31 Charles Augustus Milverton from The Return of She

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1:04The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milvitan It is years since the incidents of which I speak took place, and yet it is with the difference that I'll use to them. For a long time, even with the utmost discretion and reticence, it would have been impossible to make the facts public. But now the principal person concerned is beyond the reach of human law, and with due suppression the story may be told in such fashion as to injure no one. It records an absolutely unique experience in the career both of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and of myself. The reader will excuse me if I concealed the date, or any other fact by which he might trace the actual occurrence. We had been out for one of our evening-rambles, Holmes and I, and had returned about six o'clock

2:06on a cold frosty winter's evening. Holmes turned up the lamp the light fell upon a card on the table. He glanced at it, and then, with an ejaculation of disgust, threw it on the floor. I picked it up, and read, Charles Augustus Milvitan, Apple-door towers, hamsted, agent. Who is he, I asked? The worst man in London, Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his legs before the fire. Is anything on the back of the card? I turned it over. We'll call at 630. C.A.M. I read. Hmm. He's about you. Do you feel a creeping-shrinking sensation Watson when you stand before the serpents in the zoo, and see the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces? Well, that's how Milvitan impresses me. I've had to do with fifty murderers in my career, but the worst of them never gave me

3:09the repulsion which I have for this fellow, and yet I can't get out of doing business with him. Indeed, he is here at my invitation. But who is he? I'll tell you Watson. He is the king of all the blackmailers. Heaven helped the man and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into the power of Milvitan. With a smiling face and a heart of marble he will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry. The fellow is a genius in his way, and would have made his mark in some more savoury trade. His method is as follows. He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high sums for letters which compromise people of wealth and position. He receives these wares not only from treacherous ballots or maids, but frequently from gentile ruffians who have gained the confidence and affection of trusting women. He deals with no niggered hand.

4:10I happen to know that he paid seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length, and that the ruin of a noble family was the result. Everything which is in the market goes to Milvitan, and there are hundreds in this great city who turn white at his name. No one knows where his grip may fall, for he is far too rich and far too cunning to work from hand to mouth. He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the moment when the stake is best worth winning. I have said that he is the worst man in London, and I would ask you how could one compare the ruffian, who in hot blood bludgeon his mate, with this man, whom methodically and at his leisure tortures the soul and rings the nerves in order to add to his already swollen money bags. I had seldom heard my friend speak with such intensity of feeling, but surely said I, the fellow must be within the grasp of the law.

5:11Technically no doubt, but practically not. What would it profit a woman, for example, to get him a few months in prisonment if her own ruin must immediately follow? His victims dare not hit back. If ever he blackmailed an innocent person, then indeed we should have him. But he is as cunning as the evil one. No, no, we must find other ways to fight him. And why is he here? Because an illustrious client has placed her pitiest case in my hands. It is the Lady Eva Blackwell, the most beautiful debutante of last season. She is to be married in a fortnight to the Earl of Dover Court. This fiend has several imprudent letters, imprudent Watson, nothing worse, which were written to an impercunious young squire in the country. They would suffice to break off the match. Milvitan will send the letters to the Earl unless a large sum of money is paid him.

6:14I have been commissioned to meet him and to make the best terms I can. At instant there was a clatter and a rattle in the street below. Looking down I saw a stately carriage and pair, the brilliant lambs gleaming on the glossy haunches of the noble chestnut, a footman opened the door and a small stout man in a shaggy astro-can overcoat descended. A minute later he was in the room. Charles Augustus Milvitan was a man of fifty, with a large intellectual head, around plump, hairless face, a perpetual frozen smile and two keen grey eyes, which gleamed brightly from behind broad gold-rimmed glasses. There was something of Mr. Pickwick's benevolence in his appearance, mad only by the insincereity of the fixed smile and by the hard glitter of those restless and penetrating eyes. His voice was as smooth and suave as his countenance, as he advanced with a plump little hand

7:19extended, murmuring his regret for having missed us at his first visit. Holmes disregarded the outstretched hand and looked at him with a face of granite. Milvitan's smile broadened, his shrugged his shoulders, removed his overcoat, folded it with great deliberation over the back of a chair and then took a seat. This gentleman said he, with a wave in my direction, is it discreet? Is it right? Dr. Watson is my friend and partner. Very good, Mr. Holmes. It is only in your client's interests that I protested the matter is so very delicate. Dr. Watson has already heard of it. Then we can proceed to business. You say that you are acting for Lady Eva. Has she empowered you to accept my terms? What are your terms? £7,000 and the alternative? My dear sir, it is painful for me to discuss it, but if the money is not paid on the 14th, there certainly will be no marriage on the 18th.

8:23His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever. Holmes thought for a little. You appear to me, he said at last, to be taking matters too much for granted. I am, of course, familiar with the contents of these letters. My client will certainly do what I may advise. I shall counsel her to tell her future husband the whole story, and to trust to his generosity. Milverton chuckled. You evidently do not know the Earl, said he. From the baffled look upon Holmes' face I could clearly see that he did. What harm is there in the letters, he asked? There are sprightly, very sprightly, Milverton answered. The lady was a charming correspondent, but I can assure you that the Earl of Dover Court would fail to appreciate them. However, since you think otherwise we will let it rest at that. It is purely a matter of business.

9:24If you think that it is in the best interest of your client that these letters should be placed in the hands of the Earl, then you would indeed be foolish to pay so larger some of money to regain them. He rose and seized his Astra-Can coat. Holmes was grey with anger and mortification. "'Wait a little,' he said. You go too fast. We should certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate a matter.' Milverton relapsed into his chair. "'I was sure you would see it in that light,' he perred. At the same time, Holmes continued, "'Lady Eva is not a wealthy woman. I assure you that two thousand pounds would be a drain upon her resources, and that the sum you name is utterly beyond her power. I beg, therefore, that you will moderate your demands, and that you will return the letters at the price I indicate which is I assure you the highest that you can get.' Milverton smiled broadened and his eyes twinkled humorously.

10:27"'I am aware that what you say is true about the lady's resources,' said he. At the same time you must admit that the occasion of a lady's marriage is a very suitable time for her friends and relatives to make some little effort upon her behalf. They may hesitate as to an acceptable wedding present. Let me assure them that this little bundle of letters will give more joy than all the candelabra and butter dishes in London. "'It is impossible,' said Holmes. "'Dear me, dear me, how unfortunate,' cried Milverton, taking out a bulky pocketbook. I cannot help thinking that ladies are ill-advised in not making an effort.' "'Look at this!' he held up a little note with a coat of arms upon the envelope. "'That belongs to—well, perhaps it is hardly fair to tell the name until tomorrow morning. But at that time it will be in the hands of the ladies' husband.

11:27And all the cars she will not find a beggily sum which she could get by turning her diamonds into paste—it is such a pity. Now, you remember the sudden end of the engagement between the honorable Miss Miles and Colonel Dawking? Only two days before the wedding there was a paragraph in the morning post to say that it was all off. And why? It is almost incredible that the absurd sum of £1,200 would have settled the whole question. Is it not pitiful? And here I find you a man of sense, boggling about terms, when your client's future and honour are at stake, you surprise me, Mr. Holmes. What I say is true, Holmes answered. The money cannot be found. Surely it is better for you to take the substantial sum which I offer than to ruin this woman's career, which can profit you in no way. There you make a mistake, Mr. Holmes, and exposure would profit me indirectly to a considerable

12:33extent. I have eight or ten similar cases maturing. If it was circulated among them that I had made a severe example of the Lady Eva, I should find all of them much more open to reason. You see my point. Shop vans and Albertsons for fresh savings every time you shop. This week at vans and Albertsons get fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast for £199 per pound limit ten pounds. And locally grown grape ory cotton candy grapes are £299 per pound with digital coupon. Plus 24 packs of Canada dry or 7-up 12-ounce cans are £499 limit one with digital coupon. Enjoy fresh and delicious savings for every meal. Hurry in, these deals won't last. Visit vans or Albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.

13:43And a fall sales event. Jeeps is one more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV branch even the Jeep Grill or Registered Trademarks of FCAUS LLC. Holmes sprang from his chair. Get behind him Watson. Don't let him out. Now sir let us see the contents of that notebook. Milverton had glided as quick as a rat to the side of the room and stood with his back against the wall. Mr. Holmes, Mr. Holmes, he said, turning the front of his coat and exhibiting the butt of a large revolver which projected from the inside pocket. I have been expecting you to do something original. This has been done so often and what good has ever come from it. I assure you that I am armed to the teeth and I am perfectly prepared to use my weapons knowing that the law will support me. Besides your supposition that I would bring the letters here in a notebook is entirely mistaken. I would do nothing so foolish. And now gentlemen I have one or two little interviews this evening and it is a long drive

14:46to hamst it. He stepped forward, took up his coat, laid his hand on his revolver and turned to the door. I picked up a chair, but Holmes shook his head and I laid it down again. With bow, a smile and a twinkle, Milverton was out of the room. And a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away. Holmes sat motionless by the fire. His hands buried deep in his trousers of pockets. His chin sunk upon his breast. His eyes fixed upon the glowing embers. For half an hour he was silent and still. Then with the gesture of a man who has taken his decision, he sprang to his feet and passed into his bedroom. A little later a rakeish young workman with a goatee beard and a swagger lit his clay pipe at the lamp before descending into the street. I'll be back sometime Watson said he and vanished into the night.

15:51I understood that he had opened his campaign against Charles Augustus Milverton, but I little dreamed the strange shape which that campaign was destined to take. For some days Holmes came and went at all hours in this attire, but beyond a remark that his time was spent at hamstead and that it was not wasted, I knew nothing of what he was doing. At last, however, on a wild tempestuous evening, when the wind screamed and rattled against the windows, he returned from his last expedition and having removed his disguise he sat before the fire and laughed heartily in his silent inward fashion. You would not call me a marrying man Watson? No indeed. You'll be interested to hear that I'm engaged. My dear fellow I congrats to Milverton's housemaid. Good heavens Holmes! I wanted information Watson. Surely you have gone too far.

16:52It was a most necessary step. I am a plumber with a rising business, escot by name. I have walked out with her each evening, and I have talked with her. Good heavens those talks. However, I have got all I wanted. I know Milverton's house as I know the palm of my hand. But the girl Holmes! He shrugged his shoulders. You can't help it, my dear Watson. You must play your cards as best you can when such a stake is on the table. However, I rejoice to say that I have a hated rival who will certainly cut me out the instant that my back is turned. What a splendid night it is! You like this weather? It suits my purpose Watson. I mean to Bergle Milverton's house tonight. I had a catching of the breath, and my skin went cold at the words which were slowly uttered in a tone of concentrated resolution. There's a flash of lightning in the night shows up in an instant every detail of a wild

17:56landscape, so at one glance I seem to see every possible result of such an action. The detection, the capture, the honored career ending in irreparable failure and disgrace, my friend himself lying at the mercy of the odious Milverton. For heaven's sake Holmes! Think what you are doing, I cried! My dear fellow, I have given it every consideration. I am never precipitated in my actions nor would I adopt so energetic and indeed so dangerous a course if any other were possible. Let us look at the matter clearly and fairly. I suppose you will admit that the action is morally justifiable, though technically criminal. To Bergle his house is no more than to forcibly take his pocketbook, an action in which you were prepared to ate me. I turned it over in my mind. Yes, I said it is morally justifiable.

18:56So long as our object is to take no articles, save those which are used for an illegal purpose. Exactly! Since it is morally justifiable, I have only to consider the question of personal risk. Surely a gentleman should not lay much stress upon this, when a lady is in most desperate need of his help. You will be in such a false position, well, that is part of the risk. There is no other possible way of regaining these letters. The unfortunate lady has not the money, and there are none of her people in whom she could confide. Tomorrow is the last day of grace, and unless we can get the letters tonight, this villain will be as good as his word and will bring about her ruin. I must, therefore, abandon my client to her fate, or I must play this last card. Between ourselves Watson, it is a sporting duel between this fellow Milverton and me. He had, as you saw, the best of the first exchanges, but my self-respect and my reputation

19:59are concerned to fight it to a finish. Well, I don't like it. But I suppose it must be, said I, when do we start? You are not coming. When you are not going, said I. I give you my word of honor, and I never broke it in my life, that I will take a cab straight to the police station and give you away, unless you let me share this adventure with you. You can't help me. How do you know that? You can't tell what may happen? Anyway, my resolution is taken. Other people besides you have self-respect, and even reputations. Watson had looked annoyed, but his brow cleared, and he clapped me on the shoulder. Well, well, my dear fellow, be it so. We have shared this same room for some years, and it would be amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell. You know what, son? I don't mind confessing to you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a highly efficient criminal.

21:00This is the chance of my lifetime in that direction. See here. He took a neat little leather case out of a drawer, and opening it, he exhibited a number of shining instruments. This is a first-class up-to-date burglink kit, with nickel-plated gemmy, diamond-tipped glass cutter, adaptable keys, and every modern improvement which the much of civilization demands. Here too is my dark lantern. Everything is in order. Have you a pair of silent shoes? I have rubber-sold tennis shoes, excellent, and a mask. I can make a couple out of black silk. I can see that you have a strong natural turn for this sort of thing. Very good. Do you make the masks? We shall have some cold supper before we start. It is now 9.30. At 11 we shall drive as far as church row. It is a quarter of an hour's walk from there to Appledore Towers.

22:00We shall be at work before midnight. Silverton is a heavy sleeper and retires punctually at 10.30. With any luck we should be back here by two, with the Lady Eva's letters in my pocket. Homes and I put on our dress clothes, so that we might appear to be too theater-goers home would bound. In Oxford Street we picked up a handsome and drove to an address in Hampstead. Here we paid off our cab, and with our great-coats buttoned up, for it was bitterly cold, and the winds seemed to blow through us, we walked along the edge of the heath. "'It's a business that needs delicate treatment,' said Holmes. These documents are contained in a safe in the fellow study, and the study is the anti-room of his bed-chamber. On the other hand, like all these stout little men who do themselves well, he is a plethoraic sleeper. "'Aggitha,' that's my fiance, says it is a joke in the servant's hall that it's

23:00impossible to wake the master. He has a secretary who is devoted to his interests and never budges from the study all day. That's why we are going at night. Then he has a beast of a dog which roams the garden. I met Agitha late the last two evenings, and she locks the broot up, so as to give me a clear run. This is the house, this big one in its own grounds. To the gate are now to the right among the laurels. We might put on our masks here, I think. You see, there is not a glimmer of light in any of the windows, and everything is working splendidly. With our black silk face coverings, which turn us into two of the most truckulent figures in London, we stow up to the silent gloomy house. A sort of tiled veranda extended along one side of it. Shop vans and Albertsons for fresh savings every time you shop. This week at vans and Albertsons, get fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 199

24:03per pound limit 10 pounds. And locally grown grape-ery cotton candy grapes are 299 per pound with digital coupon. Plus 24 packs of canada dry or 7-up 12 ounce cans are 499 limit 1 with digital coupon. Enjoy fresh and delicious savings for every meal. Hurry in, these deals won't last. Visit vans or Albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save. It's Fall in America. Make it Count. At the Ram Drive-In to Fall Sales Event, make it powerful with our strongest Ram 1500 ever. Make it Move with the Ram Heavy Duty with an available Cummins Diesel. And make it Goathe the Distance with a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Hurry in now for great deals during the Ram Drive-In to Fall Sales Event. Excludes fully electric vehicles applied to 2026 model year vehicles non-transferable visit at RamMorpark.com for complete details and a copy of the powertrain limited warranty. Comment as a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc. Ram and Hemiar registered trademarks of FCA-US LLC. Lined by several windows and two doors. That's his bedroom, Holmes whispered.

25:03This door opens straight into the study. It would suit as best, but it's bolted as well as locked. And we should make too much noise getting in. Come round here. There's a greenhouse which opens into the drawing room. The place was locked. But Holmes removed a circle of glass and turned the key from the inside. And instant afterwards he had closed the door behind us, and we had become felons in the eyes of the law. The thick warm air of the conservatory and the rich choking fragrance of exotic plants took us by the throat. He seized my hand in the darkness and led me swiftly past banks of shrubs which brushed against our faces. Holmes had remarkable powers carefully cultivated of seeing in the dark. Still holding my hand in one of his, he opened a door, and I was vaguely conscious that we had entered a large room in which a cigar had been smoked not long before.

26:03He felt his way among the furniture, opened another door and closed it behind us. Putting out my hand I felt several coats hanging from the wall, and I understood that I was in a passage. He passed along it, and Holmes very gently opened a door upon the right-hand side. Something rushed out at us and my heart sprang into my mouth. But I could have laughed when I realized that it was the cat. A fire was burning in this new room, and again the air was heavy with tobacco smoke. Holmes entered on tiptoe, waited for me to follow, and then very gently closed the door. He were in Milverton's study, and a portier at the father's side showed the entrance to his bedroom. It was a good fire, and the room was illuminated by it. Near the door I saw the gleam of an electric switch, but it was unnecessary, even if it had

27:04been safe to turn it on. At one side of the fireplace was a heavy curtain which covered the bay window we had seen from outside. And the other side was the door, which communicated with the veranda. A desk stood in the centre with a turning chair of shining red leather. Opposite was a large bookcase with a marble bust of Athenia on the top. In the corner between the bookcase and the wall there stood a tall green safe. The firelight flashing back from the polished brass knobs upon its face. Holmes stole a cross and looked at it. When he crept at the door of the bedroom and stood with slanting head listening intently, no sound came from within. Meanwhile it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our retreat through the outer door, so I examined it. To my amazement it was neither locked nor bolted. I touched Holmes on the arm, and he turned his masked face in that direction.

28:06I saw him start, and he was evidently as surprised as I. I don't like it, he whispered, putting his lips to my very ear. I can't quite make it out. Anyhow, we have no time to lose. Can I do anything? Yes, stand by the door. If you hear anyone come, bolt it on the inside, and we can get away as we came. If they come the other way we can get through the door if our job is done, or hide behind these window curtains if it is not. Do you understand? By nodding and stood by the door. My first feeling of fear had passed away, and I thrilled now with a keen asest that I had ever enjoyed when we were the defenders of the law, instead of its defiant. The high object of our mission, the consciousness that it was unselfish and chivalrous, the villainous character of our opponent, all added to the sporting interest of the adventure. Far from feeling guilty I rejoiced and exalted in our dangers.

29:10With a glow of admiration, I watched homes unrolling his case of instruments, and choosing his tool with the calm scientific accuracy of a surgeon who performs a delicate operation. I knew that the opening of safes was a particular hobby with him, and I understood the joy which it gave him to be confronted with this green and gold monster. The dragon which held in its more the reputation of many fair ladies. Turning up the cuffs of his dresscoat, he had placed his overcoat on a chair, homes laid out two drills, a gemmy, and several skeleton keys. I stood at the centre door with my eyes glancing at each of the others, ready for any emergency, though indeed my plans were somewhat vague as to what I should do if we were interrupted. For half an hour Homes worked with concentrated energy, laying down one tool picking up another, handling each with the strength and delicacy of the trained mechanic.

30:11Finally I heard a click, the broad green door swung open, and inside I had a glimpse of a number of paper packets each tied, sealed, and inscribed. Homes picked one out, but it was as hard to read by the flickering fire, and he drew out his little dark lantern. For it was too dangerous with Milverton in the next room to switch on the electric light. Suddenly I saw him halt, listened intently, and then in an instant he had swung the door of the safe too, picked up his coat, the stuffed his tools into the pockets, and darted behind the window curtain, motioning me to do the same. It was only when I had joined him there that I heard what had alarmed his quicker senses. There was a noise somewhere within the house. A door slammed in the distance. Then a confused dull murmur broke itself into the measured thud of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching.

31:11They were in the passage outside the room. They paused at the door. The door opened. There was a sharp snake as the electric light was turned on. The door closed once more, and the pungent reek of a strong cigar was born to our nostrils. Then the footsteps continued backward and forward, backward and forward, within a few yards of us. Finally there was a creek from a chair and the footsteps ceased. Then a key clicked in a lock, and I heard the rustle of papers. So far I had not dared to look out, but now I gently parted the division of the curtains in front of me and peeped through. From the pressure of Holmes' shoulder against mine I knew that he was sharing my observations. Right in front of us and almost within our reach was the broad, rounded back of Milvitan. It was evident that we had entirely miscalculated his movements, that he had never been to his

32:14bedroom, but that he had been sitting up in some smoking or billiard room in the father wing of the house, the windows of which we had not seen. His broad, grizzled head, with its shining patch of boldness, was in the immediate foreground of our vision. He was leaning far back in the red leather chair, his legs outstretched, a long black cigar projecting at an angle from his mouth. He wore a semi-military smoking jacket, claret-coloured, with a black velvet collar. In his hand he held a long legal document which he was reading in an indolent fashion, knowing rings of tobacco smoke from his lips as he did so. There was no promise of a speedy departure in his composed bearing and his comfortable attitude. I felt Holmes' hand steal into mine and give me a reassuring shake, as if to say that the situation was within his powers and that he was easy in his mind.

33:16I was not sure whether he had seen what was only too obvious from my position that the door of the safe was imperfectly closed, and that Milverton might at any moment observe it. In my own mind I had determined that if I were sure, from the rigidity of his gaze, that it had caught his eye, I would at once spring out, throw my great coat over his head, pinion him, and leave the rest to Holmes. But Milverton never looked up. He was languidly interested by the papers in his hand, and Page After Page was turned as he followed the argument of the lawyer. At least I thought, when he has finished the document and the cigar, he will go to his room. Shop Vons and Albertsons for fresh savings every time you shop. This week at Vons and Albertsons, get fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for £199 per pound limit £10, and locally grown Grapery cotton candy grapes are £299 per pound with digital coupon. Plus, 24 packs of Canada dry or 7-up 12-ounce cans are £499 limit 1 with digital coupon.

34:23Enjoy fresh and delicious savings for every meal. Hurry in, these deals won't last. Visit vons or Albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save. It's Fall in America, make it count. At the Ram Drive-In to Fall Sales event, make it powerful with our strongest Ram 1500 ever. Make it move with the Ram Heavy Duty with an available Cummins diesel and make it go with a distance with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Hurry in now for great deals during the Ram Drive-In to Fall Sales event. Excludes fully electric vehicles applied to 2026 model-year vehicles non-transferable. Visit mopart.com for complete details and a copy of the powertrain limited warranty. Comment as a registered trademark of Cummins and Ram and Heavy are registered trademarks of FCA-US LLC. But before he had reached the end of either, there came a remarkable development, which turned our thoughts into quite another channel. Several times I had observed that Milverton looked at his watch, and once he had risen and sat down again with a gesture of impatience. The idea, however, that he might have an appointment at so strange an hour never occurred

35:27to me. Until a faint sound reached my ears from the veranda outside. Milverton dropped his papers and sat rigid in his chair. The sound was repeated. And then there came a gentle tap at the door. Milverton rose and opened it. Well, he said, curtly, you are nearly a half an hour late. So this was the explanation of the unlocked door and the nocturnal vigil of Milverton. There was the gentle rustle of a woman's dress. I had closed the slit between the curtains as Milverton's face had turned in our direction. But now I've ensured very carefully to open it once more. He had resumed his seat, the cigar still projecting at an insolent angle from the corner of his mouth. In front of him, in the full glare of the electric light, there stood a tall, slim, dark woman, a veil over her face, a mantle drawn round her chin.

36:30Her breath came quick and fast, and every inch of the life figure was quivering with strong emotion. Well, said Milverton, you made me lose a good night's rest, my dear. I hope you'll prove worth it. You couldn't come any other time, eh? The woman shook her head. Well, if you couldn't, you couldn't. If the contest is a hard mistress, you have your chance to get level with her now. Bless the girl. What are you shivering about? That's right, pull yourself together. Now let us get down to business. He took a notebook from the drawer of his desk. You say that you have five letters which compromise the contest Dalbert. You want to sell them. I want to buy them. So far so good. It only remains to fix a price. I should want to inspect the letters, of course, if they are really good specimens. Great heavens, is it you?

37:30The woman, without a word, had raised her veil and dropped the mantle from her chin. It was a dark handsome, clear cut face which confronted Milverton. The face with a curved nose, strong dark eyebrows shading hard glittering eyes, and a straight, thin-lipped mouth set in a dangerous smile. It is I, she said. The woman whose life you have ruined. The woman laughed but fear vibrated in his voice. You were so very obstinate, said he. Why did you drive me to such extremities? I assure you I wouldn't hurt a fly of my own accord, but every man has his business and what was I to do? I put the price well within your means. You would not pay. So you sent the letters to my husband and he? The noblest gentleman that ever lived. A man whose boots I was never worthy to lace.

38:33He broke his gallant heart and died. You remember that last night when I came through that door? I begged and prayed you for mercy, and you laughed in my face as you were trying to laugh now. Only your coward heart cannot keep your lips from twitching. Yes, you never thought to see me here again. But it was that night which taught me how I could meet you face to face and alone. Well, Charles Milverton, what have you to say? Don't imagine that you can bully me, said he rising to his feet. I have only to raise my voice, and I could call my servants and have you arrested. But I will make allowance for your natural anger. Leave the room at once as you came, and I will say no more. The woman stood with her hand buried in her bosom and the same deadly smile on her thin lips. You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine.

39:33You will ring no more hearts as you run mine. I will free the world of a poisonous thing. Take that you hound, and that, and that, and that. She had drawn a little gleaming revolver and emptied barrel after barrel into Milverton's body, the muzzle within two feet of his shirt front. He shrank away and then fell forward upon the table, coughing furiously and clawing among the papers. Then his staggered to his feet, received another shot, and rolled upon the floor. You have done me, he cried, and lay still. The woman looked at him intently and ground her heel into his upturned face. She looked again but there was no sound or movement. I heard a sharp rustle, the night air blew into the heated room, and the avenger was gone.

40:38No interference upon our part could have saved the man from his fate, but as the woman poured bullet after bullet into Milverton's shrinking body I was about to spring out, when I felt homesies cold, strong grass upon my wrist. I understood the whole argument of that firm restraining grip, that it was no affair of ours. The justice had overtaken a villain, that we had our own duties and our own objects, which were not to be lost sight of. But hardly had the woman rushed from the room when homes with swift silent steps was over at the other door. He turned the key in the lock. At the same instant we heard voices in the house and the sound of hurrying feet. The revolver-shots had roused the household. With perfect coolness, homes slipped across to the safe, filled his two arms with bundles of letters, and poured them all into the fire. Again and again he did it until the safe was empty.

41:41Someone turned the handle and beat upon the outside of the door. Homes looked swiftly round. The letter which had been the messenger of death for Milverton lay or mottled with his blood upon the table. Homes tossed it in among the blazing papers. Then he drew the key from the outer door, passed through after me and locked it on the outside. This way Watson said he, we can scale the garden wall in this direction. I could not have believed that an alarm could have spread so swiftly. Looking back the huge house was one blaze of light. The front door was open and figures were rushing down the drive. The whole garden was alive with people, and one fellow raised a view hello as we emerged from the veranda and followed hard at our heels. Homes seemed to know the grounds perfectly, and he threaded his way swiftly among a plantation of small trees, eye-closet his heels, and our foremost pursuer panting behind us.

42:46It was a six-foot wall which barred our path, but he sprang to the top and over. As I did the same I felt the hand of the man behind me grab at my ankle, but I kicked myself free and scrambled over a grass-stroon coping. I fell upon my face among some bushes, but Homes had me on my feet in an instant, and together we dashed away across the huge expanse of hamstered heath. We had run two miles, I suppose, before Homes had last halted and listened intently. All was absolute silence behind us. We had shaken off our pursuers and were safe. We had breakfasted, and were smoking our morning pipe on the day after the remarkable experience, which I have recorded, when Mr. Lestrade of Scotland Yard, very solemn and impressive, was ushered into our modest sitting-room. "'Good morning, Mr. Homes,' said he.

43:47"'Good morning. May I ask if you are very busy just now?' Not too busy to listen to you. I thought that perhaps if you had nothing particular on hand, you might care to assist us in a most remarkable case, which occurred only last night at Hamstead. "'Dear me,' said Homes, "'what was that?' "'A murder, a most dramatic and remarkable murder. I know how keen you are upon these things, and I would take it as a great favour if you would step down to Appledor Towers and give us the benefit of your advice. It is no ordinary crime. We have had our eyes upon this Mr. Milvitan for some time, and between ourselves he was a bit of a villain. He is known to have held papers which he used for blackmailing purposes. These papers have all been burned by the murderers. No article of value was taken, as it is probable that the criminals were men of good position,

44:49whose sole object was to prevent social exposure. "'Criminal,' said Homes, "'plural?' "'Yes, there were two of them. They were as nearly as possible, captured, red-handed. We have therefore marks. We have their description. It's ten to one that we can trace them.' The first fellow was a bit too active, but the second was caught by the undergardener, and only got away after a struggle. He was a middle-sized, strongly-built man, square jaw, thick neck, moustache, a mask over his eyes. "'That's rather vague,' said Sherlock Holmes. "'My might be a description of Watson.' "'It's true,' said the inspector with amusement. "'It might be a description of Watson.' "'Well, I'm afraid I can't help you, Lestrade,' said Homes. The fact is that I knew this fellow-milvitan. That I considered him one of the most dangerous men in London, and that I think there are certain

45:55crimes which the law cannot touch, and which, therefore, to some extent justify private revenge. "'No, it's no use arguing. I have made up my mind. My sympathies are with the criminals rather than with the victim, and I will not handle this case.' Homes had not said one word to me about the tragedy which we had witnessed, but I observed all the morning that he was in his most thoughtful mood, and he gave me the impression from his vacant eyes and his abstracted manner of a man who is striving to recall something to his memory. We were in the middle of our lunch when he suddenly sprang to his feet. "'By Jovwhatson, I got it,' he cried. "'Take your hat. Come with me.' He hurried at his top speed down Baker Street and along Oxford Street until we had almost reached Regent's Circus. Here on the left hand there stands a shop window filled with photographs of the celebrities

46:59and beauties of the day. Homes' eyes fixed themselves upon one of them, and following his gaze I saw the picture of a regal and stately lady in court dress, with a high diamond tiara upon her noble head. I looked at that delicately curved nose at the marked eyebrows at the straight mouth and the strong little chin beneath it. Then I caught my breath as I read the time-honoured title of the great nobleman and statesman whose wife she had been. My eyes met those of Homes, and he put his finger to his lips as we turned away from the window. Shop Vons and Albertsons for fresh savings every time you shop. This week at Vons and Albertsons, get fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $199 per pound limit 10 pounds, and locally grown grape-ary cotton candy grapes are $299 per pound

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