[bright music playing] [wind howls] Nicolai.

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] -Come, Nicolai Wolkonski.

-What the devil?

[footsteps shuffle] What are you doing here?

What do you want with me?

Take your hands off me!

-[punch thuds] -[Nicolai grunts] [wind howls] -[punches thud] -[Nicolai grunts] [Nicolai screams] [footsteps shuffle] [opening theme music] [slides click] [Narrator] In Edwardian times, there lived many detectives, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes.

[muffled chatter] [Man] Thank you.

-[bright classical music] -[footsteps shuffle] [footsteps shuffle] I should like a room for two nights.

I'm afraid we're completely booked up.

The best you have.

There's a trade fair in town.

-The suite, if possible.

-I really can't...

I shouldn't really let this to anyone, sir.

It's a private suite.

However, the baron is away till Friday.

Take this gentleman's baggage up to suite 3.

Look sharp about it.

Will you sign the register, please, sir?

Yes, of course.

I believe my sister-in-law, the Countess Wolkonski, -is staying here.

-Yes, sir.

-Which is her room?

-215, sir.

-Is she in?

-She should be in, sir.

-Shall I send a message up?

-No, I shall go myself.

I'm afraid I must ask permission first, sir.

She said especially she didn't wish to be disturbed.

You see, I should very much like to surprise her if possible.

You see, she does not know I am in Copenhagen, and I have a very special sort of present to give.

I quite understand, sir.

-Second floor.

-Thank you.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[muffled chatter] [heels clack] Countess, your brother-in-law just asked for you.

-I sent him up to your room.

-How dare you send anyone up to my room without my permission.

-How dare you!

-I'm very sorry, ma'am.

He said he wished to surprise you.

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] [elevator whirs] -[bright classical music] -[muffled chatter] Never let that man come near me, do you understand?

Never!

-More coffee?

-No, thank you.

-[coffee pours] -[dishes clink] By the way, Lieutenant Olsen's being promoted to captain.

Yes, I know.

-You knew?

-Yes.

Why him, not you?

He's an ambitious lad.

-Nice for Mrs. Olsen.

-Yes.

Where's Odessa?

-Russia, I think.

Why?

-Yeah, it is Russia.

They had a mutiny there on a battleship.

Oh yes.

There's always trouble in Russia.

It says here they've been having strikes all the way through the spring and assassinations.

-I think it's dreadful.

-Yes, it is dreadful.

Oh, well.

I'm glad you don't work in a country like that.

Wouldn't want you mixed up in any revolutions.

No, no, no.

I just get drugs, prostitutes, and burglaries.

[Ulla laughs] Why can't they give you anything more interesting?

[Lieutenant Holst] Oh, that's the penalties of being a policeman in a quiet city like Copenhagen.

I will say, wish you were a little bit more ambitious.

You're just as good at your job as Lieutenant Olsen.

Well, that doesn't always pay off.

Look at that young detective in Esbjerg.

Arrested a foreign spy who turned out to be a diplomat.

-That cost him his job.

-He may not be wrong.

Some diplomats are spies, aren't they?

Perhaps.

I don't know.

I'm only pointing out the hazards of being over ambitious.

-Yes, darling.

-I'll see you tonight.

[couple kiss] -[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] -[bells ring melodically] -[footsteps shuffle] [Sergeant] Good morning, sir.

Well, what have we got this morning, sergeant?

Oh, nothing much, sir.

Oh, there's a man here says he's lost his wife, sir.

-Lost his wife?

-Yes, sir.

Good morning.

I'm Lieutenant Holst.

Would you come with me?

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] [papers rustle] -Well.

-My wife has disappeared.

How long have you been married?

25 years.

And when did she disappear?

She wasn't there when I got home last night.

I waited up all night, but she just didn't come back.

-Did she leave any message?

-No.

Did she take any of her clothes?

No.

-Did you have a quarrel?

-No.

We never quarrel.

We don't say much.

We're happy.

-Children?

-No.

Couldn't she have gone to a relative or something?

Without giving a message?

[phone rings] Yes?

Yes, sir.

I'll come at once.

Would you excuse me?

I have to see the inspector.

Do you mind just waiting outside?

The sergeant will get you a coffee.

-You will find her?

-Oh yes, yes.

We'll find her.

Thank you.

-[door shuts] -[footsteps shuffle] [door opens] [door shuts] -[knock taps] -[door opens] Ah, Holst.

Good morning.

Sit down.

-Cock and bull story.

-Sir?

On the other hand, might be telling the truth.

Impossible to say.

But you're the only chap to deal with it.

Level-headed.

We don't want another mix-up like that one over the Austrian diplomat, now do we?

-No, sir.

-No, I should say not.

Wait here.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] [footsteps shuffle] May I introduce my assistant, Lieutenant Holst.

This is the Countess Wolkonski from Russia.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

Lieutenant Holst is one of our best young officers.

He will be dealing with your case.

[footsteps shuffle] Holst.

Well, countess, what can I do for you?

My brother-in-law wants to murder me.

Murder you?

He thinks I betrayed my husband.

He stole my son and murdered him, and now he wants to murder me.

Please tell me from the beginning.

I was very young when I married Nicolai, only 17.

He was 20.

We were very happy.

One year after we were married, we had a little boy, Ivan.

I thought such happiness was not possible.

I said to myself, "It cannot last," but it did for six years, six unforgettable years.

Perhaps it would've lasted forever but for politics.

Yes?

It was those damnable politics that took him from me.

There were forces of discontent working against the czar.

Some of Nicolai's officers were among them.

They infected him.

They infected him with amorality, too.

He took to drink, [voice breaks] and he was unfaithful to me.

Please go on.

Well, they arrested my husband.

And while in prison awaiting trial, he died of pneumonia, they told me.

But his brother, Dimitri, who was involved in these plots, escaped.

He stole my son and took him to Vienna.

Then he wrote to me and demanded that I come to see him.

Of course I went.

But when I got there, I found my son was dead, also of pneumonia, they told me.

So I thought he would kill me, too, and I fled to Berlin.

Why didn't you return to Russia?

My husband was arrested as a revolutionary.

I thought they would arrest me, too.

So before leaving for Vienna, I sold my estates.

Well, Dimitri followed me to Berlin.

I went on to Stockholm.

He followed me there, too.

I came here and so did he, and he will kill me if you don't stop him.

[sobs] Where is your brother-in-law?

At the Hotel D'Angleterre.

He followed me there and tried to see me.

I've checked the Hotel D'Angleterre.

There is a Count Dimitri Wolkonski staying there.

You see?

Why don't you arrest him?

We have nothing against him.

-But I've told- -He simply asked to see you.

That is not a crime.

Then you must take me to protective custody.

We can't do that.

But you must find me somewhere safe!

I beg of you.

I cannot return to that hotel.

You must protect me.

Why not go to your embassy?

Ah, my husband was a revolutionary.

They would not lift a finger to help me.

I know that.

Holst, you better go down to the Hotel D'Angleterre and have a word with Count Wolkonski.

Do not believe him!

He will tell you lies.

He deceives everyone.

Can the countess stay here while I see him?

I don't think that's a very good idea.

Would your wife...

Excuse me, madame countess.

[footsteps shuffle] Would your wife take care of her for an hour or two?

-My wife?

-She's a sensible woman.

Well, yes- I mean, it really isn't a police matter, is it?

-I suppose I could ask her.

-Good man.

Right.

Now don't worry.

You can rely on Lieutenant Holst.

Please come with me, countess.

No.

I will not leave this place until he's in prison or dead.

But if you come along to my office.

You'll be quite safe with me.

Good day, countess.

[footsteps shuffle] -[sighs heavily] -[door shuts] My family have always been loyal.

I want nothing to do with this man.

They talk to me of slavery.

What do I know of slavery?

There've always been slaves in Russia.

There will always be a czar.

How can they change that?

They may have to try.

[footsteps shuffle] I have no one to protect me now.

Why not let me take you back to your hotel?

Then I can see you to your room before I speak with the count.

But you promised you would take me to your wife.

I think you'll be better at your hotel.

Are you mad?

Do you want me to be killed?

But you could lock your door and then no one could get in.

But there are balconies!

He can get into another room and climb along.

No, really, I don't think- You don't know this man!

He's desperate.

I will not go.

Please do not try to force me.

Hide me.

I'm in danger.

Don't you understand?

Very well.

[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] -[muffled chatter] -[door shuts] -[heels clack] [muffled whispering] [footsteps shuffle] Excuse me.

Ulla!

[Ulla] Aidan?

What are you doing back at this time?

I've just make some coffee.

This is the Countess Wolkonski from Russia.

From Russia?

-This is my wife, Ulla.

-How do you do?

The countess says that her brother-in-law is pursuing her, plans to murder her.

She's afraid to go back to her hotel, so the inspector suggested she might stay here with you while I talk to the count, her brother-in-law, at the hotel.

If you wouldn't mind, she's very upset.

Perhaps you'd get her a coffee.

Well, I'll get down to the hotel.

You'll be quite safe here.

-You are very kind.

-Right.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] [footsteps shuffle] Now look.

[door shuts] -What's this about?

-I've just explained.

I don't want that woman here!

It was the inspector's suggestion.

I don't care whose suggestion it was!

Why couldn't she stay at the police station?

Well, the inspector doesn't want her to.

Why on earth not?

It's a police matter, isn't it?

He seems to think not.

Well, why are you saddled with her?

We've got to do something!

Look, Ulla, I'm sorry, but she is very upset.

So am I.

[door opens] -[clock ticks] -[door shuts] [footsteps shuffle] Would you like to take your coat off and sit down?

I'll go and get some coffee.

[footsteps shuffle] [cups clink] [footsteps shuffle] [tray thuds] Well, better tell me all about it.

[coffee pours] Would you put the chain on the door?

-There's no need for that.

-Please!

Please.

Very well.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] -[clock ticks] -[locks click] [footsteps shuffle] [knock taps] [door opens] Oh, sorry, it's wrong room.

-[bright classical music] -[muffled chatter] Sir, I believe you have a Count Wolkonski staying here.

Count Wolkonski doesn't wish to be disturbed.

May I ask your business with the count, lieutenant?

You can ask, but you won't get an answer.

-Take me up to him.

-No, no, no, no.

You take me up to him, just in case he's tipped you well.

-I really don't see why- -Come on.

You stay here.

[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] -[muffled applause] [footsteps shuffle] -[knock taps] -[bright classical music] [knock taps] Open it.

[door rattles] -I really- -You got a master key.

Open it.

[keys jingle] [door opens] All right, thank you.

[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] [footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] Hold up your hands.

[tense music] Who are you?

-I'm a police officer.

-I do not think so.

-You could check my identity- -Keep your hands up!

-[footsteps shuffle] -[hooves clop in distance] -Why you come?

-To ask you some questions.

Why didn't you answer the door?

When you're a refugee from the Russian police, you take precautions.

Is that why you carry a gun?

-[shutters clatter open] -[muffled chatter outside] I have no gun.

What do you want of me?

You are Count Dimitri Wolkonski?

Yes.

A lady has made a complaint against you on the grounds that you have designs on her life.

-It's my sister-in-law?

-Yes.

You believe her?

Well, naturally we must investigate any such complaint.

Naturally.

Do you wish to tell me about it?

Hmm.

By all means.

Her husband, that is my brother, Nicolai, was a revolutionary.

He was also in love with another girl.

Maria reported him to the authorities.

She disapproved of his politics?

That was politics, too, yes.

-What happened then?

-Well, he died in prison.

-How?

-He died.

-Yes?

-Unfortunately, before he died, he managed to get the message to me, begging me to look after his son, Ivan.

-And you agreed?

-Of course.

I did not wish to remain in his unbalanced mother's care.

But I could not stay in Russia because I shared my brother's political beliefs.

So I took the boy with me to Vienna, and tragically, he caught pneumonia and died in my arms.

His mother is convinced that I murdered him.

And you deny that?

You can check with the medical authorities in Vienna.

Why should I want to kill the son of a brother I love?

The countess claims that you followed her to Berlin and Stockholm and then to here.

-Correct.

-Why?

She had sold her estates in Russia.

That was because she feared my brother's sympathizers would seek vengeance on her.

Now she was trying to sell some Austrian properties willed to me by my brother, and I want to see her nearly to try to bring her to his senses.

And naturally, she's avoiding me.

Well, that is the situation.

-I see.

-So if that is all.

Might I suggest that you accompany me to the Russian embassy.

We could then discuss the matter with the ambassador.

-No.

-Why not?

He's a representative of a ruler I regard as a tyrant.

I do not wish to see anyone from the Russian embassy.

Yes, I appreciate your point of view.

But you will still take me to the embassy nonetheless.

We don't perform political errands -for foreign governments.

-Thank you.

But I must warn you that we should have to inform the embassy of the situation, and, well, their reaction may conceivably- -Compel you to arrest me.

-Not that.

But if you feel that any unpleasantness might result, then, well, I would recommend that you leave the country at once.

No, I shall not leave the country until I see my sister-in-law.

Where is she?

I'm afraid I can't tell you that.

Would you be willing for me to meet her in your presence?

She said that she does not wish to see you.

But how else are you going to tell which of us is lying?

She claims I want to kill her.

I claim that she is mentally distraught and is illegally squandering money that belongs to me.

Perhaps the decision is not yours to make.

Yes, it is mine.

I'll see what I can do.

You come to the police station at three o'clock.

Here's the address.

Thank you.

Do you think he's telling the truth?

About the property, I mean?

It's difficult to judge, sir.

She did seem rather hysterical, but then, if the story is true, that would be sufficient reason for that.

-On the other hand- -Did you like him?

-Like him, sir?

-Yes.

Did you like him?

-No, sir.

-Hmm.

[footsteps shuffle] Do you think that she is really in danger from him?

Well, quite frankly, sir, they're both new types to me.

I think she might be.

Well, what do we do now?

I think we oughta let him see her here.

I've asked him to come here at three o'clock.

You've done what?

Well, he can't harm her if I'm with them.

I'd rather we got them both out of the country.

They're none of our business.

If there's any trouble between them, I don't want it to happen in my district.

But, sir, wee can't just deport them both.

He'd catch up with her, and then, well, if her story is true, it wouldn't be in a police station.

Well, that wouldn't be our responsibility.

Wouldn't it, sir?

Where is she now?

Still with your wife?

[Lieutenant Holst] Yes, sir.

Well then, your wife will have had a good chance to talk to her and form an opinion.

Ask her what she thinks.

Now if she says what I think she will say, take the countess back to the hotel, keep the count here, and we'll see if we can get them both out of the country without them seeing each other.

I don't like it, sir.

No.

[paper rustles] [muffled chatter] [footsteps shuffle] Lieutenant.

Have you found her?

Any news of this gentleman's wife?

His wife, sir?

But of course.

-Well, hasn't he told you?

-No, sir.

He's just been sitting there waiting to see you.

But you promised me you would find- No, I said we'd do our best.

-But you've been looking?

-Look, look.

I'm sorry, but tell the sergeant here what do you told me.

I assumed you told him.

-I assumed you had told him.

-Look, I am very sorry, but I have something extremely important.

More important than my wife?

No, of course not.

Just tell the sergeant, all right?

-[bells ring] -[muffled chatter] [footsteps shuffle] How can you understand?

You've never been in a country where men plot revolution.

You don't know whom to trust.

I know nothing of politics.

I only want to live in peace.

Can you understand that?

Yes.

But I cannot be sure of anything anymore.

I only know that my life is in danger.

It is a nightmare, a nightmare.

[bell dings] -[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] -Who is it?

-It's me.

[locks click] Sorry, darling.

She insisted.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door shuts] Well, have you arrested him?

-No.

-Why not?

Well, as I explained to you, he's committed no crime.

Committed no crime?

He murdered his nephew and threatened Maria's life.

Oh, he does not believe me.

You have been talking to my brother-in-law haven't you?

Yes.

And he told you that I was hysterical -and that I sold his property.

-Yes.

And you believed him.

I told you he will deceive you.

You're not used to that kind of man.

He's not one of your little criminals.

He's a leader.

It is his life to deceive people.

And you believe him.

You think that I'm lying.

Of course she isn't lying.

I know Maria's telling the truth.

Thank you.

-What are you going to do now?

-You must have him arrested.

But I can't arrest him for something he may do.

[Maria] But he murdered my son.

We only have your word for that, countess.

So you will do nothing?

Look, would you be prepared to meet him in my presence at the police station?

[Maria] No.

But no harm could come to you there.

You don't know this man.

-But in a police station.

-No!

Very well.

I'll take you to your hotel.

Thank you.

I will take a cab.

-Are you sure?

-Quite sure.

[footsteps shuffle] Goodbye, and thank you.

It has been a comfort to me to have one person [indistinct] who believes when he's telling the truth.

You can't stay here if you like.

Oh, no.

I don't want to embarrass your husband.

-[door opens] -[heels clack] [kids laugh and shout] Are you sure you're all right?

Would you like me to come, too?

No, thank you.

[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] [footsteps shuffle] I think that's bloody disgraceful.

What do you expect me to do?

Arrest this man and get him out of the country!

But I can't arrest him!

I've got no grounds!

Oh, good God!

You wouldn't sit back and see her killed you just because you're frightened of not doing everything -by the book.

-Oh shut up, Ulla!

Do you want me to lose my job?

You put your job before her life?

I can't arrest him!

-Don't you see?

I can't!

-I would.

[footsteps shuffle] Well, you better get back, couldn't you?

You don't want to lose your job.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] [door slams] -[soft chiming music] -[muffled chatter] Good afternoon, madam.

What can I do for you?

I should like to see some of your diamond bracelets.

Oh, with pleasure.

One of these perhaps.

Ah, well, that is my personal favorite.

If madam will forgive me while I tend to this lady.

[muffled chatter] Have you made your choice, madam?

I've seen nothing I like.

Oh, but madam.

That bracelet you were looking at.

-Let me pass, please.

-But madam.

Madam, madam.

Please, madam!

Police, police!

Stop, thief!

What the devil's this?

She tried to steal a bracelet from a jeweler, sir.

This is ridiculous!

I know this lady!

He's quite correct.

But why?

Now you will have to take care of me, lieutenant.

Will you charge her, sir?

[clock ticks] [door opens] Take this lady to room A at once.

-Will you charge?

-Never mind that.

Look sharp.

[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] -[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] -Is the inspector in?

-He's been called out, sir.

Won't be back until half past five.

Listen, in few moments, a Count Wolkonski -will be arriving.

-Wolkonski?

Yes, yes, the same name as her.

Now I don't want them to meet.

-Put the count in room B.

-Right, sir.

-All right.

-Have you found her?

-No, not yet, I'm afraid.

-But you promised you would.

I said we'd do our best.

Now you gave the sergeant all the details.

Of course, yes.

Are you searching for her?

Look, why don't you go home?

You'll be far more comfortable there.

No, I don't want to sit alone in my house.

But she might be there waiting for you.

No, the neighbor would've told me.

I told him I would be here.

Good afternoon, lieutenant.

We're doing everything we can.

Good afternoon.

I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to wait a few minutes.

The sergeant here will show you to a comfortable room.

Well, if you'll excuse me, please.

Is my sister-in-law here?

Yes, she's here.

[footsteps shuffle] [door shuts] -[clock ticks] -[footsteps shuffle] [knock taps] Yes?

[door opens] -Excuse me, sir.

-What is it?

Your wife wishes to see you.

-My wife, here?

-Yes, sir.

-Well, show her in.

-Sir.

[footsteps shuffle] What on earth are you doing here?

The portis says someone followed Maria from our flat.

He'd been waiting in a taxi.

I think he must've been Count Wolkonski.

Why?

What did he look like?

Stocky, dark.

He had a mustache.

Yes, that's him.

What on earth was he doing there?

He must've been following me ever since I left him.

Well, he may be with her now.

No, no, he's not.

No, they're both here.

-Both here?

-Yeah, separate rooms.

-She's under arrest.

-What?

She stole a diamond bracelet from a jeweler's.

No, no, she admits it.

She said she did it to force us to take her into custody.

You see?

That proves her story's true.

It doesn't prove anything of the kind.

Tell me, do you really think she's telling the truth?

-I'm sure she is.

I told you.

-Yes.

I know you did.

You still don't believe her.

I'm not sure how far I believe her.

Sure, she's frightened of him all right.

Not sure she's frightened for the reason she says.

If he does kill her, it'll be your responsibility.

-Yes, I know.

-What are you going to do?

[footsteps shuffle] I'm going to let them meet.

But if what Maria says it's true, that would be a terrible risk!

But how else can I arrive at the truth?

Well, if that's the only way, you must have him searched first.

I can't have him searched.

He's under no charge.

Well, you'd better think one up.

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] Count Wolkonski.

Where is my sister-in-law?

You said she was here.

She is.

The countess was arrested at 2:30 this afternoon.

Yes.

On suspicion of having stolen a diamond bracelet from a jeweler's.

-So she is in custody here.

-Yes.

Then will you please take me to her at once?

[footsteps shuffle] If you do not take me to her, then I must report you to your superiors.

Count Wolkonski, I hereby charge you with being implicated in a robbery committed this afternoon by a woman calling herself your sister-in-law.

I must ask you to empty your pockets.

Oh.

You can't know what you're saying.

[chuckles] You are conspiring with that woman.

You're a policeman.

I find it absolutely incredible.

Please empty your pockets.

I refuse.

[footsteps shuffle] You will regret this action, Lieutenant Holst.

Perhaps.

[objects clink and slam] Satisfied?

Foolish, very foolish.

Now perhaps you will believe me.

-May I have my things back?

-Yes.

[objects clink] [tense music] [tense music] Do you have a license for this weapon?

You do not need a license for a gun in Russia.

You do in Denmark.

What's your purpose for carrying this gun?

-For my own protection.

-For your protection?

Against the czarist agents.

Well, you don't think they have forgotten me, do you?

They follow me wherever I go.

Czarist agents in Denmark?

My sister-in-law is a czarist agent.

And when she betrayed my brother to them, they asked her to betray his comrades as well.

You can't know how many men she has sent to their deaths.

I'm afraid I shall have to charge you with carrying a gun without a license.

Lieutenant Holst, while I am free, I can keep out of the way of the Russian embassy.

If you arrest me, they will know exactly where I am.

And when you release me, they will be waiting for me, and they will have me sent back to Russia to be tortured, to reveal the names of my comrades, that's if they don't torture me here.

The embassy torture you?

Well, you don't think the Russian embassy contains only diplomats?

I'm afraid I have no alternative.

So when will my case be heard?

-Tomorrow morning?

-When can I have bail?

I can provide ample security.

I'm afraid not.

It's ironic, is it not?

You have a democracy here in Denmark.

I mean, no man lives in fear of a midnight knock on the door, and all that I and my comrades want to do is to establish a similar kind of democracy in Russia, and for that, we are called anarchists.

And you, a sensitive and liberal man, assist the kind of tyrants your country got rid of centuries ago.

I do not blame you.

You are doing your duty.

Could I have my cigar case back, please?

I would like to smoke if that is permitted.

Of course.

[Dimitri sighs] Thank you.

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] [footsteps shuffle] [door opens] -[door shuts] -[footsteps shuffle] Well?

I'm afraid you'll have to spend the night in custody.

Thank God.

Your case will be heard before a magistrate -in the morning.

-And then?

Well, that's up to the magistrate.

As a first offender, you'll probably get off with the minimum fine.

-And that is all?

-That is all.

So then it would begin all over again.

Your brother-in-law is also in custody.

In custody?

On what charge?

Carrying a revolver without a license.

You see?

Perhaps now you believe me.

Now you must get me out of here.

What are your laws about bail?

I can deposit the security for twice the amount of that miserable bracelet.

Yes, you can have bail.

[knock thuds] Yes?

-[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] There's a gentleman to see you, sir.

Count Vorodov from the Russian embassy, Says it's most urgent about the countess.

-The countess?

-Yes, sir.

-Show him in.

-Sir.

[footsteps shuffle] -Count Vorodov, sir.

-Good afternoon.

So I understand that you are holding two of my compatriots, Count and Countess Wolkonski.

How did you know that?

I've had them followed ever since they left Russia.

Have you indeed?

How did you know the count was under arrest?

I didn't.

Thank you for telling me.

On what charges I were holding the count?

Possessing a revolver without a license.

And what will be the penalty?

-A fine.

-And deportation?

Certainly not.

Count Wolkonski is a very dangerous man.

He's a saboteur and a murderer.

You have evidence to support that?

Yeah, very strong circumstantial evidence.

I shall request his extradition.

If Count Wolkonski asks for political asylum, you'll need a lot more than circumstantial evidence to have him extradited.

This man is not a politician.

He is an anarchist.

But your foreign office will decide whether or not he is to be extradited.

Yes.

Well, I should like to see it.

Please take me to him at once.

Count Wolkonski has stated that he does not wish to see any member of the Russian embassy.

But surely you know that every foreign embassy has the right to see any of its nationals who are under arrest.

A foreign national has a right to see a member of his embassy.

I understand the reverse does not apply if the national is unwilling.

You are a very junior officer, lieutenant.

Well, if you care to come back in a couple of hours, you can speak to my inspector.

I wish to see this man now!

Please take me to him at once or I shall telephone the minister of justice.

Under Danish law, even the minister of justice can't force a charged alien to see a member of his embassy if he doesn't want to.

Lieutenant Holst, are you really prepared to prejudice your career for the sake of an anarchist?

He has his rights, and I can't deny them to him.

I can ask him if he wants to talk to you.

Do you wish me to do that?

I don't think that you will ever be an inspector, lieutenant.

Perhaps not.

I thought you wished to see me about the countess.

Not any longer.

-[door opens] -[muffled chatter] [door shuts] -[carriage rattles in distance] -[hooves clop] [footsteps shuffle] [birds chirp] [clock ticks] -[phone rings] -[footsteps shuffle] Yes.

Yes, sir.

I'll come at once.

-[receiver clicks] -[footsteps shuffle] [door opens and shuts] [knock thuds] [Inspector Andersen] Come in.

[door opens] Holst, this is Baron Molbech from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Good evening, sir.

-Sit down.

-Thank you, sir.

Baron?

You have a Count Wolkonski in your cell so awaiting trial.

Yes.

I understand the Russian embassy -have requested to see him.

-Yes.

And that you refused to let them.

Count Wolkonski said that he didn't wish to see any member of the Russian embassy.

I can't compel him to.

I understand the man is a self-confessed revolutionary.

-That is true.

-Against the czar.

-Yes.

-I need hardly remind you that the czar's mother, the dowager empress of Russia, is the daughter of our own beloved King Christian and that the czar is accordingly our king's grandson.

I am aware of that.

Need I say more, Lieutenant Holst?

To permit Count Vorodov to see Count Wolkonski against the latter's wishes would be against Danish law.

Are you asking me, a police officer, to break the law?

Lieutenant Holst, what harm do you suppose can possibly come to Wolkonski through allowing Count Vorodov to see him in his cell?

It isn't a question of what harm can come to him.

It's a question of his rights!

Holst, don't force me to overrule you.

With respect, sir, in this matter, -you can't overrule me.

-But I can.

Well, how can you overrule me?

I shall personally instruct the station sergeant to take Count Vorodov to Wolkonski's cell.

Baron Molbech, you have no right to issue any such instruction!

Nevertheless, I should strongly advise you not to tell the sergeant to disobey it.

I am prepared to overlook your obstinacy up to this point.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] But that, I promise you, would be the end of your career.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door shuts] Well, you have been damned obstinate.

You knew Baron Molbech's instructions came from the highest authority, the very highest!

I guessed it, sir.

Holst, in this job, one has to be a diplomat, not a saint!

You realize you could have ruined your career?

Yes, I realize that.

Well, if you'll excuse me, sir, I'd like to talk to Count Wolkonski as soon as Count Vorodov is finished with him.

What do you want to speak to him about?

I want to apologize to him.

-Apologize?

-Yes.

-[footsteps shuffle] -[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] -[door shuts] [birds chirp] -[door clicks] -[keys jingle] [footsteps shuffle] -[door shuts] -[keys jingle] [bells toll melodically in distance] [footsteps shuffle] Has Count Vorodov left yet?

Yes, sir.

He left about five minutes ago.

-Right.

-Lieutenant.

[footsteps shuffle] [Lieutenant Holst] Open up.

-[keys jingle] -[door clicks] -[door opens] -[footsteps shuffle] -Holst, what- -I thought you'd like to know that Count Wolkonski has hanged himself!

Has he?

Has he?

Well, it's probably for the best.

-For the best?

-Yes.

He might've said things in court which could've proved embarrassing.

You mean if he'd been found shot dead in his room a few hours later?

-Not only that.

-Well, what else?

Oh, yes.

The foreign office.

Not only the foreign office, the palace.

The palace?

Must I remind you that the czar is our king's grandson?

How would you feel if your grandson were going to be murdered?

Would you just sit back and do nothing?

If my grandson was a tyrant?

Yes.

Well, as you've been in charge of the case, you had better go and apologize.

Apologize to whom?

To the Russian embassy, of course.

That is an order, Holst.

Now look, Holst.

You're a good policeman.

I don't want to lose you!

[footsteps shuffle] When I make my report, I shall stress your deep sense of duty and suggest that it was that that motivated your unwillingness to cooperate.

You have a vocation for this work, Holst!

Don't turn your back on it just because forces stronger than you and me have intervened.

Yeah.

Go home to your wife.

I'll speak to the embassy.

[footsteps shuffle] -[door shuts] -[heels clack] -Lieutenant.

-Yes?

I just wanted to thank you.

-Thank me?

-Yes.

They have found my wife.

-It was your doing, I know.

-My doing?

Well, I'm very glad she's all right.

Yes.

She's doing all right.

-All right.

Very glad.

-Yeah.

It's funny how these things turn out.

-[hooves clop] -[birds chirp] [footsteps shuffle] Well?

He hanged himself in his cell.

Hanged himself?

How could that happen?

[Lieutenant Holst] He knew they'd be waiting for him.

-Who?

-The embassy.

Well, what would they do to him?

Torture him to reveal the names of his friends.

Oh, how horrible.

Still, what about Maria?

She's been released on bail, and her case will be heard in the morning.

She'll get off with a small fine, no doubt.

-First offender.

-Good.

[bell dings] -Oh, did I disturb you?

-No!

Please, come in.

-Good evening, lieutenant.

-Good evening.

I'm leaving Denmark tomorrow afternoon.

I'm sure your husband has told you.

-Everything is all right now.

-Yes.

-Where will you be going?

-Switzerland.

Well, I just wanted to say goodbye and to thank you.

These mad ideas.

Why do people want to change things?

Things are good as they are.

There's only a few troublemakers who are unhappy.

Most people are content.

You are a czarist agent, aren't you?

Well, goodbye, and thank you.

Goodbye, lieutenant.

[door opens] [door shuts] -She's right.

-You think so?

Oh, surely you're not beginning to sympathize with those anarchists.

-I can't help wondering.

-What?

Which side I'd be on if I lived there.

Well, anyway, I think you took a very sensible course of action.

[lips peck] [closing theme music] [bright instrumental music]