by Arthur Conan Doyle

years incidents I speak took place, and yet with diffidence that I allude , even utmost discretion and reticence, it impossible to facts public; but now the principal person concerned is beyond the reach of human law, and with due suppression the story told fashion injure no one It records an absolutely unique experience career both of Mr Sherlock Holmes and of myself The reader will excuse me if I conceal the date or fact he might trace the actual occurrence

We out for evening rambles, Holmes and I, and had returned about six o'clock on cold, frosty winter's evening As Holmes turned up the lamp the light fell upon card table He glanced at it, and then, with an ejaculation of disgust, threw it floor I picked it up and read:--

Charles Augustus Milverton, Appledore Towers, Agent Hampstead

" he ? " I asked

"The worst man in London," Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his legs fire "Is anything back card ? "

I turned it over

"Will call at 6 30 -- C . M ,"

"Hum ! He's about due feel creeping, shrinking sensation, Watson, stand serpents Zoo the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures, with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces ? Well, that's how Milverton impresses me I've had with fifty murderers in my career, but the worst never the repulsion which fellow And yet 't get out of doing business -- indeed, here at my invitation "

"But he ? "

"I'll tell you, Watson He king of all the blackmailers Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come power of Milverton With smiling face and heart of marble squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry The fellow is genius way, and made his mark in some more savoury trade His method is as follows: He allows it known that prepared very high sums for letters which compromise people of wealth or position He receives these wares from treacherous valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians gained the confidence and affection of trusting women He deals with no niggard hand I happen that he paid seven hundred pounds to footman for note two lines in length, and ruin of noble family result Everything market goes to Milverton, and hundreds great city who turn white at his name No one knows where his grip may fall, for far too rich and far too cunning to work from hand to mouth hold card back for years to play it moment stake is best worth winning said that he worst man in London, and how could one compare the ruffian who in hot blood bludgeons his mate man, who methodically and at his leisure tortures the soul and wrings the nerves to add already swollen money-bags ? "

I had seldom heard my friend speak intensity of feeling

"But surely," said I, "the fellow grasp law ? "

"Technically, , but practically not What would it profit woman, for example, him ' imprisonment if her own ruin must immediately follow ? His victims dare not hit back If ever he blackmailed an innocent person, then, indeed, him; but as cunning Evil One No, no; find other ways to fight him "

"And why is he here ? "

"Because an illustrious client has placed her piteous case in my hands Lady Eva Brackwell, the most beautiful debutante of last season She married in fortnight Earl of Dovercourt This fiend has several imprudent letters -- imprudent, Watson, nothing worse -- which were written to an impecunious young squire country suffice to break off the match Milverton will send the letters Earl unless large sum of money is paid him commissioned to meet him, and -- to best terms "

instant clatter and rattle street below Looking down stately carriage and pair, the brilliant lamps gleaming glossy haunches noble chestnuts footman opened the door, and small, stout man in shaggy astrachan overcoat descended minute later room

Charles Augustus Milverton was man of fifty, with large, intellectual head, round, plump, hairless face, perpetual frozen smile, and two keen grey eyes, which gleamed brightly from behind broad, golden-rimmed glasses something of Mr Pickwick's benevolence appearance, marred only insincerity fixed smile and hard glitter restless and penetrating eyes His voice was as smooth and suave as his countenance, as he advanced with plump little hand extended, murmuring his regret for having missed us at his first visit Holmes disregarded the outstretched hand and looked at him with face of granite Milverton's smile broadened; he shrugged his shoulders, removed his overcoat, folded it with great deliberation over the back of chair, and then took seat

"This gentleman ? " said he, with wave in my direction " discreet ? right ? "

"Dr Watson is my friend and partner "

" , Mr Holmes only in your client's interests that I protested The matter is so very delicate ----"

"Dr Watson has already heard of it "

"Then proceed to business You say that acting for Lady Eva Has she empowered you to accept my terms ? "

" your terms ? "

"Seven thousand pounds "

" alternative ? "

"My , painful to discuss it; but money paid 14th there certainly no marriage 18th " His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever

Holmes thought for little

"You appear ," , at last, " taking matters for granted , , familiar contents letters My client will certainly do what advise counsel her her future husband the whole story and to trust generosity "

Milverton chuckled

"You evidently know the Earl," said he

baffled look upon Holmes's face I clearly that

"What harm letters ? " he asked

" sprightly -- very sprightly," Milverton answered "The lady was charming correspondent But assure you Earl of Dovercourt would fail to appreciate them However, since otherwise, let it rest purely matter of business best interests of your client letters placed hands Earl, then indeed be foolish so large sum of money to regain them " He rose and seized his astrachan coat

Holmes was grey with anger and mortification

"Wait little," "You go too fast certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate matter "

Milverton relapsed into his chair

" sure that see it light," he purred

" same time," Holmes continued, "Lady Eva wealthy woman I assure you that two thousand pounds drain upon her resources, and sum you name is utterly beyond her power I beg, therefore, that moderate your demands, return the letters price I indicate, , I assure you, the highest that "

Milverton's smile broadened eyes twinkled humorously

" aware that what you say is true lady's resources," said he " same time, admit occasion of lady's marriage is very suitable time for her friends and relatives some little effort upon her behalf hesitate an acceptable wedding present Let me assure them little bundle of letters would give more joy than all the candelabra and butter-dishes in London "

" impossible," said Holmes