Original subtitles

Any luck?

I found out what you wanted and something else besides.

What's that?

They know you're on their track and they're after you.

There's no need to get the wind up.

We're safe here in the hotel and my boat sails in an hour.

You're not safe anywhere with the Black Quorum after you.

Don't shout that name about in public.

Join me in my room in five minutes.

Number fourteen.

(GRUNTING)

Hello? Reception?

Send a doc to number fourteen, quick.

THE SNAKE: Has Lai Chang carried out the Snake's orders?

LN CHANG". Yes, Master.

THE SNAKE: Then Granite Grant will not catch the steamer tonight?

LN CHANG". No, Master.

-THE SNAKE: He is dead? -Yes, Master.

THE SNAKE: You have done well, Lai Chang.

The Black Quorum shall reward you.

-We||, Doctor? -He'll be all right.

I was afraid he was finished.

If the knife had gone in a quarter of an inch to the right, he would have been.

A narrow squeak.

Supposed to sail for London tonight.

It'll be a good six weeks before he's on board ship.

He's got to have absolute quiet or I won't answer for him.

I'll arrange to have him taken to hospital straightaway.

Thank you, Doctor.

(SHIP'S HORN SOUNDING)

The steamer...

Steady, old man.

So they got me after all.

Yes. The doctor says you'll be all right in time.

But I've got to catch the steamer.

I must be in London by the middle of... next month.

Oh, that's impossible.

The move now would kill you.

-Then you must catch it for me. -What can I do?

Go to Sexton Blake.

He's the one man who can deal with the Black Quorum.

Supposing he refuses?

He won't.

Not if you tell him they're the greatest crime organization of the century.

Tell him they're meeting in London soon.

And that the Snake will be there.

The master brain behind the whole concern.

If Sexton Blake can discover his identity,

then the Black Quorum can be broken up.

Where are they meeting?

Come closer.

-Finished your lunch, Mr Blake? -Yes, thank you, Mrs Bardell.

Quite sure you've had enough, sir?

Quite enough, thank you, when I'm not working.

It's a fair treat to see you taking it easy for a change.

Yes, we've been pretty busy these last six months.

If you'll forgive the liberty, Mr Blake,

I never did hold with your mixing yourself up

with them dangerous criminals and the like.

BLAKE: No, nor did the criminals, Mrs Bardell.

I live in terror of me life.

I'm always expecting one of them "crinima|s"

to come along here

and throw a bomb at you or something.

Oh, you're very old-fashioned, Mrs Bardell.

They... They don't throw bombs today.

-(EXPLOSION) -Oh, mercy on us! They've thrown it.

All right, you can put away your gun. It's only me.

-Mr Tinker! -What the deuce are you playing at?

Oh, it's nothing to worry about, Guv'nor.

It's just a small experiment with a delayed time fuse.

As per this article in Practical Flying.

-We||, what went wrong? -We||, nothing, really.

Except that it's supposed to delay and it didn't,

and it's not supposed to go off and it did.

Yes, you're an intelligent assistant to an eminent detective, aren't you?

Be better if you followed my advice and collected stamps.

Be safer for all of us.

The whole room's mussed up to a frazzle.

And if you think I'm clearing it up, you're very much mistaken.

That's quite right, Mrs Bardell.

Forward, Tinker, and unfrazzle your muss.

-(PHONE RINGING) -We||, answer that first.

Hello?

Hello?

It's a trunk call from Liverpool.

Hello?

Yes, this is Sexton Blake's house.

Who is it speaking?

What name?

Duval?

Duval? No, I've never heard of him. Anyway, I'm engaged this afternoon.

Um... I'm afraid Mr Blake's busy this afternoon.

What?

He says he's got an urgent message from Granite Grant.

Granite Grant? He's out East, isn't he?

Oh, I don't know. I'd better see the fella.

Yes, ask him what time he arrives in London.

Um, what time do you get to London?

About five?

-You'll come straight to Baker Street? -Yes, that'll be all right.

Yes, that's all right. Mr B|ake'll be in. Goodbye.

Where are you off to, Guv'n0r?

Cousin's stamp auction in the Strand.

As my holidays been out down to about three hours,

I'd better make the best of it.

Do you think this Duval chap's got hold of something exciting?

Well, I've never known old Granite mixed up in anything that wasn't exciting.

Oh, by gosh, I hope you're right.

I can't stand this hanging about doing nothing.

You don't have to. There's that room to put to rights.

Oh, that. I want something with a kick in it.

Granted as soon as asked, Tinker.

AUCTIONEER: ...a special attraction for collectors.

This beautiful series, on which Puchki Niser

has since plainly tried to improve,

was one of the most popular ever issued.

Now, what can I say to begin?

Twenty guineas? Any advance on twenty guineas?

Twenty-five guineas? Thank you, sir.

Twenty-five guineas? Going for twenty-five guineas.

Going, going, gone.

(BANGING GAVEL)

Now, then, ladies and gentlemen, number one hundred and fourteen,

as per catalogue.

A complete set of early Bermudas, unused and in perfect condition.

Now, what shall I say to start with? One hundred guineas?

It's ridiculously cheap, ladies and gentlemen.

There's not another set in existence like it.

Now, who'll bid me a hundred guineas?

Thank you, sir. Any advance on a hundred guineas?

A hundred and ten guineas? Thank you, sir.

-Well, how's Inspector Bramley? -Hello, Blake.

You're the last person I expected to see here.

I didn't know you were a stamp collector.

Hmm. I thought Scotland Yard collected fingerprints, not stamps.

-I'm here to collect pickpockets. -Oh? Any special one?

Flash Joe.

So you're not interested in stamps?

Don't know a thing about 'em.

You've come to the right place to learn.

This place is full of the biggest collectors.

Any advance on a hundred and sixty guineas?

Thank you, sir. One hundred and eighty guineas bid.

That's Mikakis, the, er, Greek.

AUCTIONEER: Thank you, sir. Two hundred guineas bid.

-And that's Gelder. -Any advance on two hundred guineas?

Two-twenty guineas bid.

(WHISTLING)

Talent, he's going high.

AUCTIONEER: Any advance on two-twenty?

Two hundred and forty guineas I am bid.

And that's Borgen from Oslo.

AUCTIONEER: Any advance? Going...

Thank you, sir. Two hundred and sixty guineas.

Any advance on two hundred and sixty guineas?

Going, going, gone!

Sold for two hundred and sixty guineas to Mr Michael Larron.

And that Mr Larron, he's the biggest of the lot.

Multimillionaire. Never set eyes on him before.

His name's a household word in the stamp world.

Well, it doesn't mean a thing to me.

And if you've finished your lecture, I'll get on with my job.

-Here, what the devil are you doing? -What's the matter?

Merely giving you a hand. Thought you wanted Flash Joe.

Well, here he is. If I'm not mistaken, he's got your watch in his hand.

Well, I'm...! Come on, you.

Always glad to be of assistance, Inspector.

Oh, it's quite impossible to compete against you, Mr Larron.

At least we remain friendly competitors, eh?

-Yes. -Congratulations.

Generous as ever, eh, my dear Gelder?

Ah, Talent, this is indeed a pleasure.

-I want your advice, Mr Larron. -Yes?

About lot one-four-eight.

I say those blue Cyprus have imperfect perforations.

-And I say that they are perfect. -That is nonsense!

Come, come, my friends. Let me be the arbitrator between you.

Now, with regard to the blue Cyprus...

(LOWERING VOICE) Meet tonight at ten o'clock, everyone.

-Everything is working smoothly? -Yes, according to Max Fleming.

He's to join us here.

(NORMAL VOLUME) Now, with regard to the Cyprus in question.

Its rarity is mainly due to its unique perforation.

-This is wonderful. -What is, Julie?

To see in one room so many people with...

How do you say it? "One foot in the grave"?

(CHUCKLING) They're not quite so bad as that.

Max, Mon cher.

If, to collect stamps, one must look like this, it is no hobby for me.

(CHUCKLING)

-Who's the lady? -I've never seen her before.

Fleming should have come alone.

-She's very beautiful. -Does that matter?

Only that I admire all beautiful women.

But we have business with him.

That's true. Bergen, fetch him over here.

-Let me show you some of the exhibits. -I have no interest for exhibits.

-|t's the people I like to watch. -Mr Fleming.

Oh, how do you do, Mr Bergen?

If you can spare a moment, Mr Larron would like a word with you.

I should be delighted in a few minutes.

Oh, go now, my friend. I would not interfere with your business.

-You'll wait for me? -But of course.

Perhaps, as you say, I should examine the...

exhibits.

Julie!

My dear friend. What a delightful surprise.

-But I'd no idea you were in London. -I crossed from Paris last week.

Oh, you never even took the trouble to let me know.

-You are always so busy. -I'm not too busy to see you.

I, too, have been busy. Clothes to buy and friends to see.

Not to mention adventure, excitement, thrills.

I know you, Julie. You're up to your tricks again.

-Tricks? -You're on a job, aren't you?

-My friend, I don't understand. -Oh, I see. Professional jealousy.

Just because you're an accredited agent of your government,

you won't allow a mere private detective in on your secrets?

If you must talk nonsense, please choose a less public place.

Would you mind if I give you a little advice?

Don't I always listen to my good friend's advice?

Well, be careful, Julie.

One of these days, you may find yourself

mixed up in something too much for you.

Secret Service is bad enough,

but fighting organised crime is even more dangerous.

-I can look after myself. -Yes, you've been able to so far.

But, as you yourself pointed out, I'm a very busy man.

And what has that got to do with it?

Well, I may not always have the chance to come to your rescue.

We meet tonight at ten.

And now, my dear Max, what about your so charming lady friend?

She has promised to wait for me, Mr Larron.

Don't you think we'd better go and find her?

-Oh, please don't you bother about it. -No bother at all.

It would be a pleasure. I'm most anxious to be presented to her.

But, Mr Larron...

I said I was most anxious to be presented to her.

I find her...

irresistible.

Then you mean I can't persuade you to spare me

even one evening during your stay?

I am desolated, my friend, but I have engagements every night.

One moment, Max.

Do you know the gentleman to whom your lady friend is now talking?

No, I've never seen him before.

That, my dear Max, is Sexton Blake.

-What? -Ssh-ssh-ssh-ssh-ssh.

There was one thing I wanted to ask you.

Have you had any news of Granite Grant lately?

Not for weeks, even months. He's somewhere out East, I believe.

Yes, that's what I heard.

Tell me, do you know anything about a man called Duval?

No.

I thought perhaps you might. Presumably he's a countryman of yours.

I don't recall him. But why do you ask?

BLAKE: I had a telephone call this afternoon from a man named Duval

who told me he'd got an urgent message from Granite Grant.

-JULIE: What was it? -BLAKE: He wouldn't say on the telephone.

Apparently, he'd just landed in Liverpool,

and he's coming to see me at Baker Street at five.

-That is interesting. -Oh, it may be nothing at all.

Still, I should like to hear that message.

Does that mean that you will spare me a little time, after all?

It means that you can ring me up at the Ritz Hotel. Room 64.

And now, my friend, I must rejoin my cavalier. Goodbye.

I prefer it in your own language.

Au revoir.

-You heard that? -Yes.

It's a matter that must be attended to immediately.

I understand perfectly.

There must be no bungling. It's vital.

I shan't bungle it. You can leave it to me.

Ah, here comes your charming young lady friend.

-Have you finished your business, Max? -Yes.

I'm sorry to have detained Mr Fleming for so long.

-My dear Max, won't you present me? -Oh, I beg your pardon.

Er, Julie, this is Mr Michael Larron. Mademoiselle Jeanfleur.

I'm so charmed to meet you, Monsieur Larron.

I have so often heard about you.

Mademoiselle, this is indeed a pleasure.

Julie, I have some urgent business to attend to.

-I'm afraid we must get along. -You must, my dear Max.

But there's no reason why mademoiselle need be hurried.

While you attend to your business, perhaps I might offer her some tea.

But, Mr Larron, I have...

I accept your invitation, Monsieur Larron.

Then I'm enchanted.

Run along, my dear Max. Don't let me detain you.

(CLOCK CHIMING)

(KNOCKING)

Oh, come in, Mr Duval.

Excuse me a moment. An important clue.

Take a chair.

There are some cigarettes on the table. I won't be long now.

You certainly won't.

Whatever are you doing in the master's dressing gown?

Well, he's not back yet

and Mr Duva|'s due, and so I thought I'd...

You think again, but without the dressing gown.

Come on, off with it.

Nothing but a regular swankpot, that's what you are.

All right, keep your hair on, Mrs B.

And don't you call me "Mrs B".

Just as you say. I'll never call you "Mrs B" again, Mrs B.

-(DOORBELL RINGING) -That'll be Mr Duval.

-Er, Mr Duval? -Yes. Mr Sexton Blake?

No, no, I'm his assistant. Mr Blake's not back yet.

But it's vital I should see him. He said, er... he'd be here.

Oh, yes, he'll be back at any minute. He's expecting you.

-Er... Won't you sit down? -Thank you.

Who opened that window?

I did.

Where's Duval?

Either he's still seasick or he's...

-By gosh, what's happened? -Something pretty serious. Look.

-That's a South American blowpipe arrow. -Then, you mean...?

-Poor Duval. -|'m afraid so.

These blowpipe arrows are usually dipped in curare,

one of the deadliest poisons in the world.

Yes, he's...

-He's quite dead. -We||, what's it all mean?

-That's what we've got to find out. -We||, what's the first move, Guv'n0r?

Ring up Scotland Yard. Get hold of Inspector Bramley.

Well?

We shan't have any more trouble with Duval.

-He's dead, then? -Quite particularly dead.

Do you get him on the train?

No. That idiot Smetov bungled it.

-I told you I'd have to deal with him. -Where did you get him?

As a matter of fact, in Sexton Blake's rooms.

-What?! -Yes.

I thought it was rather a neat piece of work. I was rather proud of it.

Fool. How can you be sure he hasn't passed on all he knows to Blake?

He didn't have time. Besides, what was there he could have known?

It's a risk, and I never permit risks.

-Clumsy work, Fleming. -But, Chief, I should have thought...

I should have attended to do it myself.

You're a lot of bunglers, all of you.

It's always I who have to get you out of your troubles.

I understand you let him in. What happened?

-I opened the door to him. -That all you did?

What did you expect me to do? Dance the Highland Fling?

It's all correct, sir.

All right, have him taken to the mortuary.

-|'|| see you in my office later. -Yes, sir.

You say he came by taxi.

That's what I said and that's what I mean.

Ah, well, we shouldn't have much trouble in tracing the taxi.

That won't help you very much.

-It'll tell us where it came from. -We||, I could tell you that. Euston.

-Why didn't you say so before? -Because you didn't ask me.

If you'd leave the whole matter to Mr Blake,

you'd save yourself a lot of trouble.

He's a detective.

-|t's all right, you can go. -Thank you.

Now, listen to me, Blake, this case is in the hands of the police,

and we are perfectly capable of handling it ourselves.

We don't want any help from amateurs.

-That's very interesting, isn't it? -What is?

That pen.

I don't see anything interesting in a fountain pen.

-Especially when it's empty. -How do you know it's empty?

'Cause it won't write. I've tried it.

It doesn't follow that because a pen won't write that it's empty.

No, and it doesn't follow that Mr Sexton Blake

is cleverer than anybody else in the world.

-There I'm in entire agreement with you. -Good.

All the same, I must admit I find it very puzzling.

Ooh, you would.

The one thing I made sure must be in his pocket isn't there.

-Oh? What's that? -A piece of blank paper.

Hmm, no doubt you'd have been able to get his life story from it.

But I'd have preferred his name and address.

-We||, good day to you, Blake. -Good afternoon, Inspector.

-Good hunting. -It'll be good hunting all right.

And we'll rely on our own hounds.

Lucky Pedro wasn't in the room. He might have felt insulted.

If you ask me, Guv'nor, that man's a blind fool.

Who? Old Bramley? No, no, he's all right,

but you've got to admit we have done it on him once or twice.

All the same, it... it doesn't make sense.

-What doesn't, Guv'n0r? -The contents of Duva|'s pockets.

Look here, it stands to reason

that if a man has a fountain pen filled with invisible ink that he's used it.

Well, I'd... I'd have staked my oath that he'd had a piece of blank paper.

-But he had, Guv'nor. -What's that?

He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket

and it fell to the ground just before he dropped.

-We||, where is it? -I put it on the mantelpiece here...

Good Lord, Tinker! Look here. Now we have done it.

Oh, it's all my fault, but I forgot all about it until this moment.

Well, it can't be helped. Perhaps we may be right here.

Look here, get the solvent. The potassium solvent.

Better make a copy of that, Tinker.

"Quorum. Squaring the circle.

"51D, 30M and 8MW.

"Number 13. The snake is coiled."

Well, now we've got 'em, Guv'nor. Have you any idea what they mean?

Not the faintest. But we'll find out.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello?

It... It's Inspector Bramley, Guv'nor.

He wants you to go to Scotland Yard immediately.

All right, tell him I'll come straight along.

All right, Mr B|ake'll be along straight away. Goodbye.

-We||, I'd better be getting along. -We||, what shall I do, Guv'n0r?

Oh, concentrate on that code message

and see if you can make some sense out of it.

There's a gentleman to see Mr Blake.

-He's out. -I know that and I told him so.

But he said he wanted to see you.

Did he?

I told him he was only wasting his time, but he still wants to.

Well, show him in, Mrs B.

I mean Mrs Bardell.

The Reverend D'Arcy Smith.

Have I the honour of addressing the famous Mr Tinker?

Yes. But I don't know about the "famous".

Well, why not? Your name is a household word.

Next, of course, to that of your illustrious master, Mr Sexton Blake.

Oh, that's very kind of you. ls there anything I can do for you?

I called to see if I could interest Mr Blake in one of my charities.

-What is it? -It is a society formed by philatelists,

for sending poor, crippled children away for an annual seaside holiday.

Oh, sounds a grand scheme.

Your master is, I understand, a very famous philatelist.

Oh, he is. But I'm afraid he's out.

-So I gather. -But if you care to wait...

-Thank you. -Won't you sit down?

You're extremely kind.

I'm most anxious to see Mr Blake,

but I fear I've called at a rather inconvenient time.

I understand from your very excellent housekeeper

that a calamitous tragedy has occurred here today.

Yes, I suppose there has.

Sudden death is always so terrible, is it not?

Yes, but in our kind of business, one seems to get used to it.

True. And in mine.

And in mine.

-Oh, have one of these. -Thank you, no.

I am a confirmed cigar smoker.

-I wonder if I might be permitted... -What?

-To offer you one. -Oh, why shouldn't you be?

I was thinking one of such extreme youth...

(TINKER CHUCKLING)

It won't be the first cigar I've smoked, by a long chalk.

No, so I perceive.

Your worldwide experience, eh?

-Allow me. -(CLEARING THROAT)

Was the deceased a personal friend of Mr Blake's?

No. As a matter of fact, he was a total stranger.

You mean they'd never met? Not even this afternoon?

No, they... they never even spoke to each other.

Ah, that mitigates the tragedy.

I hope your cigar is drawing freely.

Yes, perfectly, thanks. It's the finest I've ever smoked.

I'm glad to hear it. Glad indeed.

May I ask, did you hold any conversation with the deceased?

Only a few words.

-Nothing important. -Oh.

Then you've no idea of the business that brought him here to see Mr Blake today?

Well, as a matter of fact, we have.

We've disc...

I don't understand.

But, I tell you, I didn't send any message at all.

You mean that telephone call was a hoax?

-Looks like it. -This is serious.

-I must get along at once. -More likely to be a practical joke.

-Oh, this wasn't a joke. -All right, have it your own way.

I'm busy.

Tell me...

Have you ever heard of anything called the Quorum?

-You mean the Black Quorum? -Possibly. What are they?

Only the most powerful criminal organization

in this country and the Continent.

Mmm, that's interesting. Any specialities?

They specialise in every possible form of crime.

They're the biggest menace to society we've ever known.

Any interference with their plans and they kill.

A perfect organization with a master brain at the head.

If only we could lay our hands on the Snake.

-The Snake? -The man who runs the whole show.

But he's as slippery as an eel.

We can't get any line onto who he is.

We shall soon now, Bramley.

What are you... What are you talking about?

Thanks to Duval.

Now, listen here, if you're trying to say this afternoon's business

was connected with the Black Quorum, I'll blow up.

Now, why should it?

Why do you bloomin' amateurs always try and dramatise

anything that happens to you?

-It makes me sick. -All right, Bramley, calm down.

I'll do as you want and I'll leave you to be sick alone.

He sat in that chair, we lit our cigars, and that's all I remember.

That'll teach you not to smoke cigars till you can stand up to 'em.

We've got to be fair to him, Mrs Bardell.

That cigar must have been drugged.

Drugged? Oh, the poor dear.

But he was such a kind, respectable gentleman. And a clergyman.

It takes more than a collar the wrong way round to make a clergyman.

Well! Bombs exploding,

men falling dead,

drugged cigars...

What kind of place is this, I'd like to know?

A gentleman's house or the chamber of horrors?

(DOOR CLOSING)

(CHUCKLING) Poor Mrs Bardell.

She's had a trying day.

-Well, how are you feeling, Tinker? -Oh, I'm all right, Guv'nor.

Well, come over here and rest on the sofa for a bit.

Be more comfortable here.

(GRUNTING)

-All right? -Yes, thank you.

-What do you make of it all, Guv'nor? -I'm sure I don't know.

This Reverend D'Arcy Smith rather puzzles me for the moment.

Can't think what he was after. Apparently nothing's been touched.

-Oh, had any luck with that? -Can't make head nor tail of it.

-Well, I'll have a shot. -Well, shall I come and help you?

No, you take it easy for a bit. Here's your book.

"Five-one D. Three-oh MN...

"And eight DW."

Know anything about the stars, Guv'n0r?

No, not much. Why?

Well, apparently you've got to if you're gonna be a pilot. Listen to this.

"Suppose you're on a night raid and your objective is London.

"It's essential to be able to check your position by the stars.

"London is roughly fifty-one degrees, thirty minutes north latitude..."

What's that?

"London is roughly fifty-one degrees, thirty minutes north latitude."

Tinker, you've solved it!

What are you talking about, Guv'n0r?

"51 D, 3OIVIN"

means fifty-one degrees, thirty minutes north latitude,

which is London.

"8 DW" means eight degrees west longitude.

By golly, I believe we're on something.

Quick, get an atlas.

Here's the latitude line. Now, the longitude, where's that?

Eight degrees...

TINKER: Huh! Well, that won't help us much,

unless there's a desert island there.

BLAKE: Yes, which there isn't. Look here, we'd better check up

and see we've got the letters down correctly.

-Oh, there's no doubt about that. -Better make sure.

"51 D, 3OIVIN and SIVIVV."

NO, no, IIDVV".

What? It says "MW" here.

_ltlS "DH- -Now, I see!

The M's been changed to D.

So that's what the Reverend D'Arcy Smith was after.

-But I don't understand, Guv'nor. -But don't you see?

"8MW" means eight minutes west longitude, not eight degrees.

By changing the M to D,

he's thrown us about five hundred miles out of our reckoning.

The cunning old devil.

But why hasn't he destroyed the paper if that's what he was after?

Because he'd have aroused our suspicions.

As it was, he wanted to destroy the value of the clue.

Look here, Tinker, where's the large-scale map of London?

That's the spot.

Now we draw a circle an inch in diameter.

Why, Guvnor'?

Because the scale of the map's an inch to the mile,

and a minute of latitude's also a mile.

-Ah. -Now we've got it. Look here.

It isn't squaring the circle. It's the square in the circle.

Caversham Square.

At last, things are beginning to move.

Come on, Tinker. We're on the trail.

Well, where are we off to, Guv'n0r?

Number thirteen, Caversham Square.

THE SNAKE: Any further business?

MAN: May I remind the Snake of the case of the honourable Peter Monteson?

THE SNAKE: Oh, yes, I had forgotten. How much has he lost at roulette?

MAN: Eleven thousand pounds.

Here is his cheque,

dishonoured.

THE SNAKE: Then he is right for our purpose?

MAN: In my opinion, yes.

THE SNAKE: And, rather than face exposure,

we will place his services at our disposal?

-MAN: That is my belief. -THE SNAKE: Good.

Gentlemen, I had him in mind for the saccharin smuggling business.

Now, gentlemen, I have something interesting to demonstrate to you,

so will you please all uncover?

This ingenious device, gentlemen,

is a combination of the old-fashioned camera obscura

and the latest developments in television.

It enables me to keep a close watch on all our visitors

and thus eliminate any suspicious character.

And now we'll have a look in the main salon.

Quite a satisfactory gathering.

I think you'll admit, gentlemen, our business progresses.

Excellent, Mr Larron, and quite worthy of you.

And that, gentlemen, concludes our business for this evening.

That's number twelve. Where the devil's number thirteen?

Hmm. That's what we've got to find out.

Think you'd better go to the other side of the square

and check the numbers there.

Where shall I meet you?

Hmm? Here, or hereabouts.

(INAUDIBLE)

Paper, Miss?

"The snake is coiled."

All clear, Miss.

I'm expecting a friend to visit us tonight.

It's Julie!

And why shouldn't it be Mademoiselle Julie?

-How did she find out about this place? -I invited her myself.

It's madness.

On the contrary, my dear Max,

it may provide a very pleasant experience for me.

And how do you know that you can trust her?

Anyone that you can trust, Max, surely merits my trust also.

-Mr Larron... -I do not wish to argue, Max.

Go down and entertain her with a little gambling,

and, later on, bring her up hereto see me.

"The snake is coiled."

All clear, Guv'nor.

We have an unwelcome visitor.

MAN". You mean the police?

Perhaps.

Make the usual arrangements immediately.

-Down the alleyway, isn't it? -That's right. First door on the left.

Evening paper, sir?

Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.

Excuse me, sir.

(CLUNKING)

LARRON: Don't move.

Put your hands up, please, Mr Sexton Blake.

And so, the famous Mr Blake is interested in my little waxwork show.

I am indeed flattered.

You've every reason to be.

You, I presume, are the Snake.

Correct. Another example of your brilliant powers of deduction.

Yes, when we've got through exchanging civilities,

perhaps we can get down to business.

But certainly.

Before I shoot a man, I always like to exchange civilities with him.

Stand just where you are.

-When is the shooting about to begin? -This very minute.

Suits me perfectly!

(GUNSHOT)

(GUNSHOTS)

You win, Mr Blake.

A fine example of your brilliant deductive reasoning.

Not too uncomfortable, I trust, Mr Blake?

Amusing toy, isn't it?

It warned me of your approach.

And now, it tells me the coast is clear.

Ingenious little device. Don't you think so?

-Seen my guv'n0r anywhere? -Sorry. I never went to borstal.

-What? -Here, what's he like?

Oh, tallish and got a black hat on and a short coat.

No, I ain't seen him.

And I surely would have remembered him.

-Why? -From your description.

He ain't wearing any trousers.

It will increase your suffering to be able to shout for help,

knowing that the house is entirely empty.

You interfering fool of a detective.

Tinker.

Tinker!

Tinker!

(COUGHING)

How are you, Guvnor'?

-Oh, I'm all right. -You ought to see a doctor.

A doctor? No, thank you. No doctors for me.

They might start asking awkward questions, eh, Tinker?

-That's right. -I can be as awkward as any doctor.

And I'm going to put my foot down.

You can't go on like this, Mr Blake.

If you don't stop this rampaging about, them crimina|s'll be the death of you,

as sure as eggs is eggs.

-Eggs! You've said it. -What's that?

The only thing that'll save my life.

Two lightly poached eggs and a cup of coffee.

-What you need is beef tea. -But what I want is eggs.

Have it your own way, sir.

-Where's Julie? -Gone to Paris.

-What, already? -Yes, she said it was imperative.

Didn't she leave any message?

-As a matter of fact, she did. -What was it?

She said, "Tell him he may not always have time to come to my rescue,

"but I found time to come to his."

Deter en herre her ute som gjerne vil snakke med dem.

Han sier han har en avtale.

-Vis ham inn, Karen Marie. -JaveL.

But, remember, I'm at home to no-one else.

Neivel.

Julie, I've been counting the minutes till I saw you again.

You counted too much. You're late.

Nearly ten minutes late.

Darling, I'm a busy man.

As busy in Paris as you were in London?

And more so.

And, er, in the same line of business?

What possible interest could my business have for you, Julie?

Oh, of the very greatest.

Why should it?

Isn't every woman interested in a friend's business?

And am I your friend?

Only you can answer that question, Max.

Oh, darling, how can I prove it to you?

By taking me out and giving me a good time.

That's not so easy.

But, if you could do it in London, surely in Paris it'll be child's play.

-That house in Caversham Square... -What about it?

Only that it was exciting. I enjoyed it.

Also meeting that charming Monsieur Larron.

He lives here in Paris, doesn't he?

Yes, yes.

I should like to meet him again.

Julie, why can't you be content with me?

I might be if you could really amuse me.

You must know of somewhere like Caversham Square here in Paris.

And supposing I do?

Max, take me to it. Say you'll take me.

-When? -Tonight.

No, no, I... I... I've got a meeting tonight, Julie.

Oh, I see. You're only a friend out of business hours.

Oh, darling, don't be so angry. I...

I'll take you.

We'll go out together tonight, you and I.

Then you'll take me to this mysterious house?

-Yes, I will. -Where is it?

Well, in order to make it more exciting, that'll remain a secret.

That's Julie's house. Number thirty-eight.

-Shall I come in with you, Guv'nor? -Hmm?

-Did you notice that man? -Not particularly.

-Looked like a Chinee to me. -Exactly.

Look here, Tinker, you hang around here and keep your eyes open.

Then you'll call for me here at nine o'clock?

As it's striking. I shan't be even one minute late.

Where shall we dine?

Well, that, too, had better remain a secret for the present.

Really, Max, this promises to be the evening of my life.

-And if it is, Julie? -What, Max?

Please, Max!

(DOOR OPENING)

How dare you burst in like this?

Your watchdog did his best to prevent me.

But I was anxious to see you.

And I was anxious not to be disturbed.

Won't you introduce me to your friend?

I know you're in a hurry, Max, so shall we say au revoil'?

-Nine o'clock tonight. -Without fail.

You seem to have a habit of turning up

at the most inconvenient moment, Mon ami.

I hoped I'd been able to repay you for rescuing me by rescuing you.

I can assure you, I never need rescuing.

So you said before.

Look here, Julie, who is that man?

-A friend of mine. -We||, scratch him off your list.

-Why? -Because he's a bad hat.

-How do you know? -|'m an expert in lounge lizardry.

Another brilliant deduction by the famous detective?

No, Julie, by the man, not the detective.

I know you well enough to know you'd never allow yourself

to get mixed up with a man of this type unless you were on a job.

Ah, you English are so staid and proper.

Can't you understand that a woman sometimes enjoys the company

of a man who's not strictly... comme il faut?

All of which means that you won't work in with me?

I don't understand what you're talking about.

-Julie, I need your help. -Have I denied it?

Have you ever heard of a man called Michael Larron?

-The famous stamp collector? -Yes. Do you know him?

Yes, I have met him.

He bought a valuable set of Bermudian stamps from Cousin's Auction Rooms.

I have very little interest in stamps.

I happened to find a stamp from that collection

on the floor of the house in Caversham Square

before it was set on fire.

Which is very interesting, but proves nothing.

Exactly.

Not until I've seen Mr Larron's collection

and find out whether that stamp's missing.

And what has all this got to do with me?

Frankly, Julie, I want you to help me get in touch with Mr Larron.

He's only an acquaintance.

Yes, I know, but, still, you could if you...

My friend, this is all very interesting to you, but terribly boring to me.

I apologise.

I do so much prefer the man to the detective.

And I so much prefer the woman.

You used to be so amusing in the old days.

Then I'll recapture my youth.

-Tonight you shall dine with me. -I'm sorry.

I'm taking no refusal this time.

What time shall I call for you?

Shall we say, um... ten o'clock?

All right, ten it is.

And we'll see if we can't make a comme il faut evening amusing as well.

And don't forget, Julie,

you're much too attractive to get mixed up with a gang of crooks.

-Anything to report, Tinker? -Not a thing. Not even an apache.

Paris is a really dull place after London.

Don't you worry. Things are gonna brighten up, all right.

What's the next move?

Look here, Tinker, stay here and keep an eye on Julie's house.

Julie's in danger. Great danger.

It's up to you and I to get her out of it.

You mean the Black Quorum?

-You've said it. -Where are you going now?

I'm going to see Monsieur Charron, the prefect of police.

It's time we got some official help on this.

You'll come back here?

You bet your life I will at ten o'clock.

My dear Blake, let me repeat again

that, to the best of my knowledge and belief,

Monsieur Michel Larron is an entirely blameless and respectable citizen,

besides being a multimillionaire.

I could not possibly interfere with him in any way

without the most positive proof.

But all I'm asking you, Bertrand, is to help me get that proof.

Which I am desolated to say is equally impossible.

Why?

Do you represent our good friend Bramley of Scotland Yard?

No, I'm afraid I've got to admit I haven't that privilege.

Then, Mon ami, what can I do?

Your capacity is unofficial. As a friend, I'll do anything.

But as prefect of police, I can do nothing.

Yes, but surely to heaven you're as keen as Bramley

in scotching the Black Quorum by establishing the identity of the Snake?

But of course.

Well, that's exactly what I'm offering to do for you.

In other words, to give us outside assistance.

Yes.

Neither Scotland Yard nor the Paris SC/reté need outside assistance.

We are perfectly capable of handling our own affairs.

Well, if that's the case, I suppose I'll have to play a lone hand.

I'm afraid you will.

What's that you're looking at?

-Hairs, my friend. -Hairs? Whose hairs?

Six hairs from the heads of six different persons.

And one of those persons is the murderer.

-You don't say. May I have a look? -You may.

By Jove, that's interesting.

I really believe I know where that hair comes from.

-Where? -My dog, Pedro.

Give me Scotland Yard. Inspector Bramley.

(INAUDIBLE)

(VEHICLE APPROACHING)

Punctual to the minute, Max.

You know, I couldn't afford to waste even one moment.

-Where are we dining? -Er, La Mousse aux Praises.

-I don't know it. -Very select.

Reserved for gourmets and beautiful women.

La Mousse aux Praises, Albert.

Hey, taxi!

Voulez-vous, um... um...

Oh, follow that car to La Mousse aux Fraises.

-La Mousse aux Praises. -Oui, monsieur.

LARRON: Only an hour before this meeting was due to start,

I received a message from Fleming saying he was unable to attend.

-MAN: Did he give any reason? -LARRON: None.

-MAN: I don't like the sound of it. -LARRON: Neither did I.

Consequently, I took precautions.

What have you to tell us?

(SPEAKING CHINESE)

Our friend Fleming is playing a game of his own.

A game it is necessary I should deal with.

You will await my return.

Liqueur, monsieur'?

Oh, what will you have, Julie?

Um... Chartreuse.

Chartreuse verte. Et, pour moi...

Bien, monsieur.

-And tell me, did you enjoy your dinner? -It was exquisite, Max.

Julie, you look so lovely.

Your eyes are shining.

That's in anticipation of the excitement you promised me.

Tell me, Max, where are we going?

Please tell me.

LARRON: Don't be so ungallant, my dear Max.

Why don't you answer the lady?

Monsieur Larron! How charming to see you again.

The pleasure is mine, dear lady. This is indeed a lucky chance.

An important appointment fell through at the last moment

and I was faced with a long and boring evening.

Oh, I could not bear that.

Monsieur Larron must join us, mustn't he, Max?

I hope you don't disapprove of the lady's charming invitation.

-Please, Max. -No, of course not. Delighted.

-Gargon. -WAITER: Oui, madame?

Now, may I ask,

how were you two young people going to spend the evening?

Ah, Mademoiselle Julie er nok ikke hjemme.

-I beg your pardon? -Mademoiselle Julie er nok ikke hjemme.

Men hvis DE er Mister Blake sé harjeg en beskjed til dem.

-Er DE Mister Blake? -Mr Blake, yes. I'm Mr Blake, yes.

Mademoiselle Julie be meg gi dem nette, vwrségod.

You mean, er... Mademoiselle Julie is not in?

Mem er ikke hjemme. Hun ba meg gi dem dette sé DE kan lese.

I'll take no refusal.

I'm the intruder, therefore it's for me to provide the party.

You must come to my house.

But really, Mr Larron, I promised to take Julie round and...

and show her some of the secret thrills of Paris.

I can promise mademoiselle that I will show her more thrills

than she can ever have imagined.

But that sounds wonderful. Of course I'll accept.

-But, Mr Larron... -The matter is settled.

We might as well start. My car is at the door.

Here, Horace...

(WHISPERING)

-Mademoiselle will permit me? -Thank you.

And when do the thrills start, Monsieur Larron?

Soon, dear lady. Very soon now.

Meanwhile, let's make ourselves comfortable.

My dear Max, will you have a cigarette?

Thanks.

Don't hesitate. Take one.

No, thanks. I've changed my mind.

JULIE: If you don't mind, I think I'll take one.

Don't, Julie.

So highly strung, my dear Max.

So very highly strung.

Aren't you going to give the lady a light?

Now, if you'll excuse me for a few moments...

-Of course. -I can promise you I won't be long.

And, on my return, we'll see what we can do in the way of...

thrills.

-Julie, we've got to get out of this. -But, Max, we've only just arrived.

If we remain here, our lives won't be worth that.

If this is your idea of giving me a thrill, I'm afraid it's a very poor one.

Can't you see that I'm serious?

You don't know this man Larron like I do.

I'm hoping to get to know him better this evening.

Julie, I tell you, you've got to come now while there's still a chance.

And I tell you, nothing will persuade me to go.

You little fool.

Do you realise that Larron is no-one else but the Snake himself?

The leader of the Black Quorum

and the most dangerous criminal and murderer alive today.

I know, because I work for him.

If ever we get out of here, I'll put the police onto him and...

Look.

Look!

You treacherous rat.

Out of your own mouth you stand condemned.

No, I... I haven't done anything. I swear I haven't.

I haven't done a thing! It's the woman! She's a spy.

She's in league with Sexton Blake!

Oh, stop that squealing.

You tried to double-cross the Black Quorum.

You tried to double-cross me over the woman.

There's only one penalty for such treachery.

-And that's death. -MAX: No, no, no! Don't shoot!

Don't... Don't... I'll do anything you say, only don't shoot!

(GUNSHOT)

So, mademoiselle, you and I are alone at last.

Keep away from me.

Is that the way to speak to a devoted admirer?

-You're a criminal and a murderer. -You little fool.

Don't you realise that the game is up?

The Black Quorum has seen through your treacheries.

I, and I alone, can save you from theirjudgement.

-Let me go. -Julie, Julie.

I'm rich. I can give you furs, jewels.

Isn't that better than the death chamber?

I'd rather die.

Lai Chang.

Take her to the council chamber.

Hands up and stand still.

-Do as I bid you! -If you move, I'll fire!

I'm sorry to disappoint you, mademoiselle,

but your revolver is not loaded.

-Do as I bid you. -You can't bluff me like that.

I warn you, I shall fire.

-Must I do all my own work myself? -(GUN CLICKING)

(CHUCKLING)

You see, mademoiselle, I took the precaution of removing the cartridges

as we came along in the car.

Excuse me, monsieur, but you are Mr Blake?

-Yes. -You are expecting to meet a friend?

-That's right. Where is he? -He has gone.

-Gone? -Yes. But he has left a message.

Well, what is it?

He say he cannot wait, but he is suffering from "Larron-gitis".

-Will you please follow? -Laryngitis?

No, no, monsieur. "Larron-gitis."

Larron! Gosh, Tinker!

LARRON: So, in view of the overwhelming evidence against the prisoner,

I must ask the Black Quorum to pronounce a verdict of guilty.

Has mademoiselle anything to say against that?

Very well.

It is my submission that the only possible sentence is...

the death chamber.

So be it.

This session is now concluded.

I myself will supervise the execution of the Black Quorum's judgment.

Bring her over here.

Lai Chang, open the death chamber.

So young, so beautiful,

and yet you choose death.

An unknown death that will creep upon you unawares.

Stick 'em up, Larron!

Oh, my young friend Tinker.

-Mr Tinker to you. -As you will, Mr Tinker.

May I offer you another cigar?

TINKER: Here, none of your silly nonsense!

The Reverend D'Arcy Smith.

Where's Julie?

What have you done with her? Come on.

(GROANING)

LARRON: Put him inside.

-Chief! -LARRONI What is it?

-Sexton Blake is here. -Sexton Blake?

Yes, he says he wants to see Mr Larron. Something about some stamps.

I'll come and settle with Mr Blake immediately.

(GROANING)

Julie.

-Are you all right? -Yes, but what about you?

Oh, I'm all right. No harm done.

How did you get here?

I've been tailing you the whole evening.

-But why? -Guv'nor's orders.

He guessed you'd get mixed up in a spot of bother.

You should have mucked in with us on this job, as he suggested.

When I'm on a job, as you call it, Tinker, I play a lone hand.

Then you are working for the French secret service?

That's why you were so pally with that bloke Fleming.

-You were pumping him. -Yes.

To discover who the Snake was.

The mastermind behind the Black Quorum.

-But you know what this place is? -(CHUCKLING)

-Looks like a cellar to me. -It's the Snake's death chamber.

My dear Mr Blake, what a charming surprise.

Very good of you to see me, Mr Larron, especially as we haven't met before.

I've heard so much about you. I feel we're quite old friends.

I wanted to see you. A matter of some stamps.

Oh, yes, a hobby we have in common.

Do sit down and make yourself comfortable.

-|'m afraid the matter's rather urgent. -Oh, there's no hurry,

and the longer you stay, the more delighted I shall be.

The Guv'n0r'll be here any minute now. He'll soon have us out.

-Oh, I hope he'll come in time. -Of course he will.

I don't see anything very deadly in this place.

Tinker.

Look.

I saw at Cousin's Auction Rooms in London

you bought a valuable set of Bermudian stamps.

Yes, indeed, a beautiful set. All unused.

-Pity it's incomplete. -|ncomp|ete? Why, what do you mean?

I happen to have the fourpenny stamp of that set here.

It fell on the carpet of number thirteen Caversham Square

in the room of the most notorious living criminal, the Snake.

My dear sir, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're talking about.

I have the complete set in my album here.

Oh? May I see them?

But certainly.

See? There they are, the beauties.

Penny, tuppenny, thruppenny and fourpenny.

-I must apologise, Mr Larron. -I should hope so, Mr Blake.

Naturally, I resent being mistaken for a notorious criminal.

BLAKE: I'm afraid I've made a complete fool of myself.

Well, we all make mistakes at times.

Yes, but this fourpenny stamp's been used.

You bought an unused set.

This stamp's been chemically treated to remove the postmark.

Put them up, Mr Larron!

(GUNSHOT)

Oh, Tinker, this is horrible.

(GUNSHOT)

(GROANING)

-Where's Julie? -In the death chamber.

Well, show me where it is or I'll blow your brains out!

All right.

You win this time, Mr Blake.

Julie!

After him!

-BRAMLEY: Blake, are you all right? -Yes, perfectly.

-Where's Larron? -In there.

-How do they open? -|t's something to do with that rope.

-But it's bust. -We'll have to break down the doors.

-We||, you'll never get him out alive. -We||, we can try. Batter them down.

Go on.

You're quite safe now, Julie.

Mon Dieu!

-Look! He's escaped! -He went that way!

Look out!

You promised to have dinner with me and I demand reparation.

How can I make it?

By promising to have supper with me instead.

-Well, if you insist. -TINKER: Guv'nor, he's escaped.

That's the worst of leaving things to you bloomin' amateurs.

Well, we must get busy. We've got to catch that man.

-We||, I wish you the best of luck. -But you're coming with us?

Oh, no.

No, I'm afraid I've got a supper appointment with a lady.

-But you can't do that. -Oh, yes, I can.

Don't forget, I'm acting quite unofficially.

(LAUGHING)