1 00:00:01,100 --> 00:00:04,300 Adventure 7 in The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur 2 00:00:04,300 --> 00:00:07,100 Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in 3 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:12,700 the public domain. Adventure7, the adventure of 4 00:00:12,700 --> 00:00:17,700 Charles, Augustus Milverton. It is years since the incidents 5 00:00:17,700 --> 00:00:21,500 of which I speak took place. And yet, it is with diffidence 6 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:25,000 that I allude to them for a long time, even with the utmost 7 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:28,000 discretion and reticence. It would have been impossible to 8 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:31,100 make the facts public. But now the principal person 9 00:00:31,100 --> 00:00:33,500 concerned is beyond the reach of human law. 10 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:37,500 And with do suppression the story may be told in such 11 00:00:37,500 --> 00:00:42,200 fashion as to injure no one. It records an absolutely unique 12 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:44,700 experience in the career both of mr. 13 00:00:44,700 --> 00:00:49,200 Sherlock Holmes and of myself, the reader will excuse me, if I 14 00:00:49,208 --> 00:00:52,900 conceal the date or any other fact by which he might trace the 15 00:00:52,900 --> 00:00:56,700 actual occurrence. We have been out for one of our 16 00:00:56,700 --> 00:01:00,600 evening, Rambles homes, and I, and had returned about 6:00 on a 17 00:01:00,608 --> 00:01:05,099 cold Frosty Winter's evening. As Holmes, turned up the lamp, 18 00:01:05,600 --> 00:01:07,800 the light fell upon a card on the table. 19 00:01:08,400 --> 00:01:12,800 He glanced at it and then, with an ejaculation of disgust threw 20 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:16,800 it on the floor. I picked it up and read Charles, 21 00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:21,600 Augustus, Milverton appledore, Towers Hampstead agent. 22 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:24,000 Who is he? I asked. 23 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:29,000 The worst man in London, Holmes answered as he sat down and 24 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:30,800 stretched his legs before the fire. 25 00:01:31,800 --> 00:01:33,700 He's anything on the back of the card. 26 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:37,600 I turned it over. We'll call it. 6:30. 27 00:01:37,700 --> 00:01:41,300 See, am I red? Hmm. 28 00:01:41,600 --> 00:01:45,000 He's about due. Do you feel a creeping 29 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:48,700 shrinking, sensation Watson, when you stand before the 30 00:01:48,700 --> 00:01:53,000 Serpent's, in the zoo and see the slithery gliding venomous 31 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:57,000 creatures with their The eyes and wicked flattened faces. 32 00:01:57,900 --> 00:02:01,300 Well, that's how Milverton impresses me. 33 00:02:02,100 --> 00:02:04,600 I've had to do with 50 murderers in my career. 34 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:08,300 But the worst of them never gave me the repulsion, which I have 35 00:02:08,300 --> 00:02:12,800 for this fellow and yet I can't get out of doing business with 36 00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:14,500 him. Indeed. 37 00:02:14,700 --> 00:02:18,100 He's here at my invitation. But who is he? 38 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:22,800 I'll tell you what, sun', he is the king of all the blackmailers 39 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:25,700 Heaven, Help. The Man, and still more the 40 00:02:25,700 --> 00:02:29,200 woman whose secret and reputation come into the power 41 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:33,600 of Milverton with a smiling face and a heart of marble. 42 00:02:34,100 --> 00:02:37,700 He will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry. 43 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:42,000 The fellow is a genius in his way and would have made his Mark 44 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:46,200 in some more Savory trade. His method is as follows. 45 00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:50,100 He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high 46 00:02:50,100 --> 00:02:53,700 sums for letters which compromise people of wealth and 47 00:02:53,700 --> 00:02:57,500 position. He receives these where's not 48 00:02:57,500 --> 00:03:01,400 only from treacherous valets, or Maids, but frequently from 49 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:04,600 genteel Ruffians, who have gained the confidence and 50 00:03:04,600 --> 00:03:09,400 affection of trusting women, he deals with no niggard hand. 51 00:03:09,700 --> 00:03:13,100 I happen to know that he paid 700 pounds to a footman. 52 00:03:13,100 --> 00:03:17,000 For a Note 2 lines in length. And that the ruin of a noble 53 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:20,300 family was the result, everything which is in the 54 00:03:20,300 --> 00:03:24,600 market goes to Milverton and there are hundreds in this great 55 00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:26,900 City. You turn white at his name. 56 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:31,200 No one knows where his grip may fall for his far too. 57 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:34,400 Rich and far, too cunning to work from hand to mouth. 58 00:03:35,200 --> 00:03:38,000 He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the 59 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:40,800 moment when the steak is best worth winning. 60 00:03:42,100 --> 00:03:45,700 I've said that he's the worst man in London and I would ask 61 00:03:45,700 --> 00:03:49,600 you, how could one compare, the Ruffian who in hot blood 62 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:53,400 bludgeons, his mate with this man who methodically and it is 63 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:56,800 Leisure torture. Has the soul and Rings the 64 00:03:56,800 --> 00:04:00,500 nerves in order to add to his already swollen money bags. 65 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,900 I have seldom heard my friends speak with such intensity of 66 00:04:04,900 --> 00:04:09,900 feeling, but surely said I, the fellow must be within the grasp 67 00:04:09,900 --> 00:04:14,300 of the law. Technically no doubt, but 68 00:04:14,300 --> 00:04:17,600 practically not. What would it profit? 69 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:21,500 A woman for example, to get him a few months imprisonment. 70 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:25,400 If her own ruin, must immediately follow his victims. 71 00:04:25,400 --> 00:04:28,500 Do not hit back. If ever, he blackmailed an 72 00:04:28,500 --> 00:04:31,600 innocent person. Then indeed, we should have him 73 00:04:32,300 --> 00:04:34,500 but he is as cunning as the evil one. 74 00:04:35,300 --> 00:04:38,400 No, no, we must find other ways to fight him. 75 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:44,000 And why is he here? Because an illustrious client 76 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:46,900 has placed her piteous case in my hands. 77 00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:52,100 It is the lady Eva, Blackwell the most beautiful debutante of 78 00:04:52,100 --> 00:04:54,700 last season. She's to be married in a 79 00:04:54,707 --> 00:04:56,800 fortnight to the Earl of dovercourt. 80 00:04:57,700 --> 00:05:02,400 This fiend has several imprudent, letters, imprudent, 81 00:05:02,400 --> 00:05:05,800 Watson, nothing worse, which were written to an impecunious, 82 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:09,800 young Squire in the country. They would suffice to break off 83 00:05:09,800 --> 00:05:13,100 the match. Militant will send the letters 84 00:05:13,100 --> 00:05:16,000 to the Earl and there's a large sum of money is paid him. 85 00:05:16,700 --> 00:05:21,500 I have been commissioned to meet him and to make the best terms I 86 00:05:21,500 --> 00:05:26,000 can at that instant. There was a clatter and the 87 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:28,800 rattle in the street below. Looking down. 88 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:32,300 I saw a stately carriage and pair the brilliant lamps 89 00:05:32,300 --> 00:05:34,100 gleaming on the glassy haunches of the noble. 90 00:05:34,100 --> 00:05:39,400 Chestnuts, a footman opened, the door and a small Stout man in a 91 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:42,200 Shaggy astrakhan Overcoat. Ended. 92 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:45,100 I mean it later he was in the room. 93 00:05:46,900 --> 00:05:50,400 Charles Augustus Milverton was a man of fifty with a large 94 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:54,400 intellectual head round. Plump hairless face. 95 00:05:54,900 --> 00:05:59,300 A Perpetual Frozen smile and to Keen gray eyes, which gleamed 96 00:05:59,300 --> 00:06:02,400 brightly from behind broad gold-rimmed glasses. 97 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:05,700 It was something of mr. Pickwick's benevolence in his 98 00:06:05,700 --> 00:06:10,100 appearance, marred only by the insincerity of the fixed smile 99 00:06:10,300 --> 00:06:14,100 and by the hard glitter of those restless and penetrating eyes. 100 00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:19,700 His voice was as smooth and Suave as his countenance. 101 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:24,500 As he Advanced with a plump little hand extended murmuring, 102 00:06:24,500 --> 00:06:27,500 his regret for having missed us at his first visit. 103 00:06:28,700 --> 00:06:31,900 Holmes, disregarded, the outstretched hand and looked at 104 00:06:31,900 --> 00:06:36,800 him with a face of granite. Milverton's smile broadened. 105 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:40,800 He Shrugged, his shoulders remove his Overcoat folded, it 106 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:44,400 with great deliberation over the back of a chair and then took a 107 00:06:44,407 --> 00:06:48,600 seat. This gentleman said he with a 108 00:06:48,608 --> 00:06:51,900 wave in my direction. Is it discreet? 109 00:06:52,100 --> 00:06:56,000 Is it right? Dr. Watson is my friend and 110 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:58,300 partner. Very good. 111 00:06:58,300 --> 00:07:00,900 Mr. Holmes. It is only in your clients 112 00:07:00,900 --> 00:07:03,800 interests that I protested. The matter is. 113 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:07,900 So very delicate. Dr. Watson has already heard of 114 00:07:07,900 --> 00:07:10,800 it. Then we can proceed to business. 115 00:07:11,400 --> 00:07:13,600 You say that you're acting for lady. 116 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:17,100 Eva has she empowered you to? Accept my terms? 117 00:07:18,100 --> 00:07:23,200 What are your terms? 7,000 pounds, and the 118 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:28,000 alternative? My dear sir, it is painful for 119 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:31,300 me to discuss it. But if the money is not paid on 120 00:07:31,300 --> 00:07:35,800 the 14th, there certainly will be no marriage on the 18th. 121 00:07:36,900 --> 00:07:39,800 His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever. 122 00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:44,700 Holmes thought for a while you appear to me. 123 00:07:44,800 --> 00:07:48,600 He said at last to be taking matters too much for granted. 124 00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:52,700 I am of course familiar, with the contents of these letters. 125 00:07:53,300 --> 00:07:55,800 My client will certainly do what I may advise. 126 00:07:56,700 --> 00:08:00,400 I shall counsel her to tell her future husband, the whole story 127 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:05,100 and to trust to his generosity. Milverton chuckled. 128 00:08:05,700 --> 00:08:11,100 He you evidently do not know the Earl said he from the baffled, 129 00:08:11,100 --> 00:08:14,900 look upon Holmes's face. I could see clearly that he did. 130 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:18,000 What harm is there in the letters? 131 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:23,500 He asked, they are sprightly, very sprightly Milverton 132 00:08:23,500 --> 00:08:26,000 answered. The lady was a Charming 133 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:29,800 correspondent, but I can assure you that the Earl of dovercourt 134 00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:34,299 would fail to appreciate them. However, since you think 135 00:08:34,299 --> 00:08:37,100 otherwise, we'll let it rest at that. 136 00:08:38,299 --> 00:08:40,100 It is purely a matter of business. 137 00:08:40,700 --> 00:08:43,900 If you think that it is in the best interests of your client 138 00:08:43,900 --> 00:08:47,200 that these letters should be placed in the Ends of the, oh, 139 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:49,700 then you would indeed be foolish to pay. 140 00:08:49,700 --> 00:08:52,400 So large a sum of money to regain them. 141 00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:56,400 Heroes and seized his astrakhan coat. 142 00:08:57,700 --> 00:09:01,200 Holmes was gray with anger and mortification. 143 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:05,700 Wait a little, he said, you go too fast. 144 00:09:06,300 --> 00:09:09,200 We should certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so 145 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:13,400 delicate and matter. Milverton relapsed into his 146 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:17,000 chair. I was sure that you would see it 147 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:21,700 in that light. He purred at the same time, 148 00:09:21,700 --> 00:09:25,200 Holmes, continued lady Eva is not a wealthy woman. 149 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,000 I assure you that two thousand pounds would be a drain upon her 150 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:32,900 resources and that the sum you name is utterly Beyond her 151 00:09:32,900 --> 00:09:36,400 power. I beg therefore, but you will 152 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:39,900 moderate your demands and that you'll return the letters at the 153 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:41,200 price. I indicate. 154 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:45,000 Jizz, I assure you the highest that you can get. 155 00:09:46,300 --> 00:09:49,900 Milverton's smile broadened and his eyes twinkled humorously. 156 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:53,300 I am aware that what you say is true about. 157 00:09:53,300 --> 00:09:59,300 The ladies resources said he at the same time you must admit 158 00:09:59,300 --> 00:10:02,600 that the occasion of a lady's marriage is a very suitable time 159 00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:06,600 for her friends and relatives to make some little effort upon her 160 00:10:06,600 --> 00:10:09,800 behalf. They may hesitate as to an 161 00:10:09,800 --> 00:10:13,800 acceptable wedding present. Let me assure them that this 162 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:16,000 little bundle of letters would give more joy. 163 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:19,300 Then all the Candelabra and butter dishes in London. 164 00:10:20,500 --> 00:10:24,500 It is impossible said Holmes, dear me. 165 00:10:24,800 --> 00:10:29,400 Dear me, how unfortunate cried Milverton taking out a bulky, 166 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:32,900 pocketbook. I cannot help thinking that 167 00:10:32,900 --> 00:10:36,100 ladies are ill-advised in, not making an effort. 168 00:10:37,500 --> 00:10:41,900 Look at this, he held up a little note with a coat of arms 169 00:10:41,900 --> 00:10:47,000 upon the envelope that belongs to well, perhaps it is hardly 170 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:51,100 fair to tell the name until tomorrow morning, but at that 171 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:55,100 time, it will be in the hands of the lady's husband and all 172 00:10:55,100 --> 00:10:58,200 because she will not find a Begley some which she could get 173 00:10:58,200 --> 00:11:00,900 by turning her diamonds into paste. 174 00:11:01,500 --> 00:11:06,800 It is such a Pity. Now, you remember the sudden 175 00:11:06,800 --> 00:11:08,800 end. Of the engagement between the 176 00:11:08,800 --> 00:11:11,900 honorable Miss miles and Colonel Dorking. 177 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,600 Only two days before the wedding. 178 00:11:14,900 --> 00:11:18,800 There was a paragraph in the morning post to say that it was 179 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:23,000 all off and why it is almost incredible. 180 00:11:23,500 --> 00:11:26,900 But the Absurd some of 1200 pounds would have settled the 181 00:11:26,900 --> 00:11:30,400 whole question. Is it not pitiful? 182 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:36,700 And here I find you a man of sense boggling about terms. 183 00:11:37,200 --> 00:11:40,500 When your clients future and honor are at stake? 184 00:11:41,100 --> 00:11:43,400 You surprise me? Mr. Holmes. 185 00:11:44,700 --> 00:11:48,900 What I say is, true Holmes answered the money cannot be 186 00:11:48,900 --> 00:11:50,400 found. Surely. 187 00:11:50,400 --> 00:11:53,600 It is better for you to take the substantial sum, which I offer 188 00:11:54,000 --> 00:11:57,700 and to ruin This Woman's career, which can profit you in no way. 189 00:11:59,200 --> 00:12:04,100 There you make a mistake. Mr. Holmes, an exposure would 190 00:12:04,100 --> 00:12:07,700 profit me indirectly to a considerable extent. 191 00:12:08,500 --> 00:12:10,500 I have eight or ten similar cases. 192 00:12:10,500 --> 00:12:15,000 Maturing if it was circulated among them that I had made a 193 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:20,200 severe example of the lady Eva. I should find all of them much 194 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:25,400 more open to reason you see my point Holmes. 195 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:28,700 Sprang from his chair. Get behind him Watson. 196 00:12:28,900 --> 00:12:32,800 Don't let him out now, sir. Let us see the contents of that 197 00:12:32,800 --> 00:12:36,600 notebook. Militant had glided as quickly 198 00:12:36,600 --> 00:12:39,700 as a rat to the side of the room and stood with his back against 199 00:12:39,700 --> 00:12:44,400 the wall. Mr. Holmes, mr. 200 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,900 Holmes. He said, turning the front of 201 00:12:47,900 --> 00:12:51,800 his coat and exhibiting the butt of a large revolver, which 202 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:54,000 projected from the inside pocket. 203 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:59,000 I have been expecting you to do something original. 204 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:03,900 This has been done so often and what good has ever come from it. 205 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:07,700 I assure you that I am armed to the teeth and I am perfectly 206 00:13:07,700 --> 00:13:11,000 prepared to use my weapons. Knowing that the law will 207 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:15,800 Support me besides your supposition that I would bring 208 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:19,600 the letters here in a notebook is entirely mistaken. 209 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:22,100 I would do nothing. So foolish. 210 00:13:23,100 --> 00:13:25,900 And now, gentlemen, I have one or two little interviews this 211 00:13:25,900 --> 00:13:28,900 evening and it is a long drive to Hampstead. 212 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:33,100 He stepped forward, took up his coat. 213 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:36,100 Laid his hand on his revolver and turned to the door. 214 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:41,200 I picked up a chair but Holmes shook his head and I laid it 215 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:46,700 down again with bow a smile and twinkle Milverton was out of the 216 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:51,300 room and a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage 217 00:13:51,300 --> 00:13:54,600 door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away. 218 00:13:56,100 --> 00:14:00,000 Home sat motionless by the fire. His hands buried deep in his 219 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:03,500 trousers Pockets. His chin sunk upon his breast, 220 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:07,800 his eyes fixed upon the glowing Embers for half an hour. 221 00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:11,800 He was silent and still, then with the gesture of a man who 222 00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:15,100 has taken his decision. He sprang to his feet and passed 223 00:14:15,100 --> 00:14:19,500 into his bedroom. A little later, a rakish young 224 00:14:19,500 --> 00:14:22,400 Workman with a goatee beard and the Swagger lit. 225 00:14:22,400 --> 00:14:25,800 His clay pipe at the lamp before descending into the street. 226 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:31,700 I'll be back, sometime Watson said, he and vanished into the 227 00:14:31,700 --> 00:14:34,600 night. I understood that he had opened 228 00:14:34,600 --> 00:14:38,800 his campaign against Charles, Augustus, Milverton, but I 229 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:42,000 little dreamed, the strange shape, which that campaign was 230 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:46,600 destined to take. For some days homes, came and 231 00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:50,100 went at all hours in this attire, but beyond the remark 232 00:14:50,100 --> 00:14:53,400 that his time was spent at Hampstead and that it was not 233 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:55,800 wasted. I knew nothing of what he was 234 00:14:55,800 --> 00:15:00,900 doing at last however on a wild tempestuous evening when the 235 00:15:00,900 --> 00:15:04,200 wind screamed and rattled against the windows, he returned 236 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:07,800 from his last Expedition and having removed his disguise. 237 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:12,000 He sat before the fire and laughed heartily in his silent 238 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:16,000 in word fashion. You would not call me a marrying 239 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:16,800 man. Watson. 240 00:15:17,700 --> 00:15:21,000 No indeed. You'll be interested to hear 241 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:22,600 that. I am engaged. 242 00:15:23,500 --> 00:15:27,900 My dear fellow I can grow to milverton's housemaid. 243 00:15:28,800 --> 00:15:33,300 Good Heavens Holmes. I wanted information Watson. 244 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:39,400 Sure, you've gone too far. It was a most necessary step. 245 00:15:40,100 --> 00:15:43,500 I am a plumber with a rising business escott by name. 246 00:15:44,100 --> 00:15:46,700 I have walked out with her each evening, and I have talked with 247 00:15:46,700 --> 00:15:51,300 her good Heavens, those talks. However, I have got all I 248 00:15:51,300 --> 00:15:53,900 wanted. I know milverton's house as I 249 00:15:53,908 --> 00:15:59,200 know the palm of my hand, but the girl homes, he Shrugged his 250 00:15:59,200 --> 00:16:01,900 shoulders. You can't help it. 251 00:16:01,900 --> 00:16:04,800 My dear Watson. You must play your cards as best 252 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:07,100 you can, when such a steak is on the table. 253 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:11,900 However, I Rejoice to say that I have a hated rival who will 254 00:16:11,900 --> 00:16:14,300 certainly cut me out. The instant that my back is 255 00:16:14,300 --> 00:16:17,500 turned, what a splendid night. It is. 256 00:16:18,600 --> 00:16:23,700 You like this, whether it suits my purpose Watson, I mean to 257 00:16:23,700 --> 00:16:25,800 burgle milverton's house tonight. 258 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:30,500 I had a catching of the breath and my skin went cold at The 259 00:16:30,500 --> 00:16:33,600 Words, which was slowly uttered in a tone of concentrated, 260 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:37,700 resolution as a flash of lightning in the night shows up 261 00:16:37,700 --> 00:16:40,600 in an instant every detail of a wild landscape. 262 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:45,400 So at one glance, I seem to see every possible result of such an 263 00:16:45,400 --> 00:16:50,500 action, the detection, the capture the honored career 264 00:16:50,500 --> 00:16:53,300 ending in an irreparable failure and disgrace. 265 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:58,200 My friend himself lying at the mercy of Odious Milverton. 266 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:02,900 For Heaven's Sake homes. Think what you're doing. 267 00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:07,700 I cried my dear fellow. I have given it every 268 00:17:07,700 --> 00:17:11,000 consideration. I am never precipitate in my 269 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:15,300 actions nor would I adopt so energetic and indeed. 270 00:17:15,300 --> 00:17:20,099 So dangerous a course. If any other were possible let 271 00:17:20,099 --> 00:17:22,099 us look at the matter clearly and fairly. 272 00:17:22,900 --> 00:17:26,200 I suppose that you admit that the action is morally 273 00:17:26,200 --> 00:17:29,100 justifiable though, technically Criminal. 274 00:17:30,100 --> 00:17:32,900 The burglars house is no more than to forcibly take his 275 00:17:32,900 --> 00:17:37,200 pocketbook, an action in which you were prepared to Aid me. 276 00:17:38,100 --> 00:17:41,300 I turned it over in my mind. Yes. 277 00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:44,500 I said it is morally justifiable. 278 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:48,000 So long as our object is to take no articles, save those which 279 00:17:48,000 --> 00:17:54,200 are used for an illegal purpose. Exactly, since it is morally 280 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:56,900 justifiable. I have only to consider the 281 00:17:56,900 --> 00:18:00,800 question of personal risk, surely a gentleman should not 282 00:18:00,800 --> 00:18:04,800 lay much stress upon this. When a lady is in most desperate 283 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:08,000 need of his help. You will be in such a false 284 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:11,800 position. Well, that is part of the risk. 285 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:14,300 There is no other possible way of regaining. 286 00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:17,500 Those letters. The unfortunate lady is not the 287 00:18:17,500 --> 00:18:19,300 money. And there are none of her people 288 00:18:19,300 --> 00:18:22,500 in who she could confide. Tomorrow is the last day of 289 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:25,500 Grace and unless we can get the letters tonight. 290 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,700 This villain will be as good as his word and will bring about 291 00:18:28,700 --> 00:18:32,100 her ruin. I must therefore abandon my 292 00:18:32,100 --> 00:18:38,100 client to her fate or I must play this last card between 293 00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:41,400 ourselves Watson. It's a sporting duel between 294 00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:45,500 this fellow Milverton and me he had as you saw the best of the 295 00:18:45,500 --> 00:18:50,700 first exchanges, but my self-respect and my reputation 296 00:18:50,900 --> 00:18:53,500 are concerned to fight it to a finish. 297 00:18:55,100 --> 00:18:59,600 Well, I don't like it, but I suppose it must be said, I, when 298 00:18:59,600 --> 00:19:03,100 do we start? You are not coming. 299 00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:08,000 Then you're not going said. I I give you my word of honor 300 00:19:08,300 --> 00:19:11,600 and I never broke it in my life. That I will take a cab straight 301 00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:13,400 to the police station and give you away. 302 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:15,700 Unless you, let me share this adventure with you. 303 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:20,000 You can't help me. How'd he knows that. 304 00:19:20,600 --> 00:19:24,400 You can't tell what may happen. Anyway, my resolution is taken 305 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,300 other people. Besides you have self-respect 306 00:19:27,400 --> 00:19:32,500 and even reputations. Holmes, it looked annoyed, but 307 00:19:32,500 --> 00:19:35,300 his brow cleared and he clapped me on the shoulder. 308 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:39,100 Well, well, my dear fellow be it. 309 00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:43,500 So we have shared the same room for some years and it would be 310 00:19:43,500 --> 00:19:47,700 amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell, you know, Watson, 311 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:51,200 I don't mind confessing to you. That I've always had an idea 312 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:53,500 that I would have made a highly efficient criminal. 313 00:19:54,500 --> 00:19:57,000 This is the chance of my lifetime in that direction. 314 00:19:57,500 --> 00:20:00,200 See here. He took a neat little leather 315 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:02,500 case out of a drawer and opening it. 316 00:20:02,500 --> 00:20:04,800 He exhibited a number of shining instruments. 317 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:10,300 This is a first-class up-to-date Berg link it with nickel-plated, 318 00:20:10,300 --> 00:20:15,000 Jamie Diamond tipped, glass cutter, adaptable keys, and 319 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:17,900 every modern Improvement, which the march of civilization 320 00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:21,000 demands here to is. My dark Lantern. 321 00:20:21,900 --> 00:20:25,200 Everything is in order. Have you a pair of Silent shoes? 322 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:30,800 I have rubber soled, tennis shoes, excellent, and a mask. 323 00:20:31,400 --> 00:20:33,200 I can make a couple out of black silk. 324 00:20:34,300 --> 00:20:37,700 I can see that you have a strong natural turn for this sort of 325 00:20:37,700 --> 00:20:39,800 thing. Very good. 326 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:43,300 You make the masks. We shall have some cold supper 327 00:20:43,300 --> 00:20:47,600 before we start, it is now nine thirty at 11. 328 00:20:47,600 --> 00:20:49,700 We shall drive as far as Church row. 329 00:20:50,300 --> 00:20:52,900 It is a quarter of an hour's walk from there to appledore 330 00:20:52,900 --> 00:20:55,400 Towers. We shall be at work before 331 00:20:55,400 --> 00:20:59,000 midnight. Milverton is a heavy sleeper and 332 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,500 retires. Punctually at 10:30 with any 333 00:21:02,500 --> 00:21:04,600 luck. We should be back here by two 334 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:10,200 with the lady Eve has letters in my pocket Holmes, and I put on 335 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:12,900 our dress clothes, so that we might appear to be to 336 00:21:12,900 --> 00:21:16,600 theatregoers Homeward Bound in Oxford Street. 337 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:19,800 We picked up a hansom and drove to an address in Hampstead. 338 00:21:20,400 --> 00:21:23,000 Here. We paid off our cab and with our 339 00:21:23,000 --> 00:21:26,600 greatcoats buttoned up for it was bitterly cold and the And 340 00:21:26,600 --> 00:21:29,400 seem to blow through us. We walked along the edge of the 341 00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:32,500 Heath. It's a business that needs 342 00:21:32,500 --> 00:21:36,300 delicate treatment. Said, Holmes these documents are 343 00:21:36,300 --> 00:21:39,000 contained in a safe in the fellow study. 344 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:42,900 And the study is the ante room of his bedchamber. 345 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:47,800 On the other hand. I call these Stout little men 346 00:21:47,800 --> 00:21:51,100 who do themselves. Well, he is a plethoric sleeper. 347 00:21:52,200 --> 00:21:55,700 Agatha. That's my fiance says, it is a 348 00:21:55,700 --> 00:21:58,500 joke in the servants Hall. That it's impossible to wake the 349 00:21:58,500 --> 00:22:01,200 master. He has a secretary who is 350 00:22:01,200 --> 00:22:04,500 devoted to his interests and never budges from the study all 351 00:22:04,500 --> 00:22:07,700 day. That's why we're going at night. 352 00:22:08,600 --> 00:22:11,900 Then he has a beast of a dog which roams the garden. 353 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:16,900 I met Agatha late, the last two evenings and she locks The Brute 354 00:22:16,900 --> 00:22:18,700 up. So as to give me a clear run. 355 00:22:19,600 --> 00:22:22,700 This is the house. This big one in its own grounds 356 00:22:23,500 --> 00:22:25,600 through the gate. Now to the right Among The 357 00:22:25,600 --> 00:22:28,600 Laurels. We might put on our masks here. 358 00:22:28,600 --> 00:22:32,100 I think you see there is not a glimmer of light in any of the 359 00:22:32,100 --> 00:22:34,500 windows and everything is working. 360 00:22:34,500 --> 00:22:38,600 Splendidly. With our black silk face 361 00:22:38,600 --> 00:22:41,600 coverings, which turned us into two of the most truculent 362 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:44,800 figures in London. We stole up to the silent gloomy 363 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:48,400 house, as sort of tiled Veranda extended. 364 00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:52,500 Along one side of it lined by several windows and two doors. 365 00:22:53,800 --> 00:22:57,800 That's his bedroom Holmes, whispered this door opens 366 00:22:57,800 --> 00:23:02,200 straight into the study. It would suit Us best but it is 367 00:23:02,200 --> 00:23:05,400 bolted as well as lat, and we should make too much noise 368 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:09,200 getting in. Come around here. 369 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:13,300 There's a greenhouse which opens into the drawing room. 370 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:18,100 The place was locked but Holmes removed a circle of glass and 371 00:23:18,100 --> 00:23:22,000 turned the key from the inside. An instant afterwards. 372 00:23:22,400 --> 00:23:25,900 He had closed the door behind us and we had become felons in the 373 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:29,100 eyes of the law. The thick warm air of the 374 00:23:29,100 --> 00:23:32,800 conservatory and the rich choking fragrance of exotic 375 00:23:32,800 --> 00:23:38,200 plants took us by the throat. He sees my hand in the darkness 376 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:42,000 and led me swiftly passed Banks of shrubs which brushed against 377 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:46,700 our faces Holmes had remarkable Powers carefully. 378 00:23:46,700 --> 00:23:50,700 Cultivated of seeing in the dark, still holding my hand. 379 00:23:50,700 --> 00:23:54,200 In one of his, he opened a door and I was vaguely conscious that 380 00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:57,700 we had entered a large room in which a cigar had been smoked 381 00:23:57,700 --> 00:24:02,600 not long before he felt his way among the furniture opened 382 00:24:02,600 --> 00:24:05,200 another door and closed it behind us. 383 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:09,100 Putting out my hand. I felt several coats hanging 384 00:24:09,100 --> 00:24:11,500 from the wall. And I understood that. 385 00:24:11,500 --> 00:24:15,400 I was in a passage. We passed along it and Holmes 386 00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:17,000 very gently. Open the door upon the 387 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:20,900 right-hand side, something rushed out at us and my heart. 388 00:24:20,900 --> 00:24:23,800 Sprang into my mouth, but I could have laughed when I 389 00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:28,300 realized that it was the cat. A fire was burning in this new 390 00:24:28,300 --> 00:24:30,400 room. And again, they had the air was 391 00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:35,000 Heavy with tobacco smoke. Holmes entered on tiptoe, waited 392 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:37,700 for me to follow, and then very gently. 393 00:24:37,800 --> 00:24:42,100 Close the door. We were in Milverton study and a 394 00:24:42,100 --> 00:24:45,200 portiere at the Father's Side, showed the entrance to his 395 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:49,400 bedroom. It was a good fire and the room 396 00:24:49,400 --> 00:24:52,100 was illuminated by it near the door. 397 00:24:52,100 --> 00:24:55,800 I Saw The Gleam of an electric switch, but it was unnecessary. 398 00:24:56,100 --> 00:24:58,200 Even if it had been safe to turn it on. 399 00:24:59,100 --> 00:25:02,800 At one side of the fireplace was a heavy curtain which covered 400 00:25:02,800 --> 00:25:05,500 the bay window. We had seen from outside. 401 00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:09,900 On the other side was the door which communicated with The 402 00:25:09,900 --> 00:25:14,400 Veranda a desk stood in the Centre with a turning chair of 403 00:25:14,400 --> 00:25:18,300 shining red leather. Opposite was a large bookcase 404 00:25:18,400 --> 00:25:22,600 with a marble bust of Athenian on the top in the corner between 405 00:25:22,600 --> 00:25:25,900 the bookcase and the wall. There stood, a tall green safe. 406 00:25:26,700 --> 00:25:29,800 The fire light flashing. Back from the polished brass 407 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:34,700 knobs upon its face home stole across and looked at it then he 408 00:25:34,700 --> 00:25:38,200 crept to the door of the bedroom and stood with slanting head 409 00:25:38,500 --> 00:25:42,400 listening, intently. No sound Came From Within 410 00:25:43,300 --> 00:25:46,200 meanwhile, it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our 411 00:25:46,300 --> 00:25:50,900 Treat through the outer door, so I examined it to my amazement. 412 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:53,300 It was neither locked nor bolted. 413 00:25:54,100 --> 00:25:57,000 I touched homes on the arm, and he turned his masked face in 414 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:00,600 that direction. I saw him start and he was 415 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:05,100 evidently as surprised as I was. I don't like it. 416 00:26:05,400 --> 00:26:07,900 He whispered putting his lips to my very ear. 417 00:26:08,500 --> 00:26:12,800 I can't quite make it out. Anyhow, we have no time to lose. 418 00:26:13,900 --> 00:26:16,300 Can I do anything? Yes. 419 00:26:16,300 --> 00:26:20,500 Stand by the door. If you hear anyone come bolt it 420 00:26:20,500 --> 00:26:23,100 on the inside and we can get away as we came. 421 00:26:23,700 --> 00:26:26,400 If they come the other way, we can get through the door. 422 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:29,700 If our job is done or hide behind these window curtains. 423 00:26:29,700 --> 00:26:35,400 If it is not, do you understand? I noted and stood by the door. 424 00:26:36,500 --> 00:26:38,800 My first feeling of fear had passed away. 425 00:26:39,100 --> 00:26:42,700 And I thrilled now with akina zest than I'd ever enjoyed when 426 00:26:42,700 --> 00:26:47,400 we were the Defenders of the law instead of its defiers, the high 427 00:26:47,400 --> 00:26:50,200 object of our mission, the Consciousness that it was 428 00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:52,900 unselfish. And chivalrous the villainous 429 00:26:52,900 --> 00:26:57,000 character of our opponent, all added to the sporting interest 430 00:26:57,000 --> 00:27:00,000 of the adventure, far from feeling guilty. 431 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:02,200 I rejoiced an exalted in our day. 432 00:27:02,400 --> 00:27:04,900 Judges with a glow of admiration. 433 00:27:04,900 --> 00:27:08,600 I watched homes, unrolling, his case of instruments and choosing 434 00:27:08,600 --> 00:27:12,600 his tool with the calm scientific accuracy of a surgeon 435 00:27:12,800 --> 00:27:15,000 who performs a delicate operation. 436 00:27:16,100 --> 00:27:19,700 I knew that the opening of safes was a particular hobby with him 437 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:23,900 and I understood the joy, which had gave him to be confronted 438 00:27:23,900 --> 00:27:25,900 with this green and gold monster. 439 00:27:26,500 --> 00:27:30,200 The dragon which held in it's more the reputations of many 440 00:27:30,200 --> 00:27:33,500 Fair ladies. Turning up the Cuffs of his 441 00:27:33,500 --> 00:27:36,100 dress coat. He had placed his Overcoat on a 442 00:27:36,100 --> 00:27:41,400 chair homes laid out two drills, a Jamie and several skeleton 443 00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:44,000 keys. I stood at the center door with 444 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:48,000 my eyes glancing at each of the others, ready for any emergency 445 00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:49,900 though. Indeed. 446 00:27:50,000 --> 00:27:53,300 My plans were somewhat vague, as to what I should do, if we were 447 00:27:53,300 --> 00:27:57,200 interrupted. For half an hour, Holmes, worked 448 00:27:57,200 --> 00:28:00,500 with concentrated energy, laying down one tool. 449 00:28:00,800 --> 00:28:04,800 Picking up another handling each with the strength and delicacy 450 00:28:04,800 --> 00:28:07,700 of the trained mechanic. Finally. 451 00:28:08,300 --> 00:28:14,100 I heard a click, the broad green door, swung open and inside, I 452 00:28:14,100 --> 00:28:18,200 had a glimpse of a number of paper packets, each tied sealed 453 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:23,100 and inscribed Holmes picked one out, but it was as hard to read 454 00:28:23,100 --> 00:28:26,300 by the flickering fire. And he drew out his little dark 455 00:28:26,300 --> 00:28:28,900 Lantern for. It was too dangerous with 456 00:28:28,900 --> 00:28:32,200 militant in the Next Room to switch on the electric light. 457 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:36,400 Suddenly. I saw him halt, listen, 458 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:39,400 intently. And then in an instant he had 459 00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:42,900 swung the door of the safe to picked up his coat stuffed, his 460 00:28:42,900 --> 00:28:45,200 tools, into the pockets and darted behind the window 461 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:47,500 curtain, motioning me to do the same. 462 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:51,600 It was only when I had joined him there that I heard what had 463 00:28:51,600 --> 00:28:55,900 alarmed his quicker census. There was a noise somewhere 464 00:28:55,900 --> 00:28:59,100 within the house, a door, slammed in the distance. 465 00:28:59,700 --> 00:29:02,800 Then a confused dull murmur broke itself into the measured, 466 00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:05,400 thud of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching. 467 00:29:06,300 --> 00:29:08,500 They were in the passage outside the room. 468 00:29:09,300 --> 00:29:12,300 They paused at the door, the door opened. 469 00:29:12,900 --> 00:29:16,100 There was a sharp Snick as the electric light was turned on. 470 00:29:17,100 --> 00:29:20,600 The door closed once more and the pungent reek of a strong 471 00:29:20,600 --> 00:29:25,500 cigar was born to our nostrils. Then the footsteps continued 472 00:29:25,500 --> 00:29:30,000 backward and forward backward and forward within a few yards 473 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:31,800 of us. Finally. 474 00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:36,600 There was a Creak from a chair and the footsteps East then, a 475 00:29:36,600 --> 00:29:40,000 key clicked in a lock and I heard the rustle of papers. 476 00:29:41,300 --> 00:29:43,400 So far, I had not dared to look out. 477 00:29:43,900 --> 00:29:46,500 But now I gently parted the division of the curtains in 478 00:29:46,500 --> 00:29:50,700 front of me and peeps through from the pressure of Holmes's 479 00:29:50,700 --> 00:29:53,700 shoulder against mine. I knew that he was sharing my 480 00:29:53,700 --> 00:29:58,700 observations right in front of us and almost within our reach 481 00:29:59,100 --> 00:30:01,500 was the broad rounded back of Milverton. 482 00:30:02,700 --> 00:30:05,800 It was evident that weird entirely miscalculated, his 483 00:30:05,800 --> 00:30:08,700 movements that he never been to his bedroom. 484 00:30:09,100 --> 00:30:12,400 But has he been sitting up in some smoking or billiard room in 485 00:30:12,400 --> 00:30:16,000 the father wing of the house? The windows of which we had not 486 00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:20,000 seen his broad grizzled head with his shining. 487 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:23,300 Patch of baldness was in the immediate foreground of our 488 00:30:23,300 --> 00:30:26,000 vision. He was leaning far back in the 489 00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:30,800 red leather chair, his legs outstretched a, long black cigar 490 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:35,000 projecting at an angle from Mouth, he wore a semi-military 491 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:39,400 smoking jacket Claret colored with a black velvet collar in 492 00:30:39,400 --> 00:30:42,400 his hand. He held a long legal document 493 00:30:42,700 --> 00:30:45,200 which he was reading in an indolent fashion. 494 00:30:45,600 --> 00:30:48,700 Glowing rings of tobacco smoke from his lips as he did. 495 00:30:48,700 --> 00:30:53,300 So it was no promise of a speedy departure in his composed 496 00:30:53,300 --> 00:30:55,900 bearing and is comfortable attitude. 497 00:30:57,100 --> 00:31:01,400 I felt Holmes's hand steel into mine and give me a reassuring 498 00:31:01,400 --> 00:31:04,100 Shake. As if to say that the situation 499 00:31:04,100 --> 00:31:07,200 was within his powers and that he was easy in his mind. 500 00:31:08,300 --> 00:31:11,200 I was not so sure that he'd seen what was only too obvious from 501 00:31:11,200 --> 00:31:16,400 my position that door of the safe was imperfectly closed and 502 00:31:16,400 --> 00:31:18,300 that Milverton might at any moment. 503 00:31:18,300 --> 00:31:22,900 Observe it. In my own mind, I had determined 504 00:31:22,900 --> 00:31:26,500 that if I was sure from the rigidity of his gaze that it had 505 00:31:26,500 --> 00:31:30,900 caught his eye, I would at once, spring out, throw my great coat 506 00:31:30,900 --> 00:31:34,600 over his head, pinion him and leave the rest to homes. 507 00:31:35,900 --> 00:31:39,500 But Milverton never looked up. He was languidly interested by 508 00:31:39,500 --> 00:31:43,500 the papers in his hand and Page. After page was turned as he 509 00:31:43,500 --> 00:31:45,200 followed the argument of the lawyer. 510 00:31:46,300 --> 00:31:48,800 At least, I thought when he's finished the document and the 511 00:31:48,800 --> 00:31:52,900 cigar, he will go to his room. But before he had reached the 512 00:31:52,900 --> 00:31:56,900 end of either, there came a remarkable development which 513 00:31:56,900 --> 00:31:59,500 turned our thoughts into quite another Channel. 514 00:32:01,000 --> 00:32:03,000 Several times. I had observed that Milverton 515 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:06,500 looked at his watch and once he had risen and sat down again 516 00:32:07,100 --> 00:32:11,500 with a gesture of impatience, the idea, however, that he might 517 00:32:11,500 --> 00:32:14,300 have an appointment at, so strange an hour, never occurred 518 00:32:14,300 --> 00:32:17,600 to me until a faint sound. Sound reached my ears from The 519 00:32:17,600 --> 00:32:22,100 Veranda outside Milverton dropped, his papers and sat 520 00:32:22,100 --> 00:32:25,800 rigid in his chair. The sound was repeated. 521 00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:30,400 And then there came a gentle tap at the door militant Rose and 522 00:32:30,400 --> 00:32:34,600 opened it. Well, said he currently your 523 00:32:34,600 --> 00:32:39,200 nearly half an hour late. So this was the explanation of 524 00:32:39,200 --> 00:32:43,200 the unlocked door and of the nocturnal vigil of Milverton. 525 00:32:44,500 --> 00:32:46,900 There was a gentle Russell of a woman's dress. 526 00:32:47,500 --> 00:32:50,100 I had close. The slit between the curtains as 527 00:32:50,100 --> 00:32:54,100 militants face had turned in our Direction, but now I ventured 528 00:32:54,100 --> 00:32:56,200 very carefully to open it once more. 529 00:32:57,300 --> 00:33:00,700 He had resumed his seat, the cigar still projecting at an 530 00:33:00,700 --> 00:33:02,900 insolent angle from the corner of his mouth. 531 00:33:03,700 --> 00:33:07,100 In front of him, in the full glare of the electric light, 532 00:33:07,700 --> 00:33:12,400 there stood, a tall slim, dark woman, a veil over her face a 533 00:33:12,400 --> 00:33:17,000 mantle drawn around her chin. Her breath came, quick and fast 534 00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:20,400 and every inch of the lithe figure was quivering with strong 535 00:33:20,400 --> 00:33:23,800 emotion. Well, said, Milverton. 536 00:33:24,200 --> 00:33:26,200 You made me lose a good night's rest? 537 00:33:26,200 --> 00:33:28,800 My dear. I hope you'll prove worth it. 538 00:33:29,100 --> 00:33:33,400 You couldn't come any other time and the woman shook her head. 539 00:33:34,200 --> 00:33:37,800 Well, if you couldn't you couldn't, if the Countess is a 540 00:33:37,800 --> 00:33:40,500 hard mistress, you have your chance to get level with her. 541 00:33:40,500 --> 00:33:44,300 Now bless the girl. What are you shivering about 542 00:33:44,700 --> 00:33:46,300 that? Right, pull yourself together. 543 00:33:46,300 --> 00:33:50,500 Now, let's get down to business. He took a notebook from the 544 00:33:50,500 --> 00:33:55,100 drawer of his desk, you say that, you have five letters, 545 00:33:55,100 --> 00:33:57,400 which compromise the Countess dalbert. 546 00:33:57,400 --> 00:34:02,500 Are you want to sell them? I want to buy them so far. 547 00:34:02,500 --> 00:34:06,000 So good. It only remains to fix a price. 548 00:34:06,700 --> 00:34:08,400 I should want to inspect the letters. 549 00:34:08,400 --> 00:34:10,800 Of course if they're really good. 550 00:34:10,800 --> 00:34:13,300 Specimens. Great Heavens. 551 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:17,800 Is it you The woman without a word had raised her veil and 552 00:34:17,800 --> 00:34:19,400 dropped the mantle from her chin. 553 00:34:20,199 --> 00:34:24,500 It was a dark handsome clear-cut face, which confronted Milverton 554 00:34:25,600 --> 00:34:30,199 a face with a curved nose. Strong dark eyebrows shading, 555 00:34:30,199 --> 00:34:34,199 hard glittering eyes and a straight thin-lipped mouth set 556 00:34:34,199 --> 00:34:40,400 in a dangerous smile. It is I she said the woman whose 557 00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:45,500 life you have ruined. Milverton laughed, but fear 558 00:34:45,500 --> 00:34:48,300 vibrated in his voice. You were. 559 00:34:48,300 --> 00:34:52,199 So very obstinate said he, why did you drive me to such 560 00:34:52,199 --> 00:34:55,000 extremities? I assure you, I wouldn't hurt a 561 00:34:55,007 --> 00:34:58,900 fly of my own accord, but every man has his business and what 562 00:34:58,900 --> 00:35:01,500 was I to do? I put the price well, within 563 00:35:01,500 --> 00:35:05,800 your means, you would not pay. So you sent the letters to my 564 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:10,600 husband and he the noblest gentleman that ever lived a man 565 00:35:10,600 --> 00:35:12,800 whose boots. I was never worthy to lace. 566 00:35:13,300 --> 00:35:15,900 He broke his Gallant heart and died. 567 00:35:16,700 --> 00:35:20,000 You remember that last night when I came through that door, I 568 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:23,600 begged and prayed you for mercy and you laughed in my face as 569 00:35:23,600 --> 00:35:27,000 you're trying to laugh. Now, only your coward heart. 570 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:28,800 Can't keep your lips from twitching. 571 00:35:29,500 --> 00:35:31,200 Yes. You never thought to see me here 572 00:35:31,200 --> 00:35:34,600 again, but it was that night, which taught me how I could meet 573 00:35:34,600 --> 00:35:39,900 you face-to-face and alone. Well, Charles Milverton, what 574 00:35:39,900 --> 00:35:42,900 have you to say? Don't imagine that. 575 00:35:42,900 --> 00:35:46,000 You can bully me said, he rising to his feet. 576 00:35:46,600 --> 00:35:50,700 I have only to raise my voice and I could call my servants and 577 00:35:50,700 --> 00:35:55,000 have you arrested, but I'll make allowance for your natural 578 00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:57,500 anger. Leave the room at once as you 579 00:35:57,500 --> 00:36:01,900 came, and I will say no more. The woman stood with her hand 580 00:36:01,900 --> 00:36:06,100 buried in her bosom and the same deadly smile on her thin lips. 581 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:09,700 You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine. 582 00:36:10,200 --> 00:36:12,900 You will ring no more Hearts. As you rung mine. 583 00:36:13,500 --> 00:36:17,600 I will free the world of a poisonous thing take that you 584 00:36:17,600 --> 00:36:23,200 hound and that and that and that she had drawn a little gleaming 585 00:36:23,200 --> 00:36:26,900 revolver and emptied Barrel after Barrel into milverton's 586 00:36:26,900 --> 00:36:30,100 body the muzzle within two feet of his shirtfront. 587 00:36:31,100 --> 00:36:33,800 He shrank away and then fell forward upon the table. 588 00:36:34,100 --> 00:36:36,800 Coughing furiously and clawing among the papers. 589 00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:41,500 Then he staggered to his feet received another shot and rolled 590 00:36:41,500 --> 00:36:44,600 upon the floor. You've got me. 591 00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:50,100 He cried and lay still. The woman looked at him intently 592 00:36:50,400 --> 00:36:53,100 and ground her heel into his upturned face. 593 00:36:54,100 --> 00:36:57,500 She looked again, but there was no sound or movement. 594 00:36:58,200 --> 00:37:01,300 I heard a sharp Russell. The night air blew into the 595 00:37:01,300 --> 00:37:04,000 heated room and the Avenger was gone. 596 00:37:05,900 --> 00:37:09,200 No interference upon our part could have saved the man from 597 00:37:09,200 --> 00:37:12,700 his fate, but as the woman poured, bullet, after bullet 598 00:37:12,700 --> 00:37:14,400 into milverton's, shrinking body. 599 00:37:14,700 --> 00:37:18,200 I was about to Spring out. When I felt Holmes's cold 600 00:37:18,200 --> 00:37:22,700 strong, grasp upon my wrist. I understood the whole argument 601 00:37:22,700 --> 00:37:27,200 of that firm restraining grip, that it was no Affair of ours 602 00:37:27,900 --> 00:37:31,100 that Justice had overtaken. A villain that we had our own 603 00:37:31,100 --> 00:37:34,800 duties and our own objects, which were not to be lost sight 604 00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:39,300 of But hardly had the woman rushed from the room when Holmes 605 00:37:39,600 --> 00:37:42,200 with Swift. Silent steps was over at the 606 00:37:42,200 --> 00:37:45,700 other door. He turned the key in the lock at 607 00:37:45,700 --> 00:37:48,500 the same instant. We heard voices in the house and 608 00:37:48,500 --> 00:37:52,200 the sound of hurrying feet. The revolver shots had roused 609 00:37:52,200 --> 00:37:56,600 the household with perfect coolness homes slipped across to 610 00:37:56,600 --> 00:37:59,300 the safe filled. His two arms with bundles of 611 00:37:59,300 --> 00:38:02,000 letters and poured them all into the fire. 612 00:38:02,900 --> 00:38:06,100 Again, and again, he did it until the safe was empty. 613 00:38:07,100 --> 00:38:10,000 Someone turned the handle and beat upon the outside of the 614 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:13,700 door. Holmes looked swiftly round the 615 00:38:13,700 --> 00:38:16,400 letter which had been the messenger of death for Milverton 616 00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:21,200 lay all mottled with his blood. Upon the table Holmes, tossed it 617 00:38:21,200 --> 00:38:24,400 in among the Blazing papers. Then he drew the key from the 618 00:38:24,400 --> 00:38:27,900 outer door pass through after me and locked it on the outside. 619 00:38:28,800 --> 00:38:31,700 This way. Watson said he we can scale the 620 00:38:31,700 --> 00:38:36,000 Garden Wall in this direction. I could not have believed that 621 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:39,500 an alarm could have spread. So swiftly, looking back. 622 00:38:39,700 --> 00:38:42,200 The huge house was one blaze of light. 623 00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:45,800 The front door was open and Figures were rushing down the 624 00:38:45,808 --> 00:38:48,900 drive. The whole garden was alive with 625 00:38:48,900 --> 00:38:51,300 people and one fellow raised a view. 626 00:38:51,300 --> 00:38:55,000 Hello as we emerge from The Veranda and followed hard at our 627 00:38:55,000 --> 00:38:57,600 heels. Holmes seemed to know the 628 00:38:57,600 --> 00:39:01,000 grounds perfectly and he threaded his way swiftly among a 629 00:39:01,008 --> 00:39:05,700 plantation of small trees. I close at his heels, and our 630 00:39:05,700 --> 00:39:07,900 foremost pursuer panting behind us. 631 00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:11,100 It was a 6-foot wall, which barred our path. 632 00:39:11,500 --> 00:39:15,000 But he sprang to the top and over as I did the same. 633 00:39:15,400 --> 00:39:18,300 I felt the hand of The Man Behind Me, grabbed at my ankle, 634 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:21,700 but I kicked myself free and scrambled over a grass strewn 635 00:39:21,700 --> 00:39:24,900 coping. I fell upon my face among some 636 00:39:24,900 --> 00:39:29,500 bushes, but Holmes had me on my feet in an instant and together. 637 00:39:29,500 --> 00:39:32,500 We dashed away across the huge expanse of Hampstead. 638 00:39:32,500 --> 00:39:35,100 Heath. We had run two miles. 639 00:39:35,100 --> 00:39:38,900 I suppose before Homes at last halted and listened intently. 640 00:39:39,700 --> 00:39:41,900 All was absolute silence behind us. 641 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:45,400 We had shaken off our pursuers and was safe. 642 00:39:46,900 --> 00:39:49,900 We had breakfasted and was smoking our morning pipe on the 643 00:39:49,900 --> 00:39:52,200 day after the remarkable experience, which I have 644 00:39:52,200 --> 00:39:56,500 recorded when mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard, very 645 00:39:56,500 --> 00:40:00,200 solemn and impressive was ushered into our modest sitting 646 00:40:00,200 --> 00:40:02,300 room. Good morning. 647 00:40:02,300 --> 00:40:07,200 Mr. Holmes said he good morning. May I ask you if you're very 648 00:40:07,200 --> 00:40:10,600 busy just now. Not too busy to listen to. 649 00:40:10,600 --> 00:40:15,200 You are thought that perhaps, if you'd nothing particular on end, 650 00:40:15,600 --> 00:40:19,000 you might care to assist us in a most remarkable case which 651 00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:21,400 occurred only last night at Amsterdam. 652 00:40:22,300 --> 00:40:25,600 Dear me, said Holmes. What was that? 653 00:40:26,500 --> 00:40:30,400 I murder the most dramatic and remarkable murder. 654 00:40:31,100 --> 00:40:34,000 I know how Keen you are upon those things and I would take it 655 00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:37,500 as a great favor if you would step down to appledore towers 656 00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:41,200 and give us the benefit. If your advice, it is no 657 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:44,500 ordinary crime. We've had our eyes upon this mr. 658 00:40:44,500 --> 00:40:47,600 Milverton, for sometime between ourselves. 659 00:40:47,600 --> 00:40:51,200 It was a bit of a villain. He's known travel papers, which 660 00:40:51,200 --> 00:40:52,900 are used for blackmailing purposes. 661 00:40:53,400 --> 00:40:56,300 These papers of all been burned by the murderers. 662 00:40:56,800 --> 00:41:00,100 Now, article of value was taken as it is probable that the 663 00:41:00,107 --> 00:41:04,500 criminals were men of good position whose sole object was 664 00:41:04,500 --> 00:41:10,900 to prevent social exposure criminals, so, At homes plural. 665 00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:15,500 Yes, there were two of them. There was nearly as possible 666 00:41:15,500 --> 00:41:18,600 captured red-handed. We have their foot marks. 667 00:41:18,600 --> 00:41:21,600 We have their description. It's ten to one that we Trace 668 00:41:21,600 --> 00:41:23,900 them. The first fellow was a bit too 669 00:41:23,900 --> 00:41:26,800 active with the second was caught by the under guard known 670 00:41:26,800 --> 00:41:30,600 only got away after a struggle. He was a middle-sized strongly 671 00:41:30,600 --> 00:41:35,500 built man, square jaw, thick neck, mustache a mask over his 672 00:41:35,500 --> 00:41:38,800 eyes. That's rather vague said, 673 00:41:38,800 --> 00:41:42,400 Sherlock Holmes. My, it might be a description of 674 00:41:42,400 --> 00:41:45,900 Watson. It's true said the inspector 675 00:41:45,900 --> 00:41:48,900 with Amusement. It might be a description of 676 00:41:48,900 --> 00:41:52,400 Watson. Well, I'm afraid I can't help 677 00:41:52,400 --> 00:41:54,000 you. This drawed said, Holmes. 678 00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:58,200 The fact is that I knew this fellow Milverton that I 679 00:41:58,200 --> 00:42:00,400 considered him. One of the most dangerous men in 680 00:42:00,400 --> 00:42:04,400 London and that I think there are certain crimes which the law 681 00:42:04,400 --> 00:42:09,400 cannot touch and which therefore Or to some extent justify 682 00:42:09,400 --> 00:42:12,800 private Revenge. No, it's no use arguing. 683 00:42:12,800 --> 00:42:15,600 I've made up my mind. My sympathies are with the 684 00:42:15,600 --> 00:42:18,800 criminals rather than with the victim and I will not handle 685 00:42:18,800 --> 00:42:23,600 this case, Holmes had not said one word to me about the tragedy 686 00:42:23,600 --> 00:42:26,600 which we had witnessed. But I observed all the morning 687 00:42:26,600 --> 00:42:29,700 that he was in the most thoughtful mood and he gave me 688 00:42:29,700 --> 00:42:33,600 the impression from his vacant eyes and is abstracted Manner of 689 00:42:33,600 --> 00:42:36,700 a man who is striving to recall something to his memory. 690 00:42:37,900 --> 00:42:40,700 We were in the middle of our lunch, when he suddenly sprang 691 00:42:40,700 --> 00:42:44,900 to his feet by jove Watson. I've got it. 692 00:42:45,200 --> 00:42:47,300 He cried. Take your hat. 693 00:42:47,500 --> 00:42:50,800 Come with me. He hurried, it is top speed 694 00:42:50,800 --> 00:42:54,300 down, Baker, Street, and along Oxford Street until we'd almost 695 00:42:54,300 --> 00:42:58,700 reached Regent circus here on the left hand stands. 696 00:42:58,700 --> 00:43:01,600 A shop window filled with photographs of the celebrities 697 00:43:01,600 --> 00:43:06,000 and beauties of the day Holmes's eyes fixed themselves, upon one 698 00:43:06,000 --> 00:43:10,400 of them and following his gaze. I saw the picture of a Regal and 699 00:43:10,400 --> 00:43:14,900 stately lady in court dress with a high diamond tiara upon her 700 00:43:14,900 --> 00:43:18,200 Noble head. I looked at that delicately 701 00:43:18,200 --> 00:43:21,400 curved nose. At the marked eyebrows, at the 702 00:43:21,400 --> 00:43:24,900 straight mouth and the strong little chin beneath it. 703 00:43:25,800 --> 00:43:29,500 Then I caught my breath, as I read the time on a title of the 704 00:43:29,500 --> 00:43:32,200 great nobleman and Statesman, whose wife. 705 00:43:32,200 --> 00:43:37,400 She had been my eyes, met those of homes, and he put his finger 706 00:43:37,400 --> 00:43:40,900 to his lips as we turned away from the window. 707 00:43:42,900 --> 00:43:46,900 End of the adventure of Charles, Augustus, Milverton.