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This episode is brought to you by all the candelabra and butter dishes in London.

Tonight we'll read the second half to the adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,

written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as part of 1903's The Return of Sherlock Holmes.

The first half aired last week.

In the first half, Holmes was hired by the debutant Lady Ava Blackwell to retrieve compromising letters from a blackmailer named

Milverton. The accused was known as the King of the blackmailers, where he would demand great sums in exchange for avoiding the release of letters that would cause great scandals.

Holmes, intrigued by the challenge and the injustice of Milverton's actions,

agrees to take on the case.

He sees it as an opportunity. agrees to take on the case.

He sees it as an opportunity to thwart a master blackmailer and bring him to justice.

As Holmes delves into the matter, he learns more about Milverton's methods and reputation.

Milverton is known for his ruthlessness and lack of scruples.

He prays on the secrets and vulnerabilities of others for his own profit. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes. Relax your body into the softness of your bed.

Now, take a few deep breaths. Watson, it's a sporting duel between this fellow Milverton and me. He had, as you saw, the best of the first exchanges,

but my self-respect and my reputation are concerned to fight it to a finish.

Well, I don't like it, but I suppose it must be said.

Said I, when do we start? You are not coming. Then you are not going, said I. I give you my word of honor,

and I never broke it in my life and I will take a cab straight to the police station and give you away unless you let me share this adventure with you. You can't help me.

...