"Mr. Messer's private office, one moment, please." "Mr. Hopkins wishes to speak to you, Sir." " Yes." "What's the matter?" "You know quite well that I..." "What's that?" "Right here?" "Hello!" "Here speaks Edgar Wallace!" "Everything alright, Shelby?" " You can come up but hurry up." "Good morning, my dear!" "Mr. Higgins in?" "Enter!" " Oh, I forgot to knock again!" "I'm so sorry!" "That's ok!" "Oh that's a beautiful suit you're wearing, but rather tight?" "Inspector Higgins is in the lab, developing." "Himself?" " No, a woman who didn't open... her refrigerator for 3 days." " Oh!" "Her husband deceived her!" "And he was inside!" " Oh, hard warm?" "How are you getting on with Higgie?" "Ok?" "In the office or in private, Miss Penton?" "Hello, Jean!" "This photo is a real knock out!" "Have a look!" "It's a real bomb isn't it?" " Miss Penton is here!" "Yes, that's right" "Oh!" "This is a pleasant surprise!" " Yes, it is." "May I look at that bomb?" "Yes, or no..." "You'd better not." "The police photos I take... are usually somewhat shocking." " I want to look!" "Jerk!" "But Elise..." "Miss Osbourne, where's the..." "I want to talk to you, Inspector!" "Yes, Sir." "Well, Sir?" "Why did you come in?" " You wanted to speak to me, Sir?" "Oh yes!" "It's about a woman!" " I hope a young one?" "Yes, unfortunately dead!" "Read the report!" "The body was picked up near the docks at 6.30 am this morning." "The name of the woman found there is Gwenda Milton, 13 Barkley Street, London." "She worked as a secretary to lawyer Maurice Messer." "Gwenda Milton?" " Yes, 21 years old." "No exterior signs of used force were found on her." "Aha, it was an accident, then?" " No, murder!" "The woman didn't drown!" "She was strangled before death." "This is the report of the autopsy." "By the way, it was sweet of you to wait for me, in spite of that photo." "I love you in spite of it!" "Who cares if Scotland Yards most famous Detective..." "That is what you are?" " Who told you that?" "When Scotland Yards most famous Detective lost his driving licence... for driving too fast." " Yes, yes, keep on reminding me... of that one!" "Here, you nearly hit that cab, dear!" "And why not?" "The only possibility of our being together longer... is in a double bed in the hospital!" "I don't know what to say, Inspector." "I could hardly believe it!" "Miss Milton is gone!" "Last night she was here." " How late?" "It must have been about 9 pm, if I'm not mistaken." "She put a call through." "It must have been about 9:30 pm by then." "I was going to send her off, only..." "I found she was gone." "Do you know anything about her acquaintances, her personal life?" "Miss Milton was my secretary." "We never talked about her private life!" "Yes, I see." "Then that's about all we can tell her relatives." "I didn't know that Miss Milton had relatives in England?" "Well, not here, in Australia." "A brother, Arthur Milton." "Have you heard of him?" "That name won't mean anything to you, because here in London he is known as..." "The Magician." "Why are you startled, Mr. Messer?" "Now come, it's not pleasant to know... ones secretary's brother is a known criminal!" "Milton isn't a criminal!" " Look, they banished him from England!" "Because he led a few scoundrels to commit suicide." "Illegal yes, but it wasn't murder!" " However, he wouldn't be as stupid... as that coming back here?" "He'd be imprisoned right away!" " Do you think so?" "Wherever he is, he will come!" "Yes!" "Good day, gentlemen!" " Who are you?" "What do you want?" "But Sir, Archibald Finch is my name." "You were my defence attorney in court, Sir." "Don't you know me?" "The kleptomaniac?" " I don't want to disturb you any longer." "Thank you." " You're welcome." "Regards to Sir John." "Sorry I couldn't be of any help, Inspector." "I'll see you off." "Well, what do you want, Finch?" "You told me once that you would help me from the bottom, up the ladder." "Oh, dear!" "I'm afraid you're a hopeless case!" "Not at all, Sir." "I have become a perfect butler from the time..." "I came out of prison." "It says so here." "Just a souvenir, Sir." "I swear!" "Welcome my friends and protectors!" " Enough, Hopkins." "Come along!" "What did I tell you to do with the woman, about the body?" "Get rid of it?" " Yes, but there are hundreds of ways!" "Who had the clever idea to throw her into the Thames?" "I did!" "To drown is a natural death!" " Not for the police!" "She was strangled first." "Don't interrupt me!" "We don't want to arouse suspicion." "We can't do a thing right now!" "But Sir, what's that got to do with us?" "The little rat is whose concern?" " We have 2 dozen girls... to be delivered." " But I think Mr. Messer is right!" "Our man in Cairo is urging me to send them!" "It means cash!" "I told you we can't make a move, you fool." " You said that." "But why?" "Because Gwenda Milton was the sister of The Magician!" "Come, come, I know Mr. Messer very well." "He's a member of my club." "Suspecting him, would be like suspecting me!" "You must consider that." " I have, Sir John!" "But I still suspect him!" "Anyone can be suspected, even you!" "But why?" "Tea, Sir John." "Thank you, my dear." "Nice teapot." "Nervous?" " No, Sir." "You seem so." "You were about to say..." "You just asked why I should suspect." " And?" "Instinct, Sir John!" " A prejudice of the lower salary group!" "What now?" " If we don't get him, Arthur Milton will!" "The Magician?" " Yes." "He manipulates things in his own way, but won't make exceptions." "He's not a member of your club." "What?" "I see, yes." "Perhaps he hasn't heard of it!" " Maybe." "I approved orders... to all Australian Newspapers to write about the murder of his sister!" "Unsuccessfully, of course?" " Don't be so sure of that." "Tomorrow, a Cora Ann Milton will arrive in London!" " Absurd, lnspector!" "That remains to be seen!" "Mrs. Milton?" " Yes, I am." "We are from Scotland Yard, Mr. Higgins and Sir John Walford." "It's a pleasure, Madam!" " It's also a pleasure for me." "Undoubtedly." "I suppose you have come for the funeral, Mrs. Milton?" "And your husband didn't come?" "Porter, please bring me my baggage." " Yes, Madam!" "Mister... what was your name?" " Higgins." "Higgins, I suppose you know... how difficult it is for my husband to come to England." "You must consider that, Inspector!" " Naturally, but, Madam, your husband is no less than The Magician!" " The Magician?" "Arthur never liked this name, although it's completely incorrect." "Am I free to go now?" " Of course, but please be available... if Scotland Yard needs you." "I'll be at the Park Royal, but never before 11:00 am!" "Taxi, please!" "I'll be seeing you, gentlemen." "Charming, positively charming woman!" " Yes, but without The Magician!" "Oh, don't worry about it." " If The Magician does love her, he's near her, I'm sure of it!" "From Sydney on, every passenger was checked and he wasn't aboard the plane." "Then he's already here!" " But he's on a warrant of arrest!" "She was ill at ease all the time, she only smiled at her parting." "I wonder what made her smile?" " My dear young man, though I'm rather modest, men of my importance have always... impressed intellectual women!" " Yes, the porter!" "That's it!" "He's disappeared!" " Yes, into the comfort station." "What?" "Then why didn't you arrest him?" " There must be a limit, Inspector!" "Open up!" "Scotland Yard!" "Come out with your hands in the air!" "What are you doing here?" " Oh, what a question!" "I saw this man at Mr. Messer's home!" " That's right, Sir." "I am his butler." " What's that?" "Australian news, for Mr. Messer!" "Gentlemen!" "Excuse me, but have you seen a porter around here?" "Want one?" " Yes, but one in particular!" "There was one, just a while ago." "And he climbed out of the window!" "I wondered why." "That's all we needed!" "I'm sure now, Sir John!" "The Magician is in London!" "Oh, what a nice surprise!" " They came an hour ago." "Without a card." "Thank you, Madam." "I hope you have a pleasant visit here." "Yes, I hope so!" "9 roses, and then 8 carnations, 3 hyacinth," "3 gladiola, 3 orchids." "9-8-3-3-3!" "Hello?" "Huh, Arthur, you were very daring, my sweet!" "The Magician in London!" " Good morning, governor!" "The Magician is back in London!" "A special report, from special correspondence!" "The Magician in London!" "Read all about it!" "Who's going to believe that trash?" " Oh." "Go on!" "So, now it's not only the police are tracking us." "The Magician!" "I'm not afraid, we're not idiots and there are four of us!" "We'll find a way!" "Excuse me!" "I must inform you that..." " What?" "The Magician is in London!" " We know that already!" "He just registered as Tom Wesby in the Westminster Hotel." "Finch, who told you that?" " From the time I made my mistake," "I have certain connection, Sir, which will be useful to you!" " Thank you very much, Finch!" " May I also add, Miss Milton's funeral... will take place tomorrow at the central cemetery." "Mr. Wesby will no doubt try to attend!" "I'm afraid The Magician won't live very much longer!" "Nearby, Mrs. Milton, the clergy man, and Mr Messer, but that's all." "Hey, one moment!" "Who brought this message?" "If the job is done, we send the girls right away." "Yes, if..." "Everything was perfect!" " The old house fell with a bang!" "No one could escape from that." "I hope nobody saw you!" " No one." "We heard the firemen... from the other side of the bridge." " Yes it was precision work" "Yes?" "This message has just come!" "Shall I serve Champagne now, Sir?" "What's wrong?" "Magician, Magician!" "That man drives me mad!" "Makes me loose my sleep!" " And position too, Sir John!" "Naturally!" "That too if we don't get him!" "Easy for all to say that he should be found, but nobody has ever seen him!" "Oh yes, there is a person who has seen him once." "Inspector Warren!" "Warren?" "Yes!" "He almost arrested him!" " Yes, you're right." "Oh, pardon me!" "We must get this man to come here quick!" " But..." "He has already retired..." " Nonsense!" "As soon as Warren hears the name "Magician"..." "No visitors!" "Just a second, Sir, I'll see who it is." "Sir, Inspector Warren!" "Warren!" "Warren, this is just like you!" "Just in time!" "Yes, when I read Milton was in London," "I boarded a train, and here I am!" "Do come in." "You're the only one who can help us, and right away!" " Now, tell me." "Do you raise snails?" " Snails?" "No!" "I'm no French man!" "Milton and my snails need the same thing." "Perseverance!" " A good joke." "But perseverance takes time, and that we don't have!" "With my snails I succeeded, Sir!" "Madam, this was sent for you." "Thank you." "I hope you not planning to visit?" " Not at all, just looking around." "It's not very funny that you're having me followed!" "So you noticed?" " My husband showed me... how to recognise a follower, and how to loose him." "Which you no doubt did, Madam!" " Yes, that would have pleased Arthur." "But I'll tell you where I went..." "To the beauty parlour." "I hope you notice it!" "Good afternoon, Inspector!" "Who sent the flowers for Mrs. Milton?" "A boy." "He didn't give a name, Sir!" "Hello, Inspector." "Have you found your porter?" "I beg your pardon?" " Not very long ago you asked... for a porter in the washroom." " I remember!" "What about a cup of tea?" " No, I've already had breakfast." "Come, let's sit over here." "Let me introduce myself." "James W. Wesby." "And I've come to London... especially to see Scotland Yard." "There isn't much to see!" "On the contrary, it's a matter of professional curiosity." "Fancy, your chasing The Magician, huh?" "What makes you think so?" " I read the papers!" "This is the hotel where his wife is staying." "And you are a well known criminologist." " Would you come from Australia?" "Yes, from Sydney." "That's where I was born!" "Tell me, what is your profession?" " I'm a scriptwriter, writing a series of criminal stories, one a week." "Then, you'll need lots of ideas!" " Not really, it's for television." "My time is up." "Sorry, but I must run." "It's been a pleasure!" "So, Warren, bring me The Magician, dead or alive!" "I'll ask Arthur Milton, which he prefers, Sir!" "Very good!" "Jean, I'll need you again!" "Right away, Sir." "Never thought I'd come back to work for Scotland Yard once again." "But you owe that to me, Inspector." "Glad to have you!" "Sorry!" " Inspector Higgins?" "Warren." "Warren?" "Inspector Warren, the man who almost caught The Magician?" "Almost, yes!" " You've probably heard... that Arthur Milton has arrived?" " Yes, I've come to help you to catch him." "Do you mind?" " Of course not!" "I'd like to know how far you've gotten in your investigation?" "Do we have to talk here, though?" " Not if you know a better place." "Much better place, come on!" "24 hours later they found her dead!" " Messer was the last to see her alive!" "The very last, I'd say." " Thanks." "Miss Penton is really a lovely hostess!" " But then, she is lovely altogether!" "Go on, Higgie, I have a witness this time!" "Higgie!" "Can't you call me by my first name?" "It's Edgar Bryan." "Now be quiet!" "Why do women have to keep so quiet?" " So that their beauty keeps longer!" "And now, the death of Gwenda Milton involves 2 problems." "We have to get the murderer but we also have to prevent..." "The Magician from getting him first!" " The murder of Gwenda Milton is yours," "The Magician is my main concern!" " What is your plan?" "The usual procedure." "Catch, hold, imprison!" "It won't be as easy as all that!" "I think, Sir John should not have... disturbed the leisure of your retirement." "You think the hound has become too old?" "Come and strike me as hard as you can!" " Oh come." "You mean it?" "Yes, try me!" " Well alright, but you asked for it!" "Can you teach me, too, Mr. Warren?" "This is just what I need to get married!" "Hush!" "Someone's at the door!" "Come on!" "Halt!" "Higgins, I'll come and help you!" "I love you!" "I love you!" " I hate you!" "I hate you!" "No!" "She, too, could still be alive if she has used Torero." "Protects you from bad breath!" "Oh, I'm sorry!" "Goodnight!" "More coming?" "No, I'm the last one, shut the window!" "Is that all?" " Yes." "And this paper!" "Hello, Higgins?" "Yes, Miss Osborne?" " Mr. Messer has just arrived!" "Finch is waiting in the car." " When Inspector Warren arrives, tell him I'm just having a look around, understand?" "My regards to Miss Penton!" "Wow!" "Listen, darling." "If I find what I want, you've got a date with me to be married!" "I have your word!" "Hey!" "Bad beating you've had." " Oh, it wasn't so bad!" "Did you knock me down?" "Probably not." "Had black trousers and shoes on!" "How do you happen to be here?" " Oh, I'm... interested in The Magician." "You know, I'm writing, and I've been reading all about it." "And so I thought I'd visit the house, imagine." "Good thing, I did!" "Well you need a drink!" "Want it?" "No thanks!" " Me neither." "You could be arrested for this?" " You're right, I'll leave now!" "It's trespassing, I know!" "Mr. Wesby!" " No, I don't want to be arrested." "I'll leave now!" " But I have to find out... how you came in!" " I flew, but however..." "Huh?" "Hello" " Hello, Miss Elise, Warren speaking." "Come to Miller's place on Gloaster Road." "But I can't, Mr Warren, Higgie is..." " Bring him along, too!" "But..." "Welcome!" "Miss Penton, you were quick." "Warren, what are you doing here?" " But I'm staying here!" "No, modern man is a priest." "I'll wager he doesn't practice this in church!" "How did you find that out?" " Come over here!" "You met him, eh?" " Well, I was watching him, but the other is there, now." "Who is he?" " Mr. Wesby, from Sydney." "A writer." "Could be The Magician, you know." "I know, could be." "It's all coming out, now." "Tell me, Warren, what made decide to come out here and watch things?" "My old age probably!" "What's that noise in the pipe out there?" "Just running water?" " What do you think about it?" "What do I think?" "Canals underground?" " Canals underground!" "You were right!" " Elise, you wait here!" "Well, what do you think now?" "Pretty girls!" "Very pretty!" " This is becoming dangerous, now!" "Our time is up, services!" "We have to run!" "Elise, where are you?" "Elise?" " Come on, let's go this way!" "Higgie, help!" "Elise!" "Can you handle dogs?" " Yes, they never beat me, yet!" "Good here!" "Go that way." "Elise!" " Higgie..." "Hey, sorry to disturb you but what was the idea of running away?" "I didn't." "A man caught me, then another man turned up." "Otherwise, I wouldn't have escaped at all!" " Another man?" "I don't know, perhaps The Magician?" " Blast it!" "This sinful old place must have an entrance somewhere!" "No, no I've had enough!" "Higgie, darling, would you please bring me my bath towel?" "Where is it?" " Here!" "There was a time there came a certain light into your eyes on such occasions!" "And we had such a good time together you wanted to marry me." "But lately, You've got a handcuffs complex!" "A what?" " A handcuffs complex." "Lock me in... but not too tight!" "Speaking of Warren, I'm getting a bit suspicious." "Are you?" "Kiss me and tell me why!" "Earlier he said:" ""No, thank you, I've had enough for today!"" "How about a good time?" "Your idea comes a little too late." "Open the door, but don't get killed!" "Somebody brought you this, darling, with compliments from Mr. Warren!" "Perfume!" "Now, there is a man with ideas!" "I am too." "We'll dress, now, and dine out!" "Mr. Higgins have you met Mrs. Milton?" " Oh yes, we've met already!" "And this is Miss Penton, whom I admire." "Glad to meet you!" " How do you do?" "I mean also admire..." "It astonishes me to see Mr. Warren enjoying your company, Madam!" "Nevertheless, I can't forget that you, Sir, mean to arrest my Arthur." "And you don't believe it's possible?" "If that's so it would be Mr. Warren, and not you!" "My husband, yesterday said to me..." " Yesterday?" "I wouldn't know exactly." "Anyway, he said:" ""Mr. Warren is a man you can't be cross with."" "Though maybe I should add, I'm not so sure about you!" "So, Arthur Milton wasn't able to reassure you?" "Pardon!" "Shall I get a vase for the roses?" " Who are they for?" "Mrs. Cora Ann Milton." " For me?" "I won't need a vase, I'm just leaving." " Oh, isn't that too bad!" "Many thanks, Mr. Warren, it was a nice evening!" "And I must also admit my husband says he likes you." "Why don't you come and visit me?" "I can't say that I wish good luck, Inspector." "Of course not, Madam!" "She talks as if The Magician is an ordinary citizen that can do what he likes!" "Thank you, Sir." "The check, please!" " It's paid, Sir." "By whom?" "A gentleman at the bar." "He seemed to know you." "Sir, Inspector Brown is waiting downstairs." "It's urgent!" "Who's Brown?" " I don't know!" "I'll find out!" "Where is the man?" " He was standing right here." "Your overcoats are over there." " Why the overcoats?" "Because he said you'd be leaving right away." "What was he like?" " It was only a second, but I remember he had dark glasses on." "Didn't even give me a tip!" "Does it look like Scotland Yard, or not?" "That's a good one, you're quite right!" "Hold it!" " What's wrong?" "It's from The Magician!" " This is not his style!" "It was probably that priest." "Hopkins here, give me Mr. Messer!" " He can't help you now!" "Hello, Hopkins?" "Hello, say something!" "The end!" "Get up!" "Now drop that revolver!" "Hands up..." "Magician!" "Hey, hey!" "How do you feel, not so inspired any longer?" "I guess you know much more than you admit!" "I found out that Hopkins send the girls away... because he was worried." "He wanted to met you here by himself." "You're a bloodhound, been taught to smell." "Oh, am I sick!" "Your driver is intelligent and rang me up, just as well or I would now be consoling your bride." "What's that you just said?" " You'll find it out soon." "They are pretty clever, they could make us jealous!" "Have you passed out altogether, darling?" "What more could I take?" "I began by almost getting a broken scull, then was chased by a group of police dogs." "Then, this morning, that magic theatre almost finished me." "They want to destroy my work of art!" " How flattering!" "What do you think of Warren?" " A man that can use his head!" "My brains are as good as his are!" " But they've been hit too much!" "Don't answer it!" " It will keep on ringing." "Hello?" " Are you sitting Inspector?" "No, I'm lying." " Lying?" "Oh much better." "Is Elise out?" "I expected that, I must give you up altogether, and forever." "Sir John wants to speak to you." "He's fuming!" "Inspector Higgins, Sir." " It's impossible to contact Warren." "Or you!" "Where in heaven are you?" " Tell him, in bed!" "Wherever I may be, Sir, I'm on duty!" " Hopkins is dealing in white slavery!" "Yes a criminal agent!" "You must consider that." "It's been considered, Sir." "We know he's been taking girls out by boat." "By submarine!" " A submarine?" "Yes, Sir, a special submarine." "The girls probably went aboard a ship... beyond the 3 mile limit." "The captain also works for this man." "Arrest him and confiscate the boat!" "Don't let him sail!" "Yes Sir, I will immediately give the order." "Yes!" "One of us has been killed already." "The Magician keeps his promises!" "Who's going to be next?" "You, I or Reddingwood?" "I wish I knew the answer." " Your name was next on the list!" "I can't sleep, it's as if something is going to happen!" "You have a guilt complex!" " No, I don't want to die!" "I haven't done a thing." "You blackmailed me into... building the boat!" " You're a fool, Shelby!" "Listen to me closely." "We're all in the same spot." "If you try to double cross me, I'll throw you to the dogs!" "No Sir, I'm not in the same spot." "I didn't commit a murder!" "I'll run away, to where nobody knows me." "Otherwise, I will tell everything I know!" "Good Shelby, if that is your position," "I'll see that you go!" "Good, Mr. Messer." "I knew you would help me." "I'm sorry, it's my nerves!" " Where can I contact you... at about 11 tonight?" " Let me see..." "In the dockyard, there won't be anyone around." "I'll wait for your call!" "Do you have the number?" " Here." "Telephone box, Victoria Docks." "8-7-0-0-1-2!" " 8-7-0-0-1-2!" "So, you can take it easy, Shelby, everything will turn out fine." "Goodbye, Mr. Messer and thanks!" "I'll be awaiting your call!" "Goodbye, Shelby!" "Hello?" " I want you, Reddingwood!" "Hello?" "Yes I'm here!" "No, I didn't tell anyone!" "That's impossible, I've already destroyed the signs of the boat!" "Yes, I'm listening." "Yes, and thanks!" "Be on the alert, darling, you may hear or see something!" "You can rely on me!" "Bye-bye darling!" "Come!" "What is the room number of Mrs. Milton?" " 32, may I announce you?" "No, thanks!" "But what's the matter now?" " Don't ask, just get in!" "He who loves danger perishes in it!" "So they say." "Yes, come in!" "Are we disturbing you?" "Not at all, Inspector!" "I guess you must know by now what I suspect?" "Yes, I suppose." " May I introduce:" "Mr. Arthur Milton." "Well, at last it came up." "And what makes you think so?" " Call it a hunch!" "You're going to deny it, of course!" "Inspector, this is Mr. Wesby, from Sydney." "He's working on a story... all about the adventures of my husband." "I tell him it's too soon." "But in my mind it's much too late!" "You don't expect... that I can really believe that?" " Yes, Sir!" "And must you do your writing with the revolver, Mr. Milton?" "Mrs. Milton, the Inspector seems to be making it so much harder, and I won't give up this easy." "I have a question:" "Do you know why Gwenda Milton died?" " She knew too much about... the business of other people!" " White slavery." "The house of old Reverend Hopkins served as a camouflage." "You know much more than that!" " But I'm keeping it to myself!" "Oh, is it you, Arthur?" "Warren!" "Why are you here?" " I rang Cora Ann's room, and she said Arthur to me." "This lady could teach us some of her tricks!" "What a presence of mind!" "It's true?" "What happened?" " The Magician once again gave us the slip." "Come on, Warren!" "Hello Reddingwood!" "Hello?" "Yes boss!" "I've been waiting down here for you!" "Can I come up, now?" "I guess so, to the surface!" "Everything alright?" " If not how could I be here!" "You told me it was urgent." " The police searches my house, tomorrow!" "They mustn't find this." "The evidence of our business relationship." "Did you arrange your trip?" "Yes." "The Moro Costello, tonight I'll be on board!" "You'll give this case to Captain Johnson!" " Alright." "I think you should come, too." "Maybe, over there we could start together." " No, that is a risk... we couldn't take!" " I guess you know what you're doing?" "I know exactly what I'm going to do, now." "So be off and good luck!" "Boss?" "You've got nerve!" "The Magician could even learn from you!" "Any news?" " Nothing much, Sir." "A Mr. Arthur Milton phoned... to say he's coming tomorrow night." "A Cognac, Sir?" "Sir John, please." "What are you grumbling about?" " It's annoying!" "I can't take you with me!" " Why not?" "Messer asked Sir John for a bodyguard as Milton... announced himself for this evening." " What's that got to do with you?" "But I'm the bodyguard, stupid!" "Why do we even plan an evening together?" "I promise this will be the last time!" " How's that?" "Because if The Magician comes and I can catch him, then..." "Then?" " You'll have your last name changed!" " Higgie!" "You know what I like?" " Tell me later, darling." "Yes?" "My dear Mrs. Milton!" "Sir John, what can I do for you?" "You've already paid for your room here." "May I ask what does that mean?" "Just checking out." " You mean your leaving?" "Yes, we leave England today." "Arthur and myself!" "Arthur and you, Madam?" " He's almost finished and he rang me." "He's almost finished?" " Yes, except for one more little thing." "And may I ask where you're going?" " I don't mind, to Mr. Messer's." "Do you know that he'll be there tonight?" "Yes, so of course, we'll meet." " Of course." "Well, I hadn't thought of that." "Pardon me, may I?" "Where are the police?" " They are never punctual!" "Would you like a drink, Sir?" " No!" "This is the best way to overcome excitement, but it's so expensive." "Go open the door, now!" "Scotland Yard!" " Hello, Mr. Messer!" "We've met before." "Yes, I remember." " Any doors you want to be... watched specially?" " The front door and the back entrance!" "No other way out?" " Right!" "Gentlemen." "Did you get information on what this is all about?" "Yes, yourself and the case of Gwenda Milton are involved here." "What are you talking about?" "All I want is protection!" "Good evening, Sir, it was good of you to..." "What happened?" "I was expecting..." " Have we arrived too early?" " Does this mean that you... have come instead of Arthur Milton?" " No, he will be here presently!" "Let's be seated, shall we?" "Yes, certainly glad to have you here." "Try to put yourself in my place." "His sister was my secretary." "She died... in a rather mysterious way." " Please go on." "Quite interesting!" "And then there was this affair with Hopkins... of which I didn't have the faintest suspicion." "And?" " Well, you husband... hasn't a good reputation!" "Nevertheless, I am willing to speak to him in the presence of the police!" "There won't be anything to say!" " What does he want then?" "Finch!" " Don't worry, my men will open the door!" "Warren!" "At last!" " I see you're having a meeting." "Where in the world have you been?" " I intended to find Wesby, but I didn't succeed." "London is a big place!" " At least you are convinced about that!" "Good evening, Mrs. Milton!" "Inspector!" "Would you tell me why you've come?" " I'm Inspector Warren." "Mr. Messer was saying he was anxious to speak to Arthur!" "And why should he be?" " There's a misunderstanding!" "I'm sure Mr. Milton knows exactly... what Higgins and I have uncovered through our investigations." "So, have you?" "And why didn't you report to me?" "I was just going to do so, Sir." "The honourable Mr. Messer got tired... of working so long as a lawyer and changed to another profession!" "White slavery!" " What?" "You too, Mr. Messer?" "But there was also Mr. Hopkins, who was shot by The Magician, and Mr. Selby, who was murdered by Mr. Reddingwood." "And to do away with Reddingwood, who knew the secret, you blew him and his boat up." "That's the limit!" " Gwenda Milton, your secretary, knew all about it, and you wiped her out!" " This is deformation!" "These are the facts!" "All this is known to Arthur Milton!" " Then why should he speak to you?" "In that case, gentlemen, we'd better... arrest Mr. Messer or..." "You remember how Hartford was murdered?" " Yes, Sir, I remember!" "The Magician rang him up, just as he called Mr. Messer this evening." "We all thought there was no danger!" "Then the lights began to flicker." "Just like now, Sir!" "Yes, yes and then the lights went out!" "Lights!" "Switch on the lights at once!" "So, who knows who The Magician is?" "What's wrong with him?" " Nothing anymore!" "And now another guest has come in!" "Arthur Milton," "The Magician!" "Are you sure Inspector?" " I am." "I see." "Stay where you are!" " I won't go Inspector, just wait!" "You can come in now!" "Who is this fellow?" "Higgins?" "Am I seeing right?" " Yes Sir, you're seeing Warren... but double!" " So then, I'm not as crazy as I thought?" "No Sir, because only one is the real Warren!" "This one!" "This man... is Arthur Milton." "The Magician!" "And this is a pickpocket, Archibald Finch, who after Gwenda Milton died... worked as a butler in this house, but who really... is the secretary of Arthur Milton!" "And now should I introduce myself:" "I am Inspector Wesby of Sydney." "I waited so long for this moment!" "I'm pretty sure this is a real pleasure for you, Wesby." "I'm not able to follow." "Are you Higgins?" " No, Sir!" "Who are you exactly?" " I am Inspector Warren, Sir." "I have the funniest story you ever heard!" " But you're talking like..." "No, he's talking like me!" "Arthur Milton had a rather ingenious idea!" "He knew that Scotland Yard would ask me to find The Magician." "When I arrived in town, a man promptly offered me a lift." "But it was himself, so I never arrived here!" "I'm sorry to have caused you... so many inconveniences!" "Mr. Milton brought me to the cellar of the flat and there he changed... into myself in front my own eyes!" " But it was great fun being you!" "In my place it wasn't!" " And who released you from the cellar?" "Mr. Wesby." " And how did you know the difference?" "I knew that the real Warren is not fond of women." "I have my own reasons." " While you do admire women, Mr. Milton, although in prison you'll have to drop that passion!" "Yes, I guess." "May I at least give a last goodbye to my wife?" "Good." "Cora, I suppose it had to end somehow." "Do you remember what you promised me?" "Yes, how could I forget." "Never into prison!" "Blank shots!" " We should have thought of that!" "Send up a policeman!" "Let me tell you, even if your husband gets away, you're staying with us!" "Watch that man and woman, and watch them closely!" "Arthur!" " Cora!" "The time is short if we expect to catch the plane to Sydney, Madam!" "Sir!" " Yes, sure." "Let's go!"