting clouds till the machine soared like a bird above the blue sea John Lexman looked down he saw the indentations of the coast and recognized the fringe of white houses that stood for Torquay but in an incredibly short space of time all signs of the land were blotted out talking was impossible the roar of the engines defied penetration Karra was evidently a skilful pilot from time to time he consulted the compass on the board before him and changed his course ever so slightly presently he released one hand from the driving wheel and scribbling on a little block of paper which was inserted in a pocket at the side of the seat he passed it back John Lexman read if you cannot swim there is a life belt under your seat John nodded Karra was searching the sea for something he found it viewed from the height at which they flew it looked no more than a white speck in a great blue saucer but presently the machine began to dip falling at a terrific rate of speed which took away the breath of the man who was hanging on with both hands to the dangerous seat behind he was deadly cold but had hardly noticed the fact it was also incredible so impossible he expected to wake up and wondered if the prison was also part of the dream now he saw the point for which Karra was making a white steam yacht long and narrow of beam was steaming slowly westward he could see the feathery wake in her rear and as the airplane fell he had time to observe that a boat had been put off then with a jerk the monoplane flattened out and came like a skimming bird to the surface of the water her engine stopped we ought to be able to keep a float for ten minutes said Karra at that time they will pick us up his voice was high and harsh in the almost painful silence which followed the stoppage of the engines in less than five minutes the boat had come alongside man, as Lexman gathered from a glimpse of the crew by Greeks his grandfather bored and five minutes later he was standing on the white deck of the yacht watching the disappearing tail of the monoplane Karra was by his side fifteen hundred pounds said the Greek with a smile add that to the two thousand I paid the water and you have a tidy sum but some things are worth all the money in the world End of chapter six Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter seven of The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by Peter Tomlinson Chapter seven T. X came down from Downing Street at eleven o'clock one night and his heart was filled with joy and gratitude he swung his stick to the common danger of the public but the policeman on point duty at the end of the street who saw him, recognised and saluted him did not think it fit to issue any official warning he ran up the stairs to his office and found Mansus reading the evening paper my poor dumb beast said T. X I am afraid I have kept you waiting for a very long time but tomorrow you and I will take a little journey to Devonshire it will be good for you Mansus where did you get that ridiculous name by the way M or N replied Mansus I repeat that there is the dawn of an intellect he knew said T. X offensively he became more serious as he took from a pocket inside his waistcoat a long blue envelope containing the paper which had cost him so much to secure finding the revolver was a master stroke of yours, Mansus he said and he was in earnest as he spoke the man coloured with pleasure for the subordinates of T. X loved him and a word of praise was almost equal to promotion it was on the advice of Mansus that the road from London to Lewis had been carefully covered and such streams as past beneath that road had been searched the revolver had been found after the third attempt between Gatric and Horsley his identification was made easier by the fact that Vassillaro's name was engraved on the butt it was rather an ornate affair and in its earlier days had been silver-plated was of mother a pearl also the gift of one brigand to another was T. X's comment armed with this his task would have been fairly easy but when to his evidence he added a rough draft of the threatening letter which he had found amongst Vassillaro's belongings and which had evidently been taken down at dictation since some of the words were misspelled and had been corrected by another hand the case was complete but what clinched the matter was the finding of a wad of that peculiar chemical paper a number of sheets of which T. X had ignited for the information of the chief commissioner and the home secretary by simply exposing them for a few seconds to the light of an electric lamp instantly it had filled the home secretary's office with a pungent and most disagreeable smoke for which he was heartily cursed by his superiors but it had rounded off the argument he looked at his watch I wonder if it is too late to see Mrs. Lexman he said I don't think any hour would be too late suggested Mansus you shall come and shuffle on me said his superior but a disappointment awaited Mrs. Lexman was not in and neither the ringing out of electric bow nor vigorous applications to the knocker brought any response the whole quarter of the flats where she lived was under the impression that Mrs. Lexman had gone out of town she frequently went out on Saturdays and returned on the Monday and he thought occasionally on Tuesdays it happened that this particular night was a Monday night and T. X was faced with a dilemma the night porter who had only the vaguest information on the subject thought that the day porter might know more and aroused him from his sleep yes Mrs. Lexman had gone she went on the Sunday an unusual day to pay a weekend visit and she had taken with her two bags the porter ventured the opinion that she was rather excited but when asked to define the symptoms relapsed into a chaos of incoherent you know and what I means I don't like this said T. X suddenly does anybody know that we have made these discoveries? nobody outside the office said Mansus unless unless what? asked the other irritably jimp Mansus get it off your mind what is it? I'm wondering said Mansus slowly if the landlord at Great James Street said anything he knows we have made a search we can easily find that out said T. X they held a taxi and drove to Great James Street that respectable thoroughfare was wrapped in sleep and it was some time before the landlord could be aroused recognising T. X he checked his sarcasm he had prepared for a keyless lodger and led the way into the drawing room he didn't tell me not to speak about it Mr. Meredith he said in an aggrieved tone and as a matter of fact I have spoken to nobody except the gentleman who called the same day what did he want? asked T. X he said he had only just discovered that Mr. Vassalaro had stayed with me and he wanted to pay whatever it was due what like a man was he? asked T. X the brief description that the man gave sent a cold chill to the commissioner's heart Cara for a duck at he said and swore long and variously Cadigan Square he ordered his ring was answered promptly Mr. Cara was out of town had indeed been out of town since Saturday this much the man serving explained with a suspicious eye upon his visitors remembering that his predecessor had lost his job from a too confiding friendliness with spurious electric fitters he did not know where Mr. Cara would return perhaps it would be a long time and perhaps a short time he might come back that night or he might not you are wasting your young life said T. X bitterly you ought to be a fortune teller this settles the matter he said in the cab on the way back find out the first train for Tabistock in the morning and wire the George hotel to have a car waiting why not go to night suggested the other there is the midnight train it is rather slow but it would get you there by six or seven in the morning too late he said unless you can invent a method of getting from here to Paddington in about fifty seconds the morning journey to Devonshire was a dispiriting one despite the kindness of the day T. X has an uncomfortable sense that something distressing had happened the run across the moor in the fresh spring air revived him a little as they spun down to the valley of the dark Mansa's touched his arm look at that he said and pointed to the blue heavens where a mile above their heads a white winged airplane looking no larger than a very distant dragonfly shimmered in the sunlight by Joe said T. X what an excellent way for a man to escape it's about the only way said Mansa's the significance of the airplane was born in upon T. X a few minutes later when he was held up by an armed guard a glance at his card was enough to pass him what is the matter he asked a prisoner has escaped said the sentry escaped by airplane asked T. X I don't know anything about airplane sir all I know is that one of the working party got away the car came to the gates of the prison and T. X sprang out followed by his assistant he had no difficulty in finding the governor a greatly perturbed man for an escape is a very serious matter the official was inclined to be brusque in his manner but again the magic card produced a soothing effect I am rather rattled said the governor one of my men has got away I suppose you know that and I am afraid another of your men is going away sir said T. X who had a curious reverence for military authority he produced his paper and laid it on the governor's table this is an order for the release of John Lexman convicted under sentence of 15 years penal servitude the governor looked at it dated last night he said and breathed a long sigh of relief thank the lord he is the man who escaped end of chapter 7 recording by Peter Tomlinson