WEBVTT 01:08.234 --> 01:12.362 One Tuesday morning in autumn at precisely half past eight, 01:12.864 --> 01:15.532 Sherlock Holmes received a mysterious message 01:15.950 --> 01:19.620 that two men of great public distinction would be visiting Baker's Street 01:19.913 --> 01:21.622 in their private capacity 01:22.290 --> 01:25.793 and under circumstances of complete secrecy. 02:09.003 --> 02:10.087 Holmes, they're here. 02:49.752 --> 02:51.170 In brief, Mr. Holmes. 02:51.838 --> 02:54.882 A document has been stolen from my private dispatch box 02:55.049 --> 02:56.216 and when I discovered my loss, 02:56.384 --> 02:57.467 which was at eight o'clock this morning, 02:57.594 --> 02:59.386 I at once informed the Prime Minister. 02:59.721 --> 03:02.181 It was at his suggestion that we both come to you. 03:04.058 --> 03:05.475 You have informed the police? 03:05.602 --> 03:07.352 No sir, we have not done so, 03:07.562 --> 03:09.897 nor is it possible that we should do so. 03:10.273 --> 03:12.733 To inform the police must, in the long run, mean, 03:12.901 --> 03:14.151 to inform the public. 03:14.485 --> 03:17.154 And that is what we particularly desire to avoid. 03:17.739 --> 03:18.739 And why, sir? 03:19.407 --> 03:23.243 Because the document in question is of such immense importance 03:23.578 --> 03:27.080 that its publication might very easily, I might almost say probably, 03:27.457 --> 03:31.376 lead to European complications of the utmost moment. 03:32.170 --> 03:35.756 Unless its recovery is attended by the utmost secrecy, 03:36.174 --> 03:38.258 then it may as well not be recovered at all, 03:38.760 --> 03:41.595 for all that is aimed at by those who have taken it 03:41.930 --> 03:45.557 is that its contents should be generally known. 03:48.102 --> 03:49.102 I understand. 03:51.648 --> 03:53.941 Watson, do sit down. 03:58.112 --> 03:59.780 Now, Mr. Trelawney Hope, 04:00.782 --> 04:04.910 I'd be much obliged if you would tell me the exact circumstances 04:05.370 --> 04:07.287 under which this document disappeared. 04:08.289 --> 04:10.123 As Secretary of State for European affairs, 04:10.291 --> 04:12.376 I received the letter six days ago. 04:12.627 --> 04:15.462 It was a letter from the foreign potentate you understand. 04:16.547 --> 04:18.966 It was of such importance that I never left it in my safe, 04:19.133 --> 04:21.134 but I have taken each evening from my office, 04:21.302 --> 04:22.928 back to my house in Whitehall Terrace, 04:23.054 --> 04:26.139 and kept it in my bedroom, locked in my dispatch box. 04:26.432 --> 04:28.141 And you are sure it was there last night? 04:28.518 --> 04:29.768 Yes, I'm quite certain of that fact. 04:29.894 --> 04:32.729 I actually opened the dispatch box while I was dressing for dinner, 04:32.897 --> 04:34.481 and I saw the letter inside. 04:35.024 --> 04:36.984 It then remained upon my bedside table. 04:37.652 --> 04:39.236 Both my wife and I are light sleepers 04:39.362 --> 04:40.904 and are prepared to swear that no one 04:41.030 --> 04:43.573 could have entered the room during the night. And yet this morning 04:44.033 --> 04:45.158 the paper is gone. 04:47.704 --> 04:48.912 What time did you dine? 04:51.082 --> 04:51.915 Seven-thirty. 04:52.667 --> 04:54.167 How long was it before you went to bed? 04:55.003 --> 04:58.338 My wife had gone to the theatre. I had waited up for her, it was- 04:58.798 --> 05:00.507 eleven-thirty before we went our room. 05:00.967 --> 05:05.762 So for four hours the dispatch box had lain unguarded? 05:06.055 --> 05:08.265 Mr. Holmes, no one is ever permitted to enter that room 05:08.391 --> 05:11.143 save the housemaid in the morning, and my valet during the rest of the day. 05:11.853 --> 05:13.353 They are both trusty servants 05:13.521 --> 05:15.147 who have been with us for many years. 05:16.357 --> 05:18.859 Besides, neither of them could have possibly known 05:18.985 --> 05:21.028 that there was anything more valuable than the ordinary 05:21.195 --> 05:22.988 departmental papers in my box. 05:23.323 --> 05:24.698 Surely your wife knew? 05:24.866 --> 05:26.158 Mr. Holmes? 05:26.534 --> 05:30.495 I have long known how high is Mr. Hope's sense of public duty. 05:30.747 --> 05:32.873 I am convinced that in the case of this importance 05:32.999 --> 05:36.626 it would rise superior to the most intimate domestic ties. 05:37.128 --> 05:39.296 You do me no more than justice, Prime Minister. 05:40.298 --> 05:42.299 Until this morning I have never breathed one word 05:42.425 --> 05:43.717 to my wife upon this matter. 05:45.762 --> 05:48.889 Who is there in England, who did know the existence of this letter? 05:49.724 --> 05:51.558 Each member of the Cabinet was informed of it yesterday 05:51.726 --> 05:54.394 but the pledge of secrecy, which attends every Cabinet meeting, 05:54.520 --> 05:57.731 was increased by the solemn warning given by the Prime Minister. 05:58.483 --> 05:59.483 My God! 06:00.943 --> 06:03.403 To think that within a few hours I myself should have lost it. 06:08.951 --> 06:12.079 Besides the members of the Cabinet there are two, possibly three 06:12.246 --> 06:13.914 departmental officials who know of the letter. 06:14.082 --> 06:16.583 No one else in England, I assure you. 06:17.335 --> 06:18.085 But abroad? 06:18.920 --> 06:21.046 I believe that no one abroad has seen the letter 06:21.172 --> 06:24.216 except the man who wrote it. I am well convinced that his ministers 06:24.884 --> 06:28.428 that the usual official channels have not been employed in this case. 06:32.350 --> 06:35.894 Now, sir, I must ask you more particularly what this document is 06:36.687 --> 06:40.107 and why its disappearance should have such momentous consequences? 06:41.067 --> 06:45.612 Mr. Holmes, the envelope is a long, thin one of pale blue color, 06:45.863 --> 06:49.574 There's a seal of red wax stamped with a crouching lion. 06:49.784 --> 06:52.285 It is addressed in large, bold handwriting... 06:52.453 --> 06:55.747 Interesting and indeed essential as these details are, 06:56.082 --> 06:58.792 my inquiries must go more to the root of things. 07:00.795 --> 07:02.295 What was the letter? 07:02.797 --> 07:04.965 That is a State secret of the utmost importance, 07:05.091 --> 07:08.468 which we cannot tell you, nor do I see that it is necessary. 07:09.053 --> 07:11.471 If by the powers which you are said to possess 07:11.639 --> 07:14.558 you can find such an envelope as I describe 07:14.684 --> 07:18.311 with its enclosure then you will have deserved well of your country, 07:18.604 --> 07:23.275 and earned any reward which it is within our power to bestow. 07:27.321 --> 07:28.238 Gentlemen, 07:30.032 --> 07:33.326 you are two of the most busy men in the country 07:34.328 --> 07:38.248 and in my own small way I have a good many calls upon me. 07:40.668 --> 07:44.463 I regret exceedingly that I am unable to help you in this matter, 07:45.006 --> 07:48.842 and any continuation of this interview would be a waste of time. 07:51.304 --> 07:53.847 I am not accustomed, Sir, to such things. 08:09.530 --> 08:10.447 Dear Mr. Holmes, 08:12.575 --> 08:16.870 we must accept your terms. No doubt you are right, 08:17.205 --> 08:19.372 and it is unreasonable for us to expect you 08:19.540 --> 08:22.209 to act unless you have our full confidence. 08:22.793 --> 08:24.211 I agree with you, Prime Minister. 08:24.879 --> 08:29.007 Then I will tell you, relying entirely upon your honor 08:29.342 --> 08:31.051 and that of your colleague, Dr. Watson. 08:31.719 --> 08:34.513 I must appeal to your patriotism also, 08:35.014 --> 08:38.225 for I cannot imagine a greater misfortune for this country 08:38.851 --> 08:41.394 than that this affair should come out. 08:42.021 --> 08:43.730 You may safely trust us. 08:58.079 --> 09:01.748 The letter, then, is from a certain foreign potentate 09:02.416 --> 09:04.084 who has been ruffled by some- 09:04.252 --> 09:06.920 recent colonial developments of this country. 09:07.505 --> 09:11.258 It is written hurriedly and upon his own responsibility entirely. 09:11.592 --> 09:15.595 At the same time, it is couched in so unfortunate a manner 09:15.888 --> 09:17.597 that its publication would undoubtedly 09:17.765 --> 09:20.684 lead to the most dangerous feeling in this country. 09:20.935 --> 09:22.852 There would be such ferment, sir, 09:23.271 --> 09:26.273 that I do not hesitate to say that within a week 09:26.440 --> 09:28.108 of the publication of this letter 09:28.234 --> 09:31.611 this country would be involved in a great war. 09:32.446 --> 09:36.199 And it is this letter, which may well mean the expenditure of a- 09:36.450 --> 09:38.076 thousand million pounds. 09:40.121 --> 09:42.956 And the lives of a hundred thousand men. 09:50.756 --> 09:53.049 Have you informed the sender? 09:53.801 --> 09:55.969 A cipher telegraph has been dispatched. 09:58.973 --> 10:01.600 Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter. 10:02.143 --> 10:04.227 No, Doctor, we have strong reason to believe 10:04.353 --> 10:06.438 that he already understands that he has 10:06.564 --> 10:09.316 acted in an indiscreet and hotheaded manner. 10:09.442 --> 10:10.984 It would be a far greater blow to him 10:11.110 --> 10:14.404 and his country than to us if this letter were to come out. 10:15.698 --> 10:18.617 If this is so, in who's interest is it that the letter should come out? 10:18.743 --> 10:21.494 Why should anyone desire to steal it or publish it? 10:22.038 --> 10:25.248 There, Doctor Watson, You take me into the realms of 10:25.374 --> 10:27.667 high international politics. 10:28.294 --> 10:31.504 But if you consider the European situation 10:31.964 --> 10:34.341 you will have no difficulty in perceiving the motive. 10:34.884 --> 10:36.968 The whole of Europe is an armed camp. 10:37.470 --> 10:39.346 Great Britain holds the scales. 10:39.930 --> 10:43.183 If Britain were driven into war with one confederacy, 10:43.434 --> 10:46.478 it would assure the supremacy of the other, 10:47.521 --> 10:49.522 whether they were joined in the war or not. 10:50.107 --> 10:52.359 So does the enemies of this potentate 10:53.027 --> 10:54.986 who want to secure and publish this letter, 10:55.112 --> 10:57.697 so as to make a breach between his country and ours? 10:58.074 --> 10:58.865 Yes, sir. 10:59.116 --> 11:02.869 And to whom would the document be sent if it fell into the wrong hands? 11:02.995 --> 11:05.163 To any of the great chancelleries of Europe. 11:06.248 --> 11:07.874 It is probably speeding its way thither 11:08.042 --> 11:11.169 at the present instant as fast as steam can take it. 11:12.672 --> 11:16.049 It is your misfortune, my dear fellow. No one can blame you. 11:17.051 --> 11:19.219 There's no precaution which you have neglected. 11:21.389 --> 11:25.558 But now, Mr. Holmes, you are in full possession of the facts. 11:26.644 --> 11:28.561 What course do you recommend? 11:30.981 --> 11:35.902 You think that if this document is not recovered, there will be war? 11:36.696 --> 11:38.238 I think it is very probable. 11:41.075 --> 11:42.575 Then, sir, prepare for war. 11:43.828 --> 11:45.745 That is a hard saying, Mr. Holmes. 11:46.247 --> 11:50.375 Consider the facts. There seems no doubt this document was taken 11:50.501 --> 11:52.669 between half past seven and half past eleven 11:52.795 --> 11:55.046 yesterday evening, so where can it be now? 11:57.633 --> 11:59.426 No one has any reason to retain it, 12:00.010 --> 12:03.012 It has been passed from hand to hand rapidly 12:04.557 --> 12:07.350 to those who need it and who will pay well for it. 12:07.768 --> 12:10.603 What chance do we have to overtake it or even trace it? 12:10.771 --> 12:12.272 It is beyond our reach. 12:19.905 --> 12:22.031 What you say is perfectly logical, Mr. Holmes. 12:22.158 --> 12:25.785 I feel that the matter is indeed out of our hands. 12:26.579 --> 12:27.537 Meanwhile, hope, 12:28.789 --> 12:33.626 we cannot ignore all our other duties on account of this one misfortune. 12:39.800 --> 12:41.468 Should there be any fresh developments 12:41.594 --> 12:44.137 during the day we will communicate with you 12:44.305 --> 12:48.224 and you no doubt will let us know the results of your own inquiries. 12:48.851 --> 12:49.434 Thank you. 13:03.157 --> 13:04.324 Telegraph! 13:06.118 --> 13:19.964 Westminster Murder! 13:22.051 --> 13:23.009 Telegraph! 13:26.514 --> 13:30.350 Westminster Murder! Telegraph! 13:39.860 --> 13:41.694 The situation is desperate, 13:43.864 --> 13:45.156 but not hopeless. 13:46.867 --> 13:50.370 There are only three men capable of playing so bold a game 13:50.496 --> 13:53.665 Oberstein, La Rothiere, and Eduardo Lucas. 13:53.791 --> 13:57.043 Even now, if we could be sure which one of them has taken it, 13:57.878 --> 14:01.047 it is just possible that it has not passed out of their hands. 14:01.632 --> 14:03.716 It's a question of money with these fellows, isn't it? 14:05.219 --> 14:07.053 Well, we have the British Treasure behind us. 14:07.179 --> 14:08.888 Oh, if it's on the market I'll buy it 14:09.431 --> 14:11.516 if it means another penny on the income tax. 14:12.309 --> 14:12.892 Come in. 14:14.019 --> 14:15.061 Excuse, Mr. Holmes. 14:15.229 --> 14:16.688 Mrs. Hudson, what is it? 14:19.733 --> 14:21.484 Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope. 14:23.737 --> 14:24.571 Show her in 14:31.328 --> 14:33.079 Has my husband been here, Mr. Holmes? 14:33.914 --> 14:36.082 Madam, yes he has been here. 14:36.250 --> 14:39.919 Mr. Holmes, I implore you not to tell him I came here. 14:40.504 --> 14:42.922 Your ladyship puts me in a very delicate position 14:43.090 --> 14:45.592 I beg of you to sit down and tell me what it is you desire 14:46.051 --> 14:48.720 but I cannot make you any unconditional promise. 14:51.432 --> 14:53.850 Gentlemen, I will speak frankly to you 14:53.976 --> 14:57.604 in the hope that it will induce you to speak frankly in return. 15:05.112 --> 15:09.949 There is complete confidence between my husband and myself 15:10.451 --> 15:13.578 in all matters except one. That one is politics. 15:13.704 --> 15:15.955 On this his lips are sealed. He tells me nothing. 15:16.790 --> 15:19.417 Now, I am aware that there was a most 15:19.960 --> 15:22.629 deplorable occurrence in our house last night. 15:22.963 --> 15:26.966 I know that a paper has disappeared. But because the matter is political 15:27.134 --> 15:30.136 my husband refuses to take me into his complete confidence. 15:30.346 --> 15:36.142 Now it is essential, essential, I say, that I should thoroughly understand it. 15:36.644 --> 15:39.479 You are the only people save these politicians, 15:39.647 --> 15:42.315 who know the true facts, at least I presume you do. 15:42.983 --> 15:44.734 You presume correctly, madam. 15:45.736 --> 15:47.153 I beg you then, 15:47.321 --> 15:50.281 tell me exactly what has happened and what it may lead to. 15:53.118 --> 15:54.744 Tell me all, Mr. Holmes. 15:55.412 --> 15:57.830 Let no regard for my husband's Interest keep you silent, 15:57.998 --> 16:01.501 for I assure you that his interests, if he would only see it 16:01.627 --> 16:04.837 would be best served by taking me into his complete confidence. 16:05.881 --> 16:08.341 What was this paper, which was stolen? 16:09.468 --> 16:11.511 Madam, what you ask me is really impossible. 16:12.596 --> 16:14.305 You must see that this is so. 16:18.185 --> 16:21.354 If your husband thinks fit to keep you in the dark over this matter, 16:21.522 --> 16:23.690 is it for me, who has only learned the true facts 16:23.816 --> 16:28.528 under the pledge of professional secrecy, to tell what he has withheld? 16:29.905 --> 16:33.700 It is not fair to ask it. It is he who you must ask, 16:33.867 --> 16:37.120 I have asked him I come to you as a last resort. 16:40.582 --> 16:43.042 But without your telling me anything definite 16:43.460 --> 16:46.546 you may do me a great service if you would enlighten me on one point. 16:46.714 --> 16:47.547 What is it, madam? 16:51.468 --> 16:57.015 Is my husband's political career likely to suffer through this incident? 17:00.310 --> 17:03.896 Well, let me say that if it is not put right it may have a very unfortunate effect. 17:12.448 --> 17:14.657 One more question, Mr. Holmes. 17:15.617 --> 17:18.077 From an expression which my husband dropped 17:18.245 --> 17:20.246 in the first shock of the disaster 17:20.372 --> 17:22.832 I understood that terrible public consequences 17:23.000 --> 17:24.584 might arise from the loss this document. 17:25.085 --> 17:26.669 If he said so, I cannot deny it. 17:27.296 --> 17:28.671 Of what nature are they? 17:28.881 --> 17:33.009 There again. You ask me more than I can possibly answer. 17:36.263 --> 17:38.097 Then I will waste no more of your time. 17:40.434 --> 17:44.896 I cannot blame you, Mr. Holmes, for refusing to speak more freely, 17:45.647 --> 17:48.691 and you on your side will not, I am sure, think the worst of me 17:48.817 --> 17:51.402 because I desire to share my husband's anxieties, 17:52.529 --> 17:53.780 even against his will. 18:00.913 --> 18:04.791 Once more I beg. You will say nothing of my visit. 18:08.462 --> 18:09.128 I say, 18:11.632 --> 18:15.134 what a really remarkable and beautiful woman. 18:18.138 --> 18:22.225 The fair sex is your department, Watson. What did she really want? 18:22.518 --> 18:23.976 Surely her own statement was clear 18:24.144 --> 18:26.771 and her anxiety very natural. 18:26.897 --> 18:28.606 Think of her appearance, Watson, her manner, 18:28.732 --> 18:31.067 her suppressed excitement, her restlessness, 18:31.318 --> 18:32.819 her tenacity in asking questions. 18:33.028 --> 18:35.488 Remember she is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Belminster 18:35.656 --> 18:38.324 and comes of a cast that does not likely show emotion. 18:38.534 --> 18:40.326 She was certainly much moved. 18:41.328 --> 18:42.787 And you observed, of course, 18:42.913 --> 18:45.498 how she maneuvered to have her back to the light. 18:46.166 --> 18:48.960 She did not wish us to read her expression too closely. 18:49.086 --> 18:51.295 Yes, she choose that chair in the whole room. 18:51.421 --> 18:53.840 And yet the motives of women are so inscrutable. 18:54.007 --> 18:56.926 I mean, how could you build on such a quicksand? 18:57.928 --> 19:00.012 Their most trivial action may mean volumes, 19:00.139 --> 19:02.181 or their most extraordinary conduct 19:02.307 --> 19:05.017 may depend upon a hairpin or a curling tong. 19:06.562 --> 19:07.353 Good morning, Watson. 19:07.479 --> 19:08.187 You off, then? 19:15.404 --> 19:19.323 Holmes, was one of the agents you spoke of called Eduardo Lucas? 19:19.449 --> 19:20.032 Yes. 19:20.200 --> 19:21.325 Of Godolphin Street? 19:25.038 --> 19:25.705 Yes. 19:25.831 --> 19:26.873 You'll not see him. 19:27.416 --> 19:28.207 Why not? 19:28.333 --> 19:30.334 He was murdered in his house last night. 19:39.344 --> 19:39.969 Does it say murdered? 19:40.095 --> 19:42.805 Murdered in Westminster. Crime of a mysterious character. 19:43.015 --> 19:45.725 Eduardo Lucas, unmarried, thirty-four, 19:45.976 --> 19:49.061 well known in society circles on account of his charming personality. 19:49.438 --> 19:50.563 Valet out for the evening. 19:50.731 --> 19:51.314 They always are. 19:51.440 --> 19:53.357 Elderly housekeeper sleeps at the top of the house, heard nothing. 19:53.483 --> 19:54.066 They never do. 19:54.193 --> 19:56.485 Just before midnight police constable, Barrett, 19:56.778 --> 20:01.199 saw a door ajar, found Lucas stabbed to the heart. 20:03.744 --> 20:05.077 Awe, let me see. 20:07.247 --> 20:11.083 Prussian dagger. Robbery does not appear to be the motive. 20:11.210 --> 20:15.713 Valuable collection untouched. What do you make of this, Watson? 20:15.839 --> 20:18.341 Well it's an... it's an amazing coincidence. 20:19.593 --> 20:20.551 Coincidence? 20:21.637 --> 20:23.888 Here is one of the three men whom we have named 20:24.014 --> 20:25.890 as possible actors in this drama, 20:26.058 --> 20:28.226 and he meets a violent end during the very hours we know 20:28.352 --> 20:29.852 that drama is enacted. 20:29.978 --> 20:32.855 The odds are enormously against it being a coincidence. 20:33.982 --> 20:37.026 The two events are connected. Must be connected. 20:41.448 --> 20:43.616 It is for us to find the connection. 20:43.867 --> 20:45.618 By now the police must know all. 20:45.786 --> 20:49.455 No, not at all. They know all they see at Godolphin Street. 20:49.581 --> 20:52.416 They know, and shall know nothing of Whitehall Terrace. 20:53.126 --> 20:56.879 Only we know of both events, and can trace the relation between them. 20:57.798 --> 21:02.468 It is with the late Eduardo Lucas that the solution to our problem lies. 21:04.638 --> 21:09.141 But it is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts. 21:09.476 --> 21:13.396 Do you stay here my good, Watson, I will join you when I'm able. 22:34.519 --> 22:37.063 Watson, they've arrested the valet. 22:37.397 --> 22:39.231 Lestrade has been put in charge of the case. 22:39.358 --> 22:41.233 He's buzzing around like a blue bottle. 22:41.360 --> 22:43.569 I've got to know him rather well. Would it help if I spoke to him? 22:43.695 --> 22:45.071 No, no it would not. 22:45.405 --> 22:49.075 This is a case where the law is as dangerous to us as the criminals are. 22:49.284 --> 22:51.077 We must be patient and wait. 22:59.920 --> 23:03.047 Lucas murder case. The Evening Standard. 23:04.800 --> 23:07.927 Lucas murder case. Suspect released. 23:10.931 --> 23:11.931 Murder case. 24:15.662 --> 24:17.288 Breakfast, Mr. Holmes. 24:17.414 --> 24:19.623 No, no, no thank you, Mrs. Hudson. I don't want any. 24:19.749 --> 24:22.126 I don't know. You'll fade away at this rate. 24:22.252 --> 24:23.252 I say, Holmes, 24:23.837 --> 24:26.672 they've found the murderer or rather the murderess. 24:26.840 --> 24:27.465 Indeed. 24:27.591 --> 24:28.966 There's a wire from Paris. 24:29.176 --> 24:31.510 Apparently Lucas was leading a double life. 24:31.970 --> 24:33.512 He had a Creole wife in France 24:33.680 --> 24:35.806 where he called himself Henri Fournaye. 24:36.349 --> 24:38.017 The woman was reported to the police yesterday 24:38.185 --> 24:40.519 by her servants she is quite insane, 24:40.687 --> 24:43.522 a mania of a dangerous and permanent form. 24:43.648 --> 24:44.190 Poor woman. 24:44.357 --> 24:45.357 But listen to this. 24:45.734 --> 24:48.777 The same woman was seen in the neighborhood of Godolphin Street 24:48.904 --> 24:51.030 on the night of the murder and later 24:51.156 --> 24:53.199 made an emotional scene at Charing Cross Station. 24:53.366 --> 24:54.158 Now what do you think of that? 24:55.368 --> 24:57.703 Oh, my dear Watson, you are so long-suffering, 24:57.913 --> 24:59.622 if I've told you nothing over these last few days 24:59.748 --> 25:01.707 it is because there is nothing to tell. 25:02.334 --> 25:04.877 Even now this report from Paris doesn't help us much. 25:05.545 --> 25:09.215 Well, surely it's final as regards to Lucas' death. 25:09.466 --> 25:10.883 The man's death is a mere incident, 25:11.051 --> 25:13.886 a trivial episode in comparison with our real task, 25:14.471 --> 25:17.890 which is to trace the document and save a European catastrophe. 25:19.392 --> 25:21.727 Now if the letter were loose, 25:23.396 --> 25:25.231 no, it cannot be loose... 25:26.900 --> 25:31.487 but if it isn't loose, where can it be? Who has it? Why is it held back? 25:31.696 --> 25:34.532 Look, if Lestrade found it amongst Lucas' papers, 25:34.658 --> 25:36.700 he's not such a fool as to announce it. 25:37.744 --> 25:39.578 He would inform the chief commissioner. 25:40.413 --> 25:42.248 The chief commissioner would inform the Home Secretary 25:42.374 --> 25:45.417 and he, in turn, the Prime Minister. No it's not among Lucas' papers. 25:48.421 --> 25:49.755 But why is it held back? 25:51.925 --> 25:55.427 That is the question which beats in my brain like a hammer. 25:58.265 --> 26:01.725 Was it a mere coincidence that Lucas should meet his death 26:01.851 --> 26:03.894 on the night when the letter disappeared? 26:04.521 --> 26:05.604 Did it ever reach him? 26:06.982 --> 26:09.441 Has this mad wife of his taken it with her to Paris? 26:09.568 --> 26:12.027 If so, is it in her house in Paris? 26:13.530 --> 26:14.780 Shall I go to Paris? 26:15.782 --> 26:19.952 That would alert the French Police. Every man's hand is against us, 26:20.620 --> 26:21.287 and yet, 26:25.166 --> 26:27.543 the interest at stake are colossal. 26:31.715 --> 26:35.134 Should I bring this to a successful conclusion, 26:36.469 --> 26:39.638 it will certainly represent the crowning glory of my career. 26:40.307 --> 26:41.974 Holmes, look! 27:07.208 --> 27:07.791 Thank you. 27:11.338 --> 27:12.004 There you go, gov. 27:12.213 --> 27:12.838 Thank you. 27:15.675 --> 27:18.427 Mr. Holmes. Doctor Watson. 27:25.518 --> 27:28.812 You've no doubt been following the Lucas case? 27:28.938 --> 27:31.023 Lucas? Lucas? 27:31.733 --> 27:33.859 Awe yes, the name does seem familiar to me. 27:34.319 --> 27:35.694 Eduardo Lucas, 27:36.071 --> 27:38.947 found murdered last Tuesday night at his house in Godolphin Street. 27:39.282 --> 27:40.949 Rather a distinguished gentlemen. 27:41.076 --> 27:44.703 Student of international politics and a remarkable linguist, so they say. 27:45.413 --> 27:47.873 I've been in charge of the case, matter of fact. 27:48.541 --> 27:50.459 Not an easy task by any means. 27:50.585 --> 27:53.712 Some delicate problems, you understand? 27:54.381 --> 27:55.881 But to the aid of our French friends 27:56.049 --> 27:58.717 I have been able to bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion. 27:59.219 --> 28:03.555 All the loose ends tied up. Oh, we've got it, clear as if we'd seen it. 28:03.723 --> 28:06.558 Congratulations, Lestrade. Another feather in your cap. 28:07.227 --> 28:08.227 Yes, indeed. 28:10.397 --> 28:14.858 Oh, before you go, Mr. Holmes, it's a mere trifle, 28:14.984 --> 28:16.985 but the sort of thing you take an interest in 28:17.320 --> 28:19.905 queer, you know, what you might call freakish. 28:20.407 --> 28:23.409 It has nothing to do with the main fact, can't have, on the face of it. 28:23.660 --> 28:24.576 What is it, then? 28:25.245 --> 28:27.913 Well if you gentlemen could come down to Godolphin Street, 28:28.081 --> 28:30.249 I think I could explain it better on the spot. 28:31.418 --> 28:32.876 For a few minutes perhaps. 28:33.002 --> 28:35.087 Oh good, it's only just around the corner. 28:36.923 --> 28:40.259 Thank you Cabbie, keep the change. 29:02.574 --> 29:03.574 Here it all is. 29:04.659 --> 29:06.869 Now the woman must have knocked on the door 29:07.120 --> 29:08.912 after she saw the valet had gone out. 29:09.038 --> 29:12.791 Surprise visit no doubt, Lucas let her in. 29:13.251 --> 29:15.294 He couldn't keep her on the street could he his own wife? 29:15.837 --> 29:17.463 She started screaming at him being French. 29:17.589 --> 29:18.297 Excuse me. 29:18.757 --> 29:20.799 Saying how'd she traced him 29:20.967 --> 29:24.636 and reproaching him and so on. Anyway they came in here 29:24.804 --> 29:27.306 and one thing led to another 29:27.724 --> 29:32.060 and with the daggers being so handy the end came soon. 29:32.687 --> 29:34.563 It didn't happen in an instant though 29:34.689 --> 29:36.899 for these chairs were swept over to the wall 29:37.025 --> 29:41.403 and he had this one in his hand, as if he did try to hold her off with it. 29:41.863 --> 29:43.155 Yes, Lestrade, thank you. 29:43.823 --> 29:45.657 Now, tell me about this trifle. 29:46.576 --> 29:49.828 Well, you know in crimes of this sort, we keep things in their position. 29:50.079 --> 29:52.498 Nothing has moved. Officers in charge day and night. 29:52.665 --> 29:54.500 I'm always very particular on that point. 29:54.667 --> 29:57.503 Oh, yes, you're meticulous in your investigations, Inspector. 29:57.754 --> 29:59.838 Well, this morning we thought we could tidy up a bit. 30:00.256 --> 30:04.510 Post-mortem over, all the evidence to hand, investigation complete. 30:05.345 --> 30:08.263 However, this carpet. 30:08.389 --> 30:11.183 As you can see it's not been fastened down, 30:11.518 --> 30:15.354 it's just been laid there. Now we had occasion to raise it. 30:16.564 --> 30:17.856 And we found... 30:19.150 --> 30:19.775 Yes? 30:20.693 --> 30:24.696 You'll never guess in a hundred years what we did find, Mr. Holmes. 30:25.406 --> 30:26.782 Now you see this stain? 30:27.033 --> 30:29.868 Now a good deal of blood must have soaked through, must it not? 30:30.537 --> 30:31.870 Undoubtedly, it must. 30:32.789 --> 30:34.790 Then you'll be surprised to hear 30:35.291 --> 30:40.712 that there is no stain on the woodwork to correspond. 30:41.881 --> 30:42.673 No stain? 30:45.134 --> 30:46.051 But there must be. 30:46.427 --> 30:49.304 So you would say, fact remains. 30:51.558 --> 30:52.224 There isn't. 30:57.605 --> 30:59.898 But the underside is as stained as the upper. 31:01.067 --> 31:02.401 It must have left a mark. 31:05.071 --> 31:07.239 Now I will show you the explanation. 31:07.574 --> 31:12.411 There is a second stain, but it does not correspond with this one. 31:13.371 --> 31:15.831 Doctor Watson, will you take that side of the carpet? 31:18.751 --> 31:23.380 Now we will move round in an anti-clockwise direction. 31:29.762 --> 31:32.264 What I want to know is, Mr. Holmes, 31:32.682 --> 31:36.935 who shifted the carpet and why? 31:53.202 --> 31:56.079 Lestrade, who was on duty the day after the murder? 31:57.790 --> 31:58.624 The day after? 31:59.667 --> 32:01.960 MacPherson. He's out there now. 32:02.128 --> 32:04.296 Take my advice. Examine him carefully 32:04.422 --> 32:05.130 I'll get him. 32:05.590 --> 32:09.718 Don't do it before us. We'll wait here. 32:12.138 --> 32:15.807 Tell him you know someone has been here. Press him. 32:16.225 --> 32:19.102 Tell him a full confession is his only chance of forgiveness. 32:19.228 --> 32:20.437 Do exactly as I tell you. 32:20.563 --> 32:23.065 By George, if he knows I'll have it out of him 32:27.445 --> 32:28.946 Watson, quick, get the table! 33:09.779 --> 33:10.529 Empty. 33:11.656 --> 33:12.197 Holmes! 33:29.257 --> 33:30.382 In here, Constable. 33:33.636 --> 33:36.847 MacPherson. How's the family? 33:37.348 --> 33:38.807 Very well, thank you sir. 33:38.975 --> 33:40.142 Well, come on- out with it! 33:40.268 --> 33:43.395 Let these gentlemen hear of your inexcusable conduct. 33:44.188 --> 33:48.066 Well, I meant no harm sir, I'm sure. This young woman came to the door 33:48.234 --> 33:50.902 answering an advertisement about typewriting. 33:51.571 --> 33:53.405 It was mistook, the house, she said. 33:53.823 --> 33:55.866 While we got talking, sir, you know how it is. 33:56.242 --> 33:58.660 It's a bit lonely when you're out there on duty all day. 34:00.621 --> 34:02.080 What happened, MacPherson? 34:02.874 --> 34:04.750 Well, sir, we got talking about the crime. 34:04.876 --> 34:07.169 She had read about it in the paper, she said, 34:07.712 --> 34:08.920 and wanted to see where it was done. 34:09.047 --> 34:11.757 So I saw no harm in letting her have a wee peep. 34:12.425 --> 34:15.927 She got just about in the door there, spotted that mark in the carpet 34:16.095 --> 34:18.221 and down she dropped on the floor, and lay for dead. 34:18.347 --> 34:19.598 And no wonder. 34:22.643 --> 34:23.685 Go on, MacPherson. 34:24.562 --> 34:26.938 Well, sir, I was away around at the Ivy Plant for some brandy, 34:27.106 --> 34:29.941 and by the time I had brought it back, the young woman had... 34:31.152 --> 34:34.571 well, she wasn't here anymore. She had recovered and was off. 34:36.949 --> 34:39.951 Ashamed of herself, as like as not and dared not face me. 34:45.917 --> 34:49.294 MacPherson, did you move the carpet? 34:50.296 --> 34:52.089 No, sir, I only straightened it out. 34:52.799 --> 34:55.300 You see she had fell on it and the polished floor being slippery. 34:55.426 --> 34:58.720 Let that be a lesson to you, Constable, that you can't deceive me. 34:59.347 --> 35:02.307 No doubt that you thought your breach of duty would never be discovered, 35:02.558 --> 35:05.310 and yet a mere glance at that carpet was enough to convince me 35:05.478 --> 35:07.604 that someone had been admitted to this room. 35:08.314 --> 35:09.981 Lucky for you, my man, that nothing's missing. 35:10.274 --> 35:12.651 Otherwise you would find yourself in Queer Street. 35:13.736 --> 35:14.319 That will do. 35:16.906 --> 35:20.283 Watson, what are we doing here? We have work elsewhere. 35:20.409 --> 35:21.952 Another feather in your cap, Lestrade. 35:22.078 --> 35:23.995 Oh thank you, Mr. Holmes. 35:34.632 --> 35:36.007 Good Lord, Mr. Holmes. 35:41.514 --> 35:42.514 Have you solved it? 35:42.682 --> 35:44.516 Hardly, Watson, hardly. 36:24.015 --> 36:26.558 Two gentlemen wish to speak to you, my lady. 36:27.393 --> 36:29.227 They do not have an appointment. 36:29.520 --> 36:30.729 Who are they, Bates? 36:30.897 --> 36:35.567 Mr. Sherlock Holmes and a Doctor Watson, my lady. 36:40.823 --> 36:42.574 Very well. You may show them in. 36:42.909 --> 36:44.242 Very well, my lady. 36:46.078 --> 36:47.078 Excuse me. 36:49.957 --> 36:52.375 Mr. Holmes and Doctor Watson, my lady. 36:56.422 --> 36:57.422 Mr. Holmes. 36:57.965 --> 37:01.593 This is surely most unfair and ungenerous on your part. 37:01.886 --> 37:05.430 I have desired, as I have explained, to keep my visit to you a secret 37:05.556 --> 37:07.265 and yet you compromise me by coming here, 37:07.433 --> 37:09.559 and so showing that there are business relations between us. 37:09.685 --> 37:12.771 Unfortunately, madam, I have no possible alternative. 37:13.940 --> 37:17.442 I've been commissioned to recover an immensely important document. 37:19.654 --> 37:24.866 I must ask you, therefore, to be kind enough to place it in my hands. 37:27.286 --> 37:29.621 You insult me, Mr. Holmes. 37:29.789 --> 37:31.248 Do not ring, Lady Hilda. 37:31.499 --> 37:33.959 If you work with me I can arrange everything. 37:34.126 --> 37:37.420 If you work against me, I must expose you. 37:42.093 --> 37:43.468 You're trying to frighten me. 37:45.096 --> 37:48.640 It's not a very manly thing, Mr. Holmes, to come here and browbeat a woman. 37:52.478 --> 37:55.313 You say you have something to tell me. Very well, I give you five minutes. 37:55.439 --> 37:57.315 One is enough, Lady Hilda. 37:59.068 --> 38:02.320 I know of your visit to Eduardo Lucas, of your giving him this letter, 38:02.905 --> 38:06.491 of your ingenious return to the room on the evening after the murder, 38:06.993 --> 38:08.994 and of the manner in which you took this letter 38:09.120 --> 38:10.745 from it's hiding place under the carpet. 38:13.499 --> 38:16.167 I have kept this because I thought it might be useful 38:25.011 --> 38:26.511 The policeman recognized you. 38:30.683 --> 38:35.186 Once again, Mr. Holmes, I tell you you're under some absurd illusion. 38:37.565 --> 38:40.692 Oh, I am so sorry, Lady Hilda. I have done my best, 38:42.486 --> 38:43.862 but I feel that I'm in vain. 38:47.408 --> 38:49.868 Is Mr. Trelawney Hope at home? 38:50.036 --> 38:52.329 He'll be back at half past twelve, sir. 38:56.459 --> 38:59.044 Then we have a quarter of an hour. 39:00.921 --> 39:02.547 We will wait here. 39:34.080 --> 39:36.164 Oh, spare me, Mr. Holmes. Spare me. 39:37.249 --> 39:39.709 For heaven's sake, don't tell him. 39:40.669 --> 39:43.671 I love him so. I would not bring one shadow on his life, 39:43.798 --> 39:45.757 and this I know would break his noble heart. 39:45.883 --> 39:48.259 We have not an instant to lose. Where is the letter? 39:54.767 --> 39:58.436 Here it is. I wish to heaven I'd never seen it. 39:59.688 --> 40:00.772 And the dispatch box? 40:00.940 --> 40:03.358 With my husband. Wherever he goes he takes it with him. 40:05.194 --> 40:06.778 We only have a few minutes left. Now, 40:07.738 --> 40:10.115 Lady Hilda, I'm going far to screen you. 40:19.834 --> 40:22.961 In return, you will spend the time 40:23.129 --> 40:26.131 telling me frankly the real meaning of this extraordinary affair. 40:32.847 --> 40:37.559 It was on the afternoon of that day, that terrible day. 40:38.269 --> 40:39.811 The day Eduardo Lucas was murdered? 40:39.979 --> 40:40.562 Yes. 40:41.355 --> 40:43.064 I was just going out to pay some calls. 40:43.190 --> 40:45.316 When a confidential note arrived for me. 40:45.901 --> 40:49.654 It was from Lucas asking me to visit him urgently, 40:50.114 --> 40:54.159 as he had important and private information for my ears alone. 41:27.151 --> 41:32.697 He had obtained, in some way, a letter of mine, Mr. Holmes. 41:33.491 --> 41:36.034 An indiscreet letter written before my marriage. 41:36.952 --> 41:40.872 Foolish letter. Letter of an impulsive, loving girl. 41:41.040 --> 41:45.877 I meant no harm, yet my husband would have thought it criminal. 41:46.879 --> 41:47.545 Had he read that letter 41:47.713 --> 41:49.839 his confidence would have been forever destroyed. 41:50.257 --> 41:52.884 It's years since I wrote it. I thought the whole matter was forgotten. 41:58.224 --> 42:00.350 No doubt you remember to content very well. 42:03.062 --> 42:06.231 Very sprightly, I must say, very sprightly. 42:06.398 --> 42:07.232 You make a charming correspondent. 42:07.399 --> 42:11.694 What do you want with me, Mr. Lucas? May I have my letter back please? 42:12.112 --> 42:13.905 Of course, you may, Lady Hilda. 42:15.366 --> 42:19.077 But this is a very valuable piece of paper, would you not agree? 42:19.912 --> 42:22.038 I'm sure if it was laid before your husband, 42:22.164 --> 42:25.166 he would hardly fail to appreciate the content. 42:26.418 --> 42:27.544 You're a blackmailer. 42:27.711 --> 42:29.045 A businessman, Lady Hilda. 42:29.922 --> 42:32.507 This is purely a business transaction on my side. 42:32.633 --> 42:36.553 I can assure you I wish no ill to you or your husband. 42:36.679 --> 42:39.264 How much money do you want for that letter, Mr. Lucas? 42:40.933 --> 42:45.603 Let's not speak of money, madam. My business is not so simple as that. 42:50.109 --> 42:53.111 Well, the matter is an easy one. 43:05.416 --> 43:09.460 Every evening when your husband returns from his ministry, 43:10.379 --> 43:13.298 he brings with him his private dispatch box. 43:14.466 --> 43:15.300 Is that not so? 43:16.468 --> 43:17.051 Yes. 43:18.470 --> 43:21.306 When he comes home tonight this box will contain 43:21.473 --> 43:24.642 a long, blue envelope sealed in red wax 43:25.102 --> 43:27.145 with a crouching lion stamped on it. 43:28.772 --> 43:32.150 Bring me that long, blue envelope with its contents, 43:33.819 --> 43:35.320 and I will return you this. 43:35.696 --> 43:38.239 But my husband... 43:38.365 --> 43:40.491 No harm will come to him I can assure you. 43:43.078 --> 43:45.997 Put yourselves in my position. What was I to do? 43:47.833 --> 43:49.792 Take your husband into your confidence. 43:49.918 --> 43:53.171 I could not, Doctor Watson, I could not. 43:54.798 --> 44:00.011 On the one side seemed certain ruin on the other, terrible as it seemed 44:00.179 --> 44:04.015 to take my husband's paper, in a matter of politics, I could not understand it. 44:04.850 --> 44:07.810 While in the matter of love and trust, it was only too clear to me. 44:14.526 --> 44:17.195 I did it, Mr. Holmes. I did it. 44:18.572 --> 44:21.032 I invented a story about going to the theatre. 46:55.187 --> 46:58.648 The next morning I realized I'd only exchanged one trouble for another. 46:59.858 --> 47:02.360 I followed my husband to Baker Street and then came to you myself 47:02.528 --> 47:05.446 in order to understand the full enormity of the offence. 47:06.281 --> 47:09.033 I alone in the world knew where the paper was hidden. 47:09.743 --> 47:12.662 My whole mind was turned to the one thought of getting it back. 47:14.456 --> 47:17.542 What I did... Here he is now. 47:19.044 --> 47:20.670 Any news, Mr. Holmes? Any news? 47:20.796 --> 47:22.213 I have some hopes. 47:24.216 --> 47:26.717 This is a matter of politics, my dear. We shall not be long. 47:32.975 --> 47:34.892 The Prime Minister is lunching with us. 47:35.060 --> 47:37.812 May he share your hopes. He has nerves of steel, 47:37.938 --> 47:41.065 and yet I know that he's hardly slept since this terrible event. 47:42.150 --> 47:43.901 Mr. Holmes has some news for us, sir. 47:45.696 --> 47:47.655 What have you to report, Mr. Holmes? 47:47.948 --> 47:49.866 Purely negative as yet. 47:50.492 --> 47:52.827 I have made inquiries at every point where it might be 47:52.953 --> 47:55.413 and I'm sure there's no danger to be apprehended. 47:56.164 --> 47:57.999 That's not enough, Mr. Holmes. 47:59.167 --> 48:02.712 We cannot live on this volcano. We must have something definite. 48:03.964 --> 48:07.425 I have high hopes of getting the letters back. That is why I'm here. 48:08.093 --> 48:10.595 The more I think of it the more I am convinced 48:10.762 --> 48:12.763 that the letter has never left this house. 48:13.181 --> 48:16.017 But why should anybody take it in order to keep it in this house? 48:16.143 --> 48:18.102 I'm not convinced that anybody has taken it. 48:18.270 --> 48:21.772 Mr. Holmes, this joking is very ill timed. You have my assurance it was taken. 48:24.109 --> 48:27.445 Have you examined the box carefully since last Tuesday morning? 48:27.654 --> 48:30.031 No not thoroughly. I did not consider it necessary. 48:31.783 --> 48:33.951 You could conceivably have overlooked the letter. 48:34.119 --> 48:35.244 That is impossible, sir, 48:35.370 --> 48:38.289 I have known such things happening. You have other papers in the box? 48:38.415 --> 48:39.957 Yes, all my confidential papers. 48:40.125 --> 48:41.125 It could have got mixed with them. 48:41.251 --> 48:41.918 It was on the top. 48:42.044 --> 48:42.960 The box could have been shaken. 48:43.128 --> 48:44.295 I had everything out. 48:44.463 --> 48:47.298 It's easily settled. Let's go and look. 48:49.468 --> 48:51.427 This is a farcical waste of time. 48:53.472 --> 48:57.308 But still, if nothing else will satisfy you, it shall be done. 49:05.192 --> 49:07.985 Here all my confidential papers as you can see. 49:10.864 --> 49:15.159 It's a letter from Lord Merrow, report from Sir Charles Hardy, 49:15.535 --> 49:16.661 memorandum from Belgrade, 49:16.828 --> 49:18.996 that's the one we were discussing this morning, Prime Minister. 49:20.248 --> 49:24.001 Note on the Russo-German grain taxes, letter from Madrid, 49:24.252 --> 49:25.670 note from Lord Flowers... 49:42.020 --> 49:43.187 Yes, this is it. 49:48.527 --> 49:50.695 And the letter is intact. 49:52.072 --> 49:52.863 Remarkable. 49:53.198 --> 49:56.534 This is inconceivable. Impossible, Mr. Holmes. 49:56.702 --> 49:57.493 Hilda. 49:58.870 --> 49:59.996 How did you know it was here? 50:02.624 --> 50:04.375 Because I knew it was nowhere else. 50:05.502 --> 50:07.461 I cannot believe my eyes! 50:07.879 --> 50:09.547 Hilda, we have found the letter 50:10.048 --> 50:12.383 and I know it is difficult for you to understand 50:12.509 --> 50:15.636 but it is the most wonderful news. 50:17.389 --> 50:19.056 It's quite extraordinary. 50:19.558 --> 50:23.185 I went through every paper in here. I checked and I rechecked... 50:23.729 --> 50:26.689 It's incomprehensible that I should have overlooked it in this manner. 50:37.743 --> 50:38.826 Oh, gentlemen. 50:44.750 --> 50:48.210 Come, there's more in this than meets the eye.