WEBVTT 02:51.671 --> 02:52.671 Thank you, George. 02:54.549 --> 02:57.092 From the point of view of the criminal expert, 02:57.844 --> 03:02.139 London has become a singularly odd, interesting city. 03:02.891 --> 03:05.893 Well, I hardly think you'll find many decent citizens to agree with you. 03:06.644 --> 03:08.604 Well, well, well, one must not be selfish. 03:10.231 --> 03:12.566 The community's the gain, and no one the loser 03:12.734 --> 03:16.486 say the poor, unfortunate specialist whose occupation was got. 03:23.745 --> 03:26.455 You must have been totally... 03:30.627 --> 03:33.462 There's the case of the papers of ex-President... 03:36.758 --> 03:39.927 and shocking affair of the Dutch steamship Treesman 03:40.511 --> 03:42.679 which very nearly cost us both our lives. 03:43.932 --> 03:46.266 Both of them great successes. 03:46.392 --> 03:48.477 I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes is not at home. 03:48.603 --> 03:51.063 If I fail to see him now, it will be too late. 03:51.189 --> 03:52.940 But I'm sorry, I cannot help you. 03:53.066 --> 03:55.442 But it is a matter of the utmost urgency. 03:55.568 --> 03:57.444 I have already told you, young man... Mr. Holmes. 03:57.570 --> 03:58.528 Mr. Holmes! 03:59.697 --> 04:00.864 Well, I must see you. 04:01.115 --> 04:03.867 I told the young man you weren't here, but he wouldn't listen. 04:03.993 --> 04:06.954 I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but I'm nearly out of my mind. 04:07.372 --> 04:09.581 I am the unhappy John Hector McFarlane. 04:20.093 --> 04:25.514 Now, tell us quietly and slowly who you are and what it is that you want. 04:27.475 --> 04:30.310 You mentioned your name just now as if I should recognize it, but I can assure you, 04:30.436 --> 04:33.855 beyond the obvious facts that you are a bachelor, a solicitor and a free mason 04:33.982 --> 04:37.526 and an asthmatic. I know nothing about you whatever. 04:41.114 --> 04:45.284 Your untidy clothes, sheaf of legal papers, 04:45.827 --> 04:49.454 watch chain and your somewhat irregular breathing. 04:50.498 --> 04:53.458 Why, yes, Mr. Holmes, I am all these things. 04:54.210 --> 04:59.548 And in addition, I am at this moment, the most unfortunate man in London. 05:01.175 --> 05:02.467 I mean, I've read your newspaper. 05:02.593 --> 05:03.260 Not yet. 05:03.386 --> 05:05.387 Then, if you would allow me. 05:13.688 --> 05:17.733 "At about 12 o'clock last night, an instance occurred at Lower Norwood" 05:17.859 --> 05:20.444 "which points, it is feared, to a serious crime." 05:21.154 --> 05:24.448 "A small timber yard caught fire at the back of a house" 05:24.574 --> 05:27.284 "belonging to Mr. Jonas Oldacre, a builder." 05:27.785 --> 05:31.455 "Surprise was expressed at Mr. Oldacre's absence," 05:31.956 --> 05:34.416 "and it became apparent he had disappeared." 05:35.168 --> 05:39.671 "An examination of his room revealed a safe which was open," 05:40.298 --> 05:42.382 "signs of a murderous struggle," 05:43.009 --> 05:46.470 "and a heavy walking stick with stains of blood upon the handle." 05:47.889 --> 05:50.390 All I ask is that you don't abandon me. 05:51.184 --> 05:53.352 A man has followed me from London Bridge Station. 05:53.686 --> 05:57.105 If they arrest me before I finish my story, make them give me time 05:57.231 --> 05:58.857 so that I may tell you the whole truth. 05:59.400 --> 06:02.652 I could go to jail happy if I knew that you were outside working for me. 06:03.654 --> 06:05.739 Arrest you? This is really most gratifying. 06:06.657 --> 06:08.825 On what charge do you expect to be arrested? 06:09.160 --> 06:12.704 Upon the charge of murdering Mr. Jonas Oldacre of Lower Norwood. 06:15.249 --> 06:16.041 Dear me! 06:21.756 --> 06:26.426 "As we go to press, sensational developments have been reported." 06:27.929 --> 06:31.306 "Charred remains have been found among the ashes of the fire," 06:32.016 --> 06:35.102 "and the police theory is that the victim was clubbed to death" 06:36.396 --> 06:37.521 "and the body ignited." 06:39.440 --> 06:42.818 "It is known that Mr. Oldacre received a visitor last night," 06:43.569 --> 06:47.280 "and the stick has been identified as belonging to that person" 06:48.241 --> 06:52.577 "a young London solicitor, by the name of John Hector McFarlane." 06:57.917 --> 07:00.669 May I ask why you are still at liberty, Mr. McFarlane, 07:02.630 --> 07:06.967 as there seems to be enough evidence to justify your arrest? 07:07.718 --> 07:10.303 I live with my mother, at Torrington Lodge in Blackheath, 07:10.721 --> 07:13.557 but last night. Having late business with Mr. Oldacre, 07:13.683 --> 07:15.225 I stayed at a hotel in Norwood. 07:19.814 --> 07:20.647 Mr. Holmes, 07:21.983 --> 07:26.319 I knew nothing of this affair until I was on the train to my office this morning 07:26.654 --> 07:28.155 and read what you have just heard. 07:29.323 --> 07:31.825 I saw at once the terrible danger of my position 07:32.618 --> 07:34.494 and hurried to put the case in your hands. 07:54.557 --> 07:58.685 Ah, Inspector Lestrade, 07:59.228 --> 08:01.146 we have been expecting you. 08:01.898 --> 08:04.357 Mr. Holmes? Dr. Watson? 08:05.902 --> 08:08.570 Mr. John Hector McFarlane? 08:09.155 --> 08:09.696 Yes. 08:10.865 --> 08:14.868 I arrest you for the willful murder of Mr. Jonas Oldacre of Lower Norwood. 08:14.994 --> 08:16.244 Hold up, just one moment. 08:16.370 --> 08:18.371 A half an hour more or less could make little difference to you, 08:18.539 --> 08:20.373 and this young gentleman was about to give us an account 08:20.500 --> 08:23.835 of this very interesting affair which might aid us in clearing it up. 08:23.961 --> 08:27.172 There will be no difficulty in clearing it up, thank you, Mr. Holmes. 08:27.298 --> 08:29.007 Nevertheless, I think with your permission. 08:29.884 --> 08:32.177 I would be much interested in hearing his account. 08:33.721 --> 08:38.558 Well, Mr. Holmes, there's no denying that you have been of use to the force 08:38.684 --> 08:42.479 once or twice in the past, but I must insist... 08:42.605 --> 08:47.359 All I ask is that you should hear and recognize the absolute truth. 08:52.240 --> 08:53.406 I'll give you half an hour. 08:56.077 --> 08:57.494 Sit down, McFarlane. 09:06.420 --> 09:07.754 Thank you, Lestrade. 09:10.883 --> 09:15.595 We must warn you with what you say now will appear in evidence against you. 09:18.099 --> 09:19.015 Pray continue. 09:21.936 --> 09:26.565 I must first explain that I knew nothing of Mr. Jonas Oldacre, 09:27.733 --> 09:29.901 although his name was familiar to me. 09:30.820 --> 09:34.281 Many years ago, my parents were acquainted with him, but, 09:34.657 --> 09:35.824 well, they drifted apart. 09:37.368 --> 09:40.996 And so it came as a complete surprise when yesterday afternoon, 09:41.414 --> 09:45.000 at about 3 o'clock, he walked into my office in the city. 09:48.254 --> 09:51.965 Mr. Oldacre, good afternoon, I'm Mr. McFarlane. 09:52.675 --> 09:53.967 Would you care to come through? 09:58.973 --> 10:00.682 Please, won't you sit down? 10:07.940 --> 10:08.815 How can I help you? 10:16.407 --> 10:19.200 This is a draft of my Will. 10:20.453 --> 10:25.665 I want you, Mr. McFarlane, to cast it into proper legal shape. 10:26.876 --> 10:29.336 I shall sit here while you do so. 10:35.635 --> 10:38.178 You can understand my astonishment, Mr. Holmes. 10:38.804 --> 10:42.057 When I found that, with some minor reservations, 10:42.892 --> 10:45.727 his entire estate had been left to me. 10:47.021 --> 10:50.732 But I... I simply don't understand. 10:50.900 --> 10:53.360 Well, then, let me explain. 10:54.570 --> 10:58.365 I'm a bachelor, Mr. McFarlane, with few relatives, 10:58.824 --> 11:01.117 and none who deserve my consideration. 11:01.327 --> 11:02.202 Well, that may well be so... 11:02.328 --> 11:03.953 Let me... let me finish. 11:04.789 --> 11:05.580 I beg your pardon. 11:07.500 --> 11:10.960 For many years now, I've withdrawn from my business. 11:11.504 --> 11:15.840 I was a builder, and though I say it myself, an extremely successful one. 11:16.342 --> 11:19.928 Successful enough to have gained considerable wealth and thus 11:20.137 --> 11:23.264 live out my life in complete, if solitary, comfort. 11:30.398 --> 11:33.608 Many years ago, I knew your mother. 11:35.236 --> 11:40.490 Knew her, and hoped to marry her. Then she met and married your father. 11:42.618 --> 11:43.743 I had no idea. 11:44.161 --> 11:45.745 Well, and why should you? 11:47.498 --> 11:50.750 Three months ago, why. I read of your father's death 11:50.918 --> 11:54.713 in The Daily Telegraph and my mind was turned to your mother 11:55.214 --> 11:58.508 and to the son who might very well have been my own. 12:01.220 --> 12:04.764 This is my way of securing your future. 12:05.641 --> 12:08.560 I know that whatever I leave will be in worthy hands. 12:10.438 --> 12:13.773 What can I say, but thank you? 12:14.608 --> 12:17.527 There are a few documents I think you should see, building leases, 12:17.653 --> 12:19.946 title deeds, mortgages and so on. 12:24.285 --> 12:27.620 Well, now my mind's made up, I shan't rest easy until the whole thing's settled. 12:28.372 --> 12:32.751 I beg you to come to my house tonight. What shall we say, 9 o'clock? 12:33.502 --> 12:35.879 You'll of course bring the finalized Will, and then we can 12:36.005 --> 12:38.715 settle the matter once and for all. Thank you, my boy. 12:41.802 --> 12:43.636 Oh, one last thing. 12:43.971 --> 12:47.140 Not a word of this to your dear mother until everything is settled. 12:47.349 --> 12:49.476 I want it to be a little surprised for her. 12:50.478 --> 12:51.478 You... you promise? 12:52.146 --> 12:53.146 You have my word. 13:13.584 --> 13:17.837 I left in good time for my appointment. But had difficulty in finding the house. 13:18.380 --> 13:20.673 So that it was nearly half-past before I reached it. 13:23.302 --> 13:26.471 Good evening I have an appointment with Mr. Oldacre. 13:27.097 --> 13:27.972 Mr. McFarlane? 13:28.349 --> 13:29.224 Yes, that's right. 13:36.732 --> 13:38.691 It was not the warmest of receptions. 13:39.193 --> 13:43.321 And the house itself had a peculiar, unloved feeling. 13:50.204 --> 13:51.830 Sorry to keep you waiting, my boy. 13:51.956 --> 13:53.873 Not at all, sir. I'm a little late, I'm afraid. 13:54.041 --> 13:55.041 Now, you brought the papers? 13:55.793 --> 13:56.376 Excellent. 13:58.754 --> 14:00.255 The bedroom was on the ground floor 14:01.382 --> 14:02.799 where there was a large safe. 14:13.227 --> 14:15.228 Bring the rest of those papers, my boy. 14:32.371 --> 14:34.205 Now, to business. 14:59.231 --> 14:59.939 All done? 15:00.691 --> 15:02.108 Yes, sir, all done. 15:02.443 --> 15:04.611 Just seen the time, my boy. You must get home. 15:04.778 --> 15:06.613 Oh, thank you. 15:07.114 --> 15:08.406 I had a stick with me. 15:08.532 --> 15:09.616 Ah, I wonder where she put it? 15:09.783 --> 15:12.118 A rather heavy walking stick. It belonged to my father. 15:12.244 --> 15:14.621 Ah, never mind, I'll take good care of it until we meet again. 15:14.747 --> 15:17.165 After all, I shall be seeing a great deal of you now, I hope. 15:17.291 --> 15:18.374 Indeed you shall, sir. 15:21.128 --> 15:22.211 I left him there. 15:24.298 --> 15:27.759 The safe was open, and the documents were on his desk. 15:28.802 --> 15:30.511 It was too late to go back to Blackheath, and 15:30.638 --> 15:32.639 so I spent the night at a hotel in Norwood. 15:34.308 --> 15:37.644 I knew nothing more of this horrible affair until this morning. 15:45.986 --> 15:50.740 Do you have the original draft of the Will that Oldacre brought to you? 15:51.158 --> 15:53.284 Why, yes, I... I have it here. 15:58.749 --> 16:01.334 May I retain this for 24 hours, Inspector? 16:02.544 --> 16:03.503 It would amuse you. 16:05.172 --> 16:09.550 Well, anything more you'd like to ask, Mr. Holmes? 16:09.843 --> 16:11.511 Not until I've been to Blackheath. 16:12.137 --> 16:13.096 You mean Norwood? 16:13.806 --> 16:15.723 No doubt, that is what I must have meant. 16:17.476 --> 16:18.685 Now, Mr. McFarlane, 16:18.936 --> 16:21.896 my Constable's at the door, there's a four-wheeler waiting. 16:32.366 --> 16:33.324 Morning, gentlemen. 16:33.534 --> 16:34.117 Morning. 17:30.591 --> 17:33.509 There are certain points about this document, are there not Watson? 17:39.892 --> 17:46.314 Well, I can read the first two lines and these in the middle of the second- 17:46.607 --> 17:49.650 page and one or two at the end, I mean, they're as clear as print but- 17:50.527 --> 17:52.028 the writing in between is very bad, 17:52.154 --> 17:54.113 and there's several places where I can't read it at all. 17:54.281 --> 17:55.406 What do make of that? 17:57.451 --> 17:58.451 What do you make of it? 18:00.287 --> 18:01.621 That it was written on the train. 18:03.582 --> 18:06.000 The good writing represents stations, 18:07.586 --> 18:10.963 the bad writing movement, and the very bad writing... 18:11.131 --> 18:12.215 Passing over the points? 18:14.134 --> 18:16.219 A scientific expert would pronounce at once 18:16.345 --> 18:18.638 that it was drawn up on a suburban line. 18:19.306 --> 18:22.266 Since nowhere, save in the immediate vicinity of a great city, 18:22.392 --> 18:24.977 could there be so quick a succession of points. 18:26.772 --> 18:28.481 Granting that his whole journey 18:29.691 --> 18:31.484 was occupied in drawing up the Will 18:34.071 --> 18:35.822 then the train must have been an express, 18:36.615 --> 18:40.159 stopping only once between Norwood and London Bridge. 18:41.370 --> 18:47.041 Yes, but it's curious, is it not, that a man should draw up so important a document 18:47.167 --> 18:48.835 in so haphazard a fashion? 18:49.628 --> 18:54.632 And it suggests that he thought it was going to be of no practical importance. 18:55.592 --> 18:58.511 Well, he drew up his death warrant at the same time. 19:05.435 --> 19:07.562 This case is not clear to me. 19:10.440 --> 19:11.190 Come, Watson! 19:18.532 --> 19:19.866 Where are we going Norwood? 19:20.325 --> 19:23.452 No, Blackheath. Come! 19:44.766 --> 19:47.727 My son's the gentlest creature on God's earth. 19:48.604 --> 19:52.815 It's inconceivable he could even contemplate such a terrible crime. 19:55.068 --> 19:57.403 He didn't even know the man, Mr. Holmes. 19:59.072 --> 20:00.615 But you did, Mrs. McFarlane. 20:12.419 --> 20:17.006 Years ago. I'd forgotten that he ever existed. 20:23.180 --> 20:24.430 I tried to forget. 20:25.849 --> 20:29.227 It's impossible to quite forget a man like Jonas Oldacre. 20:33.023 --> 20:34.190 Yes, I knew him well. 20:35.901 --> 20:38.110 At one time, we were engaged to be married. 20:44.284 --> 20:47.620 Thank heaven I had the sense to turn away from him and marry a better, 20:48.288 --> 20:49.247 if poorer, man. 20:51.708 --> 20:54.043 Oh, please. 21:01.677 --> 21:05.680 Your husband died recently? 21:09.893 --> 21:14.230 He was a kind man, gentle man. 21:15.023 --> 21:17.316 He was everything Jonas Oldacre was not. 21:17.985 --> 21:20.361 And yet, at one time, you were prepared to marry him? 21:24.741 --> 21:26.450 I said that I knew him well 21:28.036 --> 21:30.705 but the more I knew of him, the more I came to realize 21:32.040 --> 21:33.374 I knew him not at all. 21:35.752 --> 21:41.382 He would change suddenly, would also frighten me. 21:43.844 --> 21:46.345 There was a dark side to his character, Mr. Holmes. 21:48.181 --> 21:49.807 A desire to cause pain. 22:10.454 --> 22:11.704 My own photograph. 22:14.207 --> 22:15.833 It was my first present to him. 22:18.128 --> 22:19.670 Good heavens! 22:21.214 --> 22:23.632 That was how it was returned to me on my wedding day. 22:25.886 --> 22:29.305 Together with a vile note urging a curse upon my house and- 22:29.681 --> 22:31.223 saying he'd never forgive me. 22:32.225 --> 22:34.518 And yet, he does seem to have forgiven you- 22:35.562 --> 22:38.606 after all, to leave his entire estate to your son. 22:38.732 --> 22:42.735 Neither my son nor I want anything from that wicked man, dead or alive. 22:43.904 --> 22:45.363 Mrs. McFarlane, 22:46.656 --> 22:50.242 the fact remains that the Will was made. 22:55.374 --> 22:57.249 I simply can't understand it. 23:01.046 --> 23:01.670 Why? 23:02.005 --> 23:05.007 Had you ever spoken of Oldacre to your son? I mean, 23:05.133 --> 23:07.343 perhaps told him what you've just told me now? 23:09.679 --> 23:10.596 No, never. 23:11.348 --> 23:12.014 Never? 23:19.773 --> 23:21.273 He found the photograph. 23:27.197 --> 23:31.117 My husband tried to make light of it, but he insisted. 23:32.786 --> 23:34.829 My husband told him something of the truth, 23:36.248 --> 23:36.956 that's all. 23:37.916 --> 23:42.628 And the boy was disturbed? 23:43.713 --> 23:45.381 He was upset, naturally. 23:45.632 --> 23:49.135 You see, Mrs. McFarlane, what the police might say is, 23:52.305 --> 23:54.974 that he had heard of Oldacre's behavior toward you. 23:56.309 --> 23:59.019 It would pre-dispose him toward hatred and violence. 23:59.563 --> 24:02.481 And so that case against him would be considerably strengthened. 24:04.192 --> 24:04.817 No. 24:06.778 --> 24:08.696 There is a God in heaven, Mr. Holmes, 24:09.614 --> 24:13.159 and that same God who's punished that wicked man will show in his own good time, 24:13.618 --> 24:16.162 my son's hands are guiltless of his blood. 24:32.137 --> 24:33.262 Wait here, please. 24:42.022 --> 24:47.318 Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson. We're just clearing up. 24:48.069 --> 24:49.236 The Will as promised. 24:53.200 --> 24:53.866 Look. 24:55.702 --> 24:56.368 Buttons! 24:57.204 --> 24:58.537 Trouser buttons. 24:59.498 --> 25:01.749 No doubt, you've brought your glass with you? 25:03.210 --> 25:08.547 The name is Hiams. According to Mrs. Lexington, the housekeeper, 25:08.673 --> 25:11.634 Hiams, is the name of Mr. Oldacre's tailor. 25:12.886 --> 25:17.431 Presumably, the organic remains have been removed to the laboratory? 25:17.891 --> 25:21.268 They have, Doctor, though they'll be of little use, I suspect. 25:21.853 --> 25:24.355 The poor devil was no more than bone and cinder. 25:24.481 --> 25:26.565 How very convenient for the murderer. 25:26.983 --> 25:29.068 Not, I might venture, for Mr. Oldacre. 25:29.569 --> 25:32.655 Nevertheless, Inspector, bones cinder. 25:33.365 --> 25:35.574 Thank heavens, he was wearing his trousers. 25:43.083 --> 25:45.793 This stick belongs to the accused, and he's never denied it. 25:47.170 --> 25:49.547 He says that he could not find it when he came to leave the house. 25:49.714 --> 25:52.299 Says, Mr. Holmes, says. 25:54.261 --> 25:57.930 My experts made out footmarks of both men on the carpet. 26:03.520 --> 26:08.107 And too much subsequent traffic to make any examination on my part worthwhile. 26:08.275 --> 26:12.903 Two sets of footmarks, Mr. Holmes. None of any third person. 26:14.114 --> 26:16.073 Another trick for your side. 26:17.242 --> 26:19.368 I suppose all these papers are from the safe? 26:19.494 --> 26:20.327 Correct. 26:20.620 --> 26:22.997 And nothing, absolutely nothing, has been removed? 26:23.123 --> 26:24.456 Nothing whatsoever. 26:24.583 --> 26:27.585 We have opened one or two, as you can see, to check the contents. 26:29.170 --> 26:30.254 May I check them? 26:31.047 --> 26:32.131 By all means. 26:34.009 --> 26:36.468 I, myself, have business at The Yard. 26:37.596 --> 26:40.764 I would like to see the housekeeper, what is her name, Mrs. Lexington? 26:41.433 --> 26:43.809 She'll add nothing more to what you already know. 26:46.605 --> 26:47.771 Nevertheless. 26:48.315 --> 26:49.273 I'll send her in. 26:57.824 --> 27:00.659 Could it be that for once Lestrade is on the right track? 27:03.955 --> 27:07.041 All my instincts are one way, and all the facts are the other. 27:13.423 --> 27:14.798 You wish to see me, sir? 27:15.342 --> 27:19.094 Yes Mrs. Lexington, this is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. 27:20.847 --> 27:22.348 Do sit down. 27:22.932 --> 27:24.308 I'll stand, if I may. 27:25.977 --> 27:27.895 This room has no comfort for me. 27:33.693 --> 27:37.196 You let young Mr. McFarlane into this house at 9:30? 27:37.364 --> 27:41.492 Yes. I wish that my hand had withered before I'd done so. 27:43.203 --> 27:44.453 And you retired to bed at? 27:44.579 --> 27:51.543 20 minutes past 11:00. 27:53.630 --> 27:54.713 And you heard nothing? 27:55.340 --> 27:57.216 My room is at the far end of the house. 27:57.884 --> 28:00.010 I heard nothing until the fire alarm sounded. 28:00.387 --> 28:05.224 It was then, only then, that I realized my poor master had been murdered. 28:07.352 --> 28:09.103 Mrs. Lexington, to your knowledge, 28:10.814 --> 28:12.648 did your master have any enemies? 28:13.566 --> 28:15.609 Every man has his enemies. 28:16.027 --> 28:20.280 And a businessman like Mr. Oldacre, more than most, perhaps? 28:20.407 --> 28:23.742 He was a well-respected gentleman who kept himself very much to himself. 28:28.373 --> 28:29.957 Do you know anything about these papers? 28:30.750 --> 28:33.085 I know nothing of Mr. Oldacre's private affairs. 28:33.253 --> 28:35.379 The buttons that the police found in the fire? 28:36.131 --> 28:39.216 My master had three suits made by Mr. Hiams- 28:39.342 --> 28:42.720 two are still in that wardrobe there, and the third he was wearing that night. 28:42.929 --> 28:46.515 Thank you, Mrs. Lexington, you have been most cooperative. 28:56.776 --> 28:57.735 What do you make of her? 28:58.737 --> 29:03.615 Tight as wax, if you ask me, but then, perhaps that's her usual manner? 29:03.783 --> 29:09.538 It's all wrong, I feel it in my bones. Something- 29:12.751 --> 29:17.504 something has not come out, and that woman knows it. 29:20.425 --> 29:23.260 Holmes, would you like me to have a look at these papers? 29:26.222 --> 29:29.558 Well, a man's bank account can tell us as much as his diary. 29:31.144 --> 29:31.810 Correct. 29:34.147 --> 29:35.022 Thank you, Watson. 29:50.205 --> 29:52.498 It's all right Constable, I'm just stretching my legs. 29:52.874 --> 29:53.624 I'll watch them. 31:42.108 --> 31:43.150 Ah, Constable. 31:48.656 --> 31:49.656 Are you a local man? 31:49.782 --> 31:51.658 Born on Bridge, sir, not a half-mile from here. 31:51.784 --> 31:52.618 Excellent. 31:56.289 --> 31:58.206 Then perhaps you can offer me some local knowledge? 31:58.333 --> 32:00.792 I'll do my best, sir, I'll most certainly do my best. 32:15.475 --> 32:16.141 Holmes! 32:21.898 --> 32:24.358 Lestrade did say that no documents had been removed? 32:24.484 --> 32:25.150 Yes. 32:25.568 --> 32:26.360 That's what I thought. 32:26.486 --> 32:27.235 You've found something? 32:27.362 --> 32:29.112 No, it's what I haven't found that interests me. 32:29.530 --> 32:33.784 There are certain cross-references to various deeds, valuable deeds, 32:34.369 --> 32:36.119 none of which I can find. 32:40.917 --> 32:42.042 But one thing is clear. 32:43.002 --> 32:46.838 Oldacre was hardly in the affluent circumstances we have been led to believe. 32:47.006 --> 32:48.924 His bank account was practically empty, 32:49.050 --> 32:51.385 largely because he had made several large payments 32:51.511 --> 32:54.137 in the past year to a certain Mr. Cornelius. 32:57.350 --> 32:59.893 Young McFarlane would have inherited nothing. 33:00.603 --> 33:01.353 This is of interest. 33:01.479 --> 33:07.109 Why should a retired builder have such large transactions with a Mr. Cornelius? 33:07.694 --> 33:11.697 Well, let's take our cab, and see what we can find out from his city bank. 33:13.282 --> 33:13.824 You coming? 33:14.367 --> 33:15.617 I'll stay here for awhile. 33:17.787 --> 33:18.870 Norwood Station. 33:31.551 --> 33:34.011 So, you're not going back to London with your friend, then? 33:34.137 --> 33:39.349 No, not yet, anyway. I do hope my presence doesn't inconvenience you. 33:41.227 --> 33:42.811 By the way, I should warn you, I 33:42.937 --> 33:46.398 found an undesirable lurking about by the gates. I saw him on... 33:46.566 --> 33:47.649 An undesirable... 33:47.775 --> 33:50.861 A tramp, Mrs. Lexington, a gentlemen of the road. 33:51.904 --> 33:53.321 He will get nothing here. 33:54.032 --> 33:59.077 Ah, you don't believe in supporting our less fortunate brethren? 33:59.746 --> 34:02.080 I work, so can they. 34:02.832 --> 34:03.373 Quite so. 34:59.764 --> 35:01.431 I'm on my way to Croxton. 35:05.561 --> 35:07.062 I've done enough walking, I have... 35:08.648 --> 35:11.650 To all kinds of places. I'll stay put. 35:16.447 --> 35:18.156 I used to meet a friend of mine here. 35:20.159 --> 35:22.536 Oh, you might know him, he's a seafaring man. 35:25.623 --> 35:28.333 Aha, I know him. 35:30.169 --> 35:32.629 Shared my billet for the last four nights, he does. 35:34.799 --> 35:38.093 And off he goes, without even a word. 35:40.555 --> 35:43.932 You take my tip. Stay clear of him. 35:45.184 --> 35:47.686 He's, he's a liar. 35:49.313 --> 35:50.856 He didn't strike me as such. 35:52.441 --> 35:54.025 He goes up to that big house, he does. 35:56.195 --> 36:02.450 He comes back here and tells some yarn about him putting out with old mans, 36:04.412 --> 36:06.788 and telling him to come back tomorrow and they'll give him some 36:06.914 --> 36:08.623 grub and some cast-offs for him. 36:10.084 --> 36:11.293 Well, how is that lying? 36:14.046 --> 36:15.046 Because, my friend. 36:16.924 --> 36:18.383 I already paid my call. 36:20.887 --> 36:23.221 I nearly got my lord on my back for my insolence- 36:23.806 --> 36:25.765 insolence. 36:33.733 --> 36:35.567 Perhaps he told you a pleasing tale. 36:39.989 --> 36:44.784 Are you saying, that a drunken sailor has more to offer 36:46.078 --> 36:48.747 than a Sergeant in the 22nd? 36:53.085 --> 36:53.919 He's a liar. 36:56.923 --> 37:02.219 He says, "Whatever I get," he says, 37:03.554 --> 37:05.305 "I'll share with you, shipmate," he says. 37:07.642 --> 37:08.600 Off he goes. 37:11.687 --> 37:12.979 Not a sight of him since. 38:31.017 --> 38:31.850 Holmes, 38:40.526 --> 38:45.405 you must permit yourself some food. You must eat. 38:45.781 --> 38:50.410 A present, I cannot afford energy and nerve force for digestion. 38:52.872 --> 38:56.333 Well, you must if you intend to pursue this case. 38:56.751 --> 38:59.377 I feel, my dear fellow, that our case will end ingloriously 38:59.503 --> 39:01.338 by Lestrade hanging our client. 39:03.215 --> 39:05.675 Which will certainly be a triumph for Scotland Yard. 39:08.596 --> 39:09.721 There's a telegram. 39:24.278 --> 39:28.740 "Important fresh evidence at hand, McFarlane's guilt definitely established," 39:28.866 --> 39:31.910 "advise you to abandon case, Lestrade." 39:34.413 --> 39:37.248 It is Lestrade's little cockle-doodle of victory. 40:10.282 --> 40:12.867 Let's have some breakfast. 40:17.039 --> 40:20.500 And then go out together and see what we can do. 40:23.963 --> 40:28.091 I feel as if I shall need your company and moral support today. 40:40.855 --> 40:44.149 Ah, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson. 40:44.692 --> 40:49.362 I think you will acknowledge that we're just a little in front of you this time. 40:53.159 --> 40:55.326 Step this way, if you please, gentlemen, 40:55.703 --> 40:58.163 and I'm sure I can convince you that it was 40:58.330 --> 41:01.374 John McFarlane who committed this crime. 41:02.543 --> 41:05.044 I don't like being wrong any more than the rest of us do. 41:05.337 --> 41:09.841 Still, a man can't always expect to have it his own way, 41:10.551 --> 41:11.801 can he Dr. Watson? 41:23.439 --> 41:26.524 This is where the housekeeper left McFarlane's hat and stick, 41:26.692 --> 41:29.486 and this is also where he would have come to collect his hat 41:29.612 --> 41:31.613 after the crime was committed. 41:32.990 --> 41:33.823 Now, look at this. 41:35.701 --> 41:37.118 A thumb mark. 41:37.244 --> 41:38.036 So I observe. 41:38.204 --> 41:40.288 A thumb mark in blood. 41:40.873 --> 41:43.458 You are aware that no two thumb marks are alike? 41:43.584 --> 41:45.919 I have heard something of the kind. 42:01.560 --> 42:06.147 Identical. And that was taken from McFarlane this morning. 42:08.400 --> 42:10.318 Definitely the same thumb mark. 42:10.569 --> 42:12.403 And that is final. 42:13.739 --> 42:14.739 Quite final. 42:16.575 --> 42:18.034 Who made this discovery? 42:19.370 --> 42:23.540 It was Mrs. Lexington here who drew my Constable's attention to it. 42:25.000 --> 42:28.127 And, I suppose, there is no doubt that the mark was there yesterday? 42:28.796 --> 42:32.590 Well, of course McFarlane could have crept out of jail in the middle of the night 42:32.716 --> 42:35.093 just to strengthen the evidence against himself. 42:38.097 --> 42:40.932 Have you any objection if I take a stroll upstairs? 42:41.183 --> 42:42.308 No, none at all. 42:43.435 --> 42:45.478 There's nothing up there, though. 44:00.179 --> 44:02.096 So many things look so bad, Holmes. 44:04.642 --> 44:08.019 But there is a serious flaw in this new evidence. 44:09.980 --> 44:10.605 What's that? 44:13.484 --> 44:16.486 That thumb print was not there when I examined the hall yesterday. 44:31.543 --> 44:32.710 Inspector Lestrade, 44:34.213 --> 44:37.048 I cannot help thinking your evidence is incomplete. 44:38.676 --> 44:40.093 What do you mean, Mr. Holmes? 44:40.219 --> 44:43.221 Merely that there is an important witness that you have not yet seen. 44:43.972 --> 44:46.307 You can produce this witness, can you? 44:46.558 --> 44:47.433 I think I can. 44:48.143 --> 44:49.102 Well then, do so. 44:49.228 --> 44:50.186 I'll do my best. 44:52.231 --> 44:53.815 How many Constables have you? 44:54.566 --> 44:55.733 Three within call. 44:55.901 --> 44:56.776 Excellent. 44:57.069 --> 45:01.322 I assume that they are able-bodied, large men with powerful voices? 45:02.241 --> 45:03.533 No doubt that they are, yeah. 45:07.746 --> 45:09.664 Ah, in the outhouse, there is a quantity of straw. 45:09.790 --> 45:11.374 I would like two bundles brought in. 45:12.126 --> 45:13.167 Straw? 45:17.339 --> 45:19.340 And two buckets of water. 45:20.676 --> 45:21.426 Water? 45:21.593 --> 45:23.428 Ask them to bring it to the top landing. 45:34.148 --> 45:37.108 Straw, into the fireplace, a little bit in front. 45:37.276 --> 45:39.777 Two buckets of water to that side, Constable. 45:41.822 --> 45:46.743 Mr. Holmes! I don't know whether you're playing a game with us, but 45:46.869 --> 45:49.036 surely tell us without all this torn-foolery. 45:49.163 --> 45:52.623 I can assure you, Lestrade, I have an excellent reason for everything that I do. 45:52.750 --> 45:55.501 Watson, would you put a match to that straw? 45:55.627 --> 45:57.754 And Constable, will you sprinkle it with water? 46:18.984 --> 46:19.776 Now, 46:21.236 --> 46:24.781 we must see if we can find this witness for you, Lestrade. 46:27.159 --> 46:27.700 Gentlemen, 46:33.540 --> 46:39.295 would you please join me and we'll call a fire? One, two three... FIRE! 46:40.172 --> 46:44.425 We can do better than that. Full voice, and together. 46:45.511 --> 46:46.594 FIRE! 47:00.275 --> 47:01.192 Good heavens. 47:03.862 --> 47:06.322 Constable, a bucket of water on that straw. 47:07.115 --> 47:11.202 Lestrade, allow me to present you with your missing principal witness, 47:11.328 --> 47:12.620 Mr. Jonas Oldacre. 47:14.331 --> 47:15.373 What's this then? 47:16.375 --> 47:18.459 What have you been doing all this time? 47:19.586 --> 47:20.711 I've done no harm. 47:20.838 --> 47:25.174 No harm! You've only done your best to get an innocent man hanged. 47:26.176 --> 47:28.261 If it wasn't for this gentleman standing here, 47:28.387 --> 47:30.137 I'm not sure you wouldn't have succeeded. 47:31.557 --> 47:32.139 Take him! 47:34.893 --> 47:37.228 Let us see where this rat has been lurking. 47:44.069 --> 47:46.529 Now you see the advantage of being a builder, he was able to 47:46.655 --> 47:49.699 fix up his own little hiding place without any confederate, 47:50.200 --> 47:52.285 save for that precious housekeeper of his, 47:52.411 --> 47:55.246 whom I should lose no time in adding to your bag, Inspector. 47:55.372 --> 47:59.083 And these are the missing papers, no doubt? 47:59.209 --> 48:00.459 No doubt whatsoever. 48:01.128 --> 48:03.004 Constable, find the housekeeper. 48:04.047 --> 48:05.840 How did you know about that place, Mr. Holmes? 48:05.966 --> 48:09.594 When I compared the proportions of this room with those of the room below, 48:10.095 --> 48:13.931 I deduced that this fireplace wall was false. 48:14.266 --> 48:17.018 Oldacre clearly had a great deal of nerve, 48:17.227 --> 48:20.771 but little enough I've found, to like quiet before an alarm of fire. 48:28.572 --> 48:30.573 How in the world did you know that he was in the house at all? 48:30.699 --> 48:31.991 The thumb mark, Lestrade. 48:32.451 --> 48:34.201 When I examined the hall yesterday, it was clear. 48:34.328 --> 48:36.203 Therefore, it must have been put there during the night. 48:36.330 --> 48:37.079 But how? 48:39.291 --> 48:42.960 After McFarlane had examined the papers that night, he resealed them. 48:43.545 --> 48:46.923 To do so, he used his thumb upon the wax. 48:47.758 --> 48:51.177 Brooding in that den of his, it suddenly struck Oldacre 48:51.470 --> 48:53.638 what use he could make of that thumbprint. 48:54.473 --> 48:56.474 Smearing the wax with a little blood, 48:57.142 --> 49:01.312 he made what appeared to be absolutely damning evidence against McFarlane. 49:04.483 --> 49:06.484 But what was the object of his deception? 49:06.610 --> 49:08.152 Ah, well, you see Inspector, 49:08.445 --> 49:11.822 in order to swindle his creditors, who were pressing him 49:11.990 --> 49:13.991 Oldacre emptied his bank account 49:14.159 --> 49:17.036 by paying out several large sums to a certain Mr. Cornelius. 49:17.162 --> 49:18.371 Now, I have no doubt that 49:18.497 --> 49:21.248 Messers Oldacre and Cornelius are one and the same person, 49:21.375 --> 49:27.838 the object being to change his name, draw on the money, and then vanish. 49:28.715 --> 49:32.134 We see before us a very deep, malicious and vindictive man. 49:33.512 --> 49:36.055 Did you know that he was once refused by McFarlane's mother? 49:37.557 --> 49:40.184 All his life, he has longed for vengeance. 49:41.019 --> 49:42.979 If he could give the impression that he was murdered 49:43.105 --> 49:46.524 by the only child of his former sweetheart, what more better revenge? 49:47.943 --> 49:52.697 I would never have allowed any real harm to befall poor Mr. McFarlane, I assure you. 49:52.823 --> 49:54.448 That's for the jury to decide. 49:55.784 --> 49:59.620 You're charging me? For a joke? It's nothing more than a practical joke. 49:59.746 --> 50:01.122 It's nothing less than murder- 50:02.749 --> 50:03.958 the body in the fire. 50:07.337 --> 50:09.046 But whose body was it? 50:09.673 --> 50:13.134 And old sailor, Lestrade, who had fallen upon hard times. 50:13.885 --> 50:16.721 When I examined the ashes of that fire, 50:18.390 --> 50:21.767 I discovered that your experts had missed this. 50:25.147 --> 50:27.940 It is a tooth of the great white shark, 50:29.234 --> 50:31.527 and you see that it has been lightly carved. 50:32.404 --> 50:34.613 It is typical of the work carried out by seamen. 50:36.742 --> 50:39.827 Well, this isn't evidence enough to show who died in the fire. 50:43.165 --> 50:46.333 I know for certain that on Monday, the day before the murder, 50:46.752 --> 50:48.586 a tramp called at this house. 50:50.881 --> 50:52.381 Yet, when I questioned the housekeeper, 50:52.507 --> 50:55.718 she assured me that no such tramp would ever be welcome. 50:56.928 --> 50:59.180 Not only was his reception welcoming 50:59.556 --> 51:02.058 but the man received some of Oldacre's clothing. 51:04.102 --> 51:08.522 Yesterday, near the front gate, I found the calling card that he left, 51:08.774 --> 51:12.777 a coded sign advising his fellow travelers of a charitable welcome. 51:13.945 --> 51:16.614 And last night, with the help of your local Constable, 51:17.115 --> 51:20.117 I talked to one of these fellow travelers, 51:20.744 --> 51:23.162 who said that the unfortunate seaman had been asked to 51:23.288 --> 51:27.083 call back the following day with the assurance of further hospitality. 51:30.295 --> 51:35.049 And so, the next morning, wearing his new clothes. 51:35.300 --> 51:38.636 Or at least his new trousers, he returned- 51:40.597 --> 51:42.139 and was never seen again. 51:42.724 --> 51:45.684 You've saved an innocent man's life, Mr. Holmes. 51:46.812 --> 51:49.772 You've also saved me some embarrassment. 51:49.940 --> 51:52.733 Ah, my good chap! 51:53.276 --> 51:55.569 You will find that your reputation has been enormously enhanced. 51:55.695 --> 51:58.697 Just make a few alterations to that report which you are writing, 51:59.199 --> 52:00.825 and they will understand how hard it is 52:00.951 --> 52:04.495 to throw dust in the eyes of Inspector Lestrade. 52:04.621 --> 52:06.330 You don't want your name to appear? 52:10.335 --> 52:11.085 Not at all. 52:14.422 --> 52:16.423 His work is its own reward. 52:19.177 --> 52:20.845 I'll see you hang for this!