WEBVTT 02:55.383 --> 02:56.425 Something wrong? 02:59.846 --> 03:02.973 To the man who loves art for its own sake, 03:03.391 --> 03:07.477 it is frequently in its least important and lowliest manifestations 03:07.604 --> 03:10.439 that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. 03:14.402 --> 03:16.320 Oh, if you say so, Holmes. 03:21.701 --> 03:24.453 It is pleasant to me to observe, Watson, 03:24.579 --> 03:26.830 that you have so far grasped this truth 03:27.415 --> 03:28.832 that in these little records of our cases 03:28.958 --> 03:30.417 which you have been good enough to draw up, 03:30.543 --> 03:32.920 and I am bound to say, occasionally embellish, 03:33.087 --> 03:35.422 that you have given prominence not so much to the many 03:35.757 --> 03:39.218 cause Celebes and sensational trials in which I have figured, 03:39.344 --> 03:41.386 but rather to those incidents 03:42.096 --> 03:45.098 which have given room for those faculties of deduction 03:45.266 --> 03:48.769 and logical synthesis which I have made my special province. 03:50.980 --> 03:52.773 Kind of you to say so, Holmes. 03:57.779 --> 04:01.198 You have erred, perhaps- 04:07.580 --> 04:08.747 you have erred... 04:12.293 --> 04:15.462 in attempting to put color and life into each of your statements. 04:15.630 --> 04:18.340 Instead of confining yourself to placing upon record 04:18.466 --> 04:22.803 that severe reasoning from cause to effect 04:22.929 --> 04:25.264 which is really the only notable feature about the thing. 04:33.356 --> 04:37.317 You are always in a disputatious mood when you choose that pipe. 04:37.902 --> 04:40.570 It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter. 04:40.822 --> 04:45.158 No, no, no, no, no, no, it is not selfishness or even conceit. 04:46.286 --> 04:49.162 If I claim full justice for my art, it is because 04:49.497 --> 04:52.624 crime is common, logic is rare. 04:52.792 --> 04:57.421 Therefore, it is upon logic rather than upon crime that you should dwell. 05:00.300 --> 05:01.591 You have degraded 05:02.260 --> 05:06.513 what should have been a course of lectures into a series of tales. 05:07.515 --> 05:10.851 Really, Holmes, I hardly think my poor scribblings deserve that. 05:12.020 --> 05:15.355 They have, after all, made your name a household word. 05:15.481 --> 05:17.024 Oh, pshaw, my dear fellow, 05:17.734 --> 05:22.237 what do the public, the great unobservant public, 05:22.363 --> 05:26.074 who can hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a compositor by his left thumb, 05:26.200 --> 05:30.037 care about the finer shades of analysis and deduction? 05:34.584 --> 05:37.753 But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot blame you, 05:39.047 --> 05:45.469 the days of the great cases are past. 05:48.056 --> 05:52.726 Man, or at least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. 05:54.020 --> 05:55.395 Oh, surely not. 05:55.563 --> 05:56.605 I fear so. 05:59.233 --> 06:03.737 As to my little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an agency 06:03.863 --> 06:06.406 for recovering lost lead pencils 06:06.699 --> 06:09.368 and giving advice to young ladies from boarding schools. 06:10.203 --> 06:13.997 My dear, dear friend, how can you say such a thing? 06:14.123 --> 06:16.041 I think I have touched bottom, 06:17.168 --> 06:20.087 finally. However, this note I had this morning 06:20.254 --> 06:22.214 marks my zero-point, I fancy. 06:23.049 --> 06:24.800 Well, goodness, who is it from? 06:26.928 --> 06:27.511 Read it. 06:31.307 --> 06:34.559 "Dear Mr. Holmes: I am very anxious to consult you" 06:34.685 --> 06:37.604 "as to whether I should or should not accept a situation" 06:37.772 --> 06:39.773 "which has been offered to me as a governess." 06:41.651 --> 06:45.779 "I shall call at half-past ten tomorrow if I do not inconvenience you." 06:46.781 --> 06:49.783 "Yours faithfully, Violet Hunter." 06:56.666 --> 06:58.667 I must confess to being somewhat puzzled 06:58.793 --> 07:02.462 by the contents of your letter, Miss, uh, Hunter, 07:03.214 --> 07:04.965 since the matter on which you seek advice 07:05.091 --> 07:08.301 is somewhat outside my usual field of expertise. 07:08.428 --> 07:09.970 Yes, I am aware of that. 07:10.346 --> 07:12.973 But you will excuse my troubling you, I am sure, 07:13.099 --> 07:16.143 since I have recently had a very strange experience. 07:16.644 --> 07:17.310 Indeed? 07:18.646 --> 07:22.357 As I have no parents or relations of any sort 07:22.608 --> 07:24.317 from whom I could ask advice, 07:24.694 --> 07:28.196 I thought perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me what I should do. 07:30.158 --> 07:33.410 I shall be happy to serve you in any way I can pray. Proceed. 07:35.705 --> 07:39.166 There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End, 07:39.333 --> 07:43.670 called Westaway's, and I have lately been calling there about 07:43.838 --> 07:47.340 once a week in order to see whether anything has turned up 07:47.467 --> 07:48.592 which might suit me. 07:58.853 --> 08:01.354 It is managed by Miss Stoper. 08:03.232 --> 08:05.859 She sits alone in her own office. 08:06.444 --> 08:09.946 And the ladies who are seeking employment wait in the anteroom, 08:10.198 --> 08:12.574 and are then shown in one by one, 08:12.783 --> 08:14.826 when she consults her ledgers and sees whether 08:14.952 --> 08:16.953 she has anything which might suit them. 08:17.955 --> 08:20.040 Miss Green has been on our books for some years 08:20.208 --> 08:22.876 and has excellent references. In fact, 08:23.503 --> 08:28.256 were it not for the swift return to Kuala Lampur of her present employer, 08:28.466 --> 08:30.675 who finds her most satisfactory, 08:31.010 --> 08:34.513 she would not be available today for your consideration. 08:42.063 --> 08:43.480 Thank you, Miss Green. 09:19.475 --> 09:21.685 Oh, that will do. 09:28.442 --> 09:30.694 I could not ask for anything better. 09:35.324 --> 09:37.617 Oh, capital, capital. 09:37.785 --> 09:39.077 Splendid. 09:39.579 --> 09:40.954 Please be seated, Miss Hunter. 09:41.122 --> 09:43.206 Now, then, you are looking for a situation, miss? 09:43.332 --> 09:43.915 Yes, sir. 09:44.041 --> 09:44.708 As a governess? 09:44.834 --> 09:45.625 Yes, sir. 09:45.751 --> 09:47.294 And what salary do you ask? 09:47.420 --> 09:51.172 I had four pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Munro. 09:51.299 --> 09:54.426 He has given her an excellent reference, Mr. Rucastle. 09:54.552 --> 09:58.471 Oh, doubtless, doubtless, but four pounds a month? 09:59.807 --> 10:01.016 If that seems too much... 10:01.142 --> 10:04.394 Too much? Oh, tut, tut, that's sweating, sweating. 10:04.520 --> 10:06.813 How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady 10:06.939 --> 10:10.692 with such attraction and accomplishments? 10:11.402 --> 10:15.280 My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine. 10:15.948 --> 10:19.659 A little French, a little German, music, drawing... 10:19.785 --> 10:22.495 Oh, tut, tut, that is quite beside the question. 10:23.331 --> 10:25.832 The point is, have you or have you not 10:26.000 --> 10:29.628 the bearing and deportment of a lady? 10:30.004 --> 10:31.713 I mean, that is it in a nutshell. 10:34.175 --> 10:37.260 I would hope to have ladylike qualities, sir. 10:37.386 --> 10:40.347 If you have not, then you are not fitted for the rearing of a child 10:40.473 --> 10:44.100 whose background and qualities point to a brilliant future. 10:44.226 --> 10:47.020 And if you have, why, how can any gentleman ask you 10:47.188 --> 10:50.482 to condescend to accept anything under three figures? 10:53.152 --> 10:54.486 Three figures, sir? 10:55.446 --> 10:57.280 Your salary with me, madam 10:57.823 --> 11:00.867 would commence at a hundred pounds a year. 11:04.121 --> 11:05.914 I hardly know what to say. 11:06.040 --> 11:09.709 It has also been my custom to advance my young ladies 11:10.544 --> 11:14.172 a small portion of their salary beforehand 11:14.965 --> 11:17.217 so that they might meet any little 11:17.760 --> 11:20.345 expenses of their journey and their wardrobe. 11:21.722 --> 11:23.223 Thank you, sir. 11:26.394 --> 11:27.644 May I ask where you live? 11:28.229 --> 11:32.065 Oh, Hampshire, charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, 11:32.441 --> 11:34.609 five miles on the further side of Winchester. 11:35.236 --> 11:40.699 Oh, it is the most lovely country, my dear young lady, 11:41.450 --> 11:43.660 and the dearest old country house. 11:43.911 --> 11:45.245 And my duties, sir? 11:45.496 --> 11:47.288 I should be glad to know what they would be. 11:47.415 --> 11:51.251 One child, one dear little romper just six years old. 11:51.377 --> 11:52.669 How charming. 11:53.295 --> 11:54.379 Oh, Miss Stoper, 11:55.131 --> 11:58.174 if you could only see him killing cockroaches with a slipper, 11:59.844 --> 12:01.845 three of them gone before you could wink. 12:02.763 --> 12:03.805 Very clever. 12:06.016 --> 12:10.854 My sole duties, then, are to take charge of a single child? 12:10.980 --> 12:15.275 Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, not sole, my dear young lady. 12:15.609 --> 12:17.986 Oh, what else, then? 12:18.279 --> 12:20.947 Well, your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would suggest, 12:21.073 --> 12:23.992 to obey any little commands that my wife might give. 12:25.619 --> 12:27.245 You said commands? 12:28.748 --> 12:32.125 Provided, of course, that they were such commands as any young lady 12:32.251 --> 12:33.835 might with propriety obey. 12:35.588 --> 12:36.921 You see no difficulty? 12:37.965 --> 12:38.631 None, 12:40.092 --> 12:41.134 whatsoever. 12:43.804 --> 12:46.389 I should be happy to make myself useful. 12:46.515 --> 12:47.307 Quite so. 12:48.392 --> 12:53.396 In dress, for example, we are faddy people, you know, Miss Hunter, 12:53.689 --> 12:55.482 faddy, but kind-hearted. 12:56.275 --> 12:59.068 And if you were asked to wear any dress that we might give you, 13:00.654 --> 13:03.323 you would not object to our little whims, huh? 13:05.242 --> 13:07.368 Why, um, no. 13:07.495 --> 13:09.496 Or to sit here, or to sit there, 13:10.915 --> 13:12.832 and that would not be offensive to you? 13:14.001 --> 13:14.626 No. 13:17.588 --> 13:20.006 Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us? 13:22.927 --> 13:24.219 Cut my hair? 13:25.095 --> 13:25.887 Quite short. 13:29.391 --> 13:31.935 Well, I am afraid that's quite impossible. 13:32.061 --> 13:34.479 And I am afraid it is quite essential. 13:35.189 --> 13:36.940 It's a little fancy of my wife's. 13:38.776 --> 13:40.527 And ladies' fancies, my dear madam, 13:41.654 --> 13:43.571 ladies' fancies must be consulted. 13:49.370 --> 13:50.620 So you won't cut your hair? 13:52.331 --> 13:54.707 No, sir, I'm afraid I could not. 13:59.129 --> 14:00.797 Ah, well, 14:03.259 --> 14:07.554 it is a pity, because in other respects you might have done very nicely. 14:08.597 --> 14:09.639 In that case, Miss Stoper, 14:09.765 --> 14:12.058 I had best inspect some more of your ladies. 14:19.024 --> 14:19.774 Miss Hunter, 14:20.276 --> 14:23.570 do you desire your name to be kept upon our books? 14:23.904 --> 14:25.405 If you please, Miss Stoper. 14:25.573 --> 14:29.367 Well, really, it seems rather useless. 14:29.660 --> 14:32.912 Since you refused the most excellent offer in this fashion 14:33.038 --> 14:36.541 you could hardly expect us to exert ourselves 14:36.667 --> 14:38.710 to find another such opening for you. 14:38.836 --> 14:40.587 I'm sorry, Miss Stoper, but my hair... 14:40.713 --> 14:41.921 Good day, Miss Hunter. 14:45.134 --> 14:48.511 Now, why on earth should he want you to cut your hair? 14:50.097 --> 14:51.139 I don't know. 14:51.849 --> 14:54.559 A very strange fact. 14:55.185 --> 14:58.563 As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, my hair is somewhat luxuriant 14:58.689 --> 15:01.941 and a rather peculiar tint of chestnut. 15:02.109 --> 15:05.612 And most artistic, if I may so observe. 15:05.821 --> 15:07.655 It has been considered so. 15:08.866 --> 15:12.827 I simply couldn't think of sacrificing it in such an offhand manner. 15:12.953 --> 15:14.787 Well, I should think not, indeed. 15:15.831 --> 15:18.291 Oh, such was my feeling at the time. 15:19.335 --> 15:23.171 The next day I was inclined to think that I had made a mistake, 15:23.797 --> 15:25.924 and the day after I was sure of it, 15:26.508 --> 15:29.135 when I received a letter from the gentleman himself. 15:29.470 --> 15:31.346 I have it here, and I will read it to you. 15:34.308 --> 15:38.394 "Dear Miss Hunter: Miss Stoper has kindly given me your address," 15:38.520 --> 15:42.273 "and I write from here to ask whether you have reconsidered your decision." 15:43.067 --> 15:46.152 "We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter," 15:46.362 --> 15:48.780 "or 120 pounds a year," 15:49.156 --> 15:52.033 "so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience" 15:52.159 --> 15:54.202 "which our fads may cause you." 15:54.328 --> 15:55.495 And your hair? 15:56.747 --> 15:57.830 He is insistent. 15:59.208 --> 16:02.251 "As regards your hair, it is no doubt a pity," 16:02.378 --> 16:05.046 "especially as I could not help remarking its beauty" 16:05.172 --> 16:06.673 "during our short interview." 16:07.257 --> 16:10.176 "But I am afraid I must remain firm upon this point," 16:10.511 --> 16:12.845 "and I only hope that the increased salary" 16:12.972 --> 16:14.973 "may recompense you for the loss." 16:16.642 --> 16:17.183 Will it? 16:18.018 --> 16:21.020 My mind is made up that I will accept the offer. 16:23.065 --> 16:26.192 I thought, however, that before taking the final step. 16:26.360 --> 16:29.404 I should like to submit the whole matter for your consideration. 16:30.406 --> 16:31.447 My dear Miss Hunter. 16:31.699 --> 16:34.951 As your mind is already made up, the matter is settled. 16:35.744 --> 16:38.955 But, if at any time you should find yourself in any doubt or danger... 16:39.081 --> 16:39.956 Danger? 16:41.083 --> 16:42.750 What danger do you foresee? 16:42.960 --> 16:44.961 There seems to be a danger, if we could define it. 16:45.754 --> 16:47.130 But at any time, day or night, 16:47.256 --> 16:49.257 a telegram will bring me down to your help. 16:53.178 --> 16:54.220 Then that is enough. 16:58.058 --> 17:00.518 I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, 17:01.145 --> 17:04.397 and go down to Hampshire quite easy in my mind now. 17:06.066 --> 17:06.607 Thank you. 17:14.199 --> 17:15.158 Well, Holmes? 17:21.749 --> 17:24.667 I should allow no sister of mine to accept such a situation. 18:46.750 --> 18:48.751 That's my man, Toller, he likes to keep it secure. 18:49.795 --> 18:51.629 But you look apprehensive, Miss Hunter. 18:51.880 --> 18:53.506 Not at all, Mr. Rucastle. 18:53.632 --> 18:55.133 Good, good. 19:27.541 --> 19:30.793 You must be Edward, I have looked forward to meeting you. 19:30.919 --> 19:34.172 Master Edward this is your new governess, Miss Hunter. 19:36.967 --> 19:39.343 Oh, I see you have a present for Miss Hunter. 19:39.845 --> 19:41.345 Oh, well done, good shot. 19:42.431 --> 19:44.473 Copper Beeches, Mr. Rucastle? 19:45.517 --> 19:49.437 All dead, Miss Hunter, mostly dead. 19:56.778 --> 19:59.614 Here we are, then, come in, come in. 19:59.990 --> 20:03.409 Oh, Mrs. Toller, this is Miss Violet Hunter. 20:03.619 --> 20:07.038 Who is taking up the position of governess to Master Edward. 20:12.961 --> 20:14.128 How do you do, Miss Hunter? 20:16.381 --> 20:17.840 Your room is all ready for you. 20:18.175 --> 20:18.799 Thank you. 20:20.052 --> 20:22.345 Come along now, Toller, fetch the trunk. 20:23.472 --> 20:24.430 Oh, Miss Hunter, 20:26.099 --> 20:28.059 after you are refreshed from your journey, 20:28.977 --> 20:30.937 I'll take you on a tour of The Copper Beeches. 20:47.037 --> 20:50.331 The premises is certainly extensive, Mr. Rucastle. 20:50.457 --> 20:54.377 Oh, yes, and the extensive premises need protection. 20:54.920 --> 20:57.546 Look in here, isn't he a beauty? 21:00.759 --> 21:03.970 Don't be frightened Miss Hunter, it's only Carlo, my mastiff. 21:05.138 --> 21:06.973 I call him mine, but in fact, 21:07.099 --> 21:09.433 Toller is the only man that can do anything with him. 21:10.018 --> 21:11.310 He lets him loose at night, 21:11.520 --> 21:14.897 and God help any trespasser he lays his fangs upon. 21:15.023 --> 21:17.692 We feed him once a day, and not too much then, 21:17.818 --> 21:19.986 so that he is always keen as mustard. 21:23.115 --> 21:24.824 Oh, for goodness sakes, Miss Hunter, 21:26.743 --> 21:29.537 under no pretext set foot across this threshold at night. 21:31.164 --> 21:32.957 It's as much as your life is worth. 21:36.086 --> 21:37.420 Come along, now. 21:50.100 --> 21:52.310 Mrs. Rucastle will be here shortly, 21:53.270 --> 21:55.396 and she will tell you herself how delighted she is. 21:55.522 --> 21:57.356 You are able to accept this situation. 21:57.649 --> 22:00.568 Your offer was a most generous one, sir. 22:02.321 --> 22:09.201 Though, well, I am still curious about the conditions. 22:09.703 --> 22:11.620 My little fads and fancies, you mean? 22:11.955 --> 22:12.580 Yes. 22:13.999 --> 22:15.458 But they're nothing at all. 22:17.502 --> 22:22.298 My wife is very fond of a particular shade of electric blue, 22:23.258 --> 22:26.385 and she would like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. 22:27.387 --> 22:29.472 But I do not have such a dress. 22:29.765 --> 22:33.100 But we have one. 22:35.020 --> 22:37.355 As to sitting here or there or 22:37.773 --> 22:40.316 amusing yourself in any matter indicated, 22:41.234 --> 22:44.737 well, that need cause you no inconvenience, need it? 22:46.573 --> 22:47.198 No. 22:59.586 --> 23:01.128 How do you do, Miss Hunter? 23:01.797 --> 23:07.259 I'm sorry I was not here to greet you, a slight indisposition 23:07.761 --> 23:09.678 I trust you are feeling better now? 23:10.180 --> 23:12.223 Much better, thank you. 23:12.474 --> 23:15.101 I was just telling Miss Hunter about the blue dress. 23:15.769 --> 23:16.435 Yes, 23:18.355 --> 23:21.190 I think it would fit you very well. 24:46.109 --> 24:50.279 I wonder what desperate circumstances could occasion such an appeal? 24:50.739 --> 24:52.698 I have devised seven separate explanations, 24:52.866 --> 24:55.326 each of which would cover the facts as far as we know them. 24:57.621 --> 24:59.538 And which one do you favor, Holmes? 25:00.624 --> 25:02.333 At the moment, I have no favorites. 25:03.919 --> 25:06.462 Data, data, data, 25:06.588 --> 25:09.882 I cannot make bricks without clay. 25:12.385 --> 25:15.888 Well, it's nice to get away from the fogs of Baker Street now and again. 25:16.806 --> 25:19.183 What delightful little farms these are, 25:19.309 --> 25:21.519 don't you agree, aren't they fresh and beautiful? 25:22.562 --> 25:23.479 You know, Watson, 25:24.147 --> 25:26.065 it is one of the curses of having a mind 25:26.233 --> 25:29.527 with a turn like mine that I must look at everything 25:30.445 --> 25:32.863 with reference to my own special subject. 25:33.907 --> 25:36.659 Well, it doesn't make the scenery any less admirable, does it? 25:37.536 --> 25:39.078 You look at these scattered houses, 25:39.246 --> 25:41.789 and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, 25:42.082 --> 25:46.335 and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their isolation 25:46.461 --> 25:49.713 and of the impunity with which crime may be committed there. 25:50.006 --> 25:51.257 Good heavens, 25:51.591 --> 25:55.594 who would associate crime with these dear old homesteads? 25:55.762 --> 25:58.264 They always filled me with a certain horror. 25:59.182 --> 26:02.184 It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, 26:03.144 --> 26:05.688 that the lowest and vilest alleys in London 26:05.814 --> 26:08.274 do not present a more dreadful record of sin 26:08.400 --> 26:10.901 than does the smiling and beautiful countryside. 26:11.611 --> 26:14.280 Had this young lady who appeals to us for help 26:14.573 --> 26:16.115 gone to live in Winchester, 26:16.283 --> 26:18.200 I should never have had a fear for her. 26:19.286 --> 26:23.664 It is the five miles of country which makes the danger. 26:53.486 --> 26:55.696 What can it mean, Mr. Holmes? 26:55.822 --> 26:59.325 We cannot theorize without data, I'm afraid. 27:01.202 --> 27:03.537 Please, continue, Miss Hunter. 27:05.373 --> 27:08.208 In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, 27:08.335 --> 27:12.671 with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle. 27:13.423 --> 27:15.716 But I am not easy in my mind about them 27:17.010 --> 27:18.969 and I cannot understand them. 27:20.513 --> 27:21.639 What can't you understand? 27:22.849 --> 27:24.850 The reasons for their conduct. 27:26.102 --> 27:30.356 For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches, my life was very quiet. 27:31.358 --> 27:35.194 On the third, I went downstairs after breakfast to find 27:35.320 --> 27:37.696 Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle in the drawing room. 27:38.615 --> 27:44.995 Mr. Rucastle informed me that a dress, an electric blue dress, 27:45.246 --> 27:48.624 had been laid out for me in my bedroom, and asked me to put it on. 27:49.668 --> 27:51.251 I did as he requested. 28:17.070 --> 28:22.074 Oh, superb, Miss Hunter, oh, quite superb. 28:22.450 --> 28:23.701 Do you not agree? 28:23.868 --> 28:25.703 It could not be a better fit, 28:26.079 --> 28:28.372 not if you had been measured for it. 28:29.416 --> 28:32.543 Please, be so good as to sit down, Miss Hunter. 28:35.422 --> 28:38.132 Oh, perfect, I mean, it's quite, quite perfect. 28:38.258 --> 28:40.801 Over here, if you don't mind, Miss Hunter. 28:41.010 --> 28:43.554 There, there, there now, excellent. 28:45.265 --> 28:46.473 Are you quite comfortable? 28:46.641 --> 28:47.725 Yes, thank you. 28:54.858 --> 28:57.443 How long do you wish me to remain here, sir? 28:58.611 --> 29:01.780 Oh, an hour, perhaps, perhaps longer. 29:02.866 --> 29:03.574 An hour? 29:04.242 --> 29:06.368 Oh, but not, I assure you, an hour of tedium. 29:07.245 --> 29:09.955 Let us see how we can best entertain and divert you. 29:10.665 --> 29:13.375 Do you enjoy funny stories, Miss Hunter? 29:14.794 --> 29:16.420 Why, yes. 29:16.546 --> 29:18.130 Well, then, I shall tell you some, 29:18.298 --> 29:20.591 and all of them, I assure you, absolutely true. 29:23.845 --> 29:25.721 Let me tell you about George. 29:25.930 --> 29:28.348 He is the most extraordinary character. 29:28.475 --> 29:31.435 Well, it seems, somebody wanted to find his way to Winchester, 29:31.561 --> 29:34.480 and George, he really is such an eccentric, 29:34.606 --> 29:36.440 you might mistake him for a scarecrow, 29:36.566 --> 29:40.986 I mean, his legs are all astray, his arms always thrust out like this. 29:41.863 --> 29:44.072 His head shaved like a turnip, 29:44.199 --> 29:47.785 and on his head he wore the most extraordinary hat... 29:49.162 --> 29:53.832 Then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the other side of the room, 29:54.542 --> 29:58.504 began to tell me a series of the funniest stories I've ever listened to. 30:00.006 --> 30:02.257 You cannot imagine how comical he was. 30:03.343 --> 30:05.427 I laughed till I was quite weary. 30:07.722 --> 30:11.266 Two days later this same performance was gone through again. 30:14.854 --> 30:20.108 This is the peace of God, that passes all understanding. 30:22.987 --> 30:27.825 Oh, bless my soul, is that the hour already? 30:28.451 --> 30:31.995 Time has passed very quickly, and most amusingly, sir. 30:32.121 --> 30:33.872 Well, I'm glad to hear you say so. 30:34.290 --> 30:36.875 But now, it is time for you to attend to your duties, 30:37.043 --> 30:38.544 so go and change your dress, 30:38.795 --> 30:41.296 and then look to little Edward in the nursery. 30:41.798 --> 30:43.632 You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes. 30:43.758 --> 30:46.969 How curious I became as to what the meaning of this 30:47.178 --> 30:49.721 extraordinary performance could be. 30:51.224 --> 30:55.060 Since my face was always turned away from the window, 30:56.396 --> 30:58.647 I became consumed with the desire to see 30:58.773 --> 31:00.816 what was going on behind my back. 31:02.527 --> 31:04.278 On the very next occasion 31:05.154 --> 31:08.740 I managed to conceal a small piece of mirror in my hand. 31:11.119 --> 31:13.662 Oh, George, I can't tell you... 31:14.914 --> 31:19.251 In the midst of my laughter, I raised my handkerchief to my eyes, 31:19.419 --> 31:23.672 and was able with a little management to see all there was behind me. 31:25.300 --> 31:26.258 There was nothing, 31:28.261 --> 31:30.721 at least that was my first impression. 31:33.433 --> 31:35.267 At second glance, however, 31:35.435 --> 31:37.311 I perceived that there was a bearded man 31:37.437 --> 31:40.397 leaning against the railings which bordered our field, 31:40.523 --> 31:42.983 and was looking up earnestly at the house. 31:44.527 --> 31:48.280 I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle, 31:49.115 --> 31:53.952 to find her eyes fixed upon me in a most searching gaze. 31:55.455 --> 31:56.622 She said nothing 31:57.290 --> 32:00.250 but I'm convinced she divined I had a mirror in my hand. 32:03.171 --> 32:04.129 Jephro, 32:05.798 --> 32:08.800 there is an impertinent fellow who stares up at Miss Hunter. 32:09.594 --> 32:10.928 Oh, does he indeed? 32:11.763 --> 32:13.055 No friend of yours, Miss Hunter? 32:13.181 --> 32:16.350 No, I know no one in these parts. 32:16.476 --> 32:19.061 Oh, dear me, how very impertinent. 32:19.354 --> 32:20.479 Quite intolerable. 32:21.272 --> 32:25.442 Kindly turn around Miss Hunter, and motion him to go away. 32:26.319 --> 32:29.404 Surely it would be better if we took no notice. 32:29.530 --> 32:31.657 What, and have him loitering here always? No, 32:31.824 --> 32:35.994 turn around, Miss Hunter, and wave him away like this. 32:55.014 --> 32:56.473 That was a week ago, 32:57.600 --> 33:00.310 and from that time I have not sat in the window, 33:01.062 --> 33:02.813 nor have I worn the blue dress, 33:03.398 --> 33:05.148 nor seen the man with the beard. 33:07.068 --> 33:08.652 But something else occurred, 33:10.029 --> 33:15.033 an event which caused you to summon me with such urgency? 33:15.702 --> 33:19.246 Yes. 33:20.957 --> 33:24.251 Oh, Mr. Holmes, I've never been so frightened. 33:25.920 --> 33:28.088 Do not distress yourself, Miss Hunter, 33:29.090 --> 33:33.301 compose yourself, and then tell us what it was. 33:40.059 --> 33:41.727 There is a turret to the house 33:41.853 --> 33:44.646 which appears not to be inhabited at all. 33:46.607 --> 33:49.651 A door which faces that which leads into the quarters 33:49.777 --> 33:52.779 of the Tollers opens into the turret, 33:53.072 --> 33:54.906 but it is invariably locked. 33:55.742 --> 33:58.076 It was only yesterday that the chance came 33:58.244 --> 34:00.495 for me to pass beyond the door. 34:03.166 --> 34:04.082 Toller? 34:04.292 --> 34:05.167 Yes. 36:12.545 --> 36:13.753 So it was you, then. 36:15.381 --> 36:17.549 I thought it must be when I saw the door open. 36:18.509 --> 36:20.051 I'm so frightened. 36:21.220 --> 36:23.013 Oh, my dear young lady. 36:25.224 --> 36:27.225 Oh, my dear young lady, 36:28.477 --> 36:31.146 what has frightened you, my dear young lady? 36:33.232 --> 36:33.857 I... 36:35.151 --> 36:39.487 I was foolish enough to go up into the shuttered turret. 36:41.115 --> 36:42.574 You noticed it was shuttered then? 36:44.869 --> 36:45.535 Yes. 36:47.997 --> 36:49.748 Photography is one of my hobbies. 36:52.001 --> 36:53.710 I have made my dark room up there. 36:55.796 --> 36:58.131 What an observant young lady one has come upon. 36:59.842 --> 37:03.136 It was so lonely and eerie in this dim light 37:03.262 --> 37:05.430 that I was frightened and ran out again. 37:09.227 --> 37:11.603 It's so dreadfully still in there. 37:14.273 --> 37:14.981 Only that? 37:17.235 --> 37:22.656 Why, yes, what do you think, what other reason? 37:24.533 --> 37:26.576 Why do you think I keep that door locked? 37:27.787 --> 37:29.246 I'm sure I don't know. 37:29.747 --> 37:32.958 It is to keep people out who have no business there, do you see? 37:33.167 --> 37:34.376 I'm sure if I had known... 37:34.502 --> 37:35.585 Well, you know now. 37:38.005 --> 37:40.548 And if you ever set foot across that threshold again, 37:42.927 --> 37:44.386 I'll throw you to the mastiff. 37:56.440 --> 38:01.152 I was so terrified that I didn't know what to do. 38:05.408 --> 38:07.742 Then I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. 38:10.955 --> 38:13.707 I had no difficulty in getting leave to come 38:13.833 --> 38:17.252 to Winchester this morning, but I must be back by 3:00 o'clock, 38:17.712 --> 38:20.171 for Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit 38:20.298 --> 38:24.259 and will be away all evening, so that I must look after the child. 38:27.054 --> 38:30.724 Now I've told you all of my adventures, Mr. Holmes. 38:32.184 --> 38:36.271 What does it mean, and what should I do? 38:38.357 --> 38:41.484 Does the unspeakable child Edward have a friend? 38:42.445 --> 38:43.695 Yes, uh, 38:43.988 --> 38:47.324 an equally unpleasant child at one of the farm cottages. 38:47.450 --> 38:48.867 Splendid. 38:51.370 --> 38:55.373 Dr. Watson and I will arrive at the Copper Beeches at 4:30 precisely. 38:56.459 --> 38:59.252 But before then, there are one or two things I should like you to do. 39:01.547 --> 39:03.840 I would not ask this of you, Miss Hunter, 39:04.675 --> 39:07.802 if I did not think you were quite an exceptional woman. 39:57.978 --> 39:59.396 Done what you should've? 40:53.325 --> 40:55.160 Mrs. Toller? 41:10.259 --> 41:11.968 Mrs. Toller. 41:12.928 --> 41:16.890 Mrs. Toller, I think Edward has locked himself in the cellar. 41:17.308 --> 41:17.849 The cellar? 41:18.058 --> 41:21.144 Well, I can't find him anywhere, and it is past his tea time. 41:21.270 --> 41:23.188 Well, just the same, I don't see why Master Edward 41:23.314 --> 41:24.939 would have locked himself in the cellar. 41:25.065 --> 41:28.526 Well, the door was open earlier. I saw Toller come out with a bottle. 41:39.830 --> 41:42.832 Perhaps he went down to look for cockroaches. 41:45.878 --> 41:46.628 It's locked. 42:10.361 --> 42:11.444 There you are, miss. 42:11.737 --> 42:12.612 After you. 42:21.914 --> 42:23.039 Our destination. 42:24.041 --> 42:27.835 Holmes, can we be quite sure the mastiff isn't loose? 42:28.504 --> 42:31.089 We can be sure of nothing until we reach the house. 43:07.209 --> 43:08.710 Good God, what was that? 43:31.692 --> 43:32.650 Come quickly. 43:37.656 --> 43:39.449 To the left, Mr. Holmes. 44:21.408 --> 44:22.867 There has been some villainy here. 44:24.912 --> 44:26.704 It looks as though someone has gone across the roof. 44:27.373 --> 44:27.914 Alice. 44:29.166 --> 44:33.086 Alice, Alice, Alice. 44:39.635 --> 44:40.301 Alice? 44:46.392 --> 44:47.308 Where is my daughter? 44:47.434 --> 44:48.893 That is for me to ask you that. 44:49.103 --> 44:50.061 His daughter? 44:50.354 --> 44:52.772 Thieves, you spies, 44:53.399 --> 44:55.233 thieves and spies. 44:56.402 --> 44:57.568 I have caught you, have I? 44:58.529 --> 45:01.322 I have you in my power, just serve you. 45:03.617 --> 45:04.951 What does he mean? 45:06.286 --> 45:07.662 He's gone for the dog. 45:16.964 --> 45:17.630 Watson. 45:46.994 --> 45:49.787 Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been fed for two days. 45:50.122 --> 45:51.539 Quick, before it's too late. 46:40.923 --> 46:43.966 Still unconscious. I've done what I can for him, 46:44.092 --> 46:46.135 now he needs a surgeon as soon as possible. 46:46.261 --> 46:49.555 I've dispatched Toller to Mrs. Rucastle to summon such assistance. 46:49.681 --> 46:52.016 Oh, miss, it's a pity you didn't let me know what you were planning. 46:52.142 --> 46:54.560 I could have told you your pains were wasted. 46:55.187 --> 46:58.314 It's clear Mrs. Toller knows more of this matter than anyone else. 46:59.483 --> 47:00.608 Well, yes, sir, I do, 47:01.568 --> 47:04.028 and I'm... I'm ready enough to tell you what I know. 47:05.531 --> 47:08.157 But if there's police court business over this, 47:08.534 --> 47:11.410 you will remember I was Miss Alice's friend. 47:12.871 --> 47:13.871 Miss Alice? 47:15.958 --> 47:19.877 Mr. Rucastle's daughter by his first marriage. 47:20.170 --> 47:24.382 Ah, the mystery of the shuttered turret. 47:24.675 --> 47:26.592 Mrs. Toller, please sit down. 47:29.221 --> 47:30.555 Now, tell me all you know. 47:32.558 --> 47:33.140 Well, 47:33.392 --> 47:37.103 she was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, 47:37.896 --> 47:39.897 from the time that her father married again. 47:40.482 --> 47:45.111 She... she was slighted like, and had no say in anything. 47:46.905 --> 47:48.906 But... but it didn't became bad for her 47:49.575 --> 47:51.534 until after she met Mr. Fowler. 47:52.494 --> 47:55.913 And pray, who is Mr. Fowler? 47:56.748 --> 47:58.457 Well, he was Miss Alice's young man. 48:01.587 --> 48:04.881 You... you might have seen him hanging about. 48:05.841 --> 48:07.133 Out in the road by the field. 48:07.342 --> 48:07.925 Yes. 48:09.636 --> 48:11.345 And how did Mr. Fowler's involvement 48:11.471 --> 48:14.098 bring Miss Alice to her distressing circumstances? 48:15.392 --> 48:18.227 Well, as far as I could learn, 48:18.854 --> 48:22.815 Miss Alice had rights of her own under her late mother's will, 48:23.984 --> 48:26.277 but she was so quiet and patient, she was, 48:26.445 --> 48:28.446 she never said a word about them but 48:28.655 --> 48:30.990 just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. 48:31.825 --> 48:33.951 Well, he knew he was safe with her, but 48:34.536 --> 48:37.079 when there was a chance of a husband coming forward, 48:37.623 --> 48:40.374 who would ask for all the law will give him, well, then, 48:40.500 --> 48:43.502 her father thought it time to put a stop on it. 48:45.339 --> 48:47.465 He wanted her to sign a paper 48:48.342 --> 48:51.719 so that whether she married or not, he could use her money. 48:52.846 --> 48:55.473 Well, when she wouldn't do it, he kept worrying her, 48:58.477 --> 49:01.687 worrying her, till she got brain-fever 49:02.439 --> 49:04.315 for six weeks she was at death's door. 49:06.151 --> 49:11.489 When she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her 49:11.698 --> 49:13.366 beautiful hair cut off, 49:14.785 --> 49:17.453 he moved her to the turret room, 49:18.664 --> 49:21.666 where she was kept prisoner. 49:39.184 --> 49:41.477 But that didn't make no change in her young man 49:42.062 --> 49:45.189 and he stuck to her true as a man could be. 49:45.399 --> 49:48.943 And then Mr. Rucastle brought Miss Hunter down from London 49:49.194 --> 49:53.406 in order to impersonate his daughter and get rid of the young man. 49:54.032 --> 49:55.032 Well, that was it, sir. 49:56.410 --> 50:00.037 But Mr. Fowler being a- a persevering gentleman 50:00.831 --> 50:02.748 as a good sailor should be, 50:04.710 --> 50:05.835 blockaded the house. 50:06.503 --> 50:10.214 And having met you succeeded by certain arguments, 50:10.382 --> 50:12.008 metallic and otherwise. 50:12.300 --> 50:15.344 In convincing you that your interests were the same as his? 50:16.221 --> 50:18.806 Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken 50:20.559 --> 50:21.934 free-handed, gentleman. 50:23.729 --> 50:26.522 And in this way he managed that your husband 50:26.648 --> 50:29.775 should not want for drink, the gates unlocked, 50:29.901 --> 50:32.278 thus insuring that the mastiff should remain chained, 50:32.404 --> 50:36.198 and that a ladder should be ready to assist him in the rescue of Miss Alice? 50:37.159 --> 50:40.411 You have it, sir, just as it happened. 50:48.420 --> 50:52.548 And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house 50:52.674 --> 50:54.467 called The Copper Beeches. 50:55.093 --> 50:59.430 Mr. Rucastle survived, but was always a broken man, 50:59.931 --> 51:02.975 kept solely alive through the care of his devoted wife. 51:03.769 --> 51:05.102 They still live with their servants 51:05.270 --> 51:08.147 who probably know so much of Rucastle's past 51:08.899 --> 51:13.277 that he finds it difficult to part from them. 51:13.904 --> 51:19.283 Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were married by special license, 51:19.951 --> 51:23.412 and he now holds a government position on the island of Mauritius. 51:25.040 --> 51:31.462 Miss Hunter is now head of a private school in Walsall 51:31.588 --> 51:39.261 where I gather she has met with considerable success. 51:42.849 --> 51:46.060 There, Holmes, your verdict? 51:49.648 --> 51:51.315 An admirable account, Watson. 51:53.318 --> 51:56.654 Oh, you don't think I've put too much color and life into it? 51:59.157 --> 52:00.491 Oh, my dear friend, 52:01.576 --> 52:06.914 I humbly defer such considerations to your excellent literature.