I've had to do with fifty murderers in
my career, but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion
which I have for this fellow. And yet I can't get out of doing
business with him -- indeed, he is here at my invitation."
"But who is he?"
"I'll tell you, Watson. He is the king of all the blackmailers.
Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and
reputation come into the power of Milverton. With a smiling
face and a heart of marble he will squeeze and squeeze until he
has drained them dry. The fellow is a genius in his way, and
would have made his mark in some more savoury trade. His method
is as follows: He allows it to be known that he is prepared to
pay very high sums for letters which compromise people of wealth
or position. He receives these wares not only from treacherous
valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians who have
gained the confidence and affection of trusting women.
He deals with no niggard hand. I happen to know that he paid
seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length,
and that the ruin of a noble family was the result. Everything
which is in the market goes to Milverton, and there are hundreds
in this great city who turn white at his name.
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