Adventure 7 in The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Adventure7, the adventure of
Charles, Augustus Milverton. It is years since the incidents
of which I speak took place. And yet, it is with diffidence
that I allude to them for a long time, even with the utmost
discretion and reticence. It would have been impossible to
make the facts public. But now the principal person
concerned is beyond the reach of human law.
And with do suppression the story may be told in such
fashion as to injure no one. It records an absolutely unique
experience in the career both of mr.
Sherlock Holmes and of myself, the reader will excuse me, if I
conceal the date or any other fact by which he might trace the
actual occurrence. We have been out for one of our
evening, Rambles homes, and I, and had returned about 6:00 on a
cold Frosty Winter's evening. As Holmes, turned up the lamp,
the light fell upon a card on the table.
He glanced at it and then, with an ejaculation of disgust threw
it on the floor. I picked it up and read Charles,
Augustus, Milverton appledore, Towers Hampstead agent.
Who is he? I asked.
The worst man in London, Holmes answered as he sat down and
stretched his legs before the fire.
He's anything on the back of the card.
I turned it over. We'll call it. 6:30.
See, am I red? Hmm.
He's about due. Do you feel a creeping
shrinking, sensation Watson, when you stand before the
Serpent's, in the zoo and see the slithery gliding venomous
creatures with their The eyes and wicked flattened faces.
Well, that's how Milverton impresses me.
I've had to do with 50 murderers in my career.
But the worst of them never gave me the repulsion, which I have
for this fellow and yet I can't get out of doing business with
him. Indeed.
He's here at my invitation. But who is he?
I'll tell you what, sun', he is the king of all the blackmailers
Heaven, Help. The Man, and still more the
woman whose secret and reputation come into the power
of Milverton with a smiling face and a heart of marble.
He will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry.
The fellow is a genius in his way and would have made his Mark
in some more Savory trade. His method is as follows.
He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high
sums for letters which compromise people of wealth and
position. He receives these where's not
only from treacherous valets, or Maids, but frequently from
genteel Ruffians, who have gained the confidence and
affection of trusting women, he deals with no niggard hand.
I happen to know that he paid 700 pounds to a footman.
For a Note 2 lines in length. And that the ruin of a noble
family was the result, everything which is in the
market goes to Milverton and there are hundreds in this great
City. You turn white at his name.
No one knows where his grip may fall for his far too.
Rich and far, too cunning to work from hand to mouth.
He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the
moment when the steak is best worth winning.
I've said that he's the worst man in London and I would ask
you, how could one compare, the Ruffian who in hot blood
bludgeons, his mate with this man who methodically and it is
Leisure torture. Has the soul and Rings the
nerves in order to add to his already swollen money bags.
I have seldom heard my friends speak with such intensity of
feeling, but surely said I, the fellow must be within the grasp
of the law. Technically no doubt, but
practically not. What would it profit?
A woman for example, to get him a few months imprisonment.
If her own ruin, must immediately follow his victims.
Do not hit back. If ever, he blackmailed an
innocent person. Then indeed, we should have him
but he is as cunning as the evil one.
No, no, we must find other ways to fight him.
And why is he here? Because an illustrious client
has placed her piteous case in my hands.
It is the lady Eva, Blackwell the most beautiful debutante of
last season. She's to be married in a
fortnight to the Earl of dovercourt.
This fiend has several imprudent, letters, imprudent,
Watson, nothing worse, which were written to an impecunious,
young Squire in the country. They would suffice to break off
the match. Militant will send the letters
to the Earl and there's a large sum of money is paid him.
I have been commissioned to meet him and to make the best terms I
can at that instant. There was a clatter and the
rattle in the street below. Looking down.
I saw a stately carriage and pair the brilliant lamps
gleaming on the glassy haunches of the noble.
Chestnuts, a footman opened, the door and a small Stout man in a
Shaggy astrakhan Overcoat. Ended.
I mean it later he was in the room.
Charles Augustus Milverton was a man of fifty with a large
intellectual head round. Plump hairless face.
A Perpetual Frozen smile and to Keen gray eyes, which gleamed
brightly from behind broad gold-rimmed glasses.
It was something of mr. Pickwick's benevolence in his
appearance, marred only by the insincerity of the fixed smile
and by the hard glitter of those restless and penetrating eyes.
His voice was as smooth and Suave as his countenance.
As he Advanced with a plump little hand extended murmuring,
his regret for having missed us at his first visit.
Holmes, disregarded, the outstretched hand and looked at
him with a face of granite. Milverton's smile broadened.
He Shrugged, his shoulders remove his Overcoat folded, it
with great deliberation over the back of a chair and then took a
seat. This gentleman said he with a
wave in my direction. Is it discreet?
Is it right? Dr. Watson is my friend and
partner. Very good.
Mr. Holmes. It is only in your clients
interests that I protested. The matter is.
So very delicate. Dr. Watson has already heard of
it. Then we can proceed to business.
You say that you're acting for lady.
Eva has she empowered you to? Accept my terms?
What are your terms? 7,000 pounds, and the
alternative? My dear sir, it is painful for
me to discuss it. But if the money is not paid on
the 14th, there certainly will be no marriage on the 18th.
His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever.
Holmes thought for a while you appear to me.
He said at last to be taking matters too much for granted.
I am of course familiar, with the contents of these letters.
My client will certainly do what I may advise.
I shall counsel her to tell her future husband, the whole story
and to trust to his generosity. Milverton chuckled.
He you evidently do not know the Earl said he from the baffled,
look upon Holmes's face. I could see clearly that he did.
What harm is there in the letters?
He asked, they are sprightly, very sprightly Milverton
answered. The lady was a Charming
correspondent, but I can assure you that the Earl of dovercourt
would fail to appreciate them. However, since you think
otherwise, we'll let it rest at that.
It is purely a matter of business.
If you think that it is in the best interests of your client
that these letters should be placed in the Ends of the, oh,
then you would indeed be foolish to pay.
So large a sum of money to regain them.
Heroes and seized his astrakhan coat.
Holmes was gray with anger and mortification.
Wait a little, he said, you go too fast.
We should certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so
delicate and matter. Milverton relapsed into his
chair. I was sure that you would see it
in that light. He purred at the same time,
Holmes, continued lady Eva is not a wealthy woman.
I assure you that two thousand pounds would be a drain upon her
resources and that the sum you name is utterly Beyond her
power. I beg therefore, but you will
moderate your demands and that you'll return the letters at the
price. I indicate.
Jizz, I assure you the highest that you can get.
Milverton's smile broadened and his eyes twinkled humorously.
I am aware that what you say is true about.
The ladies resources said he at the same time you must admit
that the occasion of a lady's marriage is a very suitable time
for her friends and relatives to make some little effort upon her
behalf. They may hesitate as to an
acceptable wedding present. Let me assure them that this
little bundle of letters would give more joy.
Then all the Candelabra and butter dishes in London.
It is impossible said Holmes, dear me.
Dear me, how unfortunate cried Milverton taking out a bulky,
pocketbook. I cannot help thinking that
ladies are ill-advised in, not making an effort.
Look at this, he held up a little note with a coat of arms
upon the envelope that belongs to well, perhaps it is hardly
fair to tell the name until tomorrow morning, but at that
time, it will be in the hands of the lady's husband and all
because she will not find a Begley some which she could get
by turning her diamonds into paste.
It is such a Pity. Now, you remember the sudden
end. Of the engagement between the
honorable Miss miles and Colonel Dorking.
Only two days before the wedding.
There was a paragraph in the morning post to say that it was
all off and why it is almost incredible.
But the Absurd some of 1200 pounds would have settled the
whole question. Is it not pitiful?
And here I find you a man of sense boggling about terms.
When your clients future and honor are at stake?
You surprise me? Mr. Holmes.
What I say is, true Holmes answered the money cannot be
found. Surely.
It is better for you to take the substantial sum, which I offer
and to ruin This Woman's career, which can profit you in no way.
There you make a mistake. Mr. Holmes, an exposure would
profit me indirectly to a considerable extent.
I have eight or ten similar cases.
Maturing if it was circulated among them that I had made a
severe example of the lady Eva. I should find all of them much
more open to reason you see my point Holmes.
Sprang from his chair. Get behind him Watson.
Don't let him out now, sir. Let us see the contents of that
notebook. Militant had glided as quickly
as a rat to the side of the room and stood with his back against
the wall. Mr. Holmes, mr.
Holmes. He said, turning the front of
his coat and exhibiting the butt of a large revolver, which
projected from the inside pocket.
I have been expecting you to do something original.
This has been done so often and what good has ever come from it.
I assure you that I am armed to the teeth and I am perfectly
prepared to use my weapons. Knowing that the law will
Support me besides your supposition that I would bring
the letters here in a notebook is entirely mistaken.
I would do nothing. So foolish.
And now, gentlemen, I have one or two little interviews this
evening and it is a long drive to Hampstead.
He stepped forward, took up his coat.
Laid his hand on his revolver and turned to the door.
I picked up a chair but Holmes shook his head and I laid it
down again with bow a smile and twinkle Milverton was out of the
room and a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage
door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away.
Home sat motionless by the fire. His hands buried deep in his
trousers Pockets. His chin sunk upon his breast,
his eyes fixed upon the glowing Embers for half an hour.
He was silent and still, then with the gesture of a man who
has taken his decision. He sprang to his feet and passed
into his bedroom. A little later, a rakish young
Workman with a goatee beard and the Swagger lit.
His clay pipe at the lamp before descending into the street.
I'll be back, sometime Watson said, he and vanished into the
night. I understood that he had opened
his campaign against Charles, Augustus, Milverton, but I
little dreamed, the strange shape, which that campaign was
destined to take. For some days homes, came and
went at all hours in this attire, but beyond the remark
that his time was spent at Hampstead and that it was not
wasted. I knew nothing of what he was
doing at last however on a wild tempestuous evening when the
wind screamed and rattled against the windows, he returned
from his last Expedition and having removed his disguise.
He sat before the fire and laughed heartily in his silent
in word fashion. You would not call me a marrying
man. Watson.
No indeed. You'll be interested to hear
that. I am engaged.
My dear fellow I can grow to milverton's housemaid.
Good Heavens Holmes. I wanted information Watson.
Sure, you've gone too far. It was a most necessary step.
I am a plumber with a rising business escott by name.
I have walked out with her each evening, and I have talked with
her good Heavens, those talks. However, I have got all I
wanted. I know milverton's house as I
know the palm of my hand, but the girl homes, he Shrugged his
shoulders. You can't help it.
My dear Watson. You must play your cards as best
you can, when such a steak is on the table.
However, I Rejoice to say that I have a hated rival who will
certainly cut me out. The instant that my back is
turned, what a splendid night. It is.
You like this, whether it suits my purpose Watson, I mean to
burgle milverton's house tonight.
I had a catching of the breath and my skin went cold at The
Words, which was slowly uttered in a tone of concentrated,
resolution as a flash of lightning in the night shows up
in an instant every detail of a wild landscape.
So at one glance, I seem to see every possible result of such an
action, the detection, the capture the honored career
ending in an irreparable failure and disgrace.
My friend himself lying at the mercy of Odious Milverton.
For Heaven's Sake homes. Think what you're doing.
I cried my dear fellow. I have given it every
consideration. I am never precipitate in my
actions nor would I adopt so energetic and indeed.
So dangerous a course. If any other were possible let
us look at the matter clearly and fairly.
I suppose that you admit that the action is morally
justifiable though, technically Criminal.
The burglars house is no more than to forcibly take his
pocketbook, an action in which you were prepared to Aid me.
I turned it over in my mind. Yes.
I said it is morally justifiable.
So long as our object is to take no articles, save those which
are used for an illegal purpose. Exactly, since it is morally
justifiable. I have only to consider the
question of personal risk, surely a gentleman should not
lay much stress upon this. When a lady is in most desperate
need of his help. You will be in such a false
position. Well, that is part of the risk.
There is no other possible way of regaining.
Those letters. The unfortunate lady is not the
money. And there are none of her people
in who she could confide. Tomorrow is the last day of
Grace and unless we can get the letters tonight.
This villain will be as good as his word and will bring about
her ruin. I must therefore abandon my
client to her fate or I must play this last card between
ourselves Watson. It's a sporting duel between
this fellow Milverton and me he had as you saw the best of the
first exchanges, but my self-respect and my reputation
are concerned to fight it to a finish.
Well, I don't like it, but I suppose it must be said, I, when
do we start? You are not coming.
Then you're not going said. I I give you my word of honor
and I never broke it in my life. That I will take a cab straight
to the police station and give you away.
Unless you, let me share this adventure with you.
You can't help me. How'd he knows that.
You can't tell what may happen. Anyway, my resolution is taken
other people. Besides you have self-respect
and even reputations. Holmes, it looked annoyed, but
his brow cleared and he clapped me on the shoulder.
Well, well, my dear fellow be it.
So we have shared the same room for some years and it would be
amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell, you know, Watson,
I don't mind confessing to you. That I've always had an idea
that I would have made a highly efficient criminal.
This is the chance of my lifetime in that direction.
See here. He took a neat little leather
case out of a drawer and opening it.
He exhibited a number of shining instruments.
This is a first-class up-to-date Berg link it with nickel-plated,
Jamie Diamond tipped, glass cutter, adaptable keys, and
every modern Improvement, which the march of civilization
demands here to is. My dark Lantern.
Everything is in order. Have you a pair of Silent shoes?
I have rubber soled, tennis shoes, excellent, and a mask.
I can make a couple out of black silk.
I can see that you have a strong natural turn for this sort of
thing. Very good.
You make the masks. We shall have some cold supper
before we start, it is now nine thirty at 11.
We shall drive as far as Church row.
It is a quarter of an hour's walk from there to appledore
Towers. We shall be at work before
midnight. Milverton is a heavy sleeper and
retires. Punctually at 10:30 with any
luck. We should be back here by two
with the lady Eve has letters in my pocket Holmes, and I put on
our dress clothes, so that we might appear to be to
theatregoers Homeward Bound in Oxford Street.
We picked up a hansom and drove to an address in Hampstead.
Here. We paid off our cab and with our
greatcoats buttoned up for it was bitterly cold and the And
seem to blow through us. We walked along the edge of the
Heath. It's a business that needs
delicate treatment. Said, Holmes these documents are
contained in a safe in the fellow study.
And the study is the ante room of his bedchamber.
On the other hand. I call these Stout little men
who do themselves. Well, he is a plethoric sleeper.
Agatha. That's my fiance says, it is a
joke in the servants Hall. That it's impossible to wake the
master. He has a secretary who is
devoted to his interests and never budges from the study all
day. That's why we're going at night.
Then he has a beast of a dog which roams the garden.
I met Agatha late, the last two evenings and she locks The Brute
up. So as to give me a clear run.
This is the house. This big one in its own grounds
through the gate. Now to the right Among The
Laurels. We might put on our masks here.
I think you see there is not a glimmer of light in any of the
windows and everything is working.
Splendidly. With our black silk face
coverings, which turned us into two of the most truculent
figures in London. We stole up to the silent gloomy
house, as sort of tiled Veranda extended.
Along one side of it lined by several windows and two doors.
That's his bedroom Holmes, whispered this door opens
straight into the study. It would suit Us best but it is
bolted as well as lat, and we should make too much noise
getting in. Come around here.
There's a greenhouse which opens into the drawing room.
The place was locked but Holmes removed a circle of glass and
turned the key from the inside. An instant afterwards.
He had closed the door behind us and we had become felons in the
eyes of the law. The thick warm air of the
conservatory and the rich choking fragrance of exotic
plants took us by the throat. He sees my hand in the darkness
and led me swiftly passed Banks of shrubs which brushed against
our faces Holmes had remarkable Powers carefully.
Cultivated of seeing in the dark, still holding my hand.
In one of his, he opened a door and I was vaguely conscious that
we had entered a large room in which a cigar had been smoked
not long before he felt his way among the furniture opened
another door and closed it behind us.
Putting out my hand. I felt several coats hanging
from the wall. And I understood that.
I was in a passage. We passed along it and Holmes
very gently. Open the door upon the
right-hand side, something rushed out at us and my heart.
Sprang into my mouth, but I could have laughed when I
realized that it was the cat. A fire was burning in this new
room. And again, they had the air was
Heavy with tobacco smoke. Holmes entered on tiptoe, waited
for me to follow, and then very gently.
Close the door. We were in Milverton study and a
portiere at the Father's Side, showed the entrance to his
bedroom. It was a good fire and the room
was illuminated by it near the door.
I Saw The Gleam of an electric switch, but it was unnecessary.
Even if it had been safe to turn it on.
At one side of the fireplace was a heavy curtain which covered
the bay window. We had seen from outside.
On the other side was the door which communicated with The
Veranda a desk stood in the Centre with a turning chair of
shining red leather. Opposite was a large bookcase
with a marble bust of Athenian on the top in the corner between
the bookcase and the wall. There stood, a tall green safe.
The fire light flashing. Back from the polished brass
knobs upon its face home stole across and looked at it then he
crept to the door of the bedroom and stood with slanting head
listening, intently. No sound Came From Within
meanwhile, it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our
Treat through the outer door, so I examined it to my amazement.
It was neither locked nor bolted.
I touched homes on the arm, and he turned his masked face in
that direction. I saw him start and he was
evidently as surprised as I was. I don't like it.
He whispered putting his lips to my very ear.
I can't quite make it out. Anyhow, we have no time to lose.
Can I do anything? Yes.
Stand by the door. If you hear anyone come bolt it
on the inside and we can get away as we came.
If they come the other way, we can get through the door.
If our job is done or hide behind these window curtains.
If it is not, do you understand? I noted and stood by the door.
My first feeling of fear had passed away.
And I thrilled now with akina zest than I'd ever enjoyed when
we were the Defenders of the law instead of its defiers, the high
object of our mission, the Consciousness that it was
unselfish. And chivalrous the villainous
character of our opponent, all added to the sporting interest
of the adventure, far from feeling guilty.
I rejoiced an exalted in our day.
Judges with a glow of admiration.
I watched homes, unrolling, his case of instruments and choosing
his tool with the calm scientific accuracy of a surgeon
who performs a delicate operation.
I knew that the opening of safes was a particular hobby with him
and I understood the joy, which had gave him to be confronted
with this green and gold monster.
The dragon which held in it's more the reputations of many
Fair ladies. Turning up the Cuffs of his
dress coat. He had placed his Overcoat on a
chair homes laid out two drills, a Jamie and several skeleton
keys. I stood at the center door with
my eyes glancing at each of the others, ready for any emergency
though. Indeed.
My plans were somewhat vague, as to what I should do, if we were
interrupted. For half an hour, Holmes, worked
with concentrated energy, laying down one tool.
Picking up another handling each with the strength and delicacy
of the trained mechanic. Finally.
I heard a click, the broad green door, swung open and inside, I
had a glimpse of a number of paper packets, each tied sealed
and inscribed Holmes picked one out, but it was as hard to read
by the flickering fire. And he drew out his little dark
Lantern for. It was too dangerous with
militant in the Next Room to switch on the electric light.
Suddenly. I saw him halt, listen,
intently. And then in an instant he had
swung the door of the safe to picked up his coat stuffed, his
tools, into the pockets and darted behind the window
curtain, motioning me to do the same.
It was only when I had joined him there that I heard what had
alarmed his quicker census. There was a noise somewhere
within the house, a door, slammed in the distance.
Then a confused dull murmur broke itself into the measured,
thud of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching.
They were in the passage outside the room.
They paused at the door, the door opened.
There was a sharp Snick as the electric light was turned on.
The door closed once more and the pungent reek of a strong
cigar was born to our nostrils. Then the footsteps continued
backward and forward backward and forward within a few yards
of us. Finally.
There was a Creak from a chair and the footsteps East then, a
key clicked in a lock and I heard the rustle of papers.
So far, I had not dared to look out.
But now I gently parted the division of the curtains in
front of me and peeps through from the pressure of Holmes's
shoulder against mine. I knew that he was sharing my
observations right in front of us and almost within our reach
was the broad rounded back of Milverton.
It was evident that weird entirely miscalculated, his
movements that he never been to his bedroom.
But has he been sitting up in some smoking or billiard room in
the father wing of the house? The windows of which we had not
seen his broad grizzled head with his shining.
Patch of baldness was in the immediate foreground of our
vision. He was leaning far back in the
red leather chair, his legs outstretched a, long black cigar
projecting at an angle from Mouth, he wore a semi-military
smoking jacket Claret colored with a black velvet collar in
his hand. He held a long legal document
which he was reading in an indolent fashion.
Glowing rings of tobacco smoke from his lips as he did.
So it was no promise of a speedy departure in his composed
bearing and is comfortable attitude.
I felt Holmes's hand steel into mine and give me a reassuring
Shake. As if to say that the situation
was within his powers and that he was easy in his mind.
I was not so sure that he'd seen what was only too obvious from
my position that door of the safe was imperfectly closed and
that Milverton might at any moment.
Observe it. In my own mind, I had determined
that if I was sure from the rigidity of his gaze that it had
caught his eye, I would at once, spring out, throw my great coat
over his head, pinion him and leave the rest to homes.
But Milverton never looked up. He was languidly interested by
the papers in his hand and Page. After page was turned as he
followed the argument of the lawyer.
At least, I thought when he's finished the document and the
cigar, he will go to his room. But before he had reached the
end of either, there came a remarkable development which
turned our thoughts into quite another Channel.
Several times. I had observed that Milverton
looked at his watch and once he had risen and sat down again
with a gesture of impatience, the idea, however, that he might
have an appointment at, so strange an hour, never occurred
to me until a faint sound. Sound reached my ears from The
Veranda outside Milverton dropped, his papers and sat
rigid in his chair. The sound was repeated.
And then there came a gentle tap at the door militant Rose and
opened it. Well, said he currently your
nearly half an hour late. So this was the explanation of
the unlocked door and of the nocturnal vigil of Milverton.
There was a gentle Russell of a woman's dress.
I had close. The slit between the curtains as
militants face had turned in our Direction, but now I ventured
very carefully to open it once more.
He had resumed his seat, the cigar still projecting at an
insolent angle from the corner of his mouth.
In front of him, in the full glare of the electric light,
there stood, a tall slim, dark woman, a veil over her face a
mantle drawn around her chin. Her breath came, quick and fast
and every inch of the lithe figure was quivering with strong
emotion. Well, said, Milverton.
You made me lose a good night's rest?
My dear. I hope you'll prove worth it.
You couldn't come any other time and the woman shook her head.
Well, if you couldn't you couldn't, if the Countess is a
hard mistress, you have your chance to get level with her.
Now bless the girl. What are you shivering about
that? Right, pull yourself together.
Now, let's get down to business. He took a notebook from the
drawer of his desk, you say that, you have five letters,
which compromise the Countess dalbert.
Are you want to sell them? I want to buy them so far.
So good. It only remains to fix a price.
I should want to inspect the letters.
Of course if they're really good.
Specimens. Great Heavens.
Is it you The woman without a word had raised her veil and
dropped the mantle from her chin.
It was a dark handsome clear-cut face, which confronted Milverton
a face with a curved nose. Strong dark eyebrows shading,
hard glittering eyes and a straight thin-lipped mouth set
in a dangerous smile. It is I she said the woman whose
life you have ruined. Milverton laughed, but fear
vibrated in his voice. You were.
So very obstinate said he, why did you drive me to such
extremities? I assure you, I wouldn't hurt a
fly of my own accord, but every man has his business and what
was I to do? I put the price well, within
your means, you would not pay. So you sent the letters to my
husband and he the noblest gentleman that ever lived a man
whose boots. I was never worthy to lace.
He broke his Gallant heart and died.
You remember that last night when I came through that door, I
begged and prayed you for mercy and you laughed in my face as
you're trying to laugh. Now, only your coward heart.
Can't keep your lips from twitching.
Yes. You never thought to see me here
again, but it was that night, which taught me how I could meet
you face-to-face and alone. Well, Charles Milverton, what
have you to say? Don't imagine that.
You can bully me said, he rising to his feet.
I have only to raise my voice and I could call my servants and
have you arrested, but I'll make allowance for your natural
anger. Leave the room at once as you
came, and I will say no more. The woman stood with her hand
buried in her bosom and the same deadly smile on her thin lips.
You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine.
You will ring no more Hearts. As you rung mine.
I will free the world of a poisonous thing take that you
hound and that and that and that she had drawn a little gleaming
revolver and emptied Barrel after Barrel into milverton's
body the muzzle within two feet of his shirtfront.
He shrank away and then fell forward upon the table.
Coughing furiously and clawing among the papers.
Then he staggered to his feet received another shot and rolled
upon the floor. You've got me.
He cried and lay still. The woman looked at him intently
and ground her heel into his upturned face.
She looked again, but there was no sound or movement.
I heard a sharp Russell. The night air blew into the
heated room and the Avenger was gone.
No interference upon our part could have saved the man from
his fate, but as the woman poured, bullet, after bullet
into milverton's, shrinking body.
I was about to Spring out. When I felt Holmes's cold
strong, grasp upon my wrist. I understood the whole argument
of that firm restraining grip, that it was no Affair of ours
that Justice had overtaken. A villain that we had our own
duties and our own objects, which were not to be lost sight
of But hardly had the woman rushed from the room when Holmes
with Swift. Silent steps was over at the
other door. He turned the key in the lock at
the same instant. We heard voices in the house and
the sound of hurrying feet. The revolver shots had roused
the household with perfect coolness homes slipped across to
the safe filled. His two arms with bundles of
letters and poured them all into the fire.
Again, and again, he did it until the safe was empty.
Someone turned the handle and beat upon the outside of the
door. Holmes looked swiftly round the
letter which had been the messenger of death for Milverton
lay all mottled with his blood. Upon the table Holmes, tossed it
in among the Blazing papers. Then he drew the key from the
outer door pass through after me and locked it on the outside.
This way. Watson said he we can scale the
Garden Wall in this direction. I could not have believed that
an alarm could have spread. So swiftly, looking back.
The huge house was one blaze of light.
The front door was open and Figures were rushing down the
drive. The whole garden was alive with
people and one fellow raised a view.
Hello as we emerge from The Veranda and followed hard at our
heels. Holmes seemed to know the
grounds perfectly and he threaded his way swiftly among a
plantation of small trees. I close at his heels, and our
foremost pursuer panting behind us.
It was a 6-foot wall, which barred our path.
But he sprang to the top and over as I did the same.
I felt the hand of The Man Behind Me, grabbed at my ankle,
but I kicked myself free and scrambled over a grass strewn
coping. I fell upon my face among some
bushes, but Holmes had me on my feet in an instant and together.
We dashed away across the huge expanse of Hampstead.
Heath. We had run two miles.
I suppose before Homes at last halted and listened intently.
All was absolute silence behind us.
We had shaken off our pursuers and was safe.
We had breakfasted and was smoking our morning pipe on the
day after the remarkable experience, which I have
recorded when mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard, very
solemn and impressive was ushered into our modest sitting
room. Good morning.
Mr. Holmes said he good morning. May I ask you if you're very
busy just now. Not too busy to listen to.
You are thought that perhaps, if you'd nothing particular on end,
you might care to assist us in a most remarkable case which
occurred only last night at Amsterdam.
Dear me, said Holmes. What was that?
I murder the most dramatic and remarkable murder.
I know how Keen you are upon those things and I would take it
as a great favor if you would step down to appledore towers
and give us the benefit. If your advice, it is no
ordinary crime. We've had our eyes upon this mr.
Milverton, for sometime between ourselves.
It was a bit of a villain. He's known travel papers, which
are used for blackmailing purposes.
These papers of all been burned by the murderers.
Now, article of value was taken as it is probable that the
criminals were men of good position whose sole object was
to prevent social exposure criminals, so, At homes plural.
Yes, there were two of them. There was nearly as possible
captured red-handed. We have their foot marks.
We have their description. It's ten to one that we Trace
them. The first fellow was a bit too
active with the second was caught by the under guard known
only got away after a struggle. He was a middle-sized strongly
built man, square jaw, thick neck, mustache a mask over his
eyes. That's rather vague said,
Sherlock Holmes. My, it might be a description of
Watson. It's true said the inspector
with Amusement. It might be a description of
Watson. Well, I'm afraid I can't help
you. This drawed said, Holmes.
The fact is that I knew this fellow Milverton that I
considered him. One of the most dangerous men in
London and that I think there are certain crimes which the law
cannot touch and which therefore Or to some extent justify
private Revenge. No, it's no use arguing.
I've made up my mind. My sympathies are with the
criminals rather than with the victim and I will not handle
this case, Holmes had not said one word to me about the tragedy
which we had witnessed. But I observed all the morning
that he was in the most thoughtful mood and he gave me
the impression from his vacant eyes and is abstracted Manner of
a man who is striving to recall something to his memory.
We were in the middle of our lunch, when he suddenly sprang
to his feet by jove Watson. I've got it.
He cried. Take your hat.
Come with me. He hurried, it is top speed
down, Baker, Street, and along Oxford Street until we'd almost
reached Regent circus here on the left hand stands.
A shop window filled with photographs of the celebrities
and beauties of the day Holmes's eyes fixed themselves, upon one
of them and following his gaze. I saw the picture of a Regal and
stately lady in court dress with a high diamond tiara upon her
Noble head. I looked at that delicately
curved nose. At the marked eyebrows, at the
straight mouth and the strong little chin beneath it.
Then I caught my breath, as I read the time on a title of the
great nobleman and Statesman, whose wife.
She had been my eyes, met those of homes, and he put his finger
to his lips as we turned away from the window.
End of the adventure of Charles, Augustus, Milverton.