In this captivating episode, we delve into the intriguing world of classic radio dramas, focusing on the fascinating history of "The Avengers" radio series in South Africa, a country without national television until 1976. We explore how the series, which took Britain and America by storm, managed to gain exposure in South Africa through film rentals, despite the lack of television broadcasts. This sets the stage for an enthralling episode of "The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, as they unravel the mystery of "The Case of the Out of Date Murder." Join us as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson embark on a suspenseful journey to solve a century-old murder mystery. The duo finds themselves in the eerie lime caves of Eastbourne, where they uncover a mummified body dressed in 18th-century attire. As they piece together the clues, they unravel a web of deceit and jealousy, leading to a shocking revelation about the true identity of the murderer. This episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with its blend of historical intrigue and classic detective work.
(00:04) The Avengers in South Africa
(01:16) Introduction to Sherlock Holmes
(03:09) The Case of the Out-of-Date Murder
(06:18) Lady Clavering's Dilemma
(09:05) The Lime Pits Discovery
(14:13) Uncovering the Past
(20:23) Escape from the Pit
(24:29) The Murderer's Identity Revealed
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Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a film series, rather than a videotaped one, the avengers was able to gain a modicum of exposure in South Africa through film rentals.
Come and listen at myclassicradio.net.
[00:00:51] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the armed forces radio service. Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruth and the new adventures of Sherlock
[00:01:13] Unknown:
Holmes.
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The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting story about his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And we'd also like to tell you something you really ought to know. The fact that the one sure way to make good food taste better is to try that good food together with a glass of good petri wine. Did you ever try petri wine with dinner? No kidding, that's one bandwagon you sure wanna hop on. Take for instance, a deep red hearty petri California Burgundy. Wait till you taste that petri burgundy with, let's say, a delicious old fashioned beef stew. Or maybe try a glass with spaghetti.
I'm telling you, when you add the luscious flavour of that petri burgundy to the flavour of your favourite foods, you're really living. You're You're finding out for the first time what good eating really means on the level. So better keep a bottle of that Petri Burgundy right on the dining room table. And never forget, the best friend a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri wine. And now for our weekly visit with the good doctor Watson. May I come in doctor?
[00:02:31] Unknown:
No. No. No. Mister Bartel, you know me better than that. Of course, you can come in. I'm expecting you. I always look forward to these Monday evenings together, you know. Me too, doctor. In fact, I always say this is the one doctor's appointment that never scares me. Nice of you, my boy. Draw up your churn. Make you so comfortable. Thanks.
[00:02:49] Unknown:
And, what prescription do you have in mind for us tonight, doctor? Well, now let me see.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
Take one measure of subterranean peril, one of aristocratic lady in distress, a sprinkling of assorted villains, a corpse or two, and a little more than a dash of Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson. Shake the mixture well, and you have the case of the out of date murder. Well, how did the adventure begin, doctor? Jose, clear enough. It was in September of nineteen hundred. I remember that Holmes and I went to Eastbourne for a much needed rest. First couple of days, we spent in soothing idleness. On the morning of the third day, Holmes, a dash of color back in his cheek and a hint of the old sparkle in his eye, suggested that we should go and call on his good friend Evan Whitmill, curator of a nearby museum.
And so just after lunch on that September day, found the two of us talking to professor Evan Whitmore in his private office at the museum. It only seems yesterday.
[00:03:51] Unknown:
With all your recent discoveries in this part of England have made you world famous instead of just nationally famous. My congratulations.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
Professor, I do wish you'd tell me, about your discoveries. Well, well, pleasure, doctor Watson.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
Less than two months ago, I was excavating on the downlands in this neighborhood when I was fortunate enough to discover a number of underground caves, a cave saturated with a heavy deposit of lime, that gave clear evidence of having the property of rapidly mummifying any flesh, human or animal, deposited in them. Gracious me. Interesting. And what treasures have you unearthed, professor? Well, a number of mummified specimens of animals clearly belonging to bygone heroes. My prize specimen is the body of a large wolfhound. The inscription on its collar identified the animal as having belonged to some local squire in the year 1700 and, '48.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Amazing. I didn't know that limestone had such qualities of preservation. Come in. Come in. Yes, Alan? What is it?
[00:04:53] Unknown:
Lady Claiborne, professor. She asked me to tell you that she was in a museum. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes, sir. Sure up here. Would you, Alan? Very good, sir. Yes, sir. I I'm most anxious for you both to meet her, and she in turn is even more anxious to meet you. Now Now I dined with her last night, and when I told her that you were coming here today, she insisted on meeting. No. Wait. No, you scoundrel. There's a twinkle in your eye. I suspect that lady Claverick has yet to consult me in my professional capacity and that you engineer the meeting. Well,
[00:05:21] Unknown:
perhaps I might have dropped a hint. Well, now I warn you, professor, Holmes can't become involved with another case. He's completely run down. Well, don't worry, doctor. All that lady travelling requires is a little advice. Advice? Oh, well, that's a different matter altogether. Yes. I've got
[00:05:37] Unknown:
I knew you wouldn't mind, Holmes. Helena, my dear. There you are. Now come along in. Thank you, Alan. Allow I need to introduce David Clavin, mister Sherlock Holmes and, doctor Watson. How are you, gentlemen? Now, here you are, my dear. Sit down here, and I may as well tell you, Helena, that our little plot has already been discovered.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Oh, dear. And I was just getting ready to exert all my feminine wiles in an attempt to persuade you to help me, mister Holmes. Oh, I'm certain that he found you utterly irresistible, my dear lady covering. You flattered me, doctor. No, no, no. I I mean it. The professor tells me that you're in need of a little advice, lady Clavering. Yes, mister Holmes. I'll put my questions simply. Five years ago, my husband, sir George Clavering, left me. Bless you. It is me. How stupid are you? I haven't seen or heard tell of him since. I now wish to remarry, but, of course, I couldn't do that without having my husband declared legally dead. My dear lady, I can't help feeling that a lawyer is the proper man to consult, not a detective. But you're suggesting there was foul play in connection with your husband's disappearance. Oh, no, doctor Watson. The Claverings are a strange family, self willed and headstrong. Lord and I were not happy together.
I think he disappeared deliberately. The report of this disappearance to the police, of course. Oh, yes, mister Holmes, but they've never been able to trace him. This kind of thing has happened in the family before, Holmes. Tell him about sir Nigel, Helena. Well, he was one of my husband's ancestors. He walked out one day in 1777
[00:07:09] Unknown:
and was never seen again. Your new family was disappearing.
[00:07:12] Unknown:
Your new the legend. The orphan threatened to do the same thing himself.
[00:07:17] Unknown:
But your problem, lady Clavering, is not that of your husband's fate but rather of your own freedom. Yes, mister Holmes. Well, I'm afraid my advice can be of little consolation to you. The law has specified a number of years that must have lapsed before anyone disappearing could be declared legally dead. I would suggest that you possess your soul in patience until that period has elapsed. Oh, dear.
[00:07:37] Unknown:
And I was hoping you'd be able to think of some terribly clever way of getting round the law, mister Holmes. Lady Clavering,
[00:07:43] Unknown:
sometimes perhaps my methods may be unorthodox, but I assure you that getting round the law as you put it is a procedure I do not indulge in. Oh, dear. Mina, I've offended you, mister Holmes. And it's the last thing on earth I meant to do. I assure you. My friend's a little touchy about matters concerning his professional honor in no medical nonsense, my dear Watson. I'm not touchy and I'm not offended. And now may I suggest we all examine the professor's latest treasures? And after that, perhaps, you'll take us for a stroll on the downs. I'm most anxious to examine those line fits of his.
[00:08:25] Unknown:
The,
[00:08:26] Unknown:
line pits are about a mile from here. It's a nice walk across the cliff tops. I'm sorry, lady. Carrying didn't want to come with us. Just charming woman even though she did rub you up the wrong way. A beautiful woman, Watson, but I must confess her charm renewed to me. Her lack of concern about her husband's fate seemed completely unnatural.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
Not if you'd known her husband, sir George Taverick. He was a tyrant and a bully, both in his whole life and in the village. Who's this coming towards? It's, Timmy. Deaf Timmy, they call him in these parts. He isn't quite right in the head, poor fellow, but he is perfectly harmless. Has, two passions in life, birds and bonfires. Hello, Timmy.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
I've got something beautiful to show you.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Oh, it's so beautiful. Well, what is it, Timmy? Look. It's in my cap.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
See.
[00:09:16] Unknown:
Oh, isn't it lovely? Robin's egg. I found it when I was bird nesting.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
Did you ever see such a blue egg? It's a beauty, Timmy. Where did you find it, my boy? Down by the lime pit.
[00:09:28] Unknown:
Oh, I'm going to build a lovely fire on the downs tonight.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
I'll let you come and watch it if you give me a shilling. Now you be careful, Timmy, or you'll be in trouble again. Timmy doesn't get in trouble anymore now. Not since he had sir George carried away. Sir George Travering used to whip Timmy when he found him on the land. Timmy, tell me. How did you have, sir George,
[00:09:49] Unknown:
as you put it,
[00:09:51] Unknown:
carried away? I told my parents about him. I told them how he used to to beat poor Timmy, and they said they'd carry him off and drop him over the cliffs.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
And and that's what they did because he never came back again.
[00:10:07] Unknown:
Oh, Lord. Here comes Harry, Saint George's brother. Now there'll be trouble. Timmy, you'd better run. Oh, oh, no. No. Timmy can't run. He's here for ages pretty
[00:10:18] Unknown:
Timmy. Timmy. Get off my land. If I catch you here again, I'll take my riding crop to you. Timmy hasn't done anything. Go on. Be off with you. Do you hear? I'll tell my birds about you. That's what I'll do.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Oh, don't forget my bonfire. Infernal
[00:10:34] Unknown:
scandal. Hello, Whitlock.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Hello, Harry. Have you met, Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson? Oh, Sherlock Holmes, the professional nosy parker. Yes. Yes. Helena was just telling me about you. I'm very angry with her for talking to you about my brother. Private affair, and I intend it should remain one. Do you understand, Holmes? Oh, poor myself. The devil with your brother, sir, and with you.
[00:10:59] Unknown:
I'd advise you to remember that you're not addressing a half witted villager who can't defend himself. If you know what's good for you, you'll do what I say.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
Dear Fitz. Impertment brute, he spoke to you as if you were a stable boy, Holmes. Oh, really?
[00:11:13] Unknown:
He was quite refreshing. I'm reminded of an opposite quotation of my young friend James Ellroy Flecker. Thine impudence have a monstrous beauty like unto the hindquarters of an elephant. He's almost as much disliked as his brother before him. Tell me, does he succeed to the title when his brother is declared legally dead? Oh, yes. And, what's more he's Eleanor's unofficial fiancee. Worth luck. I see. Personally I'm beginning to get trampled board with the affairs of the clapping family. Let's go on to the Lime Cave, shall we?
[00:11:58] Unknown:
These caves are amazing. They must be 50 feet below the level of the ground, aren't we, Whitnall? Well, more than that, I should say. Plot formation is most unusual, a series of caves connected by a veritable honeycomb of tunneling. Yes. Yes, sir. I I think I'll light the lantern. Now it's pretty dark in here, and I haven't explored this particular cave before. And so I've, had a wall cave in on me a couple of times, so you'd better watch where you're walking. There. Now we can see better. Let's go deeper, shall we? But do watch your step.
[00:12:33] Unknown:
It's eerie down here, isn't it? Hello?
[00:12:36] Unknown:
What's this the covers here?
[00:12:38] Unknown:
Looks like a mummified bird of some kind. It is a beautiful specimen. Judging by its markings of black streak here and bars of white material, I'd say it was a pellegreen. That's exactly what it is, a falcon. Dating back a couple of hundred years, I should say, and in a perfect state of preservation. This is a treasure, but, come on. Let's explore deeper.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
There's another cave over here. If you hold the lantern up a little, oh, I can say.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
Oh, I see.
[00:13:10] Unknown:
Good lord. The the whole wall's collapsed. Watson, you're not hurt, are you? No. No. No, Holmes. I'm alright. Why, you've unearthed another cave, doctor Watson.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
Miss Goina, I think we can just manage to crawl through. Great
[00:13:26] Unknown:
color. I don't believe my eyes.
[00:13:31] Unknown:
This is a pleasure indeed. A perfectly preserved body dressed in eighteenth century costume powdered with an
[00:13:37] Unknown:
oar. Yes. And there's no mistaking who it is. Look at that typical weak profile.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
It's a clambering, and it isn't hard to identify which one. By George, you mean the one that lady Helen had told us about this afternoon? Exactly.
[00:13:49] Unknown:
Without doubt, this is the body of sir Nigel Clabbering who disappeared in 1777. Let's search his pocket tree. Might find some identification. Here's a snuffbox of the period and some coins.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
Yes. The inscription of George the third is still visible on them. Hello. Here's here's this diary, which is unbelievable. What are you up to, Holmes? We're examining body, Watson.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
This man was murdered. Murdered with his wound just above the heart. Obviously, inflicted with a sharp instrument, probably a dagger. This is interesting. An entirely new experience for me. The opportunity of solving an solving an unsuspected murder committed well over a hundred years ago. Master that daddy, what's the meanie world, chap? Let's see if the poor devil suspected his fate.
[00:14:37] Unknown:
Hard to read. All the s is look like f. Of the eighteenth century writing. They are saying I should have been saying. They are saying in the coffee house that my brother, Harry, hath been coveting my wife. But this is amazing,
[00:14:58] Unknown:
Holmes. See how history repeats itself. It's an exact parallel of the situation existing today. Harry is coveting his brother's wife, Helena, and sir George has not been seen for five years. What an extraordinary incident.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
If it were one, as it is, it's one of the most ingenious frauds I've ever seen. The clothing appears authentic, so do the coins, the faded ink, the paper of the diary. And due to the peculiar mummification of the body, it would be almost impossible to say how long it's been here. Nevertheless, I am convinced that this is a recent corpse and undoubtedly that of sir George Clavering. Well, what makes you so sure, hon? Writing the diary. Eighteenth century used an s that looked like an f. It is true, but never at the end of a word. You will recall, Watson, that you were reading h a f half or h a s has. That's perfectly true. I was.
Well, that would be incorrect and genuine eighteenth century writing. Now obviously, this is an extremely clever attempt to disguise the comparatively recent murder of sir George Clavering. That's incredible, Holmes. And yet I believe you're right. I'm sure of it. What are you gonna do about it? Do. You and I, old chaple, and mount Garner with the body. You, my dear Whitmore, if you don't mind, will be good enough to go and fetch the police.
[00:16:22] Unknown:
Holmes. Yes, What do you suppose is keeping the police? Whitnall must have gone over an hour and the lantern with him. Here we are crouching in the dark in a smelly cave, 50 feet under the cliffs with the mummified cogs. Don't do what, but I don't.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Uh-huh.
[00:16:37] Unknown:
Here comes the lantern. It must have Whitnall and the police. Whitnall. That you, Whitnow?
[00:16:51] Unknown:
That lantern's blinding me. Is that you, Whitnow? I'm searching. I'll kill. Get out,
[00:17:09] Unknown:
on,
[00:17:19] Unknown:
Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a second. And I'm gonna take that second to ask you what you think think of when I say good food. When you say good food to me, I can see myself really going down on a piece of fried chicken, but but really fried, you know, crisp and sort of a light brown. When I see that chicken, I sure want to see some Petri California Sauternes, because believe me Petri Sauternes is a white wine that's the wine for chicken. That Petri Sauternes has a delicate kind of flavour. Delicate like its pale gold colour. But what a flavour, what a wine.
If you want to swell white wine, you certainly want Petri Sauternes. Try it and see. And now back to Doctor. Watson and tonight's story, the case of the out of date murder.
[00:18:13] Unknown:
Well, doctor, you certainly had me on the edge of my chair chair during the first part of the story. Oh, I'm barely hurt, my boy. Say, what happened when Sherlock Holmes yelled out at you on the case? I was struck from behind with a spade and knocked out. A second later, the same thing happened to Holmes. You see, we were blinded by the lantern and couldn't protect ourselves. When we came to, we found we were at the bottom of a pit. The walls were narrow and vertical, and I saw no earthly way of our getting out of the trap. But as usual, Holmes, there's nothing I can see.
[00:18:48] Unknown:
Never mind after the moment, old chap. Put the coat off in your shirt. Oh, and then Come on. Come on. Off with it over. Come on. Off with it, Ida. I've already removed mine and tied them together. Oh, what for? Oh, dear me. That unusually severe. I'm trying to make a kind of rope, Watson, a rope to get us out of here. Oh, that's the good of a rope unless there's someone on the ledge above us to haul us out.
[00:19:06] Unknown:
I still think you performed in the Indian rope tree. Mind you, Watson.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
This is no time for your rather heavy handed humor. Why do you keep whistling out loud? You've been doing it for the past twenty minutes. I'm whistling for help. Why not shout? Whistle carries further. Who's gonna hear that? That Timmy, I hope. Remember, he was having a bonfire on the tiptops tonight. My whistle is that or a nightingale, a song unheard in Sussex at this time of the year. If it does answer it, I'm sure it'll bring him down here. Oh, dear. Well, I hope you're right.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
Seems to me that Whitlow and the police will never find us here. We shall mummify just as a filthy murderer intended us to. Carnage was not your
[00:19:48] Unknown:
it's worked. It's Timmy, cutting a bloody lawn. But I'm here Timmy.
[00:19:55] Unknown:
Nightingale, pretty birdy. What are you doing down there? Timmy, I've tied these clothes together to make a rope. I'm gonna throw them up. You ready? Catch. Good.
[00:20:08] Unknown:
He's caught it. Now, Timmy,
[00:20:11] Unknown:
lower it to us. Oh, I shouldn't do this.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
They'll whip me? No. No. No. Nobody will whip you, Timmy. And we both want to give you a shilling to come up and see your bonfire.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
Oh, no. That's different.
[00:20:23] Unknown:
Too shiny shilling. Alright. I'll put another end. You first.
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Alright, Timmy. Pull away. Here I go. Splendid. I'm up home. Now the word for you. Alright. I've got it. Look out now. Here I come.
[00:20:58] Unknown:
Thank goodness we got out of that place alright. I don't see the nightingale.
[00:21:02] Unknown:
Oh, you must have him inside your coat. Well, well, never mind. We'll all go up to my bonfire and get warm. It's such a pretty bonfire. Did you ever see a finer bonfire? Never, Timmy. It's lovely. It's the most comforting sight I've seen for the last couple of hours. Oh, just one thing's bad though. Somebody tried to burn a book in my lovely fire. Must have been when I was off getting more wood. I I found it when I came back, and I pulled it out of the fire and stamped on it. See. Here it is.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Let's have a look. Hello. It's the dye that we found on the body in the lime pitch. Precisely, Watson.
[00:21:57] Unknown:
Now I begin to see daylight. People shouldn't burn books. Books are nice.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Books are like birds and and bonfires, or they're nice to be near. Oh, oh, your nightingale must be cold. I'll get some more twigs to burn.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
Well, now that that fellow's gone away for a moment, I can see why we were attacked tonight. The murderer knew that we were going to to the caves. He was afraid that his devilish plot wouldn't stand up under your scrutiny, so he he watched us. When we discovered the body and sent Whitmer off to the police, he knew he'd gotta get rid of us. And who do you think that somebody is, Othello? Oh, that's easier. Only one person strong enough to have not disposed that and shifted our bodies. The dead sir George's brother,
[00:22:40] Unknown:
Harry Claverry. I think not, Othello. Didn't you observe as we entered the caves that pickaxes and wheelbarrows were much in evidence? Yes. That's,
[00:22:48] Unknown:
that's right. They they were, of course. Strength was not required under the circumstances.
[00:22:53] Unknown:
We were extremely vulnerable in the darkness. Any man with a morgamy of cunning could have disposed of us or any woman for that matter. Good lord. You're you're not suggesting that, Watson.
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Oh, Whitnall. Why can't Kevin, you're safer. I've had the police with me for the last hour, but we couldn't find you. You went where I left you. True. Whitnall, I want you and the police to take me to lady Taverings' house at once. After that, I wish to lodge information
[00:23:17] Unknown:
and make a charge of assault and possibly a charge of murder. And that lady clambering is the story of how we found your husband's body. Oh, horrible, mister Hogan. Horrible. But who in thunder could have planned such a devilish plot? Then why did the murderer attack you and Watson? There, my dear Whitmore, you have the key to the murderer's identity. The man who so cunningly conceived and executed the murder of sir George could never have bungled the job of disposing of Watson and myself unless
[00:23:51] Unknown:
he had meant to bungle it. You mean he didn't mean to kill us? Exactly.
[00:23:55] Unknown:
He merely wished us out of the way while the incriminating evidence was removed. You mean the diary? Of course I do. You will recall we found it partially burnt in Timmy's bonfire. Then was Timmy who No, no, no, my dear fellow, Surely, it's obvious one person and only one knew that the diary was the key to the murderer's identity. The man who was present when we discovered it and detected the fraud. Great Scott, professor Whitnall. Whitnall, you murdered my brother.
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Evan. Evan, you. Oh, no. I did it because I love you, Helen. All these years has been nothing in my life that meant anything but you. How could you? I thought as if George were out of the way, I could make you clear for me. And when I realized that you loved Harry I, I was mad with jealousy and so I planned to conceal George's body forever.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
It was a clever plan. You said to yourself Holmes, if it hadn't been for you it would have worked. Yes, it was diabolically clever with no, but I'm afraid that no amount of cleverness now can prevent you from paying for your crime. Sir George, I suggest that you instruct the police to come in. Our work is done.
[00:25:10] Unknown:
Holmes, look there on the point. Timmy's bonfire is still burning away. Yeah. Timmy is a simple fellow with simple taste. Why are you so gloomy? You solved the case brilliantly.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
My dear fellow, my my faith in human nature has been sadly shaken all that. Evan Whitmore was a good friend and an old one. Hardly instrumental in sending him to the gallows. Oh, he richly deserved it. Yes, yes, I know he did. That's quite true but it's depressing just to say. Come on, continue our walk home across the downs. I heard Sir Harry offering you a fee. Did you take it? No, I didn't but I did accept his offer of an acre of land on the downs over there near the Abbey ruins. You can see them silhouetted against the sky. An acre of land? What on earth would you do with that? Well, when I retire, and I shall retire soon, I've often thought of bee farming.
This would be a heavenly spot for such adventure. Oh, I can't imagine you as beekeeper. Why not after a life spent unraveling the tangled affairs of human beings? It would be soothing in the twilight of one's days to study the exact predictable behavior of bees. Singing masons, building roofs of gold. Oh, well. One day perhaps, perhaps, one day.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was a swell story. You know, I'm sure glad we get together like this once a week. Thank you very much. Next week, why not come over a little earlier for dinner? Oh, no. I I wouldn't think of having you go through all that trouble. Oh, of course, if you feel that way, well Say, aren't you gonna coax me?
[00:26:49] Unknown:
To tell you the truth, I I knew I wouldn't have to coax you. I was just going to show you the two thick steaks that I've got frozen in my refrigerator. Oh, no. Oh, yes. I'll also put aside a bottle of Petri Burgundy.
[00:27:03] Unknown:
Well, in which case, I'll bring along a very hearty appetite. If you pick the steak, I know it's good. And when when it's Petri wine, you know that's got to be good too. Because the Petri family has been making fine wine for generations. They've owned and operated the Petri business ever since its inception, way back in the eighteen hundreds. During all that time, they've sure learned plenty about the fine art of turning luscious grapes into clear fragrant delicious wine. And they've been able to take this experience and hand it on down from father to son, from father to son. That's why when you want a wine for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine, because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:27:46] Unknown:
Now Doctor Watson, what story do you have lined up for us next week? Well, now let me see. Next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you an adventure that occurred to Holmes and me in the shadowy depths of the Limehouse District in London. It's a strange tale of death and terror. I call the story
[00:28:04] Unknown:
the eyes of mister Layton. Well, doctor, we'll be sure not to miss miss it. And meanwhile, don't you forget you promised to contribute to the National War Fund. National War Fund. Of course, mister Bartell. It's a must. The money you give to your war fund not only helps the men and women in our armed forces, and it not only helps our allies, but that money goes to work right in your own community, helping make possible many relief and welfare agencies in your own hometown. So let's all be generous in victory. Give to your community war fund.
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventure of wisteria lodge. Mister Ratphone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petrie wine company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
[00:29:00] Unknown:
Oh, the Petrie family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petrie wine.
[00:29:08] Unknown:
To make good food taste better, remember
[00:29:11] Unknown:
Pet, pet, petrie.
[00:29:20] Unknown:
This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
[00:29:35] Unknown:
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[00:30:05] Unknown:
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Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a film series, rather than a videotaped one, the avengers was able to gain a modicum of exposure in South Africa through film rentals.
Come and listen at myclassicradio.net.
[00:00:51] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the armed forces radio service. Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruth and the new adventures of Sherlock
[00:01:13] Unknown:
Holmes.
[00:01:16] Unknown:
The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting story about his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And we'd also like to tell you something you really ought to know. The fact that the one sure way to make good food taste better is to try that good food together with a glass of good petri wine. Did you ever try petri wine with dinner? No kidding, that's one bandwagon you sure wanna hop on. Take for instance, a deep red hearty petri California Burgundy. Wait till you taste that petri burgundy with, let's say, a delicious old fashioned beef stew. Or maybe try a glass with spaghetti.
I'm telling you, when you add the luscious flavour of that petri burgundy to the flavour of your favourite foods, you're really living. You're You're finding out for the first time what good eating really means on the level. So better keep a bottle of that Petri Burgundy right on the dining room table. And never forget, the best friend a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri wine. And now for our weekly visit with the good doctor Watson. May I come in doctor?
[00:02:31] Unknown:
No. No. No. Mister Bartel, you know me better than that. Of course, you can come in. I'm expecting you. I always look forward to these Monday evenings together, you know. Me too, doctor. In fact, I always say this is the one doctor's appointment that never scares me. Nice of you, my boy. Draw up your churn. Make you so comfortable. Thanks.
[00:02:49] Unknown:
And, what prescription do you have in mind for us tonight, doctor? Well, now let me see.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
Take one measure of subterranean peril, one of aristocratic lady in distress, a sprinkling of assorted villains, a corpse or two, and a little more than a dash of Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson. Shake the mixture well, and you have the case of the out of date murder. Well, how did the adventure begin, doctor? Jose, clear enough. It was in September of nineteen hundred. I remember that Holmes and I went to Eastbourne for a much needed rest. First couple of days, we spent in soothing idleness. On the morning of the third day, Holmes, a dash of color back in his cheek and a hint of the old sparkle in his eye, suggested that we should go and call on his good friend Evan Whitmill, curator of a nearby museum.
And so just after lunch on that September day, found the two of us talking to professor Evan Whitmore in his private office at the museum. It only seems yesterday.
[00:03:51] Unknown:
With all your recent discoveries in this part of England have made you world famous instead of just nationally famous. My congratulations.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
Professor, I do wish you'd tell me, about your discoveries. Well, well, pleasure, doctor Watson.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
Less than two months ago, I was excavating on the downlands in this neighborhood when I was fortunate enough to discover a number of underground caves, a cave saturated with a heavy deposit of lime, that gave clear evidence of having the property of rapidly mummifying any flesh, human or animal, deposited in them. Gracious me. Interesting. And what treasures have you unearthed, professor? Well, a number of mummified specimens of animals clearly belonging to bygone heroes. My prize specimen is the body of a large wolfhound. The inscription on its collar identified the animal as having belonged to some local squire in the year 1700 and, '48.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Amazing. I didn't know that limestone had such qualities of preservation. Come in. Come in. Yes, Alan? What is it?
[00:04:53] Unknown:
Lady Claiborne, professor. She asked me to tell you that she was in a museum. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes, sir. Sure up here. Would you, Alan? Very good, sir. Yes, sir. I I'm most anxious for you both to meet her, and she in turn is even more anxious to meet you. Now Now I dined with her last night, and when I told her that you were coming here today, she insisted on meeting. No. Wait. No, you scoundrel. There's a twinkle in your eye. I suspect that lady Claverick has yet to consult me in my professional capacity and that you engineer the meeting. Well,
[00:05:21] Unknown:
perhaps I might have dropped a hint. Well, now I warn you, professor, Holmes can't become involved with another case. He's completely run down. Well, don't worry, doctor. All that lady travelling requires is a little advice. Advice? Oh, well, that's a different matter altogether. Yes. I've got
[00:05:37] Unknown:
I knew you wouldn't mind, Holmes. Helena, my dear. There you are. Now come along in. Thank you, Alan. Allow I need to introduce David Clavin, mister Sherlock Holmes and, doctor Watson. How are you, gentlemen? Now, here you are, my dear. Sit down here, and I may as well tell you, Helena, that our little plot has already been discovered.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Oh, dear. And I was just getting ready to exert all my feminine wiles in an attempt to persuade you to help me, mister Holmes. Oh, I'm certain that he found you utterly irresistible, my dear lady covering. You flattered me, doctor. No, no, no. I I mean it. The professor tells me that you're in need of a little advice, lady Clavering. Yes, mister Holmes. I'll put my questions simply. Five years ago, my husband, sir George Clavering, left me. Bless you. It is me. How stupid are you? I haven't seen or heard tell of him since. I now wish to remarry, but, of course, I couldn't do that without having my husband declared legally dead. My dear lady, I can't help feeling that a lawyer is the proper man to consult, not a detective. But you're suggesting there was foul play in connection with your husband's disappearance. Oh, no, doctor Watson. The Claverings are a strange family, self willed and headstrong. Lord and I were not happy together.
I think he disappeared deliberately. The report of this disappearance to the police, of course. Oh, yes, mister Holmes, but they've never been able to trace him. This kind of thing has happened in the family before, Holmes. Tell him about sir Nigel, Helena. Well, he was one of my husband's ancestors. He walked out one day in 1777
[00:07:09] Unknown:
and was never seen again. Your new family was disappearing.
[00:07:12] Unknown:
Your new the legend. The orphan threatened to do the same thing himself.
[00:07:17] Unknown:
But your problem, lady Clavering, is not that of your husband's fate but rather of your own freedom. Yes, mister Holmes. Well, I'm afraid my advice can be of little consolation to you. The law has specified a number of years that must have lapsed before anyone disappearing could be declared legally dead. I would suggest that you possess your soul in patience until that period has elapsed. Oh, dear.
[00:07:37] Unknown:
And I was hoping you'd be able to think of some terribly clever way of getting round the law, mister Holmes. Lady Clavering,
[00:07:43] Unknown:
sometimes perhaps my methods may be unorthodox, but I assure you that getting round the law as you put it is a procedure I do not indulge in. Oh, dear. Mina, I've offended you, mister Holmes. And it's the last thing on earth I meant to do. I assure you. My friend's a little touchy about matters concerning his professional honor in no medical nonsense, my dear Watson. I'm not touchy and I'm not offended. And now may I suggest we all examine the professor's latest treasures? And after that, perhaps, you'll take us for a stroll on the downs. I'm most anxious to examine those line fits of his.
[00:08:25] Unknown:
The,
[00:08:26] Unknown:
line pits are about a mile from here. It's a nice walk across the cliff tops. I'm sorry, lady. Carrying didn't want to come with us. Just charming woman even though she did rub you up the wrong way. A beautiful woman, Watson, but I must confess her charm renewed to me. Her lack of concern about her husband's fate seemed completely unnatural.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
Not if you'd known her husband, sir George Taverick. He was a tyrant and a bully, both in his whole life and in the village. Who's this coming towards? It's, Timmy. Deaf Timmy, they call him in these parts. He isn't quite right in the head, poor fellow, but he is perfectly harmless. Has, two passions in life, birds and bonfires. Hello, Timmy.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
I've got something beautiful to show you.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Oh, it's so beautiful. Well, what is it, Timmy? Look. It's in my cap.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
See.
[00:09:16] Unknown:
Oh, isn't it lovely? Robin's egg. I found it when I was bird nesting.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
Did you ever see such a blue egg? It's a beauty, Timmy. Where did you find it, my boy? Down by the lime pit.
[00:09:28] Unknown:
Oh, I'm going to build a lovely fire on the downs tonight.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
I'll let you come and watch it if you give me a shilling. Now you be careful, Timmy, or you'll be in trouble again. Timmy doesn't get in trouble anymore now. Not since he had sir George carried away. Sir George Travering used to whip Timmy when he found him on the land. Timmy, tell me. How did you have, sir George,
[00:09:49] Unknown:
as you put it,
[00:09:51] Unknown:
carried away? I told my parents about him. I told them how he used to to beat poor Timmy, and they said they'd carry him off and drop him over the cliffs.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
And and that's what they did because he never came back again.
[00:10:07] Unknown:
Oh, Lord. Here comes Harry, Saint George's brother. Now there'll be trouble. Timmy, you'd better run. Oh, oh, no. No. Timmy can't run. He's here for ages pretty
[00:10:18] Unknown:
Timmy. Timmy. Get off my land. If I catch you here again, I'll take my riding crop to you. Timmy hasn't done anything. Go on. Be off with you. Do you hear? I'll tell my birds about you. That's what I'll do.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Oh, don't forget my bonfire. Infernal
[00:10:34] Unknown:
scandal. Hello, Whitlock.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Hello, Harry. Have you met, Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson? Oh, Sherlock Holmes, the professional nosy parker. Yes. Yes. Helena was just telling me about you. I'm very angry with her for talking to you about my brother. Private affair, and I intend it should remain one. Do you understand, Holmes? Oh, poor myself. The devil with your brother, sir, and with you.
[00:10:59] Unknown:
I'd advise you to remember that you're not addressing a half witted villager who can't defend himself. If you know what's good for you, you'll do what I say.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
Dear Fitz. Impertment brute, he spoke to you as if you were a stable boy, Holmes. Oh, really?
[00:11:13] Unknown:
He was quite refreshing. I'm reminded of an opposite quotation of my young friend James Ellroy Flecker. Thine impudence have a monstrous beauty like unto the hindquarters of an elephant. He's almost as much disliked as his brother before him. Tell me, does he succeed to the title when his brother is declared legally dead? Oh, yes. And, what's more he's Eleanor's unofficial fiancee. Worth luck. I see. Personally I'm beginning to get trampled board with the affairs of the clapping family. Let's go on to the Lime Cave, shall we?
[00:11:58] Unknown:
These caves are amazing. They must be 50 feet below the level of the ground, aren't we, Whitnall? Well, more than that, I should say. Plot formation is most unusual, a series of caves connected by a veritable honeycomb of tunneling. Yes. Yes, sir. I I think I'll light the lantern. Now it's pretty dark in here, and I haven't explored this particular cave before. And so I've, had a wall cave in on me a couple of times, so you'd better watch where you're walking. There. Now we can see better. Let's go deeper, shall we? But do watch your step.
[00:12:33] Unknown:
It's eerie down here, isn't it? Hello?
[00:12:36] Unknown:
What's this the covers here?
[00:12:38] Unknown:
Looks like a mummified bird of some kind. It is a beautiful specimen. Judging by its markings of black streak here and bars of white material, I'd say it was a pellegreen. That's exactly what it is, a falcon. Dating back a couple of hundred years, I should say, and in a perfect state of preservation. This is a treasure, but, come on. Let's explore deeper.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
There's another cave over here. If you hold the lantern up a little, oh, I can say.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
Oh, I see.
[00:13:10] Unknown:
Good lord. The the whole wall's collapsed. Watson, you're not hurt, are you? No. No. No, Holmes. I'm alright. Why, you've unearthed another cave, doctor Watson.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
Miss Goina, I think we can just manage to crawl through. Great
[00:13:26] Unknown:
color. I don't believe my eyes.
[00:13:31] Unknown:
This is a pleasure indeed. A perfectly preserved body dressed in eighteenth century costume powdered with an
[00:13:37] Unknown:
oar. Yes. And there's no mistaking who it is. Look at that typical weak profile.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
It's a clambering, and it isn't hard to identify which one. By George, you mean the one that lady Helen had told us about this afternoon? Exactly.
[00:13:49] Unknown:
Without doubt, this is the body of sir Nigel Clabbering who disappeared in 1777. Let's search his pocket tree. Might find some identification. Here's a snuffbox of the period and some coins.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
Yes. The inscription of George the third is still visible on them. Hello. Here's here's this diary, which is unbelievable. What are you up to, Holmes? We're examining body, Watson.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
This man was murdered. Murdered with his wound just above the heart. Obviously, inflicted with a sharp instrument, probably a dagger. This is interesting. An entirely new experience for me. The opportunity of solving an solving an unsuspected murder committed well over a hundred years ago. Master that daddy, what's the meanie world, chap? Let's see if the poor devil suspected his fate.
[00:14:37] Unknown:
Hard to read. All the s is look like f. Of the eighteenth century writing. They are saying I should have been saying. They are saying in the coffee house that my brother, Harry, hath been coveting my wife. But this is amazing,
[00:14:58] Unknown:
Holmes. See how history repeats itself. It's an exact parallel of the situation existing today. Harry is coveting his brother's wife, Helena, and sir George has not been seen for five years. What an extraordinary incident.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
If it were one, as it is, it's one of the most ingenious frauds I've ever seen. The clothing appears authentic, so do the coins, the faded ink, the paper of the diary. And due to the peculiar mummification of the body, it would be almost impossible to say how long it's been here. Nevertheless, I am convinced that this is a recent corpse and undoubtedly that of sir George Clavering. Well, what makes you so sure, hon? Writing the diary. Eighteenth century used an s that looked like an f. It is true, but never at the end of a word. You will recall, Watson, that you were reading h a f half or h a s has. That's perfectly true. I was.
Well, that would be incorrect and genuine eighteenth century writing. Now obviously, this is an extremely clever attempt to disguise the comparatively recent murder of sir George Clavering. That's incredible, Holmes. And yet I believe you're right. I'm sure of it. What are you gonna do about it? Do. You and I, old chaple, and mount Garner with the body. You, my dear Whitmore, if you don't mind, will be good enough to go and fetch the police.
[00:16:22] Unknown:
Holmes. Yes, What do you suppose is keeping the police? Whitnall must have gone over an hour and the lantern with him. Here we are crouching in the dark in a smelly cave, 50 feet under the cliffs with the mummified cogs. Don't do what, but I don't.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Uh-huh.
[00:16:37] Unknown:
Here comes the lantern. It must have Whitnall and the police. Whitnall. That you, Whitnow?
[00:16:51] Unknown:
That lantern's blinding me. Is that you, Whitnow? I'm searching. I'll kill. Get out,
[00:17:09] Unknown:
on,
[00:17:19] Unknown:
Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a second. And I'm gonna take that second to ask you what you think think of when I say good food. When you say good food to me, I can see myself really going down on a piece of fried chicken, but but really fried, you know, crisp and sort of a light brown. When I see that chicken, I sure want to see some Petri California Sauternes, because believe me Petri Sauternes is a white wine that's the wine for chicken. That Petri Sauternes has a delicate kind of flavour. Delicate like its pale gold colour. But what a flavour, what a wine.
If you want to swell white wine, you certainly want Petri Sauternes. Try it and see. And now back to Doctor. Watson and tonight's story, the case of the out of date murder.
[00:18:13] Unknown:
Well, doctor, you certainly had me on the edge of my chair chair during the first part of the story. Oh, I'm barely hurt, my boy. Say, what happened when Sherlock Holmes yelled out at you on the case? I was struck from behind with a spade and knocked out. A second later, the same thing happened to Holmes. You see, we were blinded by the lantern and couldn't protect ourselves. When we came to, we found we were at the bottom of a pit. The walls were narrow and vertical, and I saw no earthly way of our getting out of the trap. But as usual, Holmes, there's nothing I can see.
[00:18:48] Unknown:
Never mind after the moment, old chap. Put the coat off in your shirt. Oh, and then Come on. Come on. Off with it over. Come on. Off with it, Ida. I've already removed mine and tied them together. Oh, what for? Oh, dear me. That unusually severe. I'm trying to make a kind of rope, Watson, a rope to get us out of here. Oh, that's the good of a rope unless there's someone on the ledge above us to haul us out.
[00:19:06] Unknown:
I still think you performed in the Indian rope tree. Mind you, Watson.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
This is no time for your rather heavy handed humor. Why do you keep whistling out loud? You've been doing it for the past twenty minutes. I'm whistling for help. Why not shout? Whistle carries further. Who's gonna hear that? That Timmy, I hope. Remember, he was having a bonfire on the tiptops tonight. My whistle is that or a nightingale, a song unheard in Sussex at this time of the year. If it does answer it, I'm sure it'll bring him down here. Oh, dear. Well, I hope you're right.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
Seems to me that Whitlow and the police will never find us here. We shall mummify just as a filthy murderer intended us to. Carnage was not your
[00:19:48] Unknown:
it's worked. It's Timmy, cutting a bloody lawn. But I'm here Timmy.
[00:19:55] Unknown:
Nightingale, pretty birdy. What are you doing down there? Timmy, I've tied these clothes together to make a rope. I'm gonna throw them up. You ready? Catch. Good.
[00:20:08] Unknown:
He's caught it. Now, Timmy,
[00:20:11] Unknown:
lower it to us. Oh, I shouldn't do this.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
They'll whip me? No. No. No. Nobody will whip you, Timmy. And we both want to give you a shilling to come up and see your bonfire.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
Oh, no. That's different.
[00:20:23] Unknown:
Too shiny shilling. Alright. I'll put another end. You first.
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Alright, Timmy. Pull away. Here I go. Splendid. I'm up home. Now the word for you. Alright. I've got it. Look out now. Here I come.
[00:20:58] Unknown:
Thank goodness we got out of that place alright. I don't see the nightingale.
[00:21:02] Unknown:
Oh, you must have him inside your coat. Well, well, never mind. We'll all go up to my bonfire and get warm. It's such a pretty bonfire. Did you ever see a finer bonfire? Never, Timmy. It's lovely. It's the most comforting sight I've seen for the last couple of hours. Oh, just one thing's bad though. Somebody tried to burn a book in my lovely fire. Must have been when I was off getting more wood. I I found it when I came back, and I pulled it out of the fire and stamped on it. See. Here it is.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Let's have a look. Hello. It's the dye that we found on the body in the lime pitch. Precisely, Watson.
[00:21:57] Unknown:
Now I begin to see daylight. People shouldn't burn books. Books are nice.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Books are like birds and and bonfires, or they're nice to be near. Oh, oh, your nightingale must be cold. I'll get some more twigs to burn.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
Well, now that that fellow's gone away for a moment, I can see why we were attacked tonight. The murderer knew that we were going to to the caves. He was afraid that his devilish plot wouldn't stand up under your scrutiny, so he he watched us. When we discovered the body and sent Whitmer off to the police, he knew he'd gotta get rid of us. And who do you think that somebody is, Othello? Oh, that's easier. Only one person strong enough to have not disposed that and shifted our bodies. The dead sir George's brother,
[00:22:40] Unknown:
Harry Claverry. I think not, Othello. Didn't you observe as we entered the caves that pickaxes and wheelbarrows were much in evidence? Yes. That's,
[00:22:48] Unknown:
that's right. They they were, of course. Strength was not required under the circumstances.
[00:22:53] Unknown:
We were extremely vulnerable in the darkness. Any man with a morgamy of cunning could have disposed of us or any woman for that matter. Good lord. You're you're not suggesting that, Watson.
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Oh, Whitnall. Why can't Kevin, you're safer. I've had the police with me for the last hour, but we couldn't find you. You went where I left you. True. Whitnall, I want you and the police to take me to lady Taverings' house at once. After that, I wish to lodge information
[00:23:17] Unknown:
and make a charge of assault and possibly a charge of murder. And that lady clambering is the story of how we found your husband's body. Oh, horrible, mister Hogan. Horrible. But who in thunder could have planned such a devilish plot? Then why did the murderer attack you and Watson? There, my dear Whitmore, you have the key to the murderer's identity. The man who so cunningly conceived and executed the murder of sir George could never have bungled the job of disposing of Watson and myself unless
[00:23:51] Unknown:
he had meant to bungle it. You mean he didn't mean to kill us? Exactly.
[00:23:55] Unknown:
He merely wished us out of the way while the incriminating evidence was removed. You mean the diary? Of course I do. You will recall we found it partially burnt in Timmy's bonfire. Then was Timmy who No, no, no, my dear fellow, Surely, it's obvious one person and only one knew that the diary was the key to the murderer's identity. The man who was present when we discovered it and detected the fraud. Great Scott, professor Whitnall. Whitnall, you murdered my brother.
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Evan. Evan, you. Oh, no. I did it because I love you, Helen. All these years has been nothing in my life that meant anything but you. How could you? I thought as if George were out of the way, I could make you clear for me. And when I realized that you loved Harry I, I was mad with jealousy and so I planned to conceal George's body forever.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
It was a clever plan. You said to yourself Holmes, if it hadn't been for you it would have worked. Yes, it was diabolically clever with no, but I'm afraid that no amount of cleverness now can prevent you from paying for your crime. Sir George, I suggest that you instruct the police to come in. Our work is done.
[00:25:10] Unknown:
Holmes, look there on the point. Timmy's bonfire is still burning away. Yeah. Timmy is a simple fellow with simple taste. Why are you so gloomy? You solved the case brilliantly.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
My dear fellow, my my faith in human nature has been sadly shaken all that. Evan Whitmore was a good friend and an old one. Hardly instrumental in sending him to the gallows. Oh, he richly deserved it. Yes, yes, I know he did. That's quite true but it's depressing just to say. Come on, continue our walk home across the downs. I heard Sir Harry offering you a fee. Did you take it? No, I didn't but I did accept his offer of an acre of land on the downs over there near the Abbey ruins. You can see them silhouetted against the sky. An acre of land? What on earth would you do with that? Well, when I retire, and I shall retire soon, I've often thought of bee farming.
This would be a heavenly spot for such adventure. Oh, I can't imagine you as beekeeper. Why not after a life spent unraveling the tangled affairs of human beings? It would be soothing in the twilight of one's days to study the exact predictable behavior of bees. Singing masons, building roofs of gold. Oh, well. One day perhaps, perhaps, one day.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was a swell story. You know, I'm sure glad we get together like this once a week. Thank you very much. Next week, why not come over a little earlier for dinner? Oh, no. I I wouldn't think of having you go through all that trouble. Oh, of course, if you feel that way, well Say, aren't you gonna coax me?
[00:26:49] Unknown:
To tell you the truth, I I knew I wouldn't have to coax you. I was just going to show you the two thick steaks that I've got frozen in my refrigerator. Oh, no. Oh, yes. I'll also put aside a bottle of Petri Burgundy.
[00:27:03] Unknown:
Well, in which case, I'll bring along a very hearty appetite. If you pick the steak, I know it's good. And when when it's Petri wine, you know that's got to be good too. Because the Petri family has been making fine wine for generations. They've owned and operated the Petri business ever since its inception, way back in the eighteen hundreds. During all that time, they've sure learned plenty about the fine art of turning luscious grapes into clear fragrant delicious wine. And they've been able to take this experience and hand it on down from father to son, from father to son. That's why when you want a wine for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine, because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:27:46] Unknown:
Now Doctor Watson, what story do you have lined up for us next week? Well, now let me see. Next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you an adventure that occurred to Holmes and me in the shadowy depths of the Limehouse District in London. It's a strange tale of death and terror. I call the story
[00:28:04] Unknown:
the eyes of mister Layton. Well, doctor, we'll be sure not to miss miss it. And meanwhile, don't you forget you promised to contribute to the National War Fund. National War Fund. Of course, mister Bartell. It's a must. The money you give to your war fund not only helps the men and women in our armed forces, and it not only helps our allies, but that money goes to work right in your own community, helping make possible many relief and welfare agencies in your own hometown. So let's all be generous in victory. Give to your community war fund.
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventure of wisteria lodge. Mister Ratphone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petrie wine company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
[00:29:00] Unknown:
Oh, the Petrie family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petrie wine.
[00:29:08] Unknown:
To make good food taste better, remember
[00:29:11] Unknown:
Pet, pet, petrie.
[00:29:20] Unknown:
This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
[00:29:35] Unknown:
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[00:30:05] Unknown:
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