1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:06,000 A Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. 2 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:12,359 To Sherlock Holmes, she is always the woman. I have seldom heard 3 00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:17,160 him mention her under any other name. In his eyes, she eclipses and 4 00:00:17,239 --> 00:00:21,519 predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion 5 00:00:21,640 --> 00:00:27,359 akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly were 6 00:00:27,399 --> 00:00:32,280 abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind. He was, 7 00:00:32,399 --> 00:00:36,439 I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has 8 00:00:36,479 --> 00:00:40,479 seen. But as a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. 9 00:00:41,039 --> 00:00:44,759 He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a 10 00:00:44,799 --> 00:00:49,880 sneer. They were admirable things for the observer, excellent for drawing the veil 11 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:54,439 from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner, to admit such 12 00:00:54,479 --> 00:01:00,479 intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor 13 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:06,000 which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Gret in a sensitive 14 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:10,359 instrument or a crack in one of his own high power lenses would not be 15 00:01:10,519 --> 00:01:15,159 more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nature such as his. And yet 16 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:18,959 there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene 17 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:23,319 Adler, abdubious and questionable memory. I had seen little of Holmes lately. 18 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:29,359 My marriage had drifted us away from each other. My own complete happiness and 19 00:01:29,439 --> 00:01:33,840 the home centered interest which rise up round the man who first finds himself master 20 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:38,359 of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention. While Holmes, 21 00:01:38,359 --> 00:01:44,439 who loathed every form of society with his whole bohemian soul, remained in 22 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:49,000 our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 23 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:53,439 week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug and the 24 00:01:53,439 --> 00:01:57,319 fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, as ever, 25 00:01:57,480 --> 00:02:04,519 deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties and extraordinary 26 00:02:04,560 --> 00:02:09,759 powers of observation in following out those clues and clearing up those mysteries which had 27 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:15,599 been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to time I heard 28 00:02:15,680 --> 00:02:19,919 some vague account of his doings, of his summons to Odessa in the case 29 00:02:19,919 --> 00:02:23,800 of the trepof murder, of his clearing up, of the singular tragedy of 30 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:28,919 the Atkinson brothers at Trincommie, and finally, of the mission which he had 31 00:02:28,919 --> 00:02:35,000 accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Beyond these signs 32 00:02:35,039 --> 00:02:38,280 of his activity, however, which I merely share with all the readers of 33 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:43,879 the Daily Press, I knew little of my former friend and companion. One 34 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:47,039 night, it was on the twentieth of March eighteen eighty eight. I was 35 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:52,240 returning from a journey to a patient, for I had now returned to civil 36 00:02:52,280 --> 00:02:55,759 practice. When my way led me through Baker Street. As I passed the 37 00:02:55,800 --> 00:03:00,400 well remembered door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing 38 00:03:00,919 --> 00:03:06,039 and with the dark incidents of the Study and Scarlet, I was seized with 39 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:10,120 a keen desired see Holmes again and to know how he was employing his extraordinary 40 00:03:10,159 --> 00:03:15,280 powers. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and even as I looked up, 41 00:03:15,319 --> 00:03:19,800 I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the 42 00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:23,759 blind. He was facing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk 43 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:29,400 upon his breast and his hands clasped behind him to me, who knew his 44 00:03:29,479 --> 00:03:34,479 every mood and habit, His attitude and manner told their own story. He 45 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:38,520 was at work again. He had risen out of his drug created dreams and 46 00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:42,560 was hot upon the scent of some new problem. I rang the bell and 47 00:03:42,719 --> 00:03:46,439 was shown up to the chamber which had formerly been in part my own. 48 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:51,479 His manner was not effusive, it seldom was, but he was glad I 49 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:54,520 think to see me, With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly 50 00:03:54,599 --> 00:03:59,560 eye. He waved me to an arm chair, threw across his case of 51 00:03:59,599 --> 00:04:04,319 cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a misogyny in the corner. Then 52 00:04:04,360 --> 00:04:09,960 he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular introspective fashion. 53 00:04:10,719 --> 00:04:14,680 Wedlock suit you, He remarked, I think, Watson, that you have 54 00:04:14,719 --> 00:04:18,079 put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you seven. I answered, 55 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:23,680 indeed, I should have thought a little more, just a trifle more. 56 00:04:23,759 --> 00:04:28,800 I fancy Watson, And in practice again I observed you did not tell 57 00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:33,000 me that you intended to go into harness. Then how do you know I 58 00:04:33,120 --> 00:04:36,439 see it? I deduce it. How do I know that you have been 59 00:04:36,439 --> 00:04:42,040 getting yourself very wet lately? And that you have a most clumsy and careless 60 00:04:42,040 --> 00:04:46,759 servant girl. My dear Holmes, said I, this is too much. 61 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:50,720 You would certainly have been burned had you lived few centuries ago. It is 62 00:04:50,839 --> 00:04:56,199 true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful 63 00:04:56,240 --> 00:05:00,199 mass, But as I have changed my clothes, I can't imagine how you 64 00:05:00,279 --> 00:05:03,519 deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife 65 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:08,480 has given her notice. But there again I failed to see how you work 66 00:05:08,519 --> 00:05:12,680 it out. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together. 67 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:16,399 It is simplicity itself, said he. My eyes tell me that on 68 00:05:16,759 --> 00:05:20,399 the inside of your left shoe, just where the fire light strikes it, 69 00:05:20,879 --> 00:05:27,839 the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have been caused 70 00:05:27,879 --> 00:05:31,160 by some one who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the soul in 71 00:05:31,279 --> 00:05:35,600 order to remove crusted mud from it. Hence, you see my double deduction 72 00:05:35,759 --> 00:05:40,600 that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly 73 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:46,319 malignant boot slitting specimen of the London slavey As to your practice, if a 74 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:49,600 gentleman walks into my room smelling of video form, with a black mark of 75 00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:55,160 nightrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side 76 00:05:55,199 --> 00:05:59,800 of his top hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope. I must 77 00:05:59,839 --> 00:06:02,000 be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active 78 00:06:02,079 --> 00:06:08,000 member of the medical profession. I could not help laughing at the ease with 79 00:06:08,079 --> 00:06:12,879 which he explained his process of deduction. When I hear you give your reasons, 80 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:16,439 I remarked, the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple 81 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:21,519 that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive instance of your 82 00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:27,439 reasoning, I am baffled until you explain your process. And yet I believe 83 00:06:27,519 --> 00:06:31,160 that my eyes are quite as good as yours. Quite so, he answered, 84 00:06:31,240 --> 00:06:36,160 lighting a cigarette and throwing himself down into an arm chair. You see, 85 00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:41,639 but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, 86 00:06:41,839 --> 00:06:45,800 you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room. 87 00:06:46,439 --> 00:06:51,160 Frequently, how often, well, some hundreds of times. Then how 88 00:06:51,199 --> 00:06:57,680 many are there? How many? I don't know. Quite so you have 89 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:01,600 not observed, and yet you have seen. That is just my point. 90 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:06,279 Now, I know that there are seventeen steps because I have both seen and 91 00:07:06,439 --> 00:07:12,240 observed by the way. Since you are interested in these little problems, and 92 00:07:12,319 --> 00:07:15,120 since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, 93 00:07:15,560 --> 00:07:19,160 you may be interested in this. He threw over a sheet of thick, 94 00:07:19,399 --> 00:07:24,920 pink tinted note paper, which had been lying open upon the table. It 95 00:07:25,040 --> 00:07:29,160 came by the last post, said, He read it aloud. The note 96 00:07:29,199 --> 00:07:33,160 was undated, and without either signature or address. There will call upon you 97 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:38,639 to night at a quarter to eight o'clock, it said, a gentleman who 98 00:07:38,720 --> 00:07:43,439 desired to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent 99 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:47,079 services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one 100 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:53,199 who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly 101 00:07:53,240 --> 00:07:58,360 be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all quarters received. Be 102 00:07:58,519 --> 00:08:01,000 in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if 103 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:05,759 your visitor wear a mask. This is indeed a mystery, I remarked, 104 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:11,560 What do you imagine that it means? I have no data? Yet? 105 00:08:11,199 --> 00:08:18,240 It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins 106 00:08:18,240 --> 00:08:22,360 to twist facts to shoot theories instead of theories, to shoot facts. But 107 00:08:22,480 --> 00:08:28,000 the note itself, what do you deduce from it? I carefully examined the 108 00:08:28,040 --> 00:08:31,840 writing and the paper upon which it was written. The man who wrote it 109 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:37,840 was presumably well to do, I remarked, endeavoring to imitate my companion's processes. 110 00:08:39,480 --> 00:08:43,440 Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It 111 00:08:43,559 --> 00:08:48,399 is peculiarly strong and stiff. Peculiar, that is the very word, said 112 00:08:48,399 --> 00:08:52,720 Holmes. It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to 113 00:08:52,759 --> 00:08:58,159 the light. I did so, and saw a large E with a small 114 00:08:58,399 --> 00:09:03,799 G, a p E and a large G with a small T woven into 115 00:09:03,799 --> 00:09:07,360 the texture of the paper. What do you make of that? Asked Holmes. 116 00:09:07,879 --> 00:09:11,360 The name of the maker, no doubt, or his monogram, rather 117 00:09:11,519 --> 00:09:18,000 not at all. The G with the small T stands for Geselschaft, which 118 00:09:18,039 --> 00:09:22,679 is the German for company. It is a customary contraction like our c. 119 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:28,039 O. P, of course stands for papier. No for the E. 120 00:09:28,120 --> 00:09:33,519 G let us glance at our continental gazetteer. He took down a heavy brown 121 00:09:33,679 --> 00:09:39,919 volume from his shelves. Iglow Eglonitz. Here we are Egria. It is 122 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:46,679 in a German speaking country in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad, remarkable as 123 00:09:46,799 --> 00:09:52,080 being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass factories 124 00:09:52,120 --> 00:09:56,759 and paper mills. Ha ha, my boy, what do you make of 125 00:09:56,799 --> 00:10:01,399 that? His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue, triumphant 126 00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:05,480 cloud from his cigarette. The paper was made in Bohemia, I said, 127 00:10:05,919 --> 00:10:09,279 precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you 128 00:10:09,399 --> 00:10:15,759 note the peculiar construction of the sentence. This account of you we have from 129 00:10:15,799 --> 00:10:20,679 all quarters received. A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. It 130 00:10:20,799 --> 00:10:26,399 is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, 131 00:10:26,440 --> 00:10:30,960 therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper 132 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:35,240 and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, 133 00:10:35,240 --> 00:10:41,080 if I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts. As he spoke, 134 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:45,720 there was a sharp sound of horses hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, 135 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:50,039 followed by a sharp pull at the bell. Holmes whistled a pair by 136 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:56,440 the sound, said he yes. He continued glancing out the window a nice 137 00:10:56,480 --> 00:11:01,320 little bruffum and a pair of beauties a hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's 138 00:11:01,360 --> 00:11:05,440 money in this case, Watson. If there is nothing else, I think 139 00:11:05,480 --> 00:11:09,240 that I had better go, Holmes, not a bit, doctor, stay 140 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:13,840 where you are. I am lost without my boswell, and this promises to 141 00:11:13,919 --> 00:11:18,240 be interesting. It would be a pity to miss it. But your client 142 00:11:20,159 --> 00:11:24,720 never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. 143 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:28,360 Here he comes. Sit down in that arm chair, doctor, and give 144 00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:31,879 us your best attention. A slow and heavy step which had been heard upon 145 00:11:31,919 --> 00:11:37,720 the stairs and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there 146 00:11:37,799 --> 00:11:41,679 was a loud and authoritative tap. Come in, said Holmes. A man 147 00:11:41,840 --> 00:11:46,679 entered, who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches in height, 148 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:50,039 with the chest and limbs of a Hercules, his dress, which was 149 00:11:50,159 --> 00:11:54,279 rich with a richness which would in England be looked upon as akin to bad 150 00:11:54,360 --> 00:12:01,440 taste. Heavy bands of astricum were slashed across the sea leaves and fronts of 151 00:12:01,519 --> 00:12:05,960 his devil breasted colt, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his 152 00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:11,200 shoulders was lined with a flame colored silk and secured at the neck with a 153 00:12:11,200 --> 00:12:16,399 brooch which consisted of a single flaming barrel. Boots which extended half way up 154 00:12:16,440 --> 00:12:18,759 his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, 155 00:12:20,279 --> 00:12:24,919 completed the impression of barbaric opulence, which was suggested by his whole appearance. 156 00:12:26,279 --> 00:12:30,360 He carried a broad brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the 157 00:12:30,440 --> 00:12:35,159 upper part of his face, extending down past the cheek bones, a black 158 00:12:35,279 --> 00:12:39,559 vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand 159 00:12:39,679 --> 00:12:43,480 was still raised to it as he entered from the lower part of the face. 160 00:12:43,559 --> 00:12:46,759 He appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, 161 00:12:46,919 --> 00:12:52,519 hanging lip and a long, straight chin, suggestive of resolution pushed to the 162 00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:58,120 length of obstinacy. You had my note, he asked, with a deep, 163 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:03,759 harsh voice and strongly art German accent. I told you that I would 164 00:13:03,799 --> 00:13:07,720 call. He looked from one to the other office as if uncertain which to 165 00:13:07,799 --> 00:13:13,039 address. Pray, take a seat, said Holmes. This is my friend 166 00:13:13,080 --> 00:13:16,200 and colleague, doctor Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in 167 00:13:16,240 --> 00:13:20,679 my cases. Whom have I the honor to address. You may address me 168 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:26,559 is Count von cram A bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your 169 00:13:26,600 --> 00:13:31,519 friend, is a man of honor and discretion, whom I may trust with 170 00:13:31,600 --> 00:13:35,360 a matter of the most extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer 171 00:13:35,480 --> 00:13:41,120 to communicate with you alone. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me 172 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:43,960 by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. It is both or 173 00:13:45,039 --> 00:13:50,000 none, said he. You may say before this gentleman anything which you may 174 00:13:50,039 --> 00:13:54,919 say to me. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. Then I must begin, 175 00:13:54,120 --> 00:14:00,200 said he, by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years. 176 00:14:00,600 --> 00:14:03,799 At the end of that time, the matter will be of no importance at 177 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:07,679 present. It is not too much to say that it is of such weight 178 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:13,519 it may have an influence upon European history, I promise, said Holmes. 179 00:14:15,039 --> 00:14:20,080 And I you will excuse this mask, continued our strange visitor. The august 180 00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:24,879 person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you. And I 181 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:30,879 may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is 182 00:14:30,919 --> 00:14:35,559 not exactly my own. I was aware of it, said Holmes dryly. 183 00:14:35,159 --> 00:14:41,360 The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken. 184 00:14:41,399 --> 00:14:46,919 To quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of 185 00:14:46,960 --> 00:14:52,399 the reigning families of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the Great 186 00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:58,039 House of Ormstein, hereditary Kings of Bohemia. I was also aware of that, 187 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:01,440 murmured Holmes, settling him self down in his arm chair and closing his 188 00:15:01,559 --> 00:15:07,679 eyes. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure 189 00:15:07,799 --> 00:15:11,360 of the man who had been, no doubt depicted to him as the most 190 00:15:11,399 --> 00:15:18,039 incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and 191 00:15:18,080 --> 00:15:24,679 looked impatiently at his gigantic client. If your Majesty would condescend to state your 192 00:15:24,759 --> 00:15:28,240 case, he remarked, I should be better able to advise you. The 193 00:15:28,279 --> 00:15:33,120 man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. 194 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:37,159 Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his 195 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:41,039 face and hurled it upon the ground. You are right, he cried, 196 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:46,480 I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal it? Why? 197 00:15:46,559 --> 00:15:50,960 Indeed, murmured Holmes, your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that 198 00:15:50,080 --> 00:15:58,080 I was addressing Wilhelm Gotthriich, Sigismund uvon Ormstein, Grand Duke of Castelfelstein, 199 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:03,720 and Hereditary Caing of Bohemia. But you can understand, said our strange visitor, 200 00:16:03,759 --> 00:16:07,799 sitting down once more, and passing his hand over his high white forehead. 201 00:16:08,639 --> 00:16:12,799 You can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my 202 00:16:12,960 --> 00:16:18,200 own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it 203 00:16:18,320 --> 00:16:22,360 to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito from 204 00:16:22,399 --> 00:16:27,480 Prague for the purpose of consulting you. Then pray consult, said Holmes, 205 00:16:27,519 --> 00:16:33,919 shutting his eyes once more. The facts are briefly these. Some five years 206 00:16:33,960 --> 00:16:37,399 ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the 207 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:42,279 well known adventurous Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you. 208 00:16:44,039 --> 00:16:48,440 Kindly look her up in my index, doctor murmured Holmes, without opening his 209 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:53,120 eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning 210 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:57,480 men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a 211 00:16:57,559 --> 00:17:02,919 person on which he could not at once furnish information. In this case, 212 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:07,920 I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of 213 00:17:07,960 --> 00:17:12,240 a staff commander who had written a monograph upon the deep sea fishes. Let 214 00:17:12,319 --> 00:17:18,839 me see, said Holmes hum born in New Jersey in the year eighteen fifty 215 00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:32,079 eight, contralto hum Lescola MM Primadonna Imperial Opera warsaw Yes retired from operatic stage 216 00:17:32,960 --> 00:17:37,319 a living in London. Quite so, your Majesty, as I understand, 217 00:17:37,839 --> 00:17:45,079 became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters and is now 218 00:17:45,160 --> 00:17:49,759 desirous of getting those letters back. Precisely so. But how was there a 219 00:17:49,839 --> 00:17:56,680 secret marriage? None? No legal papers or certificates. None. Then I 220 00:17:56,920 --> 00:18:02,759 failed to follow your majesty. If this young person should produce her letters for 221 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:07,039 blackmailing or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity? There is 222 00:18:07,119 --> 00:18:15,599 the writing POOFU forgery, my private notepaper, stolen, my own seal, 223 00:18:17,599 --> 00:18:25,440 imitated my photograph bot we were both in the photograph. Oh dear, that 224 00:18:25,880 --> 00:18:32,440 is very bad. Your majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion. I was mad, 225 00:18:32,839 --> 00:18:38,240 insane. You have compromised yourself. Seriously, I was only a crown 226 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:44,559 prince then I was young, I am, but thirty. Now it must 227 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:49,279 be recovered. We have tried and failed. Your majesty must pay. It 228 00:18:49,480 --> 00:18:56,680 must be bought. She will not sell stolen. Then five attempts have been 229 00:18:56,759 --> 00:19:02,359 made. Twice burglars in my pay, ransacked her house once, we diverted 230 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:07,440 her luggage when she traveled twice. She has been waylaid. There has been 231 00:19:07,519 --> 00:19:12,920 no result, no sign of it, absolutely none, Holmes laughed. It 232 00:19:14,079 --> 00:19:18,480 is quite a pretty little problem, said he, But a very serious one 233 00:19:18,519 --> 00:19:22,720 to me, returned The king reproachfully, very indeed. And what does she 234 00:19:22,880 --> 00:19:29,759 propose to do with the photograph? To ruin me? But how I am 235 00:19:29,839 --> 00:19:37,359 about to be married? So I have heard to Clotilda Lothmann bon Saxon Minningen, 236 00:19:37,079 --> 00:19:42,319 second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles 237 00:19:42,400 --> 00:19:48,640 of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow 238 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:51,640 of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end. 239 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:57,599 And ivery Nadler threatens to send them the photograph, and she will do it. 240 00:19:59,119 --> 00:20:02,519 I know that she will do it. You do not know her, 241 00:20:02,599 --> 00:20:06,640 but she has a soul of steel. She has the face of the most 242 00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:11,599 beautiful of women and the mind of the most resolute of men, rather than 243 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:15,559 I should marry another woman. There are no lengths to which she would not 244 00:20:15,799 --> 00:20:21,079 go none. You are sure that she has not sent it yet. I 245 00:20:21,240 --> 00:20:26,079 am sure, and why because she has said that she would send it on 246 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:30,839 the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday. 247 00:20:30,200 --> 00:20:33,960 Oh, then we have three day shat, said Holmes with a yawn. 248 00:20:34,519 --> 00:20:40,079 That is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to 249 00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:44,759 look into just at present. Your Majesty will of course stay in London for 250 00:20:44,880 --> 00:20:48,480 the present. Certainly you will find me at the Langham under the name of 251 00:20:48,880 --> 00:20:52,599 the Count Boncrombe. Then I shall drop you a line to let you know 252 00:20:52,799 --> 00:20:59,119 how we progress. Pray do so I shall be all anxiety. Then, 253 00:20:59,279 --> 00:21:04,519 as to the you have carte blanc, absolutely I tell you that I would 254 00:21:04,559 --> 00:21:11,079 give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph and for present 255 00:21:11,279 --> 00:21:15,319 expenses. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and 256 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:21,240 laid it on the table. There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven 257 00:21:21,319 --> 00:21:25,720 hundred in notes. He said Holmes, scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of 258 00:21:25,799 --> 00:21:30,440 his note book and handed it to him and Mademoiselle's adress. He asked, 259 00:21:30,440 --> 00:21:36,680 is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, Saint John's Wood. Holmes took a note 260 00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:41,319 of it one other questions, said he was the photograph a cabinet. It 261 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:47,119 was then good night, your majesty, and I trust that we shall soon 262 00:21:47,240 --> 00:21:51,559 have some good news for you. And good night Watson, he added, 263 00:21:51,640 --> 00:21:55,480 as the wheels of the Royal Bruffam rolled down the street. If you will 264 00:21:55,519 --> 00:21:59,759 be good enough to call tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock, I should like to 265 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:03,640 cat this little matter over with you. At three o'clock precisely, I was 266 00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:08,720 at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me 267 00:22:08,960 --> 00:22:12,240 that he had left the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I 268 00:22:12,359 --> 00:22:17,319 sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, 269 00:22:17,519 --> 00:22:22,359 however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, 270 00:22:22,559 --> 00:22:26,039 for though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were 271 00:22:26,079 --> 00:22:32,200 associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still the nature of 272 00:22:32,279 --> 00:22:36,759 the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its 273 00:22:36,799 --> 00:22:41,720 own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had 274 00:22:41,799 --> 00:22:45,559 on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation and his 275 00:22:45,799 --> 00:22:49,759 keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his 276 00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:55,920 system of work and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled 277 00:22:55,960 --> 00:23:02,160 the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable success, that 278 00:23:02,319 --> 00:23:06,519 the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head. It 279 00:23:06,720 --> 00:23:11,160 was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken looking groom, 280 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:17,359 ill camped and side whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked 281 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:22,400 into the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the 282 00:23:22,640 --> 00:23:26,920 use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that 283 00:23:26,119 --> 00:23:30,200 it was indeed he. With a nod, he vanished into the bedroom. 284 00:23:30,759 --> 00:23:36,720 Whence he emerged in five minutes, tweed suited and respectable as of old. 285 00:23:37,119 --> 00:23:40,599 Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of 286 00:23:40,680 --> 00:23:45,119 the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Well, really, he cried, 287 00:23:45,359 --> 00:23:48,599 and then choked and laughed again until he was obliged to slide back, 288 00:23:49,079 --> 00:23:53,799 limp and helpless in the chair. What is it? It's quite too funny. 289 00:23:55,240 --> 00:23:57,920 I am sure you could never guess how I employed my mourning or what 290 00:23:59,119 --> 00:24:03,559 I ended by doing. I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been 291 00:24:03,599 --> 00:24:07,920 watching the habits, and perhaps the house of Miss Irene Adler quite so. 292 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:11,759 But the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however. I 293 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:15,920 left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning in the character of a 294 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:22,240 groom out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among Horsey men. 295 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:25,799 Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to 296 00:24:25,920 --> 00:24:30,119 know. I soon found be on a lodge. It is a bije villa 297 00:24:30,559 --> 00:24:33,160 with a garden at the back, but built out in front. Ride up 298 00:24:33,200 --> 00:24:37,799 to the road two stories chubb blocked to the door, large sitting room on 299 00:24:37,880 --> 00:24:42,240 the right side, well furnished with long windows almost to the floor, and 300 00:24:42,359 --> 00:24:48,880 those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open behind. There was nothing 301 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:52,920 remarkable save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach 302 00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:57,640 house. I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view, 303 00:24:59,240 --> 00:25:03,519 but without knowing anything else of interest. I then lounged down the street 304 00:25:03,640 --> 00:25:07,400 and found, as I expected, that there was a muse in a lane 305 00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:11,559 which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent the ostlers a 306 00:25:11,640 --> 00:25:15,160 hand in rubbing down their horses, and received an exchanged twopence, a glass 307 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:19,559 of half and half, two fills of shagged tobacco, and as much information 308 00:25:19,720 --> 00:25:23,480 as I could desire about miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen 309 00:25:23,559 --> 00:25:27,960 other people in the neighborhood, in whom I was not in the least interested, 310 00:25:29,519 --> 00:25:33,119 but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to. And what of Irene 311 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:37,240 Adler, I asked, Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down 312 00:25:37,319 --> 00:25:41,599 in that part. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet, 313 00:25:42,079 --> 00:25:47,880 So say the serpentine muse to a man. She lived quietly, sings 314 00:25:47,920 --> 00:25:52,799 at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp 315 00:25:52,880 --> 00:25:57,359 for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times except when she sings. Has 316 00:25:57,440 --> 00:26:02,799 only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, 317 00:26:03,039 --> 00:26:07,200 handsome and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often 318 00:26:07,240 --> 00:26:11,920 twice. He is a mister Godfrey Norton of the Inner Temple. See the 319 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:15,559 advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him home a dozen 320 00:26:15,680 --> 00:26:21,160 times from Serpentine Muse and knew all about him. When I had listened to 321 00:26:21,240 --> 00:26:23,799 all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Brionny 322 00:26:23,880 --> 00:26:29,640 Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign. This Godfrey 323 00:26:29,759 --> 00:26:33,240 Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. 324 00:26:33,839 --> 00:26:38,559 That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them? And what the object 325 00:26:38,599 --> 00:26:44,240 of his repeated visits? Was she his client, his friend or his mistress. 326 00:26:44,920 --> 00:26:48,039 If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping. 327 00:26:48,799 --> 00:26:53,279 If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question 328 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:59,880 depended whether I should continue my work at Brionny Lodge or turn my attention to 329 00:27:00,079 --> 00:27:03,319 the gentleman's chambers in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it 330 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:07,440 widened the field of my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these 331 00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:11,559 details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties. If you 332 00:27:11,640 --> 00:27:17,359 are to understand the situation, I am following you closely, I answered. 333 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:22,359 I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a handsome cab drove up 334 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:26,599 to beyond a lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remarkably 335 00:27:26,720 --> 00:27:30,839 handsome man, dark aquiline and mustache, evidently the man of whom I had 336 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:36,000 heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman 337 00:27:36,119 --> 00:27:38,640 to wait, and brushed past the maid, who opened the door with the 338 00:27:38,720 --> 00:27:42,119 air of a man who was thoroughly at home. He was in the house 339 00:27:42,160 --> 00:27:45,960 about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows 340 00:27:47,039 --> 00:27:51,880 of the sitting room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving 341 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:56,440 his arms of her I could see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even 342 00:27:56,480 --> 00:28:00,599 more flurried than before, and as he stepped up to the cab, he 343 00:28:00,720 --> 00:28:06,400 pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly. Drive like 344 00:28:06,519 --> 00:28:10,599 the devil, he shouted, first to Gross and Hankes in Regent Street, 345 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:14,759 and then to the church at Saint Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a 346 00:28:14,839 --> 00:28:18,039 guinea if you do it in twenty minutes away they went, and I was 347 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:22,960 just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them. When up the 348 00:28:22,039 --> 00:28:26,839 lane came a neat little Landau, the coachman with his coat only half buttoned 349 00:28:27,319 --> 00:28:32,400 and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were 350 00:28:32,440 --> 00:28:36,359 sticking out of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of 351 00:28:36,440 --> 00:28:40,440 the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at 352 00:28:40,480 --> 00:28:44,680 the moment, but she was a lovely woman with a face that a man 353 00:28:44,839 --> 00:28:48,759 might die for. The Church at Saint Monica, John, she cried, 354 00:28:48,359 --> 00:28:52,640 and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes. This was quite 355 00:28:52,720 --> 00:28:57,240 too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run 356 00:28:57,359 --> 00:29:02,839 for it or whether I should behind her Landau. When a cab came through 357 00:29:02,920 --> 00:29:06,680 the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I 358 00:29:06,799 --> 00:29:10,799 jumped in before he could object. The Church at Saint Monica, said I, 359 00:29:11,119 --> 00:29:14,799 and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes. It was 360 00:29:14,920 --> 00:29:18,000 twenty five minutes to twelve, and of course it twas clear enough what was 361 00:29:18,079 --> 00:29:22,880 in the wind. My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove 362 00:29:22,960 --> 00:29:26,640 faster, but the others were there before us. The cab and the landau, 363 00:29:26,799 --> 00:29:30,799 with their steaming horses, were in front of the door. When I 364 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:33,759 arrived, I paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not 365 00:29:33,880 --> 00:29:38,240 a soul there save the two whom I had followed, and a surpliced clergyman 366 00:29:38,599 --> 00:29:42,480 who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three standing in a 367 00:29:42,559 --> 00:29:47,839 knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aisle like any 368 00:29:47,880 --> 00:29:52,480 other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, 369 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:56,680 the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came, 370 00:29:56,799 --> 00:30:00,559 running as hard as he could towards me. Thank goodness, he cried, 371 00:30:00,960 --> 00:30:04,240 you'll do Come? Come what? Then? I asked, come, man, 372 00:30:04,480 --> 00:30:08,680 come only three minutes or it won't be legal. I was half dragged 373 00:30:08,759 --> 00:30:12,319 up to the altar, and before I knew where I was, I found 374 00:30:12,400 --> 00:30:18,000 myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of 375 00:30:18,119 --> 00:30:23,240 which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene 376 00:30:23,279 --> 00:30:29,680 Adler Spinster to Godfrey Norton bachelor. It was all done in an instant, 377 00:30:30,079 --> 00:30:33,519 and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on 378 00:30:33,680 --> 00:30:37,240 the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the 379 00:30:37,319 --> 00:30:42,119 most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it 380 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:47,279 was the thought of it that started me laughing. Just now. It seems 381 00:30:47,359 --> 00:30:52,359 that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused 382 00:30:52,400 --> 00:30:56,960 to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance 383 00:30:57,319 --> 00:31:02,920 saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a 384 00:31:02,960 --> 00:31:06,640 best man. The bride gave me a sovereign and I mean to wear it 385 00:31:06,759 --> 00:31:11,720 on my watch chain in memory of the occasion. This is a very unexpected 386 00:31:11,759 --> 00:31:15,119 turn of affairs, said I. And what then, Well, I found 387 00:31:15,160 --> 00:31:19,559 my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the pair might take an 388 00:31:19,599 --> 00:31:26,559 immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. 389 00:31:26,119 --> 00:31:30,079 At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the 390 00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:34,640 temple and she to her own house. I shall drive out in the park 391 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:38,200 at five as usual, she said, as she left him. I heard 392 00:31:38,279 --> 00:31:42,640 no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to 393 00:31:42,720 --> 00:31:48,160 make my own arrangements, which are some cold beef and a glass of beer, 394 00:31:48,599 --> 00:31:52,240 he answered, ringing the bell. I have been too busy to think 395 00:31:52,279 --> 00:31:56,880 of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By 396 00:31:56,960 --> 00:32:01,559 the way, doctor, I shall want your operation. I shall be delighted. 397 00:32:02,400 --> 00:32:07,920 You don't mind breaking the law, not in the least your running a 398 00:32:07,039 --> 00:32:12,400 chance of arrest, not in a good cause. Oh, the cause is 399 00:32:12,480 --> 00:32:16,240 excellent that I am your man. I was sure that I might rely on 400 00:32:16,359 --> 00:32:21,799 you. But what is it you wish? When missus Turner has brought in 401 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:24,599 the tray, I will make it clear to you now, he said, 402 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:30,640 as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided. I 403 00:32:30,880 --> 00:32:35,480 must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It 404 00:32:35,599 --> 00:32:38,839 is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of 405 00:32:38,920 --> 00:32:45,759 action. Miss Irene or Madame rather returns from her drive at seven. We 406 00:32:45,920 --> 00:32:51,559 must be at Briony Lodge to meet her. And what then? You must 407 00:32:51,720 --> 00:32:55,039 leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur. There 408 00:32:55,160 --> 00:33:00,839 is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere. 409 00:33:00,160 --> 00:33:07,240 Come what may you understand. I am to be neutral, to do nothing 410 00:33:07,359 --> 00:33:12,960 whatever. There will probably be some small and pleasantness. Do not join in. 411 00:33:13,839 --> 00:33:17,079 It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Four or five 412 00:33:17,160 --> 00:33:22,279 minutes afterwards, the sitting room window will open. You are to station yourself 413 00:33:22,359 --> 00:33:27,720 close to that open window. Yes, you are to watch me, for 414 00:33:27,880 --> 00:33:31,640 I will be visible to you. Yes. And when I raise my hand 415 00:33:31,880 --> 00:33:37,440 so you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and 416 00:33:37,640 --> 00:33:42,119 will at the same time raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me 417 00:33:43,000 --> 00:33:47,519 entirely. It is nothing very formidable, he said, taking a long cigar 418 00:33:47,640 --> 00:33:52,839 shaped roll from his pocket. It is an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket, fitted 419 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:58,880 with a cap at either end to make itself lighting. Your task is confined 420 00:33:58,920 --> 00:34:02,359 to that when you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up 421 00:34:02,440 --> 00:34:07,160 by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of 422 00:34:07,200 --> 00:34:10,639 the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. I hope that 423 00:34:10,760 --> 00:34:15,599 I have made myself clear. I am to remain neutral, to get near 424 00:34:15,679 --> 00:34:20,559 the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this 425 00:34:20,719 --> 00:34:24,199 object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at 426 00:34:24,280 --> 00:34:30,079 the corner of the street. Precisely. Then you may entirely rely on me. 427 00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:35,719 That is excellent. I think perhaps it is almost time that I prepare 428 00:34:35,840 --> 00:34:39,880 for the new role I have to play. He disappeared into his bedroom and 429 00:34:40,039 --> 00:34:45,599 returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple minded nonconformist 430 00:34:45,760 --> 00:34:52,000 clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, 431 00:34:52,400 --> 00:34:58,840 his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as 432 00:34:59,000 --> 00:35:04,559 mister John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed 433 00:35:04,599 --> 00:35:09,400 his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary 434 00:35:09,599 --> 00:35:15,400 with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, 435 00:35:15,639 --> 00:35:21,239 even as science lost an acute reasoner when he became a specialist in crime. 436 00:35:22,239 --> 00:35:25,039 It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still 437 00:35:25,159 --> 00:35:30,440 wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. It 438 00:35:30,639 --> 00:35:36,480 was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up 439 00:35:36,599 --> 00:35:40,239 and down in front of Brionny Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. 440 00:35:40,920 --> 00:35:45,079 The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock holmes succinct 441 00:35:45,199 --> 00:35:51,519 description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On 442 00:35:51,639 --> 00:35:55,639 the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighborhood, it was remarkably 443 00:35:55,840 --> 00:36:00,199 animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed mens, smoking and laughing in 444 00:36:00,280 --> 00:36:06,519 a corner, a scissors grinder with its wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting 445 00:36:06,639 --> 00:36:10,280 with a nurse girl, and several well dressed young men who were lounging up 446 00:36:10,320 --> 00:36:15,840 and down with cigars in their mouths. You see, remarked Holmes, as 447 00:36:15,920 --> 00:36:20,280 we paced to and fro in front of the house. This marriage rather simplifies 448 00:36:20,360 --> 00:36:24,719 matters. The photograph becomes a double edged weapon. Now the chances are that 449 00:36:24,960 --> 00:36:30,400 she would be as averse to its being seen by mister Godfrey Norton as our 450 00:36:30,519 --> 00:36:35,159 client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question 451 00:36:35,440 --> 00:36:40,360 is where are we to find the photograph where? Indeed, it is most 452 00:36:40,519 --> 00:36:46,000 unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet size too large 453 00:36:46,159 --> 00:36:52,920 for easy concealment about a woman's dress. She knows that the King is capable 454 00:36:52,039 --> 00:36:58,039 of having her waylaid and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been 455 00:36:58,119 --> 00:37:01,400 made. We may take it that she does not carry it about with her 456 00:37:02,039 --> 00:37:08,519 where then her banker or her liar. There is that double possibility. But 457 00:37:08,679 --> 00:37:14,840 I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and they like 458 00:37:14,960 --> 00:37:17,800 to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it over to any one 459 00:37:17,840 --> 00:37:22,760 else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what 460 00:37:23,039 --> 00:37:30,360 indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, 461 00:37:30,639 --> 00:37:34,719 remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days. It 462 00:37:34,880 --> 00:37:38,079 must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in 463 00:37:38,239 --> 00:37:45,360 her own house. But it has twice been burgled. Pshah. They did 464 00:37:45,440 --> 00:37:50,320 not know how to look. But how will you look? I will not 465 00:37:50,599 --> 00:37:54,719 look what then? I will get her to show me, But she will 466 00:37:54,800 --> 00:38:00,440 refuse. She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of 467 00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:05,039 wheels. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter. 468 00:38:05,760 --> 00:38:08,320 As he spoke, the gleam of the side lights of a carriage came 469 00:38:08,440 --> 00:38:14,280 round the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little Landau which rattled 470 00:38:14,320 --> 00:38:17,199 up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of 471 00:38:17,239 --> 00:38:22,400 the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope 472 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:27,679 of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer who had rushed 473 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:31,920 up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased 474 00:38:32,039 --> 00:38:37,320 by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and 475 00:38:37,519 --> 00:38:40,880 by the sitters grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. A 476 00:38:40,960 --> 00:38:45,920 blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from 477 00:38:45,000 --> 00:38:50,199 her carriage, was the center of a little knot of flushed and struggling men 478 00:38:50,400 --> 00:38:54,360 who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dashed into 479 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:59,119 the crowd to protect the lady, but just as he reached her, he 480 00:38:59,280 --> 00:39:02,480 gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely down 481 00:39:02,559 --> 00:39:07,440 his face. At his fall, the guardsmen took to their heels in one 482 00:39:07,519 --> 00:39:12,079 direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people 483 00:39:12,199 --> 00:39:15,440 who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help 484 00:39:15,519 --> 00:39:21,079 the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I 485 00:39:21,199 --> 00:39:24,000 will still call. Her had hurried up the steps, but she stood at 486 00:39:24,039 --> 00:39:29,760 the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking 487 00:39:29,920 --> 00:39:34,039 back into the street. Is the poor gentleman much hurt? She asked? 488 00:39:34,280 --> 00:39:37,079 He is dead, cried several voices. No, no, there's life in 489 00:39:37,199 --> 00:39:40,800 him, shouted another. But he'll be gone before we can get him to 490 00:39:40,960 --> 00:39:45,199 hospital. He's a brave fellow, said a woman. They would have had 491 00:39:45,280 --> 00:39:49,920 the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a 492 00:39:50,039 --> 00:39:53,360 gang, and a rough one too. Ah, he's breathing now. He 493 00:39:53,480 --> 00:39:58,599 can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm surely bring 494 00:39:58,719 --> 00:40:02,239 him into the sitting room. There is a comfortable sofa this way, please, 495 00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:07,159 slowly and solemnly. He was born into Brionny Lodge and laid out in 496 00:40:07,280 --> 00:40:13,440 the principal room while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. 497 00:40:13,920 --> 00:40:16,280 The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, 498 00:40:16,719 --> 00:40:21,440 so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. I do 499 00:40:21,639 --> 00:40:24,760 not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he 500 00:40:24,920 --> 00:40:30,599 was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself 501 00:40:30,679 --> 00:40:35,559 in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, 502 00:40:36,199 --> 00:40:39,440 or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. 503 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:45,920 And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from 504 00:40:45,960 --> 00:40:50,159 the part which he had entrusted to me. I hardened my heart and took 505 00:40:50,239 --> 00:40:52,719 the smoke rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we 506 00:40:52,840 --> 00:40:59,000 are not injuring her. We are but preventing her from injuring another. Holmes 507 00:40:59,119 --> 00:41:01,159 had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man 508 00:41:01,239 --> 00:41:05,719 who was in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the 509 00:41:05,760 --> 00:41:08,320 window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand, and at 510 00:41:08,480 --> 00:41:13,039 the signal, I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of fire. 511 00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:15,280 The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of 512 00:41:15,360 --> 00:41:21,880 spectators, well dressed and ill, gentlemen, ostlers and servant maids, joined 513 00:41:21,920 --> 00:41:25,519 in a general shriek of fire. Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room 514 00:41:25,599 --> 00:41:30,559 and out At the open window, I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, 515 00:41:30,639 --> 00:41:34,320 and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within, assuring them that it 516 00:41:34,519 --> 00:41:37,480 was a false alarm. Slipping through the shouting crowd, I made my way 517 00:41:37,559 --> 00:41:42,440 to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find 518 00:41:42,519 --> 00:41:45,440 my friend's arm in mine and to get away from the scene of uproar. 519 00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:50,920 He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down 520 00:41:51,000 --> 00:41:54,239 one of the quiet streets which led towards the Edgeware Road. You did it 521 00:41:54,480 --> 00:41:59,559 very nicely, doctor, he remarked. Nothing could have been better. It 522 00:41:59,679 --> 00:42:04,320 is all all right. You have the photograph. I know where it is. 523 00:42:04,840 --> 00:42:07,519 And how did you find out? She showed me as I told you 524 00:42:07,679 --> 00:42:12,440 she would. I am still in the dark. I do not wish to 525 00:42:12,519 --> 00:42:15,199 make a mystery, said he, laughing. The matter was perfectly simple. 526 00:42:15,519 --> 00:42:19,960 You, of course saw that every one in the street was in an accomplice. 527 00:42:20,159 --> 00:42:23,239 They were all engaged for the evening. I guessed as much. Then 528 00:42:23,360 --> 00:42:27,760 when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the 529 00:42:27,840 --> 00:42:31,159 palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand 530 00:42:31,239 --> 00:42:36,440 to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick 531 00:42:36,880 --> 00:42:40,239 that also I could fathom. Then they carried me in. She was bound 532 00:42:40,280 --> 00:42:45,119 to have me in what else could she do? And into her sitting room, 533 00:42:45,199 --> 00:42:49,559 which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and 534 00:42:49,679 --> 00:42:52,559 her bedroom, and I was determined to see which. They laid me on 535 00:42:52,679 --> 00:42:57,639 a couch. I motioned for air. They were compelled to open the window, 536 00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:00,639 and you had your chance. How did that help you? It was 537 00:43:00,719 --> 00:43:05,920 all important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her 538 00:43:06,039 --> 00:43:09,679 instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. It 539 00:43:09,800 --> 00:43:15,360 is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of 540 00:43:15,440 --> 00:43:20,119 it. In the case of the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to 541 00:43:20,239 --> 00:43:24,119 me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at 542 00:43:24,159 --> 00:43:29,360 her baby, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel box. Now it was 543 00:43:29,440 --> 00:43:32,519 clear to me that our lady of to day had nothing in the house more 544 00:43:32,639 --> 00:43:37,000 precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to 545 00:43:37,119 --> 00:43:43,039 secure it. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting 546 00:43:43,119 --> 00:43:47,639 were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph is 547 00:43:47,719 --> 00:43:52,760 in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bell pull. She 548 00:43:53,000 --> 00:43:57,519 was there in an instant, and I caught a glimpse of it as she 549 00:43:57,800 --> 00:44:00,320 half drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm, 550 00:44:00,639 --> 00:44:05,400 she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the room, 551 00:44:05,920 --> 00:44:10,480 and I have not seen her since I rose and making my excuses escape from 552 00:44:10,519 --> 00:44:15,880 the house. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once, 553 00:44:15,559 --> 00:44:19,880 but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, 554 00:44:20,280 --> 00:44:25,280 it seemed safer to wait a little over precipitance may ruin all. And now 555 00:44:25,559 --> 00:44:30,639 I asked, our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the king 556 00:44:30,800 --> 00:44:35,440 tomorrow and with you, if you care to come with us. We will 557 00:44:35,480 --> 00:44:38,360 be shown into the sitting room to wait for the lady. But it is 558 00:44:38,519 --> 00:44:43,960 probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It 559 00:44:44,119 --> 00:44:47,119 might be a satisfaction to his majesty to regain it with his own hand. 560 00:44:47,480 --> 00:44:52,559 And when would you call? At eight in the morning, she will not 561 00:44:52,760 --> 00:44:55,480 be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we 562 00:44:55,599 --> 00:45:00,199 must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life, 563 00:45:00,280 --> 00:45:06,159 and habits. I must wire to the king without delay. We had 564 00:45:06,239 --> 00:45:09,719 reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets 565 00:45:09,760 --> 00:45:15,000 for the key when some one passing said good night, mister Sherlock Holmes. 566 00:45:15,400 --> 00:45:19,280 There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting appeared 567 00:45:19,320 --> 00:45:22,440 to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by. I've 568 00:45:22,559 --> 00:45:27,440 heard that voice before, said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. 569 00:45:27,920 --> 00:45:31,679 Now I wonder who the deuce that could have been. I slept at Baker 570 00:45:31,760 --> 00:45:37,000 Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the 571 00:45:37,079 --> 00:45:40,239 morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room. You have really got 572 00:45:40,320 --> 00:45:45,039 it, he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly into 573 00:45:45,079 --> 00:45:50,800 his face. Not yet, but you have hopes. I have hopes. 574 00:45:51,159 --> 00:45:54,000 Then come, I am all impatience to be gone. We must have a 575 00:45:54,119 --> 00:46:00,440 cab. No, my Bruffhelm is waiting. Then that will simplify matters. 576 00:46:00,880 --> 00:46:06,079 We descended and started off once more for Brionny Lodge. I reenn Adler is 577 00:46:06,239 --> 00:46:12,239 married, remarked Holmes. Married. When yesterday but to whom to an English 578 00:46:12,320 --> 00:46:16,159 lawyer named Norton, but she could not love him. I am in hopes 579 00:46:16,239 --> 00:46:22,519 that she does, and why in hopes, because it would spare your Majesty 580 00:46:22,639 --> 00:46:27,800 all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does 581 00:46:27,880 --> 00:46:31,440 not love your majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is 582 00:46:31,559 --> 00:46:37,519 no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan. It is true, 583 00:46:37,920 --> 00:46:43,000 and yet well I wish she had been of my own station. What a 584 00:46:43,199 --> 00:46:47,000 queen she would have made. He relapsed into moody silence, which was not 585 00:46:47,199 --> 00:46:52,679 broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue. The door of Brionny Lodge was 586 00:46:52,719 --> 00:46:57,559 open, and an elderly woman stood upon the steps. She watched us with 587 00:46:57,679 --> 00:47:01,719 a sardonic eye as we stepped from them. Mister Chulock Holmes, I believe, 588 00:47:02,000 --> 00:47:06,760 said she, I am Holmes, answered my companion, looking at her 589 00:47:06,840 --> 00:47:10,960 with a questioning and rather startled gaze. Indeed, my mistress told me that 590 00:47:12,119 --> 00:47:15,920 you were likely to call. She left this morning with her husband by the 591 00:47:15,000 --> 00:47:22,320 five fifteen train from sharing Cross for the continent. What Sherlock holmestaggered back white 592 00:47:22,440 --> 00:47:27,679 withered Grian in surprise. Do you mean that she has left England never to 593 00:47:27,920 --> 00:47:31,760 return? And the papers asked the King hoarsely, all is lost, we 594 00:47:31,920 --> 00:47:37,400 shall see. He pushed past the servant and rushed into the drawing room, 595 00:47:37,639 --> 00:47:42,360 followed by the King and myself. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, 596 00:47:42,679 --> 00:47:46,920 with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked 597 00:47:46,960 --> 00:47:52,079 them before her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell, pull tore back a 598 00:47:52,159 --> 00:47:55,559 small slighting shutter, and plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and 599 00:47:55,679 --> 00:48:00,519 a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself an evening dress. The 600 00:48:00,639 --> 00:48:07,000 letter was superscribed to Sherlock Holmes esquire to be left till called for. My 601 00:48:07,199 --> 00:48:12,519 friend tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated 602 00:48:12,639 --> 00:48:16,480 at midnight of the preceding night, and ran in this way. You really 603 00:48:16,599 --> 00:48:22,480 did it very well. You took me in completely. Until after the alarm 604 00:48:22,599 --> 00:48:27,039 of fire, I had not a suspicion. But then when I found how 605 00:48:27,119 --> 00:48:31,039 I had betrayed myself, I began to think I had been warned against you 606 00:48:31,320 --> 00:48:36,079 months ago. I had been told that if the King employed an agent. 607 00:48:36,559 --> 00:48:40,159 It would certainly be you, and your address had been given me. Yet 608 00:48:40,239 --> 00:48:45,719 with all this you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after 609 00:48:45,800 --> 00:48:49,280 I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, 610 00:48:49,519 --> 00:48:52,719 kind old clergyman. But you know I have been trained as an actress 611 00:48:52,800 --> 00:48:58,960 myself. Mail costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of 612 00:48:59,000 --> 00:49:01,800 the freedom which it gives. I sent John the coachman to watch you, 613 00:49:02,599 --> 00:49:07,320 ran upstairs, got into my walking clothes, as I called them, and 614 00:49:07,480 --> 00:49:10,039 came down just as you departed. Well, I followed you to your door, 615 00:49:10,320 --> 00:49:14,679 and so made sure that I was really an object of interest to this 616 00:49:14,880 --> 00:49:21,199 celebrated mister Sherlock Holmes. Then I rather imprudently wished you good night and started 617 00:49:21,280 --> 00:49:24,159 for the temple to see my husband. We both thought the best resource was 618 00:49:24,280 --> 00:49:30,519 flight when pursued by so formidable an antagonist. So you will find the nest 619 00:49:30,599 --> 00:49:35,320 empty when you call tomorrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest 620 00:49:35,440 --> 00:49:38,280 in peace. I love, and I am loved by a better man than 621 00:49:38,360 --> 00:49:43,400 he. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he 622 00:49:43,519 --> 00:49:47,480 has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself and to preserve a 623 00:49:47,559 --> 00:49:52,840 weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the 624 00:49:52,920 --> 00:49:55,960 future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess, and I 625 00:49:57,079 --> 00:50:04,360 remained, dear mister Sherlock Holmes, truly yours Irene Norton nay Adler. What 626 00:50:04,559 --> 00:50:07,280 a woman, Oh, what a woman, cried the King of Bohemia, 627 00:50:07,400 --> 00:50:12,000 when we had all three read this epistle. Did I not tell you how 628 00:50:12,119 --> 00:50:16,239 quick and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? 629 00:50:16,760 --> 00:50:21,360 Is it not a pity that she was not on my level? From what 630 00:50:21,519 --> 00:50:23,920 I have seen of the lady, she seems indeed to be on a very 631 00:50:24,039 --> 00:50:29,360 different level to your Majesty, said Holmes coldly. I am sorry that I 632 00:50:29,480 --> 00:50:32,880 have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to a more successful conclusion. 633 00:50:34,280 --> 00:50:37,360 On the contrary, my dear sir, cried the King, nothing could be 634 00:50:37,480 --> 00:50:43,880 more successful. I know that her word is in violate. The photograph is 635 00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:46,760 now as safe as if it were in the fire. I am glad to 636 00:50:46,880 --> 00:50:52,639 hear your Majesty say so. I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell 637 00:50:52,760 --> 00:50:57,400 me in what way I can reward you this ring. He slipped an emerald 638 00:50:57,559 --> 00:51:00,280 snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. 639 00:51:00,760 --> 00:51:06,519 Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly, said Rolmes. 640 00:51:07,000 --> 00:51:10,159 You have but to name it this photograph. The king stared at him 641 00:51:10,199 --> 00:51:15,719 in amazement. Irene's photograph. He cried, certainly, if you wish it, 642 00:51:15,159 --> 00:51:19,679 I thank your majesty, then there is no more to be done in 643 00:51:19,760 --> 00:51:22,239 the matter. I have the honor to wish you a very good morning. 644 00:51:22,519 --> 00:51:27,360 He bowed, and, turning away, without observing the hand which the King 645 00:51:27,440 --> 00:51:30,480 had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers. 646 00:51:30,920 --> 00:51:37,119 And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the Kingdom of Bohemia, 647 00:51:37,599 --> 00:51:40,599 and how the best plans of mister Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman's 648 00:51:40,639 --> 00:51:45,320 wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I 649 00:51:45,440 --> 00:51:50,280 have not heard him do it of late, And when he speaks of Irene 650 00:51:50,320 --> 00:51:53,559 Adler, or when he referred to her photograph, it is always under the 651 00:51:53,639 --> 00:52:00,639 honorable title of the woman. End of a Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle