1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,400 Adventure 2 of the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur 2 00:00:04,400 --> 00:00:07,100 Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in 3 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:12,400 the public domain. Adventure to the yellow face. 4 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:17,300 In publishing, these short sketches based upon the numerous 5 00:00:17,300 --> 00:00:21,200 cases, in which my companions singular gifts have made us the 6 00:00:21,200 --> 00:00:24,200 listeners to. And eventually the actors in 7 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:27,500 some strange drama. It is only natural that I should 8 00:00:27,500 --> 00:00:30,800 dwell rather upon his successes than upon his failures. 9 00:00:31,700 --> 00:00:34,400 And this not so much for the sake of his reputation. 10 00:00:35,500 --> 00:00:39,700 For indeed, it was when he was at his wits end that his energy 11 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:42,000 and his versatility were most admirable. 12 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:46,200 But because where he failed it happened too often that no one 13 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:49,500 else succeeded and that the tail was left Forever Without a 14 00:00:49,508 --> 00:00:53,200 conclusion now. And again, however, it chance 15 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:56,500 that even when he heard, the truth was still discovered. 16 00:00:57,200 --> 00:01:00,200 I have noted have some half-dozen cases of the kind, 17 00:01:00,800 --> 00:01:03,800 the adventure of the Musgrave ritual and that which are about 18 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:06,400 to recount other. Which present the strongest 19 00:01:06,400 --> 00:01:11,000 features of Interest? Sherlock Holmes, as a man who 20 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:13,300 seldom took exercise for exercises. 21 00:01:13,300 --> 00:01:17,700 Sake, few men were capable of Greater muscular effort and he 22 00:01:17,700 --> 00:01:20,800 was undoubtedly, one of the finest boxes of his weight that 23 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:23,800 I've ever seen. But he looked Upon A nameless 24 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:28,000 bodily exertion as a waste of energy and he seldom bestirred 25 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:30,300 himself save when. There was some professional 26 00:01:30,300 --> 00:01:34,400 object to be served. Then he was absolutely untiring 27 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:38,300 and indefatigable that he should have kept himself in training 28 00:01:38,300 --> 00:01:41,900 under such. This is remarkable, but his diet 29 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:45,400 was usually of the sparest and his habits were simple to the 30 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:49,300 verge of austerity, save for the occasional use of cocaine. 31 00:01:49,800 --> 00:01:53,300 He had no vices and he only turns the drug as a protest 32 00:01:53,300 --> 00:01:56,300 against the monotony of existence, when cases were 33 00:01:56,300 --> 00:01:59,200 scanty and the papers uninteresting. 34 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:04,200 One day in early spring, he had so far relaxed to go for a walk 35 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:08,199 with me, in the park, where the first faint shoots of green were 36 00:02:08,199 --> 00:02:11,800 breaking out upon the Elms. And the sticky, spearheads of 37 00:02:11,800 --> 00:02:14,500 the chestnuts were just beginning to burst into their 38 00:02:14,500 --> 00:02:17,500 fivefold. Leaves for two hours. 39 00:02:17,500 --> 00:02:21,300 We rambled about together in silence for the most part, as 40 00:02:21,300 --> 00:02:22,900 befits. Two men who know each other 41 00:02:22,900 --> 00:02:25,800 intimately. It was nearly five before we 42 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:29,100 were back in Baker Street, once more, Beg. 43 00:02:29,100 --> 00:02:32,400 Pardon, sir said our page boy as he opened the door. 44 00:02:33,800 --> 00:02:36,200 There's been a gentleman here asking for you, sir. 45 00:02:37,300 --> 00:02:41,300 Holmes glanced reproachfully at me so much for afternoon. 46 00:02:41,300 --> 00:02:45,000 Walks said he has this gentleman gone then. 47 00:02:45,700 --> 00:02:48,500 Yes, sir. Didn't you ask him in? 48 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:50,900 Yes, sir. He came in. 49 00:02:51,700 --> 00:02:54,500 How long did he wait? Half an hour sir? 50 00:02:55,100 --> 00:02:58,000 He was a very restless gentleman at walking. 51 00:02:58,000 --> 00:02:59,700 In a stamping all the time. He was here. 52 00:03:00,300 --> 00:03:03,900 I was waiting outside the door sir, and I could hear him at 53 00:03:03,900 --> 00:03:05,800 last. He outs into the passage and he 54 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:08,900 cries. That man never going to come. 55 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:13,400 Those were his very words sir. You only need to wait a little 56 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:17,700 longer says I Then I'll wait in the open air for. 57 00:03:17,700 --> 00:03:23,400 I feel half-choked, says he will be back before long and we that 58 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:26,000 yep, Sandy outs. And all I could say wouldn't 59 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:30,000 hold him back. Well, you did your best said, 60 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,600 Holmes as we walked into our room. 61 00:03:32,300 --> 00:03:33,800 It's very annoying, though. Watson. 62 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:37,800 I was badly in need of a case. And this looks from the man's 63 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:40,100 impatience as if it were of importance. 64 00:03:40,900 --> 00:03:43,100 Hello. That's not your pipe on the 65 00:03:43,100 --> 00:03:45,500 table. He must have left his behind 66 00:03:45,500 --> 00:03:48,100 him. A nice old Briar with a good 67 00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:50,700 long stem of what the tobacconist call Amber. 68 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:53,500 I wonder how many real Amber mouthpieces. 69 00:03:53,500 --> 00:03:56,700 There are in London. Some people think that a fly in, 70 00:03:56,700 --> 00:03:59,300 it is a sign. Well, he must have been 71 00:03:59,300 --> 00:04:02,500 Disturbed in his mind to leave a pipe behind him which he 72 00:04:02,500 --> 00:04:04,000 evidently values. Highly. 73 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:06,400 How do you know that he values? It? 74 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:10,800 Highly, I asked, well, I should put the original cost of the 75 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:15,300 pipe at seven six pints. Now I'd has you see been twice 76 00:04:15,300 --> 00:04:20,000 mended once in the wooden stem. And once in the Amber each of 77 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:24,300 these men's done as You observe with silver Brands, must have 78 00:04:24,300 --> 00:04:27,900 cost more than the pipe did. Originally the man must value 79 00:04:27,900 --> 00:04:31,500 the pipe highly when he prefers to patch it up rather than buy a 80 00:04:31,500 --> 00:04:36,900 new one with the same money. Anything else I asked for Holmes 81 00:04:36,900 --> 00:04:40,100 was turning the pipe about in his hand and staring at it in 82 00:04:40,100 --> 00:04:44,700 his peculiar pensive way. He held it up and tapped on it 83 00:04:44,700 --> 00:04:48,400 with his long thin forefinger as a professor might who was 84 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:52,400 lecturing on a bone. Pipes are occasionally of 85 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:57,100 extraordinary interest said he nothing has more individuality 86 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:02,200 save, perhaps watches and bootlaces the indications here. 87 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:05,500 However, are neither very marked nor very important. 88 00:05:05,900 --> 00:05:09,400 The owner is obviously a muscular man, left-handed, with 89 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:12,800 an excellent set of teeth careless in his habits. 90 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:15,200 And with no need to practise economy. 91 00:05:16,500 --> 00:05:19,400 My friends throughout the information in a very offhand 92 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:22,500 way, but I saw that he cocked his eye at me to see if I had 93 00:05:22,500 --> 00:05:26,300 followed his reasoning. You think a man must be 94 00:05:26,300 --> 00:05:31,200 well-to-do if he smokes a seven Schilling pipe said I, this is 95 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:33,600 Grove in a mixture at eight Pence. 96 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:37,000 Announced Holmes answered knocking a little out on his 97 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:40,300 palm as he might get an excellent smoke for half the 98 00:05:40,300 --> 00:05:42,600 price. He has no need to practise 99 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:45,300 economy. And the other points. 100 00:05:46,400 --> 00:05:49,200 He has been in the habit of lighting his pipe at lamps and 101 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:53,000 gas-jets and you can see that it is quite charred all down one 102 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:56,300 side, of course a match could not have done that. 103 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:59,700 Why should a man hold a match to the side of his pipe? 104 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:02,700 But you can't light. It's a lamp without getting the 105 00:06:02,700 --> 00:06:07,200 Bold chard and it is all on the right side of the pipe from 106 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:08,900 that. I gather that he is a 107 00:06:08,907 --> 00:06:13,200 left-handed, man. You hold your own pipe to the 108 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:16,000 lamp and see how naturally you being. 109 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:19,100 Right-handed, hold the left side to the flame. 110 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:23,400 You might do it once the other way, but not as a constancy. 111 00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:28,600 This has always been held. So then he has bitten through 112 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:31,500 his Amber. It takes a muscular energetic, 113 00:06:31,500 --> 00:06:34,500 fellow, and one with a good set of teeth to do that. 114 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:37,600 But if I'm not mistaken, I hear him upon the stair. 115 00:06:38,100 --> 00:06:40,700 So we shall have something more interesting than his pipe to 116 00:06:40,700 --> 00:06:44,600 study. An instant later our door opened 117 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:46,700 and a tall. Young man entered the room. 118 00:06:47,300 --> 00:06:50,600 He was well, but quietly dressed in a dark gray suit, and carried 119 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:54,400 a brown wide awake in his hand. I should have put him at about 120 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:57,100 30 though. He was really some years older. 121 00:06:58,100 --> 00:07:00,100 I beg your. Pardon said he with some 122 00:07:00,100 --> 00:07:03,400 embarrassment. I suppose I should have knocked. 123 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:05,300 Yes, of course. I should have knocked. 124 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:08,600 The fact is that I'm a little upset and you must put it all 125 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:11,800 down to that. He passed his hand over his 126 00:07:11,800 --> 00:07:15,800 forehead, like a man who is half dazed and then fell rather than 127 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:19,800 sat down upon a chair. I can see that you have not 128 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:23,900 slept for a night or two said Holmes in his easy, genial way 129 00:07:24,700 --> 00:07:28,000 that tries a man's nerves more than work and more even than 130 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:31,000 pleasure. May, I ask how I can help you? 131 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:35,100 I wanted your advice sir. I don't know what to do. 132 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:37,500 And my whole life seems to have gone to pieces. 133 00:07:38,400 --> 00:07:40,600 You wish to employ me as a Consulting. 134 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:44,200 Detective. Not that only, I want your 135 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:47,600 opinion as a judicious, man. As a man of the world. 136 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:49,800 I want to know what I want to do next. 137 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:51,800 I hope to God, you'll be able to tell me. 138 00:07:53,600 --> 00:07:57,800 He spoke in little sharp jerky outbursts and it seemed to me 139 00:07:57,900 --> 00:07:59,900 that to speak at all, was very painful to him. 140 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:03,700 And that his will all through was overriding his inclinations. 141 00:08:04,800 --> 00:08:08,700 It's a very delicate thing said. He one does not like to speak of 142 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:10,300 one's domestic affairs to strangers. 143 00:08:10,900 --> 00:08:13,700 It seems Dreadful to discuss the conduct of one's wife with two 144 00:08:13,700 --> 00:08:18,500 men whom I've never seen before. It's horrible to have to do it. 145 00:08:18,900 --> 00:08:22,000 But I've got to the end of my tether and I must have advice. 146 00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:26,200 My dear, mr. Grant Munro began homes. 147 00:08:26,900 --> 00:08:30,100 Our visitor. Sprang from his chair, what he 148 00:08:30,100 --> 00:08:32,000 cried. You know, my name. 149 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:37,200 If you wish to preserve your Incognito said, Holmes smiling, 150 00:08:37,799 --> 00:08:40,299 I would suggest that you cease to write your name upon the 151 00:08:40,299 --> 00:08:44,200 lining of your hat or else that you turn the crown towards the 152 00:08:44,200 --> 00:08:47,800 person whom you're addressing. I was about to say that my 153 00:08:47,800 --> 00:08:50,800 friend and I have listened to a good, many strange secrets in 154 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:54,300 this room and that we've had the Good Fortune to bring peace to 155 00:08:54,300 --> 00:08:57,900 many, troubled Souls. I trusted, we may do as much for 156 00:08:57,900 --> 00:09:00,300 you. Might I beg you as time may 157 00:09:00,300 --> 00:09:03,600 prove to be of importance, to furnish me with Facts of your 158 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:08,500 case without further delay. Our visitor again, passed his 159 00:09:08,500 --> 00:09:11,700 hand over his forehead. As if he found it, bitterly hard 160 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:14,100 from every gesture and expression. 161 00:09:14,600 --> 00:09:17,500 I could see that he was a reserved self-contained, man, 162 00:09:17,900 --> 00:09:21,300 with a dash of pride in his nature, more likely to hide his 163 00:09:21,300 --> 00:09:25,600 wounds than to expose them then suddenly with a fierce gesture 164 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:29,100 of his closed hand like one who throws Reserve to the winds. 165 00:09:29,500 --> 00:09:33,700 He began. The facts are these said he. 166 00:09:34,300 --> 00:09:38,000 I'm a married man and have been so for three years during that 167 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:41,300 time, my wife and I have loved each other as fondly and lived 168 00:09:41,300 --> 00:09:43,600 as happily as any two that ever were joined. 169 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:47,600 We have not had a difference, not one in thought or word or 170 00:09:47,600 --> 00:09:50,800 deed. And now, since last Monday, 171 00:09:51,700 --> 00:09:55,200 there has suddenly sprung up a barrier between us and I find 172 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:57,900 that there is something in her life, and in her thought of 173 00:09:57,900 --> 00:10:00,700 which, I know, as little as if she were the woman who brushes 174 00:10:00,700 --> 00:10:04,400 by me in the street. We are estranged and I want to 175 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:07,400 know why. Now, there is one thing that I 176 00:10:07,408 --> 00:10:09,700 want to impress upon you before I go any further. 177 00:10:10,300 --> 00:10:14,500 Mr. Holmes, if he loves me, don't let there be any mistake 178 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:16,700 about that. She loves me with her whole 179 00:10:16,700 --> 00:10:19,200 heart and soul, and never more than now. 180 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:21,800 I know it. I feel it. 181 00:10:22,700 --> 00:10:24,500 I don't want to argue about that. 182 00:10:24,900 --> 00:10:28,300 A man can tell easy enough when a woman loves him, but there's 183 00:10:28,300 --> 00:10:31,200 this secret between us and we can never be the same until it 184 00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:34,900 is cleared. Kindly, let me have the facts. 185 00:10:34,900 --> 00:10:37,500 Mr. Monroe said, Holmes with some impatience. 186 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:39,600 I'll tell you what. I know about. 187 00:10:39,600 --> 00:10:42,500 If he's history. She was a widow. 188 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:46,500 When I met her first though. Quite young only 25. 189 00:10:46,900 --> 00:10:48,500 A name them was mrs. Hebron. 190 00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:52,200 She went out to America when she was young and lived in a town of 191 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:56,300 Atlanta, where she married this, Hebron who was a lawyer with a 192 00:10:56,300 --> 00:10:59,400 good practice. They had one child, but the 193 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:02,600 yellow fever broke out badly in the place and both husband and 194 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:03,600 child. Died of it. 195 00:11:04,500 --> 00:11:08,100 I've seen his death certificate, this sickened, her of America 196 00:11:08,300 --> 00:11:10,900 and she came back to live with a maiden aunt at Pinner in 197 00:11:10,900 --> 00:11:13,800 Middlesex. I may mention that her husband 198 00:11:13,800 --> 00:11:17,500 had left her comfortably off and that she had a capital of about 199 00:11:17,500 --> 00:11:21,300 4,500 pounds which have been so well invested by him. 200 00:11:21,700 --> 00:11:24,100 That it returned an average of 7%. 201 00:11:24,600 --> 00:11:27,500 She had only been six months at Pinner when I met her. 202 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:30,500 We fell in love with each other and we married a few weeks 203 00:11:30,500 --> 00:11:32,800 afterwards. I'm a hot mess. 204 00:11:32,900 --> 00:11:35,400 It myself. And as I have an income of seven 205 00:11:35,400 --> 00:11:38,400 or eight hundred, we found ourselves comfortably off. 206 00:11:38,700 --> 00:11:41,300 And took a nice 80 pound a year. Villa at norbury. 207 00:11:42,100 --> 00:11:45,200 Our little place was very countrified considering that it 208 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:49,200 is so close to town. We had an inn and two houses, a 209 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:52,100 little above us and a single Cottage at the other side of the 210 00:11:52,100 --> 00:11:56,300 field, which faces us and except those, there were no houses 211 00:11:56,400 --> 00:11:58,100 until you got halfway to the station. 212 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:02,600 My business took me into town at certain Seasons, but in summer, 213 00:12:02,600 --> 00:12:06,600 I had To do. And then in our country home, my 214 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:09,000 wife and I were just as happy as could be wished. 215 00:12:09,700 --> 00:12:12,800 I tell you that there never was a shadow between us until this 216 00:12:12,800 --> 00:12:16,100 accursed affair began. There's one thing I ought to 217 00:12:16,108 --> 00:12:18,400 tell you. Before I go further, when we 218 00:12:18,400 --> 00:12:22,300 married my wife made over all her property to me, rather 219 00:12:22,300 --> 00:12:24,900 against my will. For I saw how awkward it would 220 00:12:24,900 --> 00:12:26,900 be if my business Affairs went wrong. 221 00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:31,800 However, she would have it. So, and it was done well, about 222 00:12:31,800 --> 00:12:33,500 six weeks ago. She came Came to me. 223 00:12:34,300 --> 00:12:38,100 Jack said she, when you took my money, you said that, if ever I 224 00:12:38,100 --> 00:12:42,100 wanted any, I was to ask you for it, certainly said. 225 00:12:42,100 --> 00:12:43,700 Hi. It's all your own. 226 00:12:44,500 --> 00:12:47,900 Well, said, she, I want 100 pounds. 227 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:51,400 I was bit staggered at this fried imagined. 228 00:12:51,400 --> 00:12:54,100 It was simply a new dress, or something of the kind that she 229 00:12:54,100 --> 00:12:57,300 was after what on Earth for I asked. 230 00:12:58,100 --> 00:13:03,200 Oh, said she in her playful way. You said that you only my Care 231 00:13:04,100 --> 00:13:07,800 and bankers, never ask questions, you know, if you 232 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:12,100 really mean it, of course, you should have the money said I oh 233 00:13:12,100 --> 00:13:16,500 yes, I really mean it and you won't tell me what you want it 234 00:13:16,500 --> 00:13:21,100 for someday, perhaps but not just at present Jack. 235 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:24,700 So I had to be content with that though. 236 00:13:24,700 --> 00:13:26,600 It was the first time that there had ever been. 237 00:13:26,600 --> 00:13:31,400 Any secret between us, I gave her a check and never thought 238 00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:34,500 any more of the matter. It may have nothing to do with 239 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:37,700 what came afterwards, but I thought it only right to mention 240 00:13:37,700 --> 00:13:40,800 it. Well, I told you just now that 241 00:13:40,800 --> 00:13:42,900 there is a cottage, not far from our house. 242 00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:46,700 There is just a field between us, but to reach it, you have to 243 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:50,800 go along the road and then turn down a lane, just beyond it is a 244 00:13:50,808 --> 00:13:54,600 nice little Grover, Scotch Furs, and I used to be very fond of 245 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:58,000 strolling down there for trees are always a neighborly, kind of 246 00:13:58,008 --> 00:14:00,500 thing. The cottage had been standing 247 00:14:00,500 --> 00:14:03,200 empty this eight months and it was a T4. 248 00:14:04,400 --> 00:14:08,400 It was a pretty two-story place with an old-fashioned porch and 249 00:14:08,400 --> 00:14:11,800 honeysuckle about it. I have stood many a time and 250 00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:15,400 thought what a neat little Homestead it would make well 251 00:14:15,800 --> 00:14:18,400 last Monday evening. I was taking a stroll down that 252 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:21,400 way when I met an empty van coming up the lane and saw a 253 00:14:21,408 --> 00:14:24,700 pile of carpets and things lying about on the grass-plot beside 254 00:14:24,700 --> 00:14:28,100 the porch. It was clear that the cottage 255 00:14:28,100 --> 00:14:32,200 had at last been let I walked past it and wonder what sort of 256 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:34,500 folk they were who had come to live so near us. 257 00:14:35,100 --> 00:14:38,400 And as I looked I suddenly became aware that her face was 258 00:14:38,400 --> 00:14:40,500 watching me out of one of the upper windows. 259 00:14:41,500 --> 00:14:43,300 I don't know what the was about that face. 260 00:14:43,300 --> 00:14:47,100 Mr. Holmes, but it seemed to send a chill right down my back. 261 00:14:47,700 --> 00:14:50,600 I was some little way off so that I could not make out the 262 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,800 features, but there was something unnatural and inhuman 263 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:56,200 about the face. That was the impression. 264 00:14:56,400 --> 00:14:59,000 That I had. And I moved quickly for words to 265 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:01,600 get a nearer view of the person who was watching me. 266 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:05,900 But as I did so the face suddenly disappeared. 267 00:15:06,300 --> 00:15:09,400 So suddenly that it seemed to have been plucked away into the 268 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,600 darkness of the room. I stood for five minutes 269 00:15:12,700 --> 00:15:15,500 thinking the business over and trying to analyze my 270 00:15:15,500 --> 00:15:18,400 Impressions. I could not tell if the face 271 00:15:18,400 --> 00:15:21,900 with that of a man or a woman, it had been too far from me for 272 00:15:21,900 --> 00:15:25,800 that, but it's color was watered impressed me most. 273 00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:30,500 It was of a livid chalky white and with something set and rigid 274 00:15:30,500 --> 00:15:32,400 about it, which was shockingly enough. 275 00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:35,900 True. So Disturbed was I that I 276 00:15:35,900 --> 00:15:38,300 determined to see a little more of the new inmates of the 277 00:15:38,300 --> 00:15:41,100 cottage. I approached and knocked at the 278 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:45,300 door, which was instantly opened by a tall gaunt woman with a 279 00:15:45,300 --> 00:15:49,600 harsh forbidding face. What may you be wanting? 280 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:53,800 She asked in a Northern accent? I'm your neighbor Over. 281 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,700 Yonder said I nodding towards my house. 282 00:15:57,400 --> 00:15:59,200 I see that you've only just moved in. 283 00:15:59,600 --> 00:16:03,400 So I thought that if I could be of any help to you in any way, I 284 00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:07,400 will just ask you when we want. You said she and shut the door 285 00:16:07,400 --> 00:16:10,500 in my face annoyed at the churlish rebuff. 286 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:14,600 My turned my back and walked home all evening though. 287 00:16:14,600 --> 00:16:17,800 I tried to think of other things my mind would. 288 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:21,100 Turn to The Apparition at the window and the rudeness of the 289 00:16:21,100 --> 00:16:23,800 woman. I determined to say nothing 290 00:16:23,800 --> 00:16:27,800 about the former to my wife for. She is a nervous highly-strung 291 00:16:27,800 --> 00:16:31,100 woman and I had no wish that she should share the unpleasant 292 00:16:31,100 --> 00:16:33,500 impression which had been produced upon myself. 293 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:38,000 I remarked to her. However, before I fell asleep at 294 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:41,900 the cottage was now occupied to which you return no reply. 295 00:16:43,400 --> 00:16:45,500 I am usually an extremely sound sleeper. 296 00:16:46,100 --> 00:16:48,900 It has been a standing jest in the family that nothing could 297 00:16:48,900 --> 00:16:52,900 ever wake me during the night. And yet somehow, on that 298 00:16:52,900 --> 00:16:56,600 particular night, whether it may have been the slight excitement 299 00:16:56,600 --> 00:16:58,600 produced by my little Adventure or not. 300 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:01,900 I know not, but I slept much more likely than usual. 301 00:17:02,700 --> 00:17:05,700 Half in my dreams. I was dimly conscious but 302 00:17:05,700 --> 00:17:09,200 something was going on in the room and gradually became aware 303 00:17:09,599 --> 00:17:12,900 that my wife had dressed herself and was slipping on her mantle 304 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:16,099 and On it. My lips were parted to murmur 305 00:17:16,099 --> 00:17:19,400 out some sleepy words of surprise or remonstrance at this 306 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:22,700 untimely preparation. When suddenly my half-opened 307 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:26,599 eyes fell upon her face illuminated by the candlelight 308 00:17:27,300 --> 00:17:29,200 and astonishment. Held me dumb. 309 00:17:30,200 --> 00:17:34,400 She wore an expression such as I had never seen before, such as I 310 00:17:34,408 --> 00:17:39,400 should thought her incapable of assuming she was deadly pale and 311 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:43,000 breathing, fast, glancing furtively Towards the bed. 312 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:47,200 As she fastened her mantle to see if she had Disturbed me then 313 00:17:47,700 --> 00:17:49,400 thinking that I was still asleep. 314 00:17:49,700 --> 00:17:51,600 She slipped noiselessly from the room. 315 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:55,500 And an instant later. I heard a sharp creaking, which 316 00:17:55,500 --> 00:17:57,700 could only come from the hinges of the front door. 317 00:17:58,700 --> 00:18:02,200 I sat up in bed and wrapped my Knuckles against the rail to 318 00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:06,000 make certain that I was truly awake that I took my watch from, 319 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:08,600 under the pillow. It was 3:00 in the morning. 320 00:18:09,500 --> 00:18:12,200 What on this Earth could my wife be doing out on the country? 321 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:16,800 Road at three in the morning? I had sat for about 20 minutes. 322 00:18:17,100 --> 00:18:20,100 Turning the thing over in my mind and trying to find some 323 00:18:20,100 --> 00:18:23,800 possible explanation. The more I thought the more 324 00:18:23,800 --> 00:18:26,200 extraordinary and inexplicable did it appear. 325 00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:30,000 I was still puzzling over it. When I heard the door, gently 326 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:33,300 close again and her footsteps, coming up the stairs. 327 00:18:34,500 --> 00:18:35,700 Where in the world have you been? 328 00:18:35,700 --> 00:18:40,800 Fe, I asked as she entered. She gave a violent start, and a 329 00:18:40,808 --> 00:18:44,700 kind of gasping cry. When I spoke and that cry, and 330 00:18:44,700 --> 00:18:47,800 start troubled. Me more than all the rest for, 331 00:18:47,800 --> 00:18:50,600 there was something, indescribably guilty about them. 332 00:18:51,600 --> 00:18:55,800 My wife had always been a woman of a Frank and open Nature, and 333 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:59,200 it gave me a chill to see her slinking into her own room and 334 00:18:59,200 --> 00:19:02,400 crying out and wincing, when her own husband spoke to her. 335 00:19:03,800 --> 00:19:06,600 You wake Jack. She cried with a nervous, laugh. 336 00:19:07,100 --> 00:19:09,500 Why I thought that nothing could wake you. 337 00:19:10,300 --> 00:19:12,700 Where have you been? I asked more sternly. 338 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:17,000 I don't wonder that. You're surprised said she, and I 339 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:19,600 could see that her fingers were trembling as she undid the 340 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:24,600 fastenings of her mantle. Why I never remember having done 341 00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:28,000 such a thing in my life before the fact is that I felt as 342 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:31,200 though I were choking and had a perfect longing for a breath of 343 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:33,800 fresh air. I really think that I should 344 00:19:33,800 --> 00:19:35,500 have fainted if I had not gone out. 345 00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:39,900 I stood at the door for a few minutes and now I'm quite myself 346 00:19:39,900 --> 00:19:44,300 again, all the time. She was telling me this story. 347 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:47,700 She never once looked in my direction and her voice was 348 00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:52,500 quite unlike her usual tones. It was evident to me that she 349 00:19:52,500 --> 00:19:56,600 was saying what was false. I said nothing in reply, but 350 00:19:56,600 --> 00:20:00,500 turned my face to the wall, sick at heart, with my mind filled 351 00:20:00,500 --> 00:20:03,300 with a thousand, venomous doubts and suspicions. 352 00:20:04,300 --> 00:20:06,500 What was it? That my wife was concealing from 353 00:20:06,500 --> 00:20:10,200 me, where had she been during that strange Expedition? 354 00:20:11,100 --> 00:20:14,500 I felt that I should have no peace until I knew and yet I 355 00:20:14,500 --> 00:20:17,000 shrank from asking her again. After one. 356 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:20,800 She had told me what was false. All the rest of the night I 357 00:20:20,800 --> 00:20:24,800 tossed and tumbled framing Theory after Theory, each more 358 00:20:24,800 --> 00:20:28,700 unlikely than the last. I should have gone to the city 359 00:20:28,700 --> 00:20:32,000 that day, but I was too Disturbed in my mind to be able 360 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:33,900 to pay attention to business matters. 361 00:20:34,700 --> 00:20:39,000 My wife seemed to be as upset as myself and I could see from the 362 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:42,100 little questioning glances, which he kept shooting at me, 363 00:20:42,500 --> 00:20:45,800 that she understood that I disbelieved her statement and 364 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:48,000 that she was at her Wits End, what to do. 365 00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:52,200 We hardly exchanged a word during breakfast and immediately 366 00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:54,300 afterwards. I went out for a walk. 367 00:20:55,200 --> 00:20:57,900 But I might think the matter out in the fresh morning air. 368 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,000 I went as far as the Crystal Palace, spent an hour in the 369 00:21:02,008 --> 00:21:04,700 grounds and was back in norbury by 1:00. 370 00:21:05,600 --> 00:21:07,200 It happened. The, my way took me past the 371 00:21:07,200 --> 00:21:10,500 cottage and I stopped for an instant to look at the windows. 372 00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:13,700 And to see if I could catch a glimpse of the strange face, 373 00:21:13,700 --> 00:21:17,400 which had looked out at me on the day before, as I stood 374 00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:19,400 there. Imagine my surprise. 375 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:23,200 Mr. Holmes, when the door suddenly opened, and my wife 376 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:25,800 walked out. I was struck dumb with 377 00:21:25,800 --> 00:21:29,000 astonishment at the sight of her, but my emotions were 378 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:31,700 nothing to those which showed themselves upon her face. 379 00:21:31,900 --> 00:21:35,000 When our eyes met. She seemed for an instant to 380 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:39,100 wish to shrink back inside the house again, and then seeing how 381 00:21:39,100 --> 00:21:42,800 useless all concealment must be. She came forward with a very 382 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:46,700 white face and frightened eyes, which belied the smile upon her 383 00:21:46,700 --> 00:21:51,800 lips. Ah, Jack, she said, I have just 384 00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:54,400 been in to see if I can be of any assistance to our new 385 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:57,100 neighbors. Why do you look at me like that 386 00:21:57,100 --> 00:21:59,600 Jack? You're not angry with me. 387 00:22:00,700 --> 00:22:04,200 So said, I, this is where you went during the night. 388 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:06,700 What do you mean? She cried? 389 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:09,800 You came here? I am sure of it. 390 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:13,600 Who are these people that you should visit them at? 391 00:22:13,600 --> 00:22:16,900 Such an hour? I have not been here before. 392 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,400 How can you tell me what, you know, is false. 393 00:22:20,500 --> 00:22:23,500 I cried the very voice changes as you speak. 394 00:22:24,100 --> 00:22:26,100 When have I ever had a secret from you. 395 00:22:26,800 --> 00:22:29,700 I shall enter that Cottage and I shall probe, the matter to the 396 00:22:29,700 --> 00:22:32,300 bottom. No, no. 397 00:22:32,300 --> 00:22:36,300 Jack for God's sake, she gasped in uncontrollable emotion. 398 00:22:37,200 --> 00:22:40,300 Then as I approached the door, she sees my sleeve. 399 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:44,600 And pulled me back with convulsive strength, implore you 400 00:22:44,900 --> 00:22:47,200 not to do this Jack. She cried. 401 00:22:47,900 --> 00:22:51,900 I swear that I will tell you everything someday, but nothing 402 00:22:51,900 --> 00:22:54,600 but misery can come of it if you enter that Cottage. 403 00:22:55,700 --> 00:22:59,300 Then as I tried to shake her off, she clung to me in a frenzy 404 00:22:59,300 --> 00:23:02,100 of entreaty. Trust me, Jack. 405 00:23:02,300 --> 00:23:05,400 She cried, trust me. Only this once. 406 00:23:05,900 --> 00:23:08,900 You'll never have cause to regret it, you know, that I 407 00:23:08,900 --> 00:23:11,700 would not have a secret from you, if it were not for your own 408 00:23:11,700 --> 00:23:15,000 sake, our whole lives are at stake in this. 409 00:23:15,600 --> 00:23:17,700 If you come home with me, all will be. 410 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:22,000 Well, if you force your way into that, Cottage all is over 411 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,500 between us. That was such an earnestness 412 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:30,100 such despair in her manner, but her words, arrested me and I 413 00:23:30,100 --> 00:23:31,900 stood irresolute before the door. 414 00:23:33,100 --> 00:23:36,000 I will trust you on one condition, and on one condition 415 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,900 only said I at last it is at this mystery comes to an end 416 00:23:39,900 --> 00:23:43,200 from now, you are at Liberty to preserve your secret. 417 00:23:43,600 --> 00:23:46,000 But you must promise me that there shall be no more nightly 418 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:48,300 visits. No more doings, which are kept 419 00:23:48,300 --> 00:23:50,900 from my knowledge. I'm willing to forget those 420 00:23:50,900 --> 00:23:53,500 which are passed. If you will promise that there 421 00:23:53,500 --> 00:23:57,400 shall be no more in the future. I was sure that you would trust 422 00:23:57,400 --> 00:24:00,200 me, she cried with a great sigh of relief. 423 00:24:00,800 --> 00:24:03,600 It shall be just as you wish. Come away. 424 00:24:04,100 --> 00:24:08,300 Oh, Come Away up to the house still pulling at my sleeve. 425 00:24:08,500 --> 00:24:13,700 She led me away from the cottage as we went I glanced back and 426 00:24:13,700 --> 00:24:16,900 there was that yellow livid face watching us out of the upper 427 00:24:16,900 --> 00:24:20,000 window. What link could there be between 428 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:23,700 that creature and my wife or how could the coarse rough woman? 429 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,300 Whom I had seen the day before be connected with her. 430 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:31,700 It was a strange puzzle and yet I knew that my mind could never 431 00:24:31,700 --> 00:24:36,600 know, he's again until I had solved it for two days after 432 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:39,000 this. I stayed at home and my wife 433 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:43,200 appeared to abide loyally by our engagement for as far as I know, 434 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:45,300 she never stood out of the house. 435 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:49,300 On the third day. However, I had ample evidence 436 00:24:49,300 --> 00:24:52,700 that her solemn promise was not enough to hold her back from 437 00:24:52,700 --> 00:24:56,100 this secret influence, which Drew her away from her husband, 438 00:24:56,400 --> 00:24:59,600 and her Duty. I had gone into town on that 439 00:24:59,600 --> 00:25:04,500 day, but I returned by the 240 instead of the 336, which is my 440 00:25:04,500 --> 00:25:07,300 usual train, as I entered the house. 441 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:10,300 The maid ran into the hall with a startled face. 442 00:25:11,300 --> 00:25:14,800 Where is your mistress? I asked, I think that she's gone 443 00:25:14,800 --> 00:25:16,800 out for a walk. She answered. 444 00:25:17,700 --> 00:25:20,000 My mind, was instantly filled with suspicion. 445 00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:24,600 I rushed upstairs to make sure that she was not in the house as 446 00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:26,900 I did. So I happened to glance out of 447 00:25:26,900 --> 00:25:30,000 one of the upper windows. And so the maid with whom, I'd 448 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:32,900 just been speaking running across the field in the 449 00:25:32,900 --> 00:25:36,900 direction of the cottage. Then of course, I saw exactly 450 00:25:36,900 --> 00:25:40,400 what it all meant. My wife had gone over there and 451 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:42,900 at asked the servant to call her if I should return. 452 00:25:44,500 --> 00:25:47,600 Tingling with anger. I rushed down and hurried across 453 00:25:47,600 --> 00:25:49,900 determined to end the matter once and forever. 454 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:55,300 I saw my wife and made hurrying back along the lane, but I did 455 00:25:55,300 --> 00:25:59,200 not stop to speak with them in the cottage later. 456 00:25:59,200 --> 00:26:01,800 Secret which was casting a shadow over my life. 457 00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:04,900 I vowed that come. What might it should be? 458 00:26:04,900 --> 00:26:08,000 A secret no longer. I did not even knock when I 459 00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:11,200 reached it, but turn the handle and rushed into the passage. 460 00:26:12,300 --> 00:26:14,100 It was all still and quiet upon the ground. 461 00:26:14,300 --> 00:26:17,800 Law in the kitchen. A kettle was singing on the fire 462 00:26:18,200 --> 00:26:21,600 and a large black cat. Lay coiled up in the basket, but 463 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:25,400 there was no sign of the woman whom I had seen before I ran 464 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:28,400 into the other room, but it was equally deserted. 465 00:26:28,900 --> 00:26:32,600 Then I rushed up the stairs only to find two other rooms empty 466 00:26:32,600 --> 00:26:35,700 and deserted at the top. There was no one at all in the 467 00:26:35,700 --> 00:26:39,300 whole house. The furniture and pictures were 468 00:26:39,300 --> 00:26:41,400 of the most common and vulgar description. 469 00:26:41,900 --> 00:26:45,000 Save in the one chamber at the window of Which I had seen the 470 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:49,400 strange face, that was comfortable, and elegant, and 471 00:26:49,400 --> 00:26:52,000 all my suspicions Rose into a fierce bitter. 472 00:26:52,000 --> 00:26:54,000 Flame. When I saw that on the 473 00:26:54,000 --> 00:26:57,500 mantelpiece stood, a copy of full-length, photograph, of my 474 00:26:57,500 --> 00:27:00,100 wife, which have been taken at my request. 475 00:27:00,100 --> 00:27:04,400 Only three months ago. I stayed long enough to make 476 00:27:04,400 --> 00:27:06,800 certain that the house was absolutely empty. 477 00:27:07,500 --> 00:27:11,600 Then I left it feeling await at my heart such as I had never had 478 00:27:11,600 --> 00:27:14,900 before. My wife came out into the Hall 479 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:19,100 as I entered my house, but I was too hurt and angry to speak with 480 00:27:19,100 --> 00:27:22,700 her and pushing past her. I made my way into my study. 481 00:27:23,400 --> 00:27:25,600 She followed me. However, before I could close 482 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:28,700 the door. I'm so sorry that I broke. 483 00:27:28,700 --> 00:27:32,500 My promise. Jack said she, but if you knew 484 00:27:32,500 --> 00:27:36,000 all the circumstances, I am sure that she would forgive me. 485 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:41,200 Tell me, everything. Then said I, I cannot Jack. 486 00:27:41,600 --> 00:27:45,900 I cannot she cried until you tell me who it is. 487 00:27:45,900 --> 00:27:48,900 That has been living in that Cottage and who it is to whom 488 00:27:48,900 --> 00:27:50,300 you have. Given that photograph. 489 00:27:50,800 --> 00:27:53,300 They can never be any confidence between us said. 490 00:27:53,300 --> 00:27:56,700 I and breaking away from her. I left the house. 491 00:27:57,800 --> 00:28:00,700 That was yesterday. Mr. Holmes, and I have not seen 492 00:28:00,700 --> 00:28:03,600 her since nor. Do I know anything more about 493 00:28:03,600 --> 00:28:07,000 this strange business. It is the first shadow that has 494 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:10,300 come between us and it has so shaken me that I do not know 495 00:28:10,300 --> 00:28:14,200 what I should do for the best. Suddenly this morning. 496 00:28:14,700 --> 00:28:17,200 It occurred to me that you were the man to advise me. 497 00:28:17,800 --> 00:28:21,700 So I have hurried to you now. And I place myself unreservedly 498 00:28:21,700 --> 00:28:25,300 in your hands. If there is any point, which I 499 00:28:25,308 --> 00:28:29,800 have not made, clear, pray question me about it, but above 500 00:28:29,800 --> 00:28:33,600 all tell me quickly. What I am to do for this misery 501 00:28:33,600 --> 00:28:38,300 is more than I can bear. Holmes and I had listened with 502 00:28:38,300 --> 00:28:41,900 the utmost interest to this extraordinary statement, which 503 00:28:41,900 --> 00:28:45,300 have been delivered in the jerky broken fashion of a man who is 504 00:28:45,300 --> 00:28:47,600 under the influence of extreme emotions. 505 00:28:48,600 --> 00:28:52,300 My companion sat silent for some time with his chin, upon his 506 00:28:52,300 --> 00:28:57,300 hand, lost in thought, tell me said he at last. 507 00:28:57,900 --> 00:29:00,200 Could you swear that this was a man's face? 508 00:29:00,200 --> 00:29:04,200 Which you saw at the window each time that I saw it. 509 00:29:04,500 --> 00:29:06,200 I was some Distance away from it. 510 00:29:06,500 --> 00:29:08,500 So that it is impossible for me to say. 511 00:29:09,700 --> 00:29:13,000 You appear, however, to have been disagreeably impressed by 512 00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:15,800 it. It seemed to be of an unnatural 513 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:18,900 color and have a strange rigidity about the features. 514 00:29:20,300 --> 00:29:22,800 When I approached it vanished with a jerk. 515 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:27,500 How long is it since your wife asked you for a hundred pounds, 516 00:29:28,600 --> 00:29:31,900 nearly two months. Have you ever seen a photograph 517 00:29:31,900 --> 00:29:36,100 of her first husband? Know, there was a great fire at 518 00:29:36,100 --> 00:29:39,200 Atlanta very shortly after his death and all her papers were 519 00:29:39,208 --> 00:29:42,500 destroyed. And yet she had a certificate of 520 00:29:42,500 --> 00:29:44,700 death. You say that you saw it. 521 00:29:45,700 --> 00:29:47,700 Yes. She got a duplicate after the 522 00:29:47,700 --> 00:29:51,100 fire. Did you ever meet anyone who 523 00:29:51,100 --> 00:29:56,000 knew her in America? No, did she ever talk of 524 00:29:56,000 --> 00:30:00,700 revisiting the place know or get letters from it? 525 00:30:01,400 --> 00:30:05,400 No, thank you. I should like to think over the 526 00:30:05,400 --> 00:30:08,400 matter a little now if the cottage is now permanently 527 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:10,800 deserted. We may have some difficulty. 528 00:30:11,700 --> 00:30:15,800 If on the other hand as I fancy, is more likely the inmates were 529 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:18,900 warned of your coming and left before you entered yesterday. 530 00:30:19,700 --> 00:30:22,400 And they may be back now and we should clear it all up. 531 00:30:22,400 --> 00:30:25,700 Easily. Let me advise you then to return 532 00:30:25,700 --> 00:30:28,700 to norbury and to examine the windows of the cottage. 533 00:30:28,700 --> 00:30:31,300 Again. If you have reason to believe 534 00:30:31,300 --> 00:30:35,200 that it is inhabited, do not force your way in, but send a 535 00:30:35,200 --> 00:30:37,900 wire to my friend. And me, we should be with you 536 00:30:37,900 --> 00:30:41,100 within an hour of receiving it, and we shall then very soon get 537 00:30:41,100 --> 00:30:47,100 to the bottom of the business. And if it is still empty in that 538 00:30:47,100 --> 00:30:50,200 case, I shall come out tomorrow and talk it over with you. 539 00:30:50,900 --> 00:30:54,900 Goodbye and above all, do not fret until you know, that you 540 00:30:54,900 --> 00:30:59,800 really have a cause for it. I am afraid that this is a bad 541 00:30:59,800 --> 00:31:02,300 business. Watson said my companion, as he 542 00:31:02,308 --> 00:31:05,500 returned after accompanying. Mr. Grant Munro to the door. 543 00:31:06,300 --> 00:31:09,900 What do you make of it? It had an ugly sound. 544 00:31:10,100 --> 00:31:12,200 I answered. Yes. 545 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:15,500 There's black male in it or I'm much mistaken. 546 00:31:16,400 --> 00:31:19,900 And who is the blackmailer? Well, it must be the creature 547 00:31:19,900 --> 00:31:22,600 who lives in the only comfortable room in the place 548 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:25,600 and has her photograph above his fireplace. 549 00:31:26,400 --> 00:31:29,200 Upon my word Watson. There is something very 550 00:31:29,200 --> 00:31:32,600 attractive about that livid face at the window and I would not 551 00:31:32,600 --> 00:31:34,400 have missed the case for world's. 552 00:31:35,300 --> 00:31:39,000 You have a theory. Yes, a provisional one, but I 553 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:41,100 shall be surprised. If it does not turn out to be 554 00:31:41,100 --> 00:31:42,600 correct. This? 555 00:31:42,600 --> 00:31:45,700 Woman's first husband is in that Cottage. 556 00:31:46,800 --> 00:31:50,600 Why do you think? So, how else can we explain her 557 00:31:50,600 --> 00:31:54,000 frenzied anxiety that her second one should not enter it. 558 00:31:54,900 --> 00:31:58,700 The facts as I read them or something like this, this woman 559 00:31:58,700 --> 00:32:01,800 was married in America. Her husband developed some 560 00:32:01,800 --> 00:32:05,600 hateful qualities or shall we say that he contracted some 561 00:32:05,700 --> 00:32:09,500 loathsome disease and became a leper or an imbecile. 562 00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:13,900 She flies from him at last returns to England changes, her 563 00:32:13,900 --> 00:32:17,700 name and starts her life as she thinks a fresh. 564 00:32:18,500 --> 00:32:21,500 She has been married three years and believes that her position 565 00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:24,500 is quite secure, having shown her husband to death. 566 00:32:24,800 --> 00:32:28,700 Because of some man whose name she has assumed when suddenly, 567 00:32:29,100 --> 00:32:32,900 her whereabouts is discovered by her first husband, or we may 568 00:32:32,900 --> 00:32:37,200 suppose, by some unscrupulous woman who is attached herself to 569 00:32:37,200 --> 00:32:40,200 the invalid. They write to the wife and 570 00:32:40,200 --> 00:32:41,900 threatened to come and expose her. 571 00:32:42,700 --> 00:32:46,000 She asked for 100 pounds and Endeavors to buy them off. 572 00:32:46,700 --> 00:32:50,000 They come in spite of it. And when the husband mentions 573 00:32:50,000 --> 00:32:53,500 casually to the wife, that there are newcomers in the cottage, 574 00:32:53,900 --> 00:32:58,300 she knows in Some way that they are her pursuers she waits until 575 00:32:58,300 --> 00:33:01,200 her, husband is asleep. And then she rushes down to 576 00:33:01,200 --> 00:33:03,800 Endeavour to persuade them to leave her in peace. 577 00:33:04,800 --> 00:33:08,900 Having no success. She goes again next morning and 578 00:33:08,900 --> 00:33:12,000 her husband meets her. As he has told us as she comes 579 00:33:12,000 --> 00:33:15,600 out. She promises him then not to go 580 00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:18,000 there again, but two days afterwards. 581 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:19,400 The hope of getting rid of those. 582 00:33:19,400 --> 00:33:22,700 Dreadful neighbors was too strong for her and she made 583 00:33:22,700 --> 00:33:26,100 another attempt taking With her, the photograph, which had 584 00:33:26,100 --> 00:33:30,000 probably been demanded from her in the midst of this interview. 585 00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:33,800 The maid rushed in to say that the master had come home on 586 00:33:33,800 --> 00:33:36,900 which the wife knowing that he would come straight down to the 587 00:33:36,908 --> 00:33:39,500 cottage. Hurried the inmates out the back 588 00:33:39,500 --> 00:33:42,900 door into the Grove of fir trees, probably, which was 589 00:33:42,900 --> 00:33:47,400 mentioned, as a standing near. In this way, he found the place 590 00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:50,400 deserted. I shall be very much surprised. 591 00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:53,300 However, if it is still. So when he recognizes it this 592 00:33:53,300 --> 00:33:55,900 evening, what do you think of my theory? 593 00:33:57,100 --> 00:34:02,300 It is all surmise, but at least it covers all the facts when new 594 00:34:02,300 --> 00:34:05,100 facts, come to our knowledge, which cannot be covered by it. 595 00:34:05,500 --> 00:34:07,400 It will be time enough to reconsider it. 596 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:10,699 We can do nothing more until we have a message from our friend 597 00:34:10,699 --> 00:34:15,000 at norbury, but we had not very long time to wait for that. 598 00:34:15,600 --> 00:34:17,600 It came just as we had finished our tea. 599 00:34:18,800 --> 00:34:22,800 The cottage is still tenanted. It said have seen the face again 600 00:34:22,800 --> 00:34:26,800 at the window will meet to the 7 o'clock train and will take no 601 00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:31,300 steps until you arrived. He was waiting on the platform 602 00:34:31,300 --> 00:34:34,300 when we stepped out and we could see in the light of the station 603 00:34:34,300 --> 00:34:38,000 lamps that he was very pale and quivering with agitation. 604 00:34:39,000 --> 00:34:41,600 They'll still there. Mr. Holmes said he laying his 605 00:34:41,600 --> 00:34:43,500 hand, hard upon my friends sleeve. 606 00:34:44,100 --> 00:34:46,500 I saw lights in the cottage. As I came down. 607 00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:50,100 We shall settle it. Now once and for all, what is 608 00:34:50,100 --> 00:34:53,400 your plan then asked Holmes? As you walk down the dark 609 00:34:53,400 --> 00:34:57,300 tree-lined Road. I'm going to force my way in and 610 00:34:57,300 --> 00:34:59,000 see for myself. Who is in the house. 611 00:34:59,500 --> 00:35:01,200 I wish you both to be there as Witnesses. 612 00:35:02,400 --> 00:35:06,200 You are quite determined to do this, in spite of your wife's 613 00:35:06,200 --> 00:35:08,800 warning, that it is better, that you should not solve the 614 00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:10,500 mystery. Yes. 615 00:35:10,500 --> 00:35:13,800 I'm determined. Well, I think that you are in 616 00:35:13,800 --> 00:35:17,700 the right, any truth is better than indefinite doubt. 617 00:35:18,300 --> 00:35:21,800 We had better go up at once. Of course legally. 618 00:35:21,800 --> 00:35:24,900 We are putting ourselves hopelessly in the wrong, but I 619 00:35:24,900 --> 00:35:29,000 think that it is worth it. It was a very dark night. 620 00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:32,500 And a thin rain began to fall as we turn from The High Road into 621 00:35:32,500 --> 00:35:35,800 a narrow Lane deeply. Rutted with Hedges on either 622 00:35:35,800 --> 00:35:38,800 side. Mr. Grant Munro pushed in 623 00:35:38,800 --> 00:35:41,500 patiently forward. However, and we stumbled after 624 00:35:41,500 --> 00:35:44,900 him as best we could. There are the lights of my 625 00:35:44,900 --> 00:35:47,000 house. He murmured pointing to a 626 00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:50,400 glimmer among the trees and here is the cottage which I'm going 627 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:53,400 to enter. We turned a corner in the lane 628 00:35:53,400 --> 00:35:57,700 as he spoke and there was the building close beside us a 629 00:35:57,700 --> 00:35:59,500 yellow bar, falling across the black. 630 00:35:59,500 --> 00:36:03,700 Foreground showed that the door was not quite closed, and one 631 00:36:03,700 --> 00:36:06,800 window in the upper story was brightly illuminated. 632 00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:11,500 As we looked, we saw a dark blur moving across the blind. 633 00:36:12,500 --> 00:36:15,200 There's a creature cried Grant Munro. 634 00:36:15,700 --> 00:36:19,400 You can see for yourselves that someone is there now follow me 635 00:36:19,600 --> 00:36:23,700 and which will soon know. All, We approached the door, but 636 00:36:23,700 --> 00:36:27,000 suddenly a woman appeared out of the Shadow and stood in the 637 00:36:27,000 --> 00:36:30,800 golden track of the Lamplight. I could not see her face in the 638 00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:34,100 darkness, but her arms were thrown out in an attitude of 639 00:36:34,100 --> 00:36:37,900 entreaty for God's sake. Don't jack. 640 00:36:38,200 --> 00:36:41,400 She cried. I had a presentiment that you 641 00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:44,000 would come this evening, think better of it. 642 00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:46,600 Dear. Trust me again, and you will 643 00:36:46,600 --> 00:36:50,600 never have cause to regret it. I've trusted you too long. 644 00:36:50,600 --> 00:36:53,800 Fe He cried sternly, leave. Go of me. 645 00:36:54,200 --> 00:36:57,600 I must pass through my friends and I are going to settle this 646 00:36:57,600 --> 00:37:02,000 matter once and forever. He pushed her to one side and we 647 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:05,300 followed closely after him as he threw the door. 648 00:37:05,300 --> 00:37:08,500 Open an old woman ran out in front of him and tried to Bar 649 00:37:08,500 --> 00:37:12,700 his passage, but he thrust her back and an instant afterwards. 650 00:37:13,000 --> 00:37:16,800 We were all upon the stairs, Grant Munro rushed into the 651 00:37:16,800 --> 00:37:19,600 lighted room at the top and we entered at his heels. 652 00:37:21,200 --> 00:37:23,800 It was a cozy. Well furnished apartment with 653 00:37:23,800 --> 00:37:26,800 two candles burning upon the table and to upon the 654 00:37:26,800 --> 00:37:31,400 mantelpiece in the corner, stooping over a desk nurse at 655 00:37:31,400 --> 00:37:33,000 what appeared to be a little girl. 656 00:37:33,900 --> 00:37:37,400 Her face was turned away as we entered but we could see that 657 00:37:37,400 --> 00:37:40,400 she was dressed in a red frock and that she had long white 658 00:37:40,400 --> 00:37:43,500 gloves on as she whisked round to us. 659 00:37:43,900 --> 00:37:47,600 I gave a cry of surprise and horror the face, which she 660 00:37:47,600 --> 00:37:50,300 turned towards us was of the strangest. 661 00:37:50,300 --> 00:37:53,000 Livid. Tint and the features were 662 00:37:53,000 --> 00:37:55,300 absolutely devoid of any expression. 663 00:37:56,500 --> 00:38:00,800 An instant later. The mystery was explained homes 664 00:38:00,800 --> 00:38:03,100 with a laugh. Passed his hand behind the 665 00:38:03,100 --> 00:38:06,900 child's ear, a mask peeled off from her countenance. 666 00:38:07,200 --> 00:38:10,000 And there was a little coal. Black negress, with all her 667 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:13,500 white teeth flashing, in amusement at our amazed faces. 668 00:38:14,500 --> 00:38:18,700 I burst out laughing out of sympathy with a merriment, but 669 00:38:18,700 --> 00:38:22,700 Grant Munro stood staring. His hand clutching his throat, 670 00:38:23,400 --> 00:38:25,000 my God. He cried. 671 00:38:25,400 --> 00:38:29,500 What can be the meaning of this. I will tell you the meaning of 672 00:38:29,500 --> 00:38:32,700 it, cried, the lady, sweeping into the room with a proud set 673 00:38:32,700 --> 00:38:35,500 face. You have forced me against my 674 00:38:35,500 --> 00:38:39,300 own judgment to tell you, and now, we must both make the best 675 00:38:39,300 --> 00:38:42,900 of it. My husband died at Atlanta. 676 00:38:43,700 --> 00:38:49,100 My child survived your child. She drew a large silver locket 677 00:38:49,100 --> 00:38:52,300 from her bosom. You have never seen this open. 678 00:38:53,100 --> 00:38:54,900 I understood that. It did not open. 679 00:38:55,800 --> 00:38:58,800 She touched a spring and the front hinged back. 680 00:38:59,600 --> 00:39:02,900 There was a portrait within of a man strikingly handsome and 681 00:39:02,900 --> 00:39:06,700 intelligent looking but barring unmistakable signs upon his 682 00:39:06,700 --> 00:39:12,400 features of his African descent. This is John Hebron of Atlanta 683 00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:16,000 said, the lady and a nobler man. Never walked the earth. 684 00:39:16,700 --> 00:39:20,500 I cut myself off from my race in order to Wed him, but never once 685 00:39:20,700 --> 00:39:23,400 Us while he lived. Did I for an instant regret it? 686 00:39:24,500 --> 00:39:28,200 It was our Misfortune, but our only child took after his people 687 00:39:28,200 --> 00:39:30,500 rather than mine. It is often. 688 00:39:30,500 --> 00:39:34,600 So in such matches and little, lucy is darker father. 689 00:39:34,600 --> 00:39:37,800 Never her father was but dark or Fair. 690 00:39:38,300 --> 00:39:41,900 She is my own dear little girly and her mother's pet. 691 00:39:42,900 --> 00:39:46,000 The little creature ran across at the words and nestled up 692 00:39:46,000 --> 00:39:50,100 against the ladies dress. When I left her in America, she 693 00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:52,800 continued. It was only because her health 694 00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:55,700 was weak and the change might have done her harm. 695 00:39:56,300 --> 00:39:59,300 She was given to the care of a faithful Scotch woman who had 696 00:39:59,300 --> 00:40:02,700 once been a servant never for an instant. 697 00:40:02,800 --> 00:40:06,700 Did I dream of disowning her as my child, but when chance 698 00:40:06,700 --> 00:40:09,700 through you in my way Jack and I learned to love you. 699 00:40:10,300 --> 00:40:12,500 I feared to tell you about my child. 700 00:40:13,300 --> 00:40:16,400 God forgive me. I feared that I should lose you 701 00:40:16,900 --> 00:40:20,500 and I had not the courage to Tell you I had to choose between 702 00:40:20,500 --> 00:40:22,600 you. And in my weakness. 703 00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:27,000 I turned away from my own little girl for three years. 704 00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:30,300 I have kept her existence, a secret from you, but I heard 705 00:40:30,300 --> 00:40:32,700 from the nurse. And I knew that all was well 706 00:40:32,700 --> 00:40:36,000 with her at last. However, there came an 707 00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:38,400 overwhelming desire to see the child once more. 708 00:40:39,300 --> 00:40:43,200 I struggled against it, but in vain though, I knew the danger. 709 00:40:43,500 --> 00:40:46,300 I determined to have the child over if it were. 710 00:40:46,300 --> 00:40:50,000 But for a few weeks. I sent a hundred pounds to the 711 00:40:50,000 --> 00:40:53,400 nurse and I gave her instructions about this Cottage, 712 00:40:53,500 --> 00:40:56,700 so that she might come as a neighbor without my appearing to 713 00:40:56,700 --> 00:40:58,300 be in any way connected with her. 714 00:40:59,300 --> 00:41:02,600 I pushed my precautions so far as to order her to keep the 715 00:41:02,600 --> 00:41:05,800 child in the house during the daytime, and to cover up her 716 00:41:05,800 --> 00:41:08,900 little face, and hands. So that, even those who might 717 00:41:08,900 --> 00:41:11,900 see her at the window, should not gossip about there being a 718 00:41:11,900 --> 00:41:16,400 black child in the neighborhood. If I'd been less cautious, I 719 00:41:16,400 --> 00:41:20,100 might have been more wise, but I was half crazy with fear that 720 00:41:20,100 --> 00:41:24,400 you should learn the truth. It was you who told me first 721 00:41:24,500 --> 00:41:27,800 that the cottage was occupied. I should have waited for the 722 00:41:27,800 --> 00:41:31,000 morning, but I could not sleep for excitement. 723 00:41:31,500 --> 00:41:35,600 And so at last I slipped out knowing how difficult it is to 724 00:41:35,600 --> 00:41:40,100 wake you, but you saw me go and that was the beginning of my 725 00:41:40,100 --> 00:41:42,600 troubles. Next day. 726 00:41:43,100 --> 00:41:46,700 You had my secret at your mercy, but you nobly refrain from 727 00:41:46,700 --> 00:41:49,800 pursuing your advantage three days later. 728 00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:52,300 However, the nurse and child only. 729 00:41:52,500 --> 00:41:56,400 Escape from the back door as you rushed in, at the front one, and 730 00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:59,000 now tonight you at last, no, all. 731 00:41:59,700 --> 00:42:03,000 And I asked you what is to become of us, my child and me. 732 00:42:04,400 --> 00:42:06,800 She clasped her hands and waited for an answer. 733 00:42:08,300 --> 00:42:12,400 It was a long 10 minutes before Grant Munro broke the silence. 734 00:42:13,200 --> 00:42:17,300 And when his answer came, it was one of which I love to think he 735 00:42:17,300 --> 00:42:22,100 lifted the little child kissed her and then still carrying her. 736 00:42:22,500 --> 00:42:25,900 He held his other hand out to his wife and turned towards the 737 00:42:25,900 --> 00:42:28,800 door. We can talk it over more 738 00:42:28,800 --> 00:42:32,900 comfortably at home. Said he I'm not a very good man 739 00:42:32,900 --> 00:42:36,300 Fe but think that I'm a better one than you have given me 740 00:42:36,300 --> 00:42:41,100 credit for Holmes, and I followed them down the lane and 741 00:42:41,100 --> 00:42:43,900 my friend plucked my sleeve. As we came out. 742 00:42:45,100 --> 00:42:49,100 I think said he, but we shall be of more use in London than in 743 00:42:49,100 --> 00:42:51,800 norbury. Not another word. 744 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:54,700 Did he say of the case until late that night when he was 745 00:42:54,700 --> 00:42:57,500 turning away with his lighted? Candle for his bedroom. 746 00:42:58,600 --> 00:43:02,700 Watson said he if it should ever strike you that I'm getting a 747 00:43:02,707 --> 00:43:06,800 little overconfident in my powers or giving less pains to a 748 00:43:06,800 --> 00:43:08,100 case than it. Deserves. 749 00:43:08,900 --> 00:43:13,700 Kindly whisper norbury in my ear and I shall be infinitely 750 00:43:13,700 --> 00:43:18,600 obliged to you. End of the yellow face.