[bright music] [birds chirping] [hooves clopping] [bell tolling] Hey, you!

Who, me?

Well, I ain't talking to my horse.

Are you Sydney Wing?

What's that to you?

I'm here to collect him, that's what.

What, collect me?

If you're Sydney Wing.

Who sent you?

He didn't give his name, but he paid, and that's enough for me.

Well?

I am Sydney Wing.

Right.

Get in.

Wait.

Who sent you?

It ain't the rozzers, if that's what's worrying you.

Where are you supposed to take me?

Great James Street.

-Piccadilly?

-Bloomsbury.

-[Sydney sighs] -Well, make up your mind.

I haven't got all day.

Some of us try to earn an honest living.

[theme music] [Narrator] In late Victorian times, there lived many detectives, The Rivals of Sherlock Homes.

Ah.

Mr. Wing?

Oh, good morning.

Step inside, sir.

Your room's on the right, up the stairs.

Shall I lead the way?

I hope you'll find them comfortable.

If there's anything I've forgotten, oh, just let me know.

[clock ticking] I've got you kippers for breakfast, and there's plenty of hot water on the stove.

Now, would you like to eat before- Breakfast?

I'm famished.

Just a moment.

Who are you?

Me?

I'm Mrs. Farrow, your housekeeper.

Oh, God bless my soul, did he forget to tell you my name?

He?

The gentleman who took the rooms for you, Mr. Laxworthy.

Laxworthy?

Laxworthy?

Laxworthy?

[horn honking in distance] [engine sputtering] Here we are, then.

Would you like me to pour your tea, Mr. Wing?

Thank you.

Mrs. Farrow, are you acquainted with Mr. Laxworthy?

I only met him when I applied for this position.

Do you know what he is?

I mean, what he does?

-What, his profession?

-Yes.

Did not confide in me, and I certainly wouldn't presume to ask.

Oh, no, no, no.

Do you know where he lives?

I only met him here.

Surely, you must know his address?

Uh, he's moved.

He didn't give me his new address.

Well, perhaps it's in the letter he's left for you.

-Letter?

-It's in the desk.

Mr. Laxworthy insisted I made you quite comfortable, -before I gave it to you.

-Thank you.

"Dear Wing, I trust you'll make yourself comfortable.

The housekeeper will supply anything you require.

I look forward to meeting you as soon as I'm able.

Yours truly, J.T.

Laxworthy."

Oh, I'm sorry, sir.

This cab's booked.

[hooves clopping] [train engine chugging] [stagecoach rattling] [bell tolling] [train engine chugging] You off the train from Dartmoor?

Yeah.

Been on my holidays.

[J.T.]

Yeah, seven years, I'll wager.

I'm looking for a man named Anderson.

Did he come on the train with you?

Anderson?

What do you want with him?

[train whistle blares] What business is that of yours?

No, but, I might be able to point him out for you, only I'd want to make sure there was no trouble.

Well, I'm here to pick him up.

I know nothing about trouble.

Who sent you?

Well, it wasn't the law, if that's what scares you.

[train whistle blares] Where you gonna take him?

[J.T.]

To a posh house in Great James Street.

What?

Yeah, Prisoner's Aid, I suppose.

If you ask me, they'd want to keep their aid and give it to somebody who deserves it.

Well, it looks as if I missed him.

No, hang on a tick.

I'm not waiting here all night for the likes of him.

I'm Anderson.

Yeah, I thought so.

I can smell an ex-jailbird like garlic on an organ grinder.

Get in.

[hooves clopping] [stagecoach rattling] Excuse me, sir.

Your friend has arrived.

Thank you.

Mr. Laxworthy.

How do you do, sir?

Laxworthy.

I'm afraid I don't know the name, sir.

Have we met?

No, I'm not Laxworthy.

I thought you were.

Me?

No, sir, my name's Anderson.

A cabby brought me here, said you wanted to see me.

Said I wanted to see you?

Uh, yes, sir.

[Farrow] Would your friend like a cup of tea, sir?

It's hot in the pot.

You haven't got nothing a bit stronger, have you, missus?

Well, I could get you a drop of ale.

Oh, yeah, that would be very nice.

Thank you.

I've got a bit of a frog in my throat.

[clears throat] I won't be a minute.

Well, you better sit down while you're waiting.

[Anderson] Oh, that's very civil of you, governor.

Thank you.

I won't, uh, I won't stop long.

I'll just have me ale, and then I won't trouble you no further.

Uh, you couldn't spare me a bit of bread and cheese, -could you?

-Help yourself.

Thank you.

Where did the cabby pick you up?

Uh, Great Western Station, sir.

[Sydney] What did he say?

Uh, well, he just told me to come to this address.

Well, I suppose he's made a mistake, hasn't he?

He didn't give you the name of the person you were to see?

Uh, uh, yes, sir.

A Mr. Wing, sir.

I am Wing.

Well, what is this, then?

Is this some sort of a joke?

[Sydney] Not by me, I assure you.

Well, I hope it isn't because, well, if you'll pardon me saying so, sir, I don't like to be made a fool of.

Uh, Mr. Anderson, this morning, I was also picked up by a cabby and brought to this address.

You, too?

Great Western Station, you said.

Did your journey, by any chance, start at Dartmoor?

What's that got to do with you?

I got out of Parkworth this morning.

-Parkworth?

-Yes.

What?

What, have you been doing time and all?

-Yes.

-[Anderson chuckles] Well, you must have stashed quite a bit away to- No, I don't know why I'm here, either.

It's not my place.

Well, it's got your name on the door.

I assure you it's as much of a mystery to me, as it is to you.

Will you partake, too, Mr. Wing?

I've got a large jug.

[Sydney] Just a glass for Mr. Anderson, thank you.

Anderson?

I'm sorry.

I thought you were some other friend of Mr. Wing's.

Well, there's a letter from Mr. Laxworthy for you too.

[drawer rustling] Thank you, Mrs. Farrow.

That'll be all.

Very good, sir.

Oh, may I ask, has Mr. Anderson dined yet?

No, no, I haven't.

Ah.

I'll get you some dinner right away then.

[Sydney] Well, what does it say?

What do you make of this, then?

"Dear Anderson, the second bedroom is for you.

I trust you will find it comfortable, and Wing, a-" -"Congenial."

-"Congenial companion.

I look forward to meeting you as soon as I can.

Yours truly, J.T.

Laxworthy."

I can't say I really like it, Mr. Tyler, me being under the same roof all night with the likes of them.

Well, he's paying you enough, isn't he?

[Farrow] Oh, yes, very well.

No complaints about that.

They say the devil looks after his own.

I was beginning to think he had forgotten all about me.

Someone to see you, gentlemen.

[scoffs] What are you come for, your tip?

[chuckles] Really, Anderson, is that the way to talk to your benefactor?

Benefactor?

Yes.

Mr. Laxworthy.

-Laxworthy?

-In person.

I trust you are both well-rested, after the rigors of your recent experience.

Good morning, sir.

Yes, indeed, we are.

Thank you very much.

Very sorry, governor.

I didn't mean to be rude.

No, there's no need to apologize.

-Can- -[J.T.

chittering] Thank you, Mrs. Farrow.

And if you wouldn't mind bringing me a cup of coffee, in about 5 or 10 minutes' time, eh?

-Very good, sir.

-Good.

Thank you.

[Sydney] He was the same man?

[indistinct whispering] Now, no doubt you're wondering why I should concern myself with you, hmm?

Uh, yes, indeed, we are, sir.

Well then, sit down, and I'll try to explain.

But first, let me assure you, you were not singled out by chance.

No, I think I can fairly say that I know all there is to know about both of you.

-Ah, now, wait a minute- -Now, do not interrupt.

You, Anderson, started your career as the boot boy in the house of Sir William Maitland.

You rose to be footman, until the acquisition of Sir William's property -landed you in prison, where- -Oh, that was years ago.

Where you met one Shiner Bright, who instructed you in the art of safe-breaking.

Oh, you do know it all, don't you?

But yours, Mr. Wing, ah, it's a very different story.

A young man, educated, born to wealth and position.

I made foolish mistakes.

Yes, no more than when you resorted to crime, for a trivial sum of money.

I've paid the price.

But what's that got to do with you, for Heaven's sake?

Heaven, Mr. Wing, helps those who help themselves.

Now, our duty is to use our energies to assist this natural order.

What is he on about, Syd?

I think Mr. Laxworthy is making a proposition.

That's precisely what I am doing.

Now, I have a little capital and brains, Anderson has a highly developed skill, and you, Mr. Wing, you have a cultured style, indispensable to what I have in mind.

-[door opens] -[door knocking] [Farrow] Your coffee, Mr. Laxworthy.

Thank you, Mrs. Farrow.

And if you wouldn't, if you could find a little cognac to go with it, that would be splendid.

I think I can find that, sir.

What about you two gentlemen?

-Thank you, Mrs. Farrow.

-No, I won't have any coffee, thank you, ma'am, but I will join you in a small glass of cognac.

[chuckles] Good, good, good.

Thank you, Mrs. Farrow.

I'll look after it.

[Farrow] Very good, sir.

If you wouldn't mind a personal question, Anderson.

How much money have you?

One pound, seventeen and six.

And you, Mr. Wing?

Or may I call you Sydney?

Please do.

I take it that neither your finances nor prospects are very much healthier.

I have one pound, fifteen shillings, and no prospects.

Then your position is preordained.

You must take your place among the aggressors.

If I may say so, sir, that remark suggests little faith in the corrective role of our penal institutions.

I have none at all.

The very impecuniosity which leads men to crime is inevitably more desperate when they are returned to the world, than when they first transgressed.

What does it mean, "Take our place amongst the aggressors"?

It means, Mr. Anderson, what I choose it shall mean.

But I don't mind telling you, that if you, if you accept my proposition, my chief aim will be to make life tolerable and to embrace every opportunity to enrich ourselves.

Ah, well, I've got no objection to that, governor.

[chuckles] [J.T.]

What about you, Sydney'?

What do you want us to do?

I want you to be the young gentleman you were educated to be and to see that Anderson sedulously cultivates the manner and style of a gentleman's gentleman his early training intended.

And how shall we live?

Well, for the first six months, on my bounty.

You will renew your wardrobe appropriately, at, uh, at Harrods, on my account.

I will allow you each a small sum for your personal use, and Mrs. Farrow will continue as housekeeper and provide anything else you may require.

[chuckles] You're taking a bit of a risk, aren't you, gov?

Oh, I think not.

No, you have very much to gain by accepting my proposition.

And I know where the ring you stole, Sydney, from a certain young lady, [Anderson chuckles] and of some safes opened by Anderson, that the police would be very glad to hear about.

You don't leave us much choice.

Oh, indeed, I do!

[chuckling] Oh.

Oh, you can leave here now and go and spend the night at Rowton House or on the embankment, on a bench, if you require, if you wish.

But if you accept my proposal, I demand absolute loyalty, obedience, and no questions asked.

Yeah, well, you can count on me, governor.

Sydney?

Yes, I accept.

Splendid!

Then let us drink to our enterprises.

Six months, you said.

What then?

Ah, yes.

Here are two first-class tickets to Beaulieu, on the French Riviera.

Six months today, at seven o'clock in the evening, I shall be taking an aperitif in the lounge of the Paradise Hotel.

You will join me.

[man speaking in foreign language] Ah, bon soir, Madame Bertrand.

Welcome once again to the Hotel Paradise.

Bon soir, Monsieur Helder.

Is my suite ready?

As always, when you choose to grace us with your presence, Madame.

If you would be so kind as to register, I will have your baggage sent up to your suite immediately.

[Helder speaking in foreign language] Ah, bon soir, messieurs.

Welcome to the Hotel Paradise.

Good evening.

My name is Wing.

Oh, yes, Monsieur Wing, I trust you had a pleasant journey.

Channel was a trifle rough, but we English are a nation of sailors, -you know.

-Of course, monsieur.

If you'd be so kind as to register- In a little while.

I have an appointment to meet a Mr. Laxworthy.

I fear I'm a little late.

As you wish, monsieur, Monsieur Laxworthy is waiting -in the salon.

-Oh, thank you.

I'll have your baggage sent up to- Uh, my man will see to that.

-Ah, oui.

-Anderson.

Sir.

-[fingers snapping] -[Helder hums] Show Monsieur Wing to the salon please.

Monsieur.

Bon soir, Monsieur Laxworthy.

Good evening, Sydney.

Your French is atrocious.

We'll talk English, if you don't mind.

Sit down.

It was a ghastly journey.

Must say, I'm glad to be here.

Well, let me get you an aperitif.

Garcon, two dry Vermouth.

How are the partridges?

-Bad.

-Oh.

It was the storm in June that did it.

We went light last season, though, so I'm putting down 40 brays for- Excellent, excellent.

Don't overdo it, though.

-It's a fascinating place- -[dish shatters] [people chattering faintly] [man speaking in foreign language] [Sydney] Madame?

Thank you.

I had no idea you were going to be here.

I hope we shall meet again.

We met on the train.

See, I see you haven't wasted your time on the journey.

A most interesting acquaintance.

Do you know who she is?

Her name is Madame Bertrand, although she's an Englishwoman.

Her late husband was a high official in the French Foreign Office.

She seems to have survived the loss of her husband very well.

-Oh, she has compensations.

-Oh, yes?

Yes, currently, I understand it's Admiral Christador, the commander of the battleship Magnifique.

-Ah!

-Thank you.

Thank you.

That explains her being here.

Didn't I see a notice about a visit of the Magnifique?

Yes, indeed you did.

She's anchored in deep water on the other side of the bay.

Very well-informed, sir.

I make it my business to be so.

-Boo!

-[woman exclaims] [chuckles] Hello.

And where are you going to?

[chuckles] To the lift.

Oh, well, allow me.

Ah, merci, monsieur.

You frightened me.

-You are English, yes?

-Uh, yes.

I saw you on the train with your master, I think.

Yes, and I saw you too, looking much prettier than your mistress.

Monsieur, you must not say such things.

Madame Bertrand would be furious.

Oh, don't worry.

I shan't be saying them to Madame Bertrand.

[laughs] But I hope you'll allow me the opportunity of saying them to you again.

Perhaps.

Madame will be busy with her lover.

Her lover?

[laughs] [chuckles] The Admiral Christador.

Ah!

So, you will have your evenings free then, hmm?

It could be arranged.

Well, let's arrange it, then, shall we?

Later.

You must excuse me now.

I have to put Madame's jewels in the hotel safe.

Au revoir.

Oh, Anderson, there you are.

Ah, evening, Anderson.

How are you?

Good evening, Mr. Laxworthy.

I'm very well, thank you, sir.

I trust you are too.

Yes, thank you.

I hope you find your room comfortable.

Oh, considerably more comfortable than my accommodation before I moved in with Mr. Wing, sir.

[chuckles] Yes.

I could imagine.

I say, this looks jolly fine.

Yes, I'm glad you like it.

God's truth!

What is it?

What's the matter?

I've just had a blooming fortune slip through my fingers.

Oh, how do you mean?

I've just carried Madame Bertrand's jewels to the lift for her maid.

Anderson!

Madame Bertrand's jewels are trinkets.

We're here for richer hauls.

We must not be diverted by any excursion that will jeopardize our main enterprise.

I do apologize, sir.

A moment of temptation.

[chuckles nervously] Old habits die hard, I'm afraid.

Very well.

Now, to business.

The secret of our success will depend on the selection of our benefactor.

[Sydney] I don't quite understand.

Uh, that's why you found yourself incarcerated.

The very rich do not always acquire their wealth by noble means.

Hence, when they find themselves deprived, they must frequently endure in silence, to avoid scandal or even ruin.

[chuckling] Oh, I get it!

We nick the stuff.

[stammers] We deprive them of their ill-gotten gains.

Exactly.

How do we identify these benefactors?

Oh, that's already been done.

Whilst you've been preparing for your part, I've not been idle.

What exactly is my part to be?

You are my nephew, a gentleman of leisure, enjoying the prolonged holiday.

Now, you will make yourself acquainted with all the guests I point out to you, and you will report to me everything you can glean on their business and their movements.

What do you want me to do?

I want you to make yourself acquainted with their servants.

Now, frequently, there's much more to be learned below-stairs than above.

Oh, that's very true.

[chuckles] As a matter of fact, I've already discovered that that Madame Bertrand is Admiral Christador's mistress.

Oh, that's a very useful piece of information, of which I'm already aware.

Oh.

Oh, but I compliment you on your enterprise.

It may yet be of use to us.

[chuckles] Well, I hope so.

You see, I've already got one very, uh, very reliable source of information.

The maid?

Oh, I see you have a natural talent.

[both chuckling] -Thank you, sir.

-[soft orchestral music] You must be very proud to command such a fine ship.

Indeed, I am.

The Magnifique, it is the most powerful ship in the world.

Oh, come, Charles.

The Germans have much bigger ships.

Ah, size is not important anymore.

Really?

We have a new weapon that makes us more than a match for the Germans, and the British too.

-[people chattering faintly] -[dishes clattering] Who are they?

The younger man is the Marquis Lefant, a very old friend.

The older man is the American, Freeling Poignton.

The admiral looks very gallant in his uniform.

Little wonder he's so successful with women.

I hate his uniform and all that it stands for.

When will man learn to manage their affairs without war?

Ah, your sentiments, my dear Poignton, are commendable, but I fear, in this world, quite unrealistic.

I don't agree.

If one fraction of the money spent on war was spent promoting peace- [laughs] No one gives money for peace.

I do.

And I'll tell you, if I had a quarter of a million in the bank, I'd give the rest of my entire fortune, $500 million, to see every army disbanded, every warship turned into a trading vessel.

Ah, you, sir, are the exception.

Your crusading for peace is well-known.

And I confess much sympathy.

Indeed, I might even be able to help you.

In what way, Marquis?

Oh, not to abolish war absolutely, but at least to make it less likely.

Ah.

Who are they?

The older one is Freeling Poignton.

[Sydney] The American millionaire?

Multi-millionaire.

He's probably the richest man in the world.

[Sydney] And his companion?

He would call himself a diplomat.

He is the Marquis Lefant.

I've never heard of him.

[chuckles] I'm not surprised.

But it's true to say that he's one of the most powerful men in the world.

Indeed?

Yes, it was his decision that brought about the war between Russia and Japan.

This is intriguing.

Intrigue is exactly the right word.

Now, why should a man like Lefant be talking to Poignton, a dedicated, almost fanatical pacifist?

I wonder, would you mind changing places with me?

I beg your pardon?

I would like to sit where you're sitting.

Oh.

-Yes, of course.

-Thank you.

-Sir.

-No, it's all right.

-[soft orchestral music] -[people chattering faintly] Thank you.

-May I ask why- -No, I have to concentrate.

Order the, order the dinner while we're waiting.

Last time I was here, the sole Turgenev was excellent.

Excuse me, Madame.

There is a messenger to see the admiral.

Oh, forgive me.

[chuckles] The admiral is taking me to the casino tonight.

We shall be back late.

There is no need for you to wait up.

Thank you, Madame.

You will need your coat.

The night will be cold.

I have a present for you.

[Bertrand] Oh!

The pass for you to see over my ship.

Oh.

Oh!

Well, that will be very interesting.

Oh, you are honored, my dear.

There are those who would give a fortune for the privilege.

I had thought that you would be my pass.

Ah, I shall not be available.

The minister for the navy is in Toulon.

I have to be at his disposal.

But with this pass, you may look over the ship at your pleasure.

[chuckles] You look so beautiful tonight.

-[people chattering faintly] -[soft orchestral music] [Marquis] Did you know that the French have given up building battleships?

[Freeling] I am delighted to hear it.

Ah, do not deceive yourself, my dear sir.

It's not that they are any less willing to pursue their aims through military means, but this new torpedo has made battleships obsolete.

[J.T.

clears throat] Ah, excellent.

Encore.

Many years ago, I perfected the art of lip-reading.

I recommend it to you.

I find it extremely advantageous.

Did you learn anything of value?

Confirmation of what I already know, that the presence of Lefant and Poignton coinciding with the visit of the Magnifique is no chance.

[Sydney] What is so special about the Magnifique?

It carries a new guided torpedo, which can hit a target without fail, at up to five miles.

That's fantastic.

Poignton's a pacifist.

Why is he so interested in this?

Well, his money could ensure that every country in the world had one of these weapons.

Then there could be no more naval warfare.

-Couldn't we- -No, later, Sydney, later.

How are you enjoying your sole?

Oh, excusez moi.

Uh, voulez-vous, belong?

I'm sorry.

I don't comprehend the lingo.

Oh, you're English, are you?

No, no, American.

Oh, well, my name is Anderson.

I'm Mr. Sidney Wing's valet.

Oh, Foster.

I work for Freeling Poignton.

Oh, yeah?

What's he like to work for?

Oh, he's all right, I guess, except that he's lousy about money.

Aren't they all?

[chuckles] You know, trying to get a $5-a-month raise out of him is like trying to get gold out of Fort Knox, huh?

And yet, you know, I've seen him give away a half a million without turning a hair, just if he likes an idea.

[chuckles] That is a lot of money.

And he's gonna do it again.

I can see it coming.

There's this French marquis or something, a fellow named Lefant.

Now, he's a crook, if you ask me.

Why, what's he up to?

Well, he's got the boss interested in some plan to stop war.

[chuckles] They'll never stop war, will they?

Ah, you can put your shirt on that.

So, it'll cost the old man another million, but what the hell?

It's his money, huh?

What exactly is the plan then?

I don't really know, but between you and me, I think it's got something to do with the French Navy.

[scoffs] Stop war?

[chuckles] He's got to be kidding, huh?

[chuckles] [soft orchestral music] Madame, don't tell me the gallant admiral has deserted you?

Only for a moment.

He has business to attend to.

Oh, what a pity.

I could have hoped it would have taken him all evening.

There will be other evenings, Mr. Wing.

Perhaps then I may have the honor of your company.

It would be a great pleasure.

The admiral is a little jealous when I talk to other men.

Good night.

Good night, Madame.

Well, look, why don't you come and have a drink, eh?

-No, I must go.

-Oh, why?

I'm afraid here.

Well, let's go for a walk, then, shall we?

You can show me the gardens.

Yes, we'll do that.

I'll get my wrap.

Give me five minutes.

All right, I'll see you in five minutes then, at the back of the hotel.

Oh, commendable enthusiasm.

[Anderson whistling] Business or pleasure, Anderson?

[Anderson] [chuckles] Both, I hope.

Did you find anything of value from her?

Well, no, not very much, except that Admiral Christador has got to go to Toulon tomorrow and Madame Bertrand's got a pass to see over his ship.

That could be more valuable than you think.

Oh.

Pleased you think so.

Anything else?

Well, I've been talking to Freeling Poignton's man, Foster.

Good.

What did you learn?

Well, Mr. Poignton came over here to meet some French marquis or other.

Seems very involved in some scheme to try and stop war.

That confirms my own information.

Keep up the good work, Anderson.

Right.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll get to it.

[J.T.

chuckles] Can I get you a drink?

Yes, a little cognac, providing it's the best.

Anything else would be an insult to the chef.

Take care not to drink too much tonight, Sydney.

There's work for you to do.

-[Sydney chuckles] -[ominous music] [door closing] [indistinct clattering] [ominous music] I might as well start packing.

You'll do nothing of the sort.

If only he can wait until Madame is asleep.

Oh, look, that takes experience.

Sydney's only an amateur.

Even if she does drop off, he's bound to wake her falling over the furniture, -when he tries to get out.

-Anderson, you're a pessimist.

Now, we're not finished yet.

I'll think of something.

[furniture thuds] [alarm ringing] It's too late!

He's discovered!

I'll get the cases.

There was a man in my room.

But, Madame, this is unheard of in the Hotel Paradise.

Don't argue.

Find him.

Of course, Madame.

Search the sitting room.

[speaks in foreign language] Madame, you are quite sure you actually saw him?

Of course I'm sure.

I was awakened by a noise.

I opened my eyes.

I saw this, this person.

First, I thought I was dreaming.

When I opened my eyes again, he was gone.

Is Madame quite sure it was not a dream, an illusion, perhaps?

Of course not.

Am I schoolgirl to dream of such things?

Of course not, Madame.

But, uh, well, search the bathroom.

[speaks in foreign language] Is anything missing, Madame?

Fortunately, my jewels are in the safe.

Fortunate, indeed, ah, oui.

[Helder speaking in foreign language] In that case, there is only one place where he can be.

He's not out there.

I have already looked.

Oh, in that case, Madame, he must have escaped to the corridor, before you sounded the alarm.

That is the only explanation.

Then I will have the grounds searched immediately, Madame.

Good night.

Good night.

[speaks in foreign language] that your slumber has been disturbed, I'm so sorry again.

-Marie.

-Madame?

-Good night.

-Good night, Madame.

What's the matter?

Nothing, monsieur.

Nothing to worry about at all.

It's quite all right.

Good night, sir.

[Helder speaking in foreign language] Good evening, Mr. Wing.

Or should I say good morning?

[Sydney] Madame.

Come in.

You'll catch cold.

You will gather, Mr. Wing, that I am disposed to spare you.

You are?

I knew you were outside, even while my room was being searched.

But, then, why didn't you- I preferred to have an explanation, before I gave you up as a common burglar.

Madame, you are so gracious.

We shall see.

If you wish to leave this room a free man, you had better tell me the truth.

A gentleman could never lie to one as- A gentleman?

When I awoke, you were at my dressing table.

What have you taken?

The most precious thing there.

What?

Tonight, you wore a red rose at your bosom.

I was obsessed by an overwhelming desire to sleep with that rose on my pillow.

Do you mean for the sake of this rose, you ran such a terrible risk?

For the rose and all that it means to me.

That was very naughty of you, Mr. Wing.

The light's still on in her room.

I don't understand it.

Well, have patience, man.

If he had been apprehended, we would know by now.

Yes, but what's he doing?

Now, not being gifted with second sight, I cannot answer that question, but I'm beginning to regain my confidence in Sydney's ability to look after himself.

Well?

Excellent!

[people chattering faintly] Bonjour, Madame.

You are well, I trust?

Quite well, thank you.

And may I inquire, where is the gallant admiral this morning?

He has gone to Toulon, to see the minister for the navy.

He will not be back until tomorrow.

Splendid, splendid.

[chuckles] And what about the pass?

Well, he gave me one, but I appear to have lost it.

Lost it?

This is very unfortunate.

Can't you get another?

Well, not until he returns.

[Lefant scoffs] Then I may have to delay my plans.

Excuse me.

Look, I'm still a little bit confused.

What exactly is it we're supposed to be nicking?

You know, depriving.

We shall see, Anderson.

We shall see.

Well, because if you're thinking of Freeling Poignton's millions, his man tells me they're going back to the States in the morning.

Oh, that's a very useful piece of information.

Oh, yes, and, uh, by the way, did you know that Madame Bertrand used to be a great friend of the Marquis Lefant's?

If I were to tell Charles that you had been to my room last night, he would probably challenge you to a duel and kill you.

Then I beg you not to tell him.

You were much bolder last night.

It was the moonlight.

I don't think I like that, Sydney.

I beg your pardon.

I simply meant that, in such a romantic setting, a man can be driven to seek the unattainable.

Oh, you must not give up so easily.

Who knows, the unattainable may not be beyond your grasp.

Oh, you mean- I mean that you are young and not unattractive, and the admiral is a very busy man.

There will be a fancy dress ball at the casino tonight.

You may escort me.

With the greatest of pleasure.

I'm afraid Madame has failed me.

She has not got the pass.

Are you telling me you've taken my money, and I get no results?

Oh, certainly not.

That money I used to buy key men on the ship.

Yeah, with no pass- The admiral is away tonight.

There is yet a way whereby we may achieve our end.

-My plan- -Well, don't tell me.

Just deliver the goods.

I'm leaving tomorrow, and I want those plans as promised.

Oui.

[Sydney] Madame Bertrand has asked me to accompany her to the ball tonight.

[J.T.]

Have you agreed?

-Yes.

-Uh, be careful.

Her maid indicated to Anderson that she may be in league with Lefant.

Perhaps.

She's certainly not faithful to the admiral.

She has indicated that she would not be averse to my attentions in his absence.

I hope you're not giving that proposition your serious consideration.

Madame would be an expensive luxury.

Have no fear, my interest is in our enterprise.

[J.T.]

I'm very glad to hear it.

Our first adventure nears completion.

So soon?

While you are at the ball tonight, I will not be idle.

I will use the pass you obtained from Madame Bertrand and go aboard the admiral's flagship.

If all goes well, by tomorrow morning, we shall all three be very much richer.

[ship horn blaring] [J.T.

clears throat] What in the devil's name are you doing here?

I've no need to ask you the same question.

What do you want?

I want an understanding.

And in this light, you could still pass as the admiral, but soon it will be dawn.

Every moment that passes adds to the risk.

For you too.

I have a pass.

Be careful, man.

I'm not unaccustomed to the use of this weapon.

All right.

[J.T.]

Ah.

What is it you want?

The plans of the torpedo you took from that safe.

[chuckles] Very well.

Here you are.

[both grunting] -Do not do that again!

-[Lefant gasping] My foot is on the bell.

It will summon the admiral's steward.

You know what will happen if I call him.

[Lefant] Take the plans.

Take them.

[exhales sharply] I do not want them.

Put them back in the safe.

They belong to France.

Let France keep them.

I don't understand.

You are not a Frenchman.

No, neither are you, but in name.

You had no intention of keeping faith with Poignton.

Those plans were for Germany.

You merely used Poignton's money.

How did you know that?

How did I know you would be here?

Eh.

Very well.

I put them back.

[chuckles] And now?

Now you pay for my silence and to save yourself from Devil's Island.

-How much?

-10,000 pounds.

[laughs] I don't have such an amount on me.

I didn't expect it.

You will sign an IOU for a gambling debt in my favor.

If you dishonor it, you will be ruined.

You clever devil.

Will you sign?

Or shall I raise the alarm?

-[Lefant scoffs] -[seagulls squawking] You will also sign that.

-What is it?

-Read it.

You have my word, it will not be used against you.

[Lefant grumbling] Thank you.

Now, close the safe.

-[safe locking] -Admiral.

Ah.

Now I will accompany you back to the shore in your barge.

-After you.

-Oh, no.

After you.

[doors closing] Marie?

[Marie] Yes, Madame?

[Bertrand] Did you enjoy your evening with Mr. Anderson?

Very much, Madame.

And did you find out what I wanted to know?

Oui, Madame.

Mr. Anderson has told me Monsieur Sydney has a wife.

What?

And he married her for her money.

-No.

-He is a terrible gambler.

It's not possible.

His father has disowned him.

That liar.

Madame?

-What a waste.

-Madame?

If Mr. Wing should inquire for me again, I have no wish to see him.

[door creaking] [door closes] [people chattering faintly] You'll find it all there.

You needn't count it.

I'm sure I shan't.

Thank you.

My IOU, please.

Of course.

I hope we meet again, Mr. Laxworthy, to give me the chance to get even.

I hope so too.

You've got off very lightly.

Next time, my price will be double.

Laxworthy, sir.

Well, Mr. Laxworthy, [chuckles] what is it you wanted to see me about?

Ah, just a little matter of the Magnifique's torpedo.

Well, what do you know about that?

Enough to keep you in France for a good many years.

[clears throat] Sit down.

Thank you.

What, uh, what do you know about this?

I have a signed confession by the Marquis Lefant, implicating you.

Uh-huh.

What, uh, what exactly are you?

An adventurer, sir.

-What do you want?

-$50,000.

-Blackmail?

-Oh, no, sir, no, no.

It's another contribution to the cause of peace.

Now, you have been fooled, Mr. Poignton.

Lefant wanted those plans for Germany alone.

Now, you know what that would have meant.

Not even America would have been safe.

Are you positive?

Well, he admitted it to me, and I prevented it.

The $50,000 is my fee.

Okay, it's a deal, but I don't carry that kind of money around in my pockets.

Well, pay me in Paris.

I shall be traveling back on the same train.

$50,000 in $100 bills.

-[Freeling sighs] -[J.T.

clears throat] Mr. Laxworthy, there is a messenger from the admiral who would like to speak with you.

-Merci, monsieur.

-Vous en prie, monsieur.

Ah, give the admiral my regards.

It's always been a great pleasure to serve France.

Well, our business is now complete.

What is that?

Oh, it's 10,000 francs.

Small reward for our services to France.

What, have you been working for the French government?

When we first met, Mr. Anderson, I said we'd be working for ourselves.

What was that about a reward?

Why, it's a mere 10,000 francs.

There, you keep it for us.

Private enterprise is more lucrative.

Lefant and Poignton pay much better.

How much?

[J.T.]

Oh, over 20,000 pounds.

20,000!

[chuckles] Well, it's cheap, I'd say, for two great men's reputations.

Au revoir, monsieur.

Au revoir, Monsieur Laxworthy.

Au revoir, Monsieur Wing.

Au revoir.

May I look forward to welcoming you once again -to the Hotel Paradise.

-[ominous theme music] Ah, Sheik Ahmed.

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