Sherlock Holmes Complete Works 2

Chapter 42 Return 18
It's been many years since this story happened, but I still have lingering fears when I think about it.I ask the reader's pardon for omitting dates and incidents which would lead one back to the truth of the matter.

It was about six o'clock when my companion and I returned one severe winter evening.Holmes turned on the lamp, and by the light we saw a calling card lying on the table.He took a closer look, and then snorted, the business card had been thrown to the floor viciously by him.I picked it up and read it:

charles augustus milverton

Aberdo Tower Helmsted Quarter

Agent

"Who is he?"

"The worst man in all London," replied Holmes.Then he asked back: "Is there any word on the back of the business card?"

I read:

"Come to visit you at 6:[-] p.m. - C?A?M."

"Well, he's coming soon. I feel as much about Milverton as I do about vipers. But I have to have business with him, and I've asked him to come here."

"What kind of person is he?"

"Listen as I tell you slowly, he is second to none in the circle of scammers. God help him, and those whose reputations and secrets he controls have to help, especially women. He doesn't stop He blackmailed them, and blackmailed them until they were drained of their blood. He had a different skill. His method was to let people know that he was willing to pay a high price for letters from the rich and powerful. On the one hand, he These letters can be obtained from unscrupulous servants and servants, and more importantly, from the scum of the upper class, who are easy to deceive the feelings and feelings of credulous women. Believe me. Milverton hears the first thing in the market, and thousands of people in this great city are terrified at the mention of his name. No one knows when he will To play a trick on himself, because he has the money and the skills to do almost anything he wants. He can also keep a card for years and play it when it can be used to its fullest potential. As I said before, he He is the worst person in London. In order to satisfy his selfish desires and cheat money as much as possible, he will constantly try to torture people's hearts, and he will do it step by step and leisurely."

I asked again: "Why didn't he get the sanction that the law deserves?"

"The law is the law, and reality is reality. If you charge him, although he will spend a few months in prison, these women will be ruined. Therefore, the victims dare not fight back. No, we must find other better Good way to subdue him."

"Then why is he here?"

"The reason is that a client put her case in my hands. The client is the famous noble lady Eva Blackwell, who just became the most beautiful lady in the social circle last season. Two weeks later, She was about to marry the Earl of Dwinkau. The fiend had obtained several indiscreet letters from her to a poor country gentleman. But they would certainly ruin the marriage, if not For a sum of money, Milverton will send the letter to the earl. Since I am entrusted by her, I will do my best to keep the price down."

There was the sound of horseshoes and wheels on the street. I looked out and saw a magnificent double carriage parked in front of the building. After the door was opened, a short but strong man with rough black curly hair got out of the car. The man in the sheepskin coat, a minute later he came to our house.

The demon is about 50 years old, and a big head shows that he is very intelligent.A round, fat face, with a very smooth skin, a perpetual sneer, quick gray eyes, and a pair of large gold-rimmed spectacles on his nose, there was Mr. Pickwick's benevolence in his face, piled with falsehoods. Laughing, a sharp and impatient cold light shot out from his eyes.His voice was gentle and steady.Holmes just looked at him coldly.Milverton smiled and then yelled, shrugged his shoulders, took off his overcoat, put it on the back of a chair, folded it carefully and sat down.

He pointed at me and asked, "Who is this gentleman? Is it appropriate for us to speak like this?"

"This is Dr. Watson, my friend and colleague."

"That's good. The reason why I ask such a question is purely for the sake of your client. This kind of thing is very delicate..."

"He's heard about it."

"Okay! Let's start talking about our business? Since you are Ms. Eva's agent, has she entrusted you to accept my terms before?"

"What's your condition?"

"I only want seven thousand pounds in exchange."

"Is this the last condition?"

"It would be unpleasant for me to discuss terms, sir. If the payment is not made on the 14th, the wedding on the 18th must not take place."

Holmes thought for a while and said:

"Don't be so absolute. I understand the content of these letters, and my client will definitely follow my advice. I will advise her to tell her future husband what happened, and I believe he will not blame her."

Milverton chuckled.

"It is quite clear," said he, "that you really know nothing of the earl."

Holmes's countenance showed that he was sure of his ignorance.

"These letters can't do any harm," he asked.

Milverton said: "The harm is great. These letters are very pleasant, but I can assure you that the earl will not appreciate the content of these letters. Since the two people have different views, we will No need to go any further, this is a pure transaction. If you don't think the earl will do your client any harm after reading them, then your client won't have to pay so much to get them back. "Speaking, he stood up and turned to leave.

Holmes was livid with anger and vexation.

He said: "Wait first, don't leave so soon. This is a very delicate issue, and we must avoid any rumors from outside."

Milverton sat down in his old chair again.

He whispered, "You have no choice but that, and that's what I expected."

Holmes continued: "But she is not rich, and the amount you have stated is far beyond her ability to pay. So I beg you to lower your request and return the letter at the price I stated. You cannot get more money." gone."

Milverton grinned and blinked humorously.

He said: "I believe this lady must have this much money, and a woman's marriage is the best time for her friends and relatives to work for her. They may be hesitant to buy a decent wedding gift. But I I assure you that these letters will give them more joy than that given by the richest banquet in all London."

"It cannot be done," said Holmes.

Milverton immediately took out a thick book and shouted: "Huh! Unfortunately! Please see, it would be unwise for them not to make some efforts for this." He held up a A letter with a note with the family crest on the envelope. "It is—but cannot be named until tomorrow morning. At that time the letter will fall into the hands of the lady's fiancé, who will not exchange her diamond jewels for paper money for this A letter. Do you remember the anecdote about the engagement of the aristocrat Ms. Maltz and the Lieutenant Dorking? I think you are a sensible person. Why do you keep haggling here without considering the future and honor of your client? You are too It's beyond my expectations."

"It's true what I say," said Holmes. "She can't get the money. What good will it do you to ruin this woman's life?"

"Mr. Holmes, you are wrong. If the news gets out, it will be of great benefit to me indirectly. I have eight or nine things to do on my hands. These people know that I am demanding a price from Ms. Eva." If you are tall, you will become more rational. You should understand."

Holmes stood up abruptly, and shouted, "Stand behind him, Watson, and don't let him go! Sir, we want to see what's in your book!"

Milverton slipped quickly to the side of the room and stood with his back against the wall.

He drew a gun from under the front of his coat, and said: "Mr. Holmes, I have long suspected that you were going to go too far. I have been threatened with such threats many times, but to no avail. I am fully armed, the law allows self-defense, and I am ready to use my gun at any time. And I am not foolish enough to bring all the letters. Gentlemen, I have one or two more people to see this evening, excuse me." He came over, picked up his coat, put his hand on the gun, turned around and walked towards the door.I raised a chair to stop him, but Holmes shook his head, and I lowered it again.Milverton bowed and left the house.

Holmes sat silently brooding by the fire for a good half an hour, then he arose with a gesture of determination and entered his bedroom.After a while, a playful young worker with a goatee and a very proud look came out.He lit his pipe and said: "I'll be back later, Watson." I knew he had arranged a contest with Charles Augustus Millverton, but it would never have occurred to me. The form of this battle is so special.

Holmes wore this costume to and fro all day long in those days.Needless to say, his time was spent in Helmsted, and things came a long way.Finally, on a stormy night, he returned from his expedition.He smiled smugly in his silently withdrawn way as he undressed.

"Watson, it doesn't occur to you that I am getting married?"

"No, absolutely not."

"I have good news for you: I'm engaged."

"My dear friend, I congratulate you."

"And engaged to the maid of Millverton."

"how could be?"

"Watson, I need information."

"Aren't you overdoing it a bit?"

"There's no way around it. I pretend to be a thriving plumber named Escot, and I'll go out with her every night and talk to her endlessly. So I put everything I need Got it."

"Holmes, what will happen to that girl?"

He shrugged.said:

"My dear Watson, that is all I have. The stakes are as such, and you must play as best you can. Fortunately there is a third between us, who will take my place as soon as I turn around."

"How do you like such bad weather?"

"It suits me, Watson, and to-day we are going to break into Milverton's house."

My whole body trembled when I heard it, I saw every possible consequence of this action at a glance - detection, arrest, ending a respected career with irreparable failure and humiliation, my friend will also be controlled In the hands of Milverton.

I said loudly: "You have to think twice before acting!"

"My dear friend, I took this risky step when I had no other choice. Think about it carefully, and you will think that we are morally justified in doing so, even if it is legally criminal. The reason we broke into his house was just to take away his notebook by force, and you won’t object to taking the notebook, right?”

I said, "Yes, as long as we're taking items that are being used for illegal purposes, we're morally justified in what we're doing."

"Since it is morally justified, then we only need to consider personal risks."

"You will be misunderstood."

"Yes, it takes risk. This lady has neither money nor loved ones to trust. The deadline is tomorrow, and if we don't clear up the letters tonight, that scoundrel will do what he says and make her This lady is ruined. Watson, the time will come between me and Milverton. The first time he won, but I will fight to the end, and my pride and honor will drive me to do so. "

I said, "I don't like doing it, but it's the only way to do it!"

"You don't have to go."

I said, "We have to go together. If I don't go on an adventure with you, I'll report you to the police."

"But you can't help me."

"How do you know? I've made up my mind. We both have pride and honor."

He patted me on the shoulder.

"Well, well, let's put it this way. Watson, I have always had the idea of ​​committing a highly profitable crime. Today is a rare opportunity. Look!" He produced a neat leather case "These are fine burglar's tools: nickel-plated crowbars, diamond-encrusted glass knives, skeleton keys, etc., which are perfect for any situation. Oh, and a lamp for the dark. We have everything ready, don't you have shoes that don't make noise when you walk?"

"I have rubber-soled tennis shoes."

"Very well, is there a mask?"

"You can make two out of black silk."

"Very well, you can just do two. Before midnight, we can start our work. In any case, we can return with Ms. Eva's letter before two o'clock in the morning."

Having put on our night-clothes, Holmes and I hired a cab to a place in Helmsted.Arriving, we buttoned up our coats, and we walked along the edge of the wasteland.

(End of this chapter)