WEBVTT 1 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:12.320 From London, we present The Blanche Sojoa, a play for 2 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:14.880 radio by Michael Hardwick, based. 3 00:00:14.599 --> 00:00:18.719 On the short story by Sir Arthur Kernand Doyle, The 4 00:00:18.800 --> 00:00:19.960 Blanche Sojoa. 5 00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:24.480 For a long time, my friend Watson has wanted me 6 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:28.199 to write down an experience of my own. I have 7 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:31.399 often had occasion to point out to him how superficial 8 00:00:31.440 --> 00:00:34.399 are his own accounts, and to accuse him of pandering 9 00:00:34.479 --> 00:00:38.399 to popular taste instead of confining himself rigidly to facts 10 00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:43.799 and figures. Try it yourself, Harms, He's retorted, And yes, 11 00:00:44.039 --> 00:00:46.759 I'm compelled to admit I do begin to realize that 12 00:00:46.840 --> 00:00:48.640 the matter must be presented. 13 00:00:48.200 --> 00:00:49.240 In an interesting way. 14 00:00:50.719 --> 00:00:52.960 I find from my notebook that it was just at 15 00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:56.560 that time, January nineteen three, soon after the conclusion of 16 00:00:56.600 --> 00:00:58.920 the Boer War, that I had a visit from a 17 00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:00.759 certain mister James and dog. 18 00:01:02.359 --> 00:01:04.280 It is my headache to sit with my back to 19 00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.439 the window and to place my visitors in the opposite 20 00:01:06.519 --> 00:01:08.200 chair where the light falls full upon them. 21 00:01:08.920 --> 00:01:11.760 Mister James and Dodd seems somewhat at a loss how 22 00:01:11.799 --> 00:01:14.799 to begin the interview, so I gave him some of 23 00:01:14.799 --> 00:01:18.879 my conclusions from South Africa. 24 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:19.640 Sir I perceive. 25 00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:24.719 Why, yes, sir, Imperial Yeomanry, I fancy exactly the Middlesex 26 00:01:24.920 --> 00:01:27.159 No doubt, mister Holmes not a wizard. 27 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:30.799 When a gentleman of virile appear and senters my room with. 28 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:33.000 Such a tan upon his face as an English son 29 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:35.879 could never give, and with his handkerchief in his sleeve 30 00:01:35.920 --> 00:01:38.680 instead of in his pocket, it is not difficult to 31 00:01:38.680 --> 00:01:42.000 place him. You wear a short beard, which shows that 32 00:01:42.040 --> 00:01:43.959 you were not a regular. You have the cut of 33 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:48.159 a riding man. As to Middlesex, your card has already 34 00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:51.079 shown me that you are a stockbroker from frog Marton Street. 35 00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:55.439 What other regiment could you joined? You see everything I 36 00:01:55.519 --> 00:01:57.640 see no more than you, But I have trained myself 37 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:01.280 to notice what I see either, Mister Dard, It was 38 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:04.120 not to discuss the science of observation that you called 39 00:02:04.159 --> 00:02:07.760 upon me this morning? What has been happening at Tuxbury 40 00:02:07.799 --> 00:02:12.039 Old Part, mister Holmes? A how, my dear sir, There 41 00:02:12.080 --> 00:02:16.280 is no mystery. Your letter came with their heady. As 42 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:18.960 you fixed this appointment in very pressing terms, it was 43 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:22.120 clear that something sudden and important had occurred during your 44 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:22.680 visit there. 45 00:02:22.840 --> 00:02:25.680 Yes, indeed, but a good deal has happened since that 46 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:28.879 letter was written. If Colonel Elmsworth hadn't. 47 00:02:28.680 --> 00:02:32.360 Kicked me out, i'd kicked you out. Perhaps, mister Dudd, 48 00:02:32.400 --> 00:02:33.319 you will exclaim. 49 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:35.479 What I have talk you, sir, I'd got into the 50 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:37.479 way of supposing that you knew everything. 51 00:02:37.240 --> 00:02:38.280 Without being told. 52 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:41.280 But I will give you the facts, and I hope 53 00:02:41.319 --> 00:02:42.840 you will be able to tell me what they mean. 54 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:44.360 Then pray proceed. 55 00:02:45.080 --> 00:02:49.439 Colonel Elmsworth was the crimean v C you now, oh, yes, yes, Well, 56 00:02:49.560 --> 00:02:52.039 when I joined up in nineteen hundred and one, young 57 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:55.840 Godfrey has only done joined the same squadron. Well, we 58 00:02:55.960 --> 00:02:58.039 formed the kind of friendship you can only make when 59 00:02:58.039 --> 00:03:01.000 you both live the same life, share the same joys 60 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:03.439 and sorrows. We took the rough and the smooth together 61 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:07.479 for a year of fighting. Then outside Pretoria, he was 62 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:11.800 wounded in the shoulder. I got one letter from the hospital. 63 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:15.240 To Cape Town and one from Southampton. Since then, not a. 64 00:03:15.199 --> 00:03:18.479 Word, not one word, mister Holmes for six months or more, 65 00:03:18.840 --> 00:03:21.919 and she was my closest pal. And but then when 66 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:24.199 the war was over we all got back. I wrote 67 00:03:24.199 --> 00:03:26.199 to his father and asked where Godfrey was. 68 00:03:26.840 --> 00:03:27.400 No answer. 69 00:03:28.039 --> 00:03:31.039 I wasted bit and wrote again this time I had 70 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:34.400 a reply, short and gruff. Godfrey had gone on a 71 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:37.039 voyage round the world and it wasn't likely that he'd 72 00:03:37.039 --> 00:03:40.639 be back for a year. Though, mister Holmes, I wasn't satisfied. 73 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:44.479 The whole things seemed so damned unnatural. I wasn't like 74 00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:46.520 him to drop a pal in such a manner. 75 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:47.759 What did you do? Well? 76 00:03:47.800 --> 00:03:49.599 My own affairs took quite a time to straighten out, 77 00:03:49.639 --> 00:03:51.080 so I haven't been able to do anything about it 78 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.039 till this week. My first move was to go down 79 00:03:54.039 --> 00:03:57.039 to his home, Tuckxbury, o Park. I had to walk 80 00:03:57.080 --> 00:03:59.560 five miles from the station, and it was nearly dark 81 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:02.240 when I got there, but at iter rate. When I 82 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:04.599 told the old butt of my business, he went away 83 00:04:04.919 --> 00:04:07.000 and then came back and showed me straight into Colonel 84 00:04:07.080 --> 00:04:07.879 Demsworth's study. 85 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:09.439 Those, sirs, I. 86 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:11.479 Should be interested to know the reasons for this visit, 87 00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:13.360 I explained to you in my letters. 88 00:04:13.039 --> 00:04:15.159 Sir, I knew God for in Africa. 89 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:18.879 Yes, yes, I know that. Of course we've only your 90 00:04:18.920 --> 00:04:20.800 word for it. Or I have his letters to me 91 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:26.839 in my pocket. Kindly let me see them. We were 92 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:29.519 the closest of friends, sir. Is it not natural that 93 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:32.439 I should wonder at his sudden silence and wish to 94 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:35.160 know what has become of him. I have some recollection, sir, 95 00:04:35.240 --> 00:04:38.360 that I had already explained that in replying to your letters. 96 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:40.519 He's gone upon a voyage around the world. 97 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:43.759 His health was in a poor way after his African experiences, 98 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:46.079 and I was of the opinion that complete rest and 99 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:49.560 change when he did. Kindly passed that explanation on to 100 00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:51.879 any other friends who may be interested in the matter. Certainly, 101 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:54.240 but perhaps you would have the goodness to let me 102 00:04:54.279 --> 00:04:56.120 have the name of the steamer and the shipping line. 103 00:04:56.600 --> 00:04:58.120 I have no doubt I should be able to get 104 00:04:58.120 --> 00:04:58.959 a letter through to him. 105 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:02.800 Many people, Missed DoD, would take offense at your infernal persinacity. 106 00:05:03.279 --> 00:05:05.759 They would consider this insistence to a beach the point 107 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:06.800 of damnibulence. 108 00:05:06.839 --> 00:05:08.519 And you must put it down to my real love 109 00:05:08.600 --> 00:05:09.399 for your son. 110 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:13.319 Mister Dodd. I have already made every allowance upon that score. 111 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:16.360 I must ask you, however, to drop these inquiries. 112 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:17.040 But why, sir. 113 00:05:17.279 --> 00:05:20.959 Every family has its own inner knowledge and its own motives. 114 00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:24.920 It can't always be made clear to outsiders, however well intentioned. 115 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:27.439 I would ask you to let the present and the 116 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:30.560 future alone. And now say you have gone a long 117 00:05:30.600 --> 00:05:31.319 way and you are. 118 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:34.160 Welcome to stay the night here. My butler Ralph will 119 00:05:34.199 --> 00:05:35.000 see to your needs. 120 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:36.519 We dine at eight o'clock. 121 00:05:42.519 --> 00:05:42.839 I mean. 122 00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:45.360 You've been partner, sir. 123 00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:49.399 I just brought you some more coals britter cold. It is, sir, 124 00:05:49.480 --> 00:05:52.519 Iger Ralph. 125 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:56.920 Yes, sir, now, sir, will there be anything more tonight? 126 00:05:57.199 --> 00:05:58.519 Pello Ralph? That's all? Thanks? 127 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:03.199 Oh before you, Oh, is this one thing, sir? You've 128 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:06.360 been in service here for a long time? I suppose Oh, yes, sir, 129 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:09.439 me and the missus both, and you've known Master Godfrey 130 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:12.399 for many years. Nor unless you said my missus nursed him, 131 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:14.920 you could say, in a manner of speaking, i'm his 132 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:19.480 foster father. Well, I can tell you you've both been 133 00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:21.600 very proud to see him in South Africa. 134 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:24.279 He bought himself well, said I am this sent no 135 00:06:24.519 --> 00:06:27.279 braver man in the regiment. He pulled me at once 136 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:30.040 from one of the boy's rifles. Or maybe I shouldn't 137 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:34.079 be here now, Yes, yes, that's Master Godfrey Curry, sir. 138 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:37.319 Why there's not a tree in this park. He hadn't climbed, 139 00:06:37.959 --> 00:06:42.000 Nothing would stop him. He was a fine boy all right, 140 00:06:43.079 --> 00:06:44.279 and he was a fine. 141 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:50.160 Man, sir, was you say he was? Look here, what 142 00:06:50.639 --> 00:06:53.079 is all this mystery about to it? What has become 143 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:53.959 of Godfrey Hamsworth? 144 00:06:54.279 --> 00:06:55.319 I don't know what you mean, Sir. 145 00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:57.439 Ask the Master about Master Godfrey. 146 00:06:57.480 --> 00:07:00.360 It's not for me to interfere. Let go leave. 147 00:07:00.839 --> 00:07:03.720 How listen to me, rough, You're going to answer one 148 00:07:03.800 --> 00:07:05.079 question before you will leave this room. 149 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:07.199 If I have to hold you all night. He is 150 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:13.560 Godfrey Elmsworth dead? I wish he was, Sir, I wish 151 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:19.680 to god he was well. After that, I seemed to 152 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:22.079 be only one interpretation, mister Holmes. 153 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:25.240 My poor friend had evidently become involved in something criminal, 154 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:29.040 or at least something disreputable, that had touched the family honor. 155 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:31.879 His stern old father has sent me away for fear 156 00:07:31.879 --> 00:07:35.480 of some scandal coming to light. Well, that was what 157 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:36.439 I thought. Just then. 158 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:39.920 Your problem presents them very unusual features, mister Dudd. 159 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:41.839 Pray continue for after. 160 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:44.680 The butler had gone, I must have stood there pondering all. 161 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:45.319 This for some time. 162 00:07:46.439 --> 00:07:50.759 Then something made me look up and there was Godfrey 163 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:53.160 Elmsworth in the room. No, he was outside the window. 164 00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:55.920 It was a ground floor room. I'd let the curtains open, 165 00:07:56.040 --> 00:07:58.399 and there he was looking at me through the glass. 166 00:07:59.160 --> 00:08:02.360 He was deadly pale. I've never seen a man so white. 167 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:06.680 I reckon ghosts may look like that. His eyes met mine, 168 00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:09.240 and they were the eyes of a living man. Did 169 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:11.439 he give any sign when he saw me looking at him? 170 00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:14.759 And he sprang back into the darkness. Mister Holmes, there 171 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:17.959 was something shocking about that man. It wasn't just that 172 00:08:18.040 --> 00:08:22.480 ghastly face. It was something, something slinking and furtive, something guilty. 173 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:25.680 He left a feeling of horror in my mind. 174 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:29.040 I assume, however, that when a man has been soldiering 175 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:31.480 a year or two with brother boas his claimate, he 176 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:34.639 keeps his nerve on nets quickly exactly, I. 177 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:36.720 Got very hardly banished. Before I was out of that window. 178 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.759 I ran down the garden path and the way I 179 00:08:38.799 --> 00:08:40.360 thought he might have gone. It seemed to me that 180 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:42.879 something was moving ahead of me. I called his name. 181 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:43.759 It was no use. 182 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:45.879 When I got to the end of the path, there 183 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:49.000 were several others branching in different directions to some outhouses. 184 00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:52.279 But as I stood there, hesitating, I distinctly heard the 185 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:53.399 sound of a closing door. 186 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:55.519 It wasn't behind me. In the house. 187 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:59.039 It was somewhere ahead in the darkness. I knew then, 188 00:08:59.080 --> 00:09:01.000 mister Holmes, but what I had. 189 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:02.039 Seen was no vision. 190 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:05.440 Well, then, mister darg what else did you do? Nothing 191 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:06.159 more I could do. 192 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:07.600 I I spent none. 193 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:10.120 Easy night trying to find some theory to cover the fact. 194 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:13.759 For next I found the colonel rather more conciliatory. 195 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:16.600 His wife remarked, there were some places of interest in 196 00:09:16.600 --> 00:09:19.159 the neighborhood, and I saw an hoping to ask that 197 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:20.840 I might stay there one more night. 198 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:24.639 Somewhat grudgingly he agreed, which gave you a clear day 199 00:09:24.679 --> 00:09:28.159 in which to make your observation. Yes, I felt I 200 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:30.399 must explore the garden to see what I could find. 201 00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:33.559 There were several small outhouses, but at the end of 202 00:09:33.559 --> 00:09:36.120 the garden there was a detached building of some size. 203 00:09:36.440 --> 00:09:39.200 It was heavily curtained. I wondered if this could have 204 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:41.080 been the place the sound of that shutting door had 205 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:44.279 come from. I approached in a careless fashion, strolling aimlessly, 206 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:47.000 and as I did so, a small bearded man in 207 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:48.759 a black coat and a bowler hat came out of 208 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:49.120 the door. 209 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:54.200 He locked it after him. Then he looked at me 210 00:09:54.320 --> 00:10:00.360 with some surprise Good day sir. Gooday are you? Are 211 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:04.200 you a visitor here? Yes, I am. My name is Dodd, 212 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:07.480 James M. DoD. I see I. 213 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:10.399 Am an old army time of mister Godfrey Emsworth's. I 214 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:13.279 came hoping to see him. What took pity that he 215 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:14.840 should be away on his travels. 216 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:17.320 He would have been pleased to see you, No doubt, 217 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:20.200 mister Dodd dis troubled exactly. 218 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:23.879 Well, Good day, jusam. No doubt you will resume your 219 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:28.480 visit at some more grapitious time. Good day, sir. He 220 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:32.440 passed on. When I turned, I observed that he. 221 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:34.919 Was standing watching me, half concealed by some laurels, at 222 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:35.840 the far end of the garden. 223 00:10:36.919 --> 00:10:39.720 So I strolled back to the house and waited for night. 224 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:42.399 As soon as every one had retired and everything was 225 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:45.080 dark and quiet, I slipped out in my window and 226 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:48.480 made my way as silently as possible to the mysterious lodge. 227 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:52.559 The curtains were still drawn, but now there were shutters 228 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:53.080 up as well. 229 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:56.080 Even so, there was some light coming from one place 230 00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:58.960 I found I could see inside the room. I saw 231 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:01.960 the little man I'd seen that morning. He was smoking 232 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:05.120 a pipe and reading a paper. I tried to see 233 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:08.279 more of the room. I just then, so you've become 234 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:08.679 a spy. 235 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:12.759 Have your kindly follow me back to the house, Sir. 236 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:15.000 There is a train to London at eight thirty in 237 00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:17.440 the morning. Sir, if I may only matter will not 238 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:18.360 bear discussion. 239 00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:21.519 You've made a most damnable intrusion into the privacy of 240 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:22.080 our family. 241 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:24.799 You were here as a guest, and you become a spy. 242 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:27.480 I'd nothing more to say, sir, save that I have 243 00:11:27.600 --> 00:11:30.440 no wish ever to see you again. Very well, come, Emsworth, 244 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:33.360 I have seen your son, and I am convinced that, 245 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:35.120 for some reason of your own, you are concealing him 246 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:35.639 from the world. 247 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:38.279 I've no idea what your motives are in cutting off 248 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:39.559 in this fashion, but I am sure he is no 249 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:41.600 longer a free agent, and I warn e Colonel. 250 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:43.360 But until I am assured of the safety of the 251 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:45.879 well being of my friend, I shall never desist in 252 00:11:45.919 --> 00:11:46.679 my effice to get. 253 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:52.960 The bottom of this mystery. 254 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:58.080 However, he didn't attack me, mister Elmes, but there was 255 00:11:58.080 --> 00:12:00.960 nothing for it but to take the appointed train, after 256 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:04.080 writing first to ask you to see me, mister Dodd. 257 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:07.200 The servants, now, how many were there in the house. 258 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:09.440 But the best of my belief, there were only the 259 00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:12.039 old butler and his wife. The family seemed to live 260 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:14.320 in the simplest passion. There was no servant then in 261 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:17.600 the detached house. None unless the little man with a 262 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:18.559 beard acted as such. 263 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:21.080 He seemed to be quite a superior person. 264 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:24.240 You mentioned seeing him sitting by the fire reading of paper. 265 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:28.399 What paper was it? Well? Can that matter? It could 266 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:29.279 be most essential? 267 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:33.200 Rarely took no notice, if possibly you observed whether it 268 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:36.399 was a broad leaf paper or of that smaller type 269 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.960 which one associates with weeklies. 270 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:41.720 Since you mention it, it wasn't very low very well. 271 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:45.600 Now had you any indication that food was conveyed from 272 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:46.480 the one house to the other. 273 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:49.039 Well, I did see old Ralph carrying a basket down 274 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:51.159 the garden walk and going in the direction of his house. 275 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:53.919 Did you make any local inquiries? Yes, I did. I 276 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:55.720 spoke to the station master and the innkeeper. 277 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:58.720 I simply asked to send you anything of my old comrade, 278 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:02.000 Godfrey Eemsworth. Both of them assure me that he gone 279 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:04.080 for a voyage round the world. You said nothing of 280 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:04.840 your suspicions. 281 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:07.279 Nothing. Yet you say that you had seen your friend's 282 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:10.080 face quite clearly at the window, so clearly that you 283 00:13:10.120 --> 00:13:12.720 are sure of his identity. I have no doubt about it. 284 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:15.720 Whatever the lamp light shone full upon him. It couldn't 285 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:17.879 have been someone resembling. No, no, no, it was he. 286 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:21.320 But you say he was changed only in color. 287 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:24.960 His face was how shall I describe as it was 288 00:13:25.919 --> 00:13:31.480 of a fish belly whiteness, It was bleached in patches. Well, 289 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:33.919 it was his brow that I saw, so cleared it 290 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:35.200 was pressed against the window. 291 00:13:36.279 --> 00:13:37.440 Very well, mister Dadd. 292 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:39.879 The matter should certainly be inquired into. 293 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:42.159 I will go back with you to a tuxpray Old 294 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:42.879 park to day. 295 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:45.600 Oh, as it happens, I am carrying up another matter 296 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:48.759 at the moment, let us say the beginning. 297 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:50.480 Of next week. I shall be ready whenever you are, 298 00:13:50.519 --> 00:13:51.200 mister Helmes. 299 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:53.840 Oh, I shall also ask an old friend of mine 300 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:56.919 to accompany us. It is possible that his presence may 301 00:13:56.960 --> 00:14:06.200 be entirely unnecessary. On the other hand, it ess the 302 00:14:06.320 --> 00:14:09.159 narratives of my friend Watson have shown no doubt that 303 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:11.559 I do not waste words or disclose my thoughts while 304 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:15.279 the case is under consideration. In fact, my case was 305 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:19.480 practically complete when we arrived at the strange old Ramding house. 306 00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:22.639 I asked the elderly friend who had accompanied us to 307 00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:25.440 remain in the carriage unless we should summon him. I 308 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:28.559 had not introduced him to Dodd, who seemed surprised but 309 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:33.480 asked no questions. The old butler, Ralph opened. 310 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:35.720 The door to us. He wore the conventional costume of 311 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:38.679 black coat and pepper and salt trousers, with only one 312 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:42.480 curious variant. He had on brown leather gloves. 313 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:45.720 He shuffled them off at the sight of us, laying 314 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:48.639 them down on the hall table. I have, as Watson 315 00:14:48.679 --> 00:14:51.960 may sometimes have remarked, an abnormally acute set of senses, 316 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:55.120 and a faint but incisive smell was the parent. I 317 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:57.440 contrived to drop my hat to the floor, and in 318 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:59.480 picking it up, brought my nose within a foot of 319 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:06.399 the gloves. A curious cardy odor was oozing from them. 320 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:12.799 My case was complete at last, big answer mister Dodd 321 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:15.120 and mister Sherlock Holmes to see you, sir? 322 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:18.360 Who the don't hold you to him? What is the 323 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:20.159 meaning of this? You, sir? 324 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:22.799 Have I not told you you in fellel Busyboddy, never 325 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:24.279 s dare show your damned face here? 326 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:27.399 Again, if you choose to endry here without my leave, 327 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:29.879 I shall be within my rights if I use violence. 328 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:34.080 As to you, mister Holmes, I extend the same warning 329 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:37.840 to you. I am familiar with your ignoble profession. 330 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:41.639 Ralph telephone at once to the County Police, asked the 331 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:43.360 inspector to send up two constables. 332 00:15:43.559 --> 00:15:47.120 Tell him, tell him that there are burglars in the hotel. Well, moment, 333 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:50.120 you must be aware, mister Dodd, the Colonel Msworth is 334 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.879 within his right. 335 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:53.720 On the other hand, he should recognize that your action 336 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:57.480 is prompted entirely by solicitude for his son. I venture 337 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:59.159 to hope that if I were allowed to have five 338 00:15:59.200 --> 00:16:02.559 minutes conversation with Colonel Msworth, I could certainly alter his 339 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.320 view of the matter. 340 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:05.159 What the devil are you waiting for? Ralph? 341 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:07.840 Bring the police, I say, going, sir, nothing of the 342 00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:10.879 thought any police in appearance. But bring about the very 343 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:14.480 capacity of dreads. Hand away from that door, sir, Colonel Msrath. 344 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:19.159 On this page of my notebook, I am writing just 345 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.559 one word. 346 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:23.720 Here you are, sir, pray. 347 00:16:23.559 --> 00:16:27.799 Read it and you will know what has brought us here. Well, 348 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:32.720 how did you know this? It is my business to 349 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:35.960 know things. That is my traid. 350 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:40.799 Then you forced my hand. If you wish to see Godfrey, 351 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:43.559 you shall, but this is your doing, not mine. 352 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:46.159 As terms, What does this mean you shall soon see 353 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:49.919 mister Dard Ralph, Sir, go down to the garden house 354 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:52.360 and tell mister Godfrey and mister Kent that in five 355 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.679 minutes we shall be with them. 356 00:16:53.799 --> 00:17:02.240 Very good, sir, very good. But this is very sudden. 357 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:06.599 Colonel m'sworth will disarange all our plan. I currently help it. Kent. 358 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:10.920 Our hands have been forced. Can mister godface us now? 359 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:20.519 Yes, he's waiting inside. Follow me, gentlemen, god fail man, 360 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:24.359 don't touch me. You men don't come here? Yes, you 361 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:28.720 may well stare. I don't quite look smart enough of 362 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:31.240 bee squadron, now do I What happened? 363 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:34.960 Those white patches are mus kind. That's why I don't 364 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:38.960 court visitors. But you seem to have you at a disadvantage. 365 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:41.119 I came down to see if all was well with 366 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:44.920 you that night. You looked into my window. Old Ralph 367 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:48.240 told me you went there. I couldn't resist taking a 368 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.720 peep after you ran away. 369 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:52.559 I couldn't let the matter rest, I asked mister Sherlock 370 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:59.039 Holmes here to help. Oh, mister Sherlock Holmes, eh well. 371 00:17:58.920 --> 00:17:59.920 Was the home. You may as well. 372 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:05.000 I'll hear my story too, if you please, mister Ens, don't. 373 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:11.880 Take long to tell you remember Jimmy that morning fight 374 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:15.480 outside Pretoria on the Eastern railway line. You heard I 375 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:17.960 was hit, Yes, I heard about it. I never got particular. 376 00:18:19.079 --> 00:18:22.160 Three of us got separated from the rest, all the Simpson, 377 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:22.799 Henderson and I. 378 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:28.359 The other two were killed. I got a bullet from 379 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:30.559 my shoulder. I stuck on my horse though, and he 380 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:33.240 galloped several miles with me before I must have rode 381 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.839 off in a fain. 382 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:39.079 When I came to it was night. It was deadly cold, 383 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:43.200 you remember that, that kind of numb cold, just come 384 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:48.119 at evening, and oh deadly. It was a building nearby. 385 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:52.720 I knew my only hope was to reach it, and 386 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:56.640 a memory of staggering there, and there was a large 387 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:59.759 room with many beds in it. I just fell onto 388 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:03.759 one of them and passed out. That of you, ha 389 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:10.480 was it? When I woke in the morning, it was 390 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:12.680 as though I had passed from a world of sanity 391 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:17.279 into a nightmare. Standing in front of me was a 392 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:20.599 dwarf like man with a huge, bulbous head. He was 393 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:27.079 jabbering in Dutch and waving his hands. They were like 394 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:29.319 horrible brown sponges. O. 395 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:32.880 God, there are others behind him watching me, and as 396 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:34.720 I looked at them, I realized that not one of 397 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.920 them was a normous human being. 398 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:38.680 Everyone was twisted or swollen or disfigured in some way 399 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:46.319 and were laughing at me. God, I can hear them now. 400 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:52.960 Well that then that that little beast laid his horrible, 401 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:55.839