In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of classic radio dramas, exploring the impact of the radio series "The Avengers" in South Africa, where television was not available until 1976. We discuss how the series, which was a sensation in Britain and America, managed to gain exposure in South Africa through film rentals. Additionally, we dive into a thrilling Sherlock Holmes adventure featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, where Holmes and Watson unravel a complex case involving a duel, card cheating, and the notorious Colonel Sebastian Moran.
The episode takes us through a gripping narrative as Holmes and Watson work to clear Captain Prendergast's name from a card cheating scandal orchestrated by the cunning David Harkness. The story unfolds with suspense and intrigue, leading to a dramatic confrontation with Colonel Moran. As always, Holmes's deductive prowess shines through, ensuring justice is served and love prevails. Join us for an hour of classic mystery and adventure, enriched by the timeless charm of Sherlock Holmes.
(00:19) The Avengers in South Africa
(01:06) Petri Wine and Sherlock Holmes
(02:58) A Quiet Week for the Dogs
(03:34) Holmes' Unexpected Visit
(04:39) A Dinner with Holmes
(06:32) A Secret Visitor
(08:07) Alicia's Distress
(10:00) The Card Scandal
(12:56) A Duel with Moran
(16:34) Holmes' Poker Strategy
(20:00) Confronting Colonel Moran
(24:29) A Happy Resolution
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Unknown:
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[00:00:14] Unknown:
Terms and points cap apply. 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 filmed 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.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
Petrie Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invites you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I know that doctor Watson will agree with me when I tell you that the best way to begin a good meal is with a glass of Petri California sherry. Before you sit down at the table, pour yourself and your family a glass of Petri sherry. Try it. There are many ways to tell a good wine by its color, its aroma, and its flavor.
On every count, petri sherry is outstanding. The color of petri sherry is a clear deep amber. Perfect. The aroma, well, petri sherry is as fragrant as a bunch of dew covered grapes picked in the early morning. But most important to you and to me is the flavor of Petri Sherry. We want a wine that tastes good, and believe me, you couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri Sherry. And just to make sure you get a wine that's exactly the way you want it, Petri makes two kinds of sherry, the regular and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure of which you like better, why not try them both? Don't buy one, buy two. Just be sure you always buy Petri, Petri Sherry.
And now I'm sure our good friend, Doctor. Watson's ready for us. Let's go in and join him. Good evening, Doctor. Watson. My name is Marjo. My company.
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I don't want it.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Bugs seem very I don't
[00:03:07] Unknown:
want it. The dogs seem very chipper tonight, doctor. Have they been getting into any more trouble lately? I don't know, my boy. It's been a relatively quiet week for them. One meeting with a dead seal, two visits to my neighbor's chickens, and a losing battle today with a cross eyed Siamese cat. You you call that a quiet week. Not just for them, but never mind about the dogs. Drop your usual chair and make you so comfortable. Just in time to join me in a in a glass of sheriff. That'd be very nice, doctor. Oh, I see you have the old dispatch box out of here. Yes, my boy. As the story I'm gonna tell you tonight took place at eighteen hundred and eighty seven, I thought I'd better refresh my memory on some of the details of the case.
But shortly after my marriage and as I bought a practice in the Paddington District, I saw very little of my old friend, Sherlock Holmes. How was doctoring in those early days? A struggle, my boy. A distinct struggle. Doctor Farquhar, from whom I had bought the practice, had at one time an excellent clientele. But his age combined with an unfortunate affliction, the year that resembled Saint Weitz's dance, had very much thinned it. I had, a conference, however, in my in my youth and in my energy, and I was convinced that in a very few years, the practice would be as flourishing as ever. But as I said, I saw very little of Holmes in those days. I guess you were too busy to visit Baker Street, aren't I? Yeah. You guessed quite correctly, mister Barto. Quite correctly. Holmes seldom went anywhere and so save on professional business.
You can imagine my surprise, therefore, when one day on coming home from a heavy day's work, I found that Holmes had decided to pay us a visit. My wife persuaded him to stay to dinner, and as the three of us sat at the table, the flickering candlelight dancing strange patterns on the walls, did it quite like old times. Holmes was in an unusually gay mood, and I can remember the twinkle in his eye as he turned to my wife. Said
[00:04:58] Unknown:
You're a brave woman, missus Watson. You've been an unexpected guest on the maiden night out, and I'm extremely grateful. Missus Hudson's cooking, though excellent of its kind, lacks variety. Your dinner has been quite a treat.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
That's a very gracious little speech, isn't it? Yes.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
I've never known you to be so observant about food.
[00:05:18] Unknown:
Perhaps the lack of your company, my dear chap, and the consequent lonely meals have made me conscious of missus Hudson's culinary shortcomings.
[00:05:27] Unknown:
I, I suppose you're taking John out with you tonight on one of your cases. No, missus Watson.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Now I can understand your suspicions. My visit was purely social. Dear, let's go in the other room and and have a pipe, shall we? Well, don't you think you would be more comfortable at the club? Miss O'lle Mary, I believe you wanna get rid of us.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
No, dear. It's not that. It's just that That, your visitor is due at any moment, and you would count it on the house being empty by now. Now. Why, how on earth did you know that, mister Holmes?
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Past half hour, you've been blasting at the clock with mounting anxiety. I feel sure that, if it had been if it not been for my unexpected visit, your, your good husband would already been walking towards his club. Club. Yeah. It is my custom to go to the club on Thursdays, but, but how do you know? I know you have it, my dear chap, as well, if not better than you do. It's a it's a good thing I'm a bachelor, isn't it, missus Watson? Yes. Indeed. A wife will keep no secrets from you, mister Holmes, I'm sure. Well, my dear, who who is your visitor, and,
[00:06:27] Unknown:
what is the secret that you you've been hiding?
[00:06:30] Unknown:
It's innocent enough, John. As Thursdays is the maid's night out and you've been going to the club, I've been letting Alicia Wentworth meet her young man here with me, a chaperone. Of course. Oh, that's a mistress. Well, Watson. Yeah. If I was on the wing and I'm sure we're dreadfully in the way, let's, stroll to Baker Street, shall we? Well, of course, I'll get my coat. Why didn't you tell me, ma'am? Well, I was afraid you might be angry, John. Angry? Of course, ma'am. Alisha is such a sweet girl. And Harry Prendergast is a very charming young man. He comes from an excellent family, has a commission in the infantry, And the children are tremendously in love. But her beastly guardian forbid them to meet. So I oh, there she is now. Well, we can pretend that we were just leaving anywhere. Yes. I'll get my coat. Hello, Alicia, dear. Oh, Mrs. Portman. Man. I'm so glad to see you, miss Tanya.
Alicia,
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this is my husband and mister Sherlock Holmes. How do you do, my dear? It's a shame that we have to go now, but my friend and I have some very important business to attend to. Well, mister Sherlock Holmes is a detective, aren't you? Yes, miss Whitworth. Please don't go, mister Holmes. Please don't. I need help so badly. Why, Alyssa, what's wrong? You're as white as a ghost. Let's go into the drawing room, shall we? What's troubling you, miss Whitworth? It's Harry. Captain Friendly Ghost. I don't know exactly what's the matter, but something dreadful has happened to him. Oh, now sit down here beside me, dear. Nancy. Miss Wentworth, what reason do you have to suppose that Captain Prendergast is in trouble? I've seen friends of his today. They spoke of him almost as if he were dead, and yet they wouldn't tell me why. And just now I went to his club, and they told me that Captain Prendergast was not a member. But he is a member. He's been a member for years.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Oh, what's happened to him? What has happened to him? Yes. Very dear. Mister Holmes will help you. Now Now don't you cry. Have you been to the police, miss Fenton? No, doctor.
[00:08:15] Unknown:
You see, I went to my guardian, but he wouldn't let me go to the police. He said there'd be a scandal,
[00:08:19] Unknown:
but then he hates him. The Pinnacle's a fine family. Now what does your guardian object to object
[00:08:25] Unknown:
to him so strongly? I don't think he would approve of anyone I choose. He doesn't want me to get married. Oh, sounds like a positive ogre to me.
[00:08:33] Unknown:
Who who is your guardian, my dear? Colonel Moran. Colonel Sebastian Moran.
[00:08:38] Unknown:
Indeed. He's a man who has many interest against him in my ledgers, but a man that I've never met. I have long hoped to cross swords with him directly. But but how could uncle Sebastian have anything to do with the criminal profession, mister Holmes? He's a son of Sir August Moran. He was once British minister to Persia. Oh, you must be confusing him with someone else. No, my dear. It's the same man. And furthermore, I'm almost certain that your guardian is the right hand man of a certain friend of mine whose name also begins with the three letters m o r. Good lord Moriarty. I have no proof.
And yet I suspect that Colonel Moran is the second most dangerous man in London. Sir Harry, it must be her. Oh, poor girl. I do hope you can help her, mister Holmes. I shall do my best, missus Watson. There is a young man at the door. It's more than likely her problem doesn't exist in any way. I hope you're right, Watson. With colonel Moran as a guardian, I'm afraid the young lady is destined to have trouble. Come on, Harry. Good evening, missus Watson. I'm so glad to see you, Harry. This is my husband. How do you do, doctor? How do you do, my boy? And mister Sherlock Holmes. How do you do, captain Pentagas? How do you do, sir? Harry, what's wrong? I can tell by your face that something dreadful has happened. It has, darling. Tell mister Holmes about it. He's promised to help her. Well, sir, I'm afraid this is a little outside of your province. You will find that my friend's province is quite extensive, cap Groningen. I'd be more than happy to do anything I can to help, sir. That's very nice of you, mister Holmes.
[00:09:59] Unknown:
Well, it's pretty bad. Last night, I was accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club. How dreadful. Of course, I don't have to tell you that I didn't cheat, but the evidence was dead against me. I'd been winning heavily and the cards were proved to be marked.
[00:10:13] Unknown:
Marked?
[00:10:14] Unknown:
How? There were pinpricks on the edges. Pinpricks which indicated the card's value. How did the pack of cards come into play? That's the devil of it. I myself broke open a sealed pack given to me by the club porter, and I swear that was the pack that was later found to be marked. Was everyone searched? Yes. But they found a new unopened pack in my pocket. The obvious implication being that you had substituted the marked cards, of course. I can see what happened. Somebody deliberately tried to incriminate you by dropping a new pack in your pocket. Of course, darling. But what I can't understand is how the marked pack was introduced into the game. Were there any other cards found in the room? None, doctor. The Tankerville.
[00:10:53] Unknown:
Colonel Moran is a member of the club, isn't he? Yes. He is. Uncle Sebastian uses it all the time. He was present at the game last night, Alicia. Oh, Harry. Now we're worse off than ever. If he thinks you cheated at cards, he'll never let us get married. Now don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure that mister Holmes can find a way out of this. I'm afraid it'll be too late.
[00:11:12] Unknown:
I couldn't marry you now, Alicia. What do you mean, Harry? They forced me to resign from the club. That's a bad enough disgrace, but I know there's worse to come. You see, I was expecting my promotion to major any day. Now it'll be a miracle if I'm not cashiered from the regiment.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
What kind of a life can I offer you? Harry, you're talking absolute nonsense. I think, captain Flendergast, the next step is obvious. We must remove this apparent stain on your character. But how? Miss Winthrop can stay here with missus Watson. The doctor and I will drive over in a cab with you to the club and see what can be done.
[00:11:56] Unknown:
What,
[00:11:57] Unknown:
what kind of a a card game were you playing last night, Brindigos? Stud poker. Ever since the American ambassador introduced it at the club, it's been quite a favorite. The perfect games are marked cards,
[00:12:08] Unknown:
which requires no elaborate dexterity in the dealings into the knowledge of your opponent's full card. How many of you were playing? Half a dozen of us. You, you were winning heavily, you said. Yes, doctor. Though one of the others, a fellow named David Harkness, was doing well.
[00:12:23] Unknown:
Now I come to think of it. Harkness almost seemed to know when I was bluffing as though he could see the marked card. Well, perhaps he was the one who marked him. That's possible. And yet certainly no one could accuse him of tricky dealing. He was so clumsy with his bandaged finger. How did you know he had a bandaged finger to go? I'll tell you that, captain Rentegath, when you tell me
[00:12:42] Unknown:
what's really on your mind. There's a great deal more at stake than a card scandal, isn't there? Yes, there is. I didn't dare to tell Alicia about it.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
You see, I'm fighting a duel tomorrow. A duel? Rod, with whom? Colonel Moran. What? He insulted me last night. He goaded me beyond a man's patience. He taught him he is, and I couldn't stand it any longer. And so I challenged him. And in so doing, gave him the choice of weapons. Yes. Could have found it. Of course, he chose revolvers. Moran is a big game hunter of note. He was reputed to be the best shot in England. And I'm probably the worst in London. If only I could shoot as well as I can box. I'm regimental champion, you know. Revolver? Good heavens, man. Revolvers are a duel with Moran is is suicide for you. No. What's not suicide?
[00:13:27] Unknown:
I'm a technical club. Sir, Cabby, keep the change, will you? Oh, bry me. Thank you, governor. Suicide. No. What's not suicide? This is a carefully laid plan for murder. Pray heaven that we are not too late to avert it. It's mister Harkness that you're wanting, sir? Yes. He he went to his room half an hour ago, number one hundred night, up the main stairs and down the corridor. Thank you. I, want you to follow us in precisely one minute and bring a sealed pack of the club's playing cards to mister Harkness' room. Do you understand?
[00:14:12] Unknown:
Oh, yes, sir. And thank you. Did you, did you make the arrangement? Yes. Come on.
[00:14:23] Unknown:
Let's go up to hark, missus Roeland. The three members have cut me dead since I came in here. It's a most humiliating experience. You're good patience, captain Brantegaus, and I'm sure your honor will be entirely vindicated. I wish I knew what you were up to, hon. I'm gonna try and restage the drama that was presented in this club last night. The only difference being that my production has a lot of cast that's a little different. Here we are. Now let me do the talking.
[00:14:52] Unknown:
Yes? Did you want something? Commander Garth, I don't want you in my rooms. I don't know why they allowed you inside the club. Let us in, mister Harkness, please. No. I won't. Take your foot out of the door, confound. Yeah, mister Harkness, there are three of us.
[00:15:05] Unknown:
I think you better let us in. You're going to let us in, Harkness. Oh, alright. Come in. Oh, thank you for your hospitality, sir. Now perhaps you fellows will tell me what the devil you think you're up to. With pleasure.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
As you very well know, mister Hopkins, this is probably captain Flendegast's last day on Earth. He has one request to make of you, that you join him in a farewell game of poker with us to show you bare no grudges. Oh, it's fantastic. You're all in safe. Safe. Oh, by the way, mister Hopkins, I'm delighted to notice that your sore finger seems to have healed with great rapidity. By an odd coincidence, you'll observe that, I seem to have injured much. When do you do that? Oh, in the carriage just now. Mere scratch. Fortunately, I had some first aid materials in my great coat.
[00:15:51] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
Yes, Taylor. What is it? Begging your pardon, mister Harkness, but the gentleman asked me to bring this sealed pack of cards here. Oh, put them on the table, Taylor. Taylor. Very good, sir.
[00:16:07] Unknown:
Well, what's the game? Stud poker, mister Harkness. A game with which you're quite familiar, I understand. And the stakes? A man's honor. Possibly another man's freedom. Open the pack, mister Harkness, and give us all a hand. I should think this might be a very unusual game.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
You'll hear the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time for me to explain that Petri California sherry is not only an ideal wine to serve before dinner, but it's also the perfect wine for almost any occasion. Petri Sherry is fine after dinner when you're listening to the radio or just sitting around talking. And of course, you couldn't ask for a finer party wine than Petri Sherry, especially if your party is at cocktail time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go wrong with Petri Sherry, but be sure it's Petri.
Look for the letters p e t r I. They spell the proudest name in the history of American wine. Doctor Watson, that was quite a game of poker you were settling down to. I have a feeling that Sherlock Holmes had an ace or two up his sleeve, didn't he? Figuratively,
[00:17:24] Unknown:
he did, mister Bartel. Though at the time, I must confess that as usual, I was pretty much in the dark. David Hardness opened the new sealed pack of cards, and the four of us played a hand of poker. It was easy to see that our unwilling host was far from happy. His felty eyes darted from one to the other of us as he played our cards. He knew that he was a victim of a conspiracy, and so he was watching every move we made. Finally, as that strange game progressed, captain Phrenegas leaned across the table and said, I think you're
[00:17:58] Unknown:
Do you? Well, it'll cost you exactly the limit to find out. How curious are you? My joy, I think you are bluffing, heartless. I'll see you. It'd be a fool to Watson when he has a straight flush. What do you mean, Holmes? My dear heartless, the markings are quite apparent, I assure you, to someone who knows what he's looking for. Don't you mean that these cards are marked too? Examine them for yourself, old chap. They are marked. They're pinpricked just like they were last night. Well, it's impossible Hart must broke the seals on your pack just now. We all saw him do it. He couldn't have switched to pack. And why would I do that even if I could? I wouldn't try and cheat mister Sherlock Holmes. No, mister Hartman. I just wanted you to know that I understood the trick. What trick, mister Holmes? The same one that was played on you last night, captain. Fendergast. This was a demonstration of how easily a sealed pack of cards may be turned into a marked one by a man with a sore finger. What does a sore finger gotta do with it, Holmes? Oh, it's very simple, Watson. A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage, a tiny pressure against a card one wishes to mark as it comes into one's hand. And after several deals hey, Presto.
I'm out packed. Oh, so that's how it was done. You can't prove it, Holmes. You can't prove a thing. You weren't here last night. Oh, unfortunately, I wasn't, mister Harkness. Otherwise, I should have had the great pleasure of exposing your trick at the time. As it is, I shall have to rely on a public confession. You'll never get a confession from me. Possibly not, sir. I'm sure that you'll be interested to know that I've made quite an extensive study of card shopping. In fact, I considered giving a little lecture or demonstration here at the club. What are you talking about? Those games that we've just played was in the nature of a rehearsal.
I should, of course, stress this particular method as being of a great local interest. I'm sure most of the gambling members will recall one man who has had unusually bad luck with his fingers. Holmes,
[00:19:43] Unknown:
you're trying to ruin me. Well, you were willing to see Pernegast ruined? And killed.
[00:19:48] Unknown:
But a pistol duel with Colonel Moran is almost equivalent to murder. What what do you want me to do? From the direction of your glance, mister Harkness, I'm certain that you keep a loaded revolver in your desk drawer. That's a very poor solution, I assure you. Why not be a man, write a confession and sign it? It'll free captain Prendergast from any stigma, and it'll help to trap the real culprit, colonel Sebastian Moran. Moran? Where does he come into the picture, Holmes?
[00:20:13] Unknown:
Knows, don't you? But I think I know now. Why don't you tell us, Harkness? One thing at a time, Pentagast. I owe it to you to write a confession. I'll do that rather than face a public exposure in the club, but that's as far as I'll go. If you have any ideas about Moran, go and talk to him yourselves.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
There's a certain honor, you know, even among thieves. Thank you for the implication, mister Hartness. You have writing materials here? Yes. I have writing materials, Harry. Splendid then. While you're telling the truth about last night's episode, we'll call on colonel Sebastian Moran. Have you any idea where we might find him at this time of night? Yes. I have every idea. You'll find him in the gun room. Thinks he has a jewel on his hands tomorrow. In the gun room, Thank you, mister Harkness. We'll go and talk to him. You may expect us back within half an
[00:20:56] Unknown:
hour.
[00:21:07] Unknown:
Who are you fellows? Turn the gas up, can't you? Colonel Moran, this is mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson. How do you do? Colonel Moran, I've been wanting to meet you for a very long time. Sherlock Holmes, I've heard a lot about you. And I have you, colonel. Harry, what are you doing inside the club? Mister Holmes brought me back. We've just left David Harkness' room. He's writing a confession that he engineered the swindle last night, that he deliberately tried to involve me. So
[00:21:34] Unknown:
in that case, I suppose I need oilless revolver no longer. Hartpeth is a cheat. Dear me, how shocking. Aren't you glad that my name will be cleared in this business? Of course, I am. I'm delighted. And you'll apologize for the things that you said last night? Yes, Harry. I'll apologize. But you must realize that this revelation makes no difference to my feelings about your marriage to Alicia. On my soul, Colonel Moran, it seems to me that one that Doctor,
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Watson, I think the name is. Watson. Yes. My name is Watson. Doctor Watson,
[00:22:03] Unknown:
I would suggest that the happiness of my ward is a matter that cannot possibly concern you. Now look here, sir. I don't want to go you all, champ. Oh, sorry. I don't want to go. I think I may be able to change your mind on the question of your ward's marriage. How very interesting. And what makes you labor under that delusion? Would you care to have it known at the club that you were deliberately planned Captain Fuentegast's murder? What in some are you talking about? You know, sir, that a revolver duel with you is no duel. It's a cold blooded killing. Rubbish. I was challenged. Therefore, I had the choice of weapons. Naturally, I chose the weapon with which I was most familiar. And you had the choice for a very good reason, colonel Moran. You forced Franny Goust into a duel because it was the only way you you could be certain that he'd never marry your ward. Alicia? What do you know about her? More than you think, sir. She's at my wife's house this very minute. She suspects you of jealousy. I think it's far more likely that the financial aspect of guardianship is involved here. A financial accounting is due upon her marriage, isn't it? That's none of your business. An accounting is due, mister Holmes. Unless you told me that herself. Exactly. And the accounts were in no state to undergo scrutiny.
The answer is obvious. David Hartnett, a card shop, was in need of money. You induced him to practice his cheating last night in order that you could trap captain Prendergast into a duel.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
Harkness, what the devil do you want? Put that revolver down, you fool. I don't care about my own disgrace, but you're gonna pay for your share in it, Moran. Drop that revolver, Harkness. Don't you see that you're Moran, you you shot him.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
You saw that it was in self defense, gentlemen. He was waving a loaded revolver at me. It's most unfortunate, but it was in self defense. Yes. Self defense that removed the one dangerous witness who could have testified against you.
[00:23:45] Unknown:
He's dead, Watson, isn't he?
[00:23:47] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:23:49] Unknown:
Shot right through the heart. Moran, you're a cold blooded murdering devil. I demand satisfaction for that insult. These gentlemen are my witnesses. I apologize for the misunderstanding last night, but this is a different matter. You've insulted me, Harry. The Duhamel will take place, colonel Moran, and doctor Watson and myself will act as seconds for captain Prendergast.
[00:24:07] Unknown:
Let's make the necessary arrangement, shall we?
[00:24:29] Unknown:
Miss Watson. Yes, Alicia, dear. It's 02:00. What can have happened to them? They left here just after eight.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
Well, if if you've been married to John for any length of time, my dear, you wouldn't worry. When your husband goes out with Sherlock Holmes, you are prepared not to see him for a few days. Missus Watson, what are you saying? I haven't got a husband. Oh. Oh, now Alicia, don't don't blower at me like that. What did you say the time was? It's just after two, and they left here at eight. What can have happened? Well, I don't know. But mister Holmes was with him. So So don't worry, my dear. He's frightfully clever. I wouldn't be surprised. They're the front door now. They're back. Oh, dear me. Now I'll have to make Coco.
[00:25:16] Unknown:
Harry. Harry, darling. What's happened? Oh, lots of things, darling. I'm a member of the Tankerville Club again. I'll probably become a major, and you'll certainly become missus Prendergast before very long. Oh, it all sounds wonderful.
[00:25:29] Unknown:
What have you two been up to? It's the old story, Mary dear. Holmes solved the case, and it all ended happily. Happily. My dear Watson, that's hardly the word to use. Harkness is dead, and colonel Moran is probably in hospital. Please tell me what happened. Well, your your guardian challenged captain Pentaghast to a duel. He overlooked the fact that, since he was the challenger, the choice of weapons belonged to his opponent. Perhaps you can guess what that choice was.
[00:25:54] Unknown:
Boxing gloves. We've just come from the gymnasium at the club, Alicia. I'm afraid I really gave him a thrashing.
[00:26:00] Unknown:
And a well deserved one too. I'm only sorry that I couldn't put him where he belongs behind prison bars. Oh, Harry. He'll be the laughing stock of London. I'm glad of it. But but that means that he'll never consent to our being married. I disagree, miss Wentworth. If we keep his secret and we've hinted that we might, I'm quite certain that he'll withdraw his objections to the marriage and somehow he'll make up his deficiencies in his guardianship account. Probably by borrowing money from professor Moriarty.
[00:26:27] Unknown:
Oh, I think it's all wonderful. But it's well after 02:00 in the morning. Let's go into the kitchen, shall we? I'll make some cocoa. Cocoa? Put a bottle of whiskey. We Harry. Yeah? You and Alicia stay here. You probably have some plans to make. Oh, cocoa is not a very exciting drink. Oh, shush. Oh, sorry. No. As soon as the cocoa is ready, we'll call
[00:26:57] Unknown:
you.
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was that was some story. You know, I'm glad the age of dueling is over. I'd hate to have someone challenge me to a duel. Madam, mister Bartell, are you afraid of being, hurt? Afraid of being hurt? Of course not. If someone challenges me to a duel, I I have the right to choose the weapons, don't I? Yes. And what weapons would you choose? Grain puffs at 30 paces. Nobody's gonna hurt me. See that. How long? Come to think of it, instead of cream puffs, I'd rather have a piece of cake. Oh, why a piece of cake? Because it tastes so good with a glass of petri sherry. Any questions?
[00:27:41] Unknown:
No questions.
[00:27:42] Unknown:
For a while there, I'll bet you thought I'd forgotten all about my wife. Oh, I've forgotten about it. Not you, mister Bartel. No. Not anybody who's ever tasted it. Petri wine is the kind of wine you'll always remember. That's because the Petri family really knows how to make good wine. They've been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. It's an art that's been handed on down in the Petri family from father to son, from father to son. Every drop of Petri wine is clear, fragrant, and delicious. As delicious as the luscious sun ripened California grapes from which it's made.
Remember, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that their wine is the kind of wine you like for any occasion. You can't miss with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, doctor Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story are you planning to tell us next week?
[00:28:41] Unknown:
Well, now let me see. Next week, next week, mister Bartow, I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place in the gay Vienna of the nineties. Concerns a strange tragedy that occurred on a ballroom floor and a weird series of murders that were punctuated by the sound of music. I call the story
[00:29:04] Unknown:
the worst
[00:29:05] Unknown:
of death.
[00:29:19] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, The Five Orange Pips. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone 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 Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week. Next week many communities will change time, and this program will reach some of our listeners at a different hour. Consult your local newspaper or a mutual station for the exact time in your area. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family.
For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, make every bite rewarding with gold from Amex. Wherever you dine, four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide are piling up. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold.
[00:00:14] Unknown:
Terms and points cap apply. 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 filmed 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.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
Petrie Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invites you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I know that doctor Watson will agree with me when I tell you that the best way to begin a good meal is with a glass of Petri California sherry. Before you sit down at the table, pour yourself and your family a glass of Petri sherry. Try it. There are many ways to tell a good wine by its color, its aroma, and its flavor.
On every count, petri sherry is outstanding. The color of petri sherry is a clear deep amber. Perfect. The aroma, well, petri sherry is as fragrant as a bunch of dew covered grapes picked in the early morning. But most important to you and to me is the flavor of Petri Sherry. We want a wine that tastes good, and believe me, you couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri Sherry. And just to make sure you get a wine that's exactly the way you want it, Petri makes two kinds of sherry, the regular and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure of which you like better, why not try them both? Don't buy one, buy two. Just be sure you always buy Petri, Petri Sherry.
And now I'm sure our good friend, Doctor. Watson's ready for us. Let's go in and join him. Good evening, Doctor. Watson. My name is Marjo. My company.
[00:03:02] Unknown:
I don't want it.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Bugs seem very I don't
[00:03:07] Unknown:
want it. The dogs seem very chipper tonight, doctor. Have they been getting into any more trouble lately? I don't know, my boy. It's been a relatively quiet week for them. One meeting with a dead seal, two visits to my neighbor's chickens, and a losing battle today with a cross eyed Siamese cat. You you call that a quiet week. Not just for them, but never mind about the dogs. Drop your usual chair and make you so comfortable. Just in time to join me in a in a glass of sheriff. That'd be very nice, doctor. Oh, I see you have the old dispatch box out of here. Yes, my boy. As the story I'm gonna tell you tonight took place at eighteen hundred and eighty seven, I thought I'd better refresh my memory on some of the details of the case.
But shortly after my marriage and as I bought a practice in the Paddington District, I saw very little of my old friend, Sherlock Holmes. How was doctoring in those early days? A struggle, my boy. A distinct struggle. Doctor Farquhar, from whom I had bought the practice, had at one time an excellent clientele. But his age combined with an unfortunate affliction, the year that resembled Saint Weitz's dance, had very much thinned it. I had, a conference, however, in my in my youth and in my energy, and I was convinced that in a very few years, the practice would be as flourishing as ever. But as I said, I saw very little of Holmes in those days. I guess you were too busy to visit Baker Street, aren't I? Yeah. You guessed quite correctly, mister Barto. Quite correctly. Holmes seldom went anywhere and so save on professional business.
You can imagine my surprise, therefore, when one day on coming home from a heavy day's work, I found that Holmes had decided to pay us a visit. My wife persuaded him to stay to dinner, and as the three of us sat at the table, the flickering candlelight dancing strange patterns on the walls, did it quite like old times. Holmes was in an unusually gay mood, and I can remember the twinkle in his eye as he turned to my wife. Said
[00:04:58] Unknown:
You're a brave woman, missus Watson. You've been an unexpected guest on the maiden night out, and I'm extremely grateful. Missus Hudson's cooking, though excellent of its kind, lacks variety. Your dinner has been quite a treat.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
That's a very gracious little speech, isn't it? Yes.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
I've never known you to be so observant about food.
[00:05:18] Unknown:
Perhaps the lack of your company, my dear chap, and the consequent lonely meals have made me conscious of missus Hudson's culinary shortcomings.
[00:05:27] Unknown:
I, I suppose you're taking John out with you tonight on one of your cases. No, missus Watson.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Now I can understand your suspicions. My visit was purely social. Dear, let's go in the other room and and have a pipe, shall we? Well, don't you think you would be more comfortable at the club? Miss O'lle Mary, I believe you wanna get rid of us.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
No, dear. It's not that. It's just that That, your visitor is due at any moment, and you would count it on the house being empty by now. Now. Why, how on earth did you know that, mister Holmes?
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Past half hour, you've been blasting at the clock with mounting anxiety. I feel sure that, if it had been if it not been for my unexpected visit, your, your good husband would already been walking towards his club. Club. Yeah. It is my custom to go to the club on Thursdays, but, but how do you know? I know you have it, my dear chap, as well, if not better than you do. It's a it's a good thing I'm a bachelor, isn't it, missus Watson? Yes. Indeed. A wife will keep no secrets from you, mister Holmes, I'm sure. Well, my dear, who who is your visitor, and,
[00:06:27] Unknown:
what is the secret that you you've been hiding?
[00:06:30] Unknown:
It's innocent enough, John. As Thursdays is the maid's night out and you've been going to the club, I've been letting Alicia Wentworth meet her young man here with me, a chaperone. Of course. Oh, that's a mistress. Well, Watson. Yeah. If I was on the wing and I'm sure we're dreadfully in the way, let's, stroll to Baker Street, shall we? Well, of course, I'll get my coat. Why didn't you tell me, ma'am? Well, I was afraid you might be angry, John. Angry? Of course, ma'am. Alisha is such a sweet girl. And Harry Prendergast is a very charming young man. He comes from an excellent family, has a commission in the infantry, And the children are tremendously in love. But her beastly guardian forbid them to meet. So I oh, there she is now. Well, we can pretend that we were just leaving anywhere. Yes. I'll get my coat. Hello, Alicia, dear. Oh, Mrs. Portman. Man. I'm so glad to see you, miss Tanya.
Alicia,
[00:07:17] Unknown:
this is my husband and mister Sherlock Holmes. How do you do, my dear? It's a shame that we have to go now, but my friend and I have some very important business to attend to. Well, mister Sherlock Holmes is a detective, aren't you? Yes, miss Whitworth. Please don't go, mister Holmes. Please don't. I need help so badly. Why, Alyssa, what's wrong? You're as white as a ghost. Let's go into the drawing room, shall we? What's troubling you, miss Whitworth? It's Harry. Captain Friendly Ghost. I don't know exactly what's the matter, but something dreadful has happened to him. Oh, now sit down here beside me, dear. Nancy. Miss Wentworth, what reason do you have to suppose that Captain Prendergast is in trouble? I've seen friends of his today. They spoke of him almost as if he were dead, and yet they wouldn't tell me why. And just now I went to his club, and they told me that Captain Prendergast was not a member. But he is a member. He's been a member for years.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Oh, what's happened to him? What has happened to him? Yes. Very dear. Mister Holmes will help you. Now Now don't you cry. Have you been to the police, miss Fenton? No, doctor.
[00:08:15] Unknown:
You see, I went to my guardian, but he wouldn't let me go to the police. He said there'd be a scandal,
[00:08:19] Unknown:
but then he hates him. The Pinnacle's a fine family. Now what does your guardian object to object
[00:08:25] Unknown:
to him so strongly? I don't think he would approve of anyone I choose. He doesn't want me to get married. Oh, sounds like a positive ogre to me.
[00:08:33] Unknown:
Who who is your guardian, my dear? Colonel Moran. Colonel Sebastian Moran.
[00:08:38] Unknown:
Indeed. He's a man who has many interest against him in my ledgers, but a man that I've never met. I have long hoped to cross swords with him directly. But but how could uncle Sebastian have anything to do with the criminal profession, mister Holmes? He's a son of Sir August Moran. He was once British minister to Persia. Oh, you must be confusing him with someone else. No, my dear. It's the same man. And furthermore, I'm almost certain that your guardian is the right hand man of a certain friend of mine whose name also begins with the three letters m o r. Good lord Moriarty. I have no proof.
And yet I suspect that Colonel Moran is the second most dangerous man in London. Sir Harry, it must be her. Oh, poor girl. I do hope you can help her, mister Holmes. I shall do my best, missus Watson. There is a young man at the door. It's more than likely her problem doesn't exist in any way. I hope you're right, Watson. With colonel Moran as a guardian, I'm afraid the young lady is destined to have trouble. Come on, Harry. Good evening, missus Watson. I'm so glad to see you, Harry. This is my husband. How do you do, doctor? How do you do, my boy? And mister Sherlock Holmes. How do you do, captain Pentagas? How do you do, sir? Harry, what's wrong? I can tell by your face that something dreadful has happened. It has, darling. Tell mister Holmes about it. He's promised to help her. Well, sir, I'm afraid this is a little outside of your province. You will find that my friend's province is quite extensive, cap Groningen. I'd be more than happy to do anything I can to help, sir. That's very nice of you, mister Holmes.
[00:09:59] Unknown:
Well, it's pretty bad. Last night, I was accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club. How dreadful. Of course, I don't have to tell you that I didn't cheat, but the evidence was dead against me. I'd been winning heavily and the cards were proved to be marked.
[00:10:13] Unknown:
Marked?
[00:10:14] Unknown:
How? There were pinpricks on the edges. Pinpricks which indicated the card's value. How did the pack of cards come into play? That's the devil of it. I myself broke open a sealed pack given to me by the club porter, and I swear that was the pack that was later found to be marked. Was everyone searched? Yes. But they found a new unopened pack in my pocket. The obvious implication being that you had substituted the marked cards, of course. I can see what happened. Somebody deliberately tried to incriminate you by dropping a new pack in your pocket. Of course, darling. But what I can't understand is how the marked pack was introduced into the game. Were there any other cards found in the room? None, doctor. The Tankerville.
[00:10:53] Unknown:
Colonel Moran is a member of the club, isn't he? Yes. He is. Uncle Sebastian uses it all the time. He was present at the game last night, Alicia. Oh, Harry. Now we're worse off than ever. If he thinks you cheated at cards, he'll never let us get married. Now don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure that mister Holmes can find a way out of this. I'm afraid it'll be too late.
[00:11:12] Unknown:
I couldn't marry you now, Alicia. What do you mean, Harry? They forced me to resign from the club. That's a bad enough disgrace, but I know there's worse to come. You see, I was expecting my promotion to major any day. Now it'll be a miracle if I'm not cashiered from the regiment.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
What kind of a life can I offer you? Harry, you're talking absolute nonsense. I think, captain Flendergast, the next step is obvious. We must remove this apparent stain on your character. But how? Miss Winthrop can stay here with missus Watson. The doctor and I will drive over in a cab with you to the club and see what can be done.
[00:11:56] Unknown:
What,
[00:11:57] Unknown:
what kind of a a card game were you playing last night, Brindigos? Stud poker. Ever since the American ambassador introduced it at the club, it's been quite a favorite. The perfect games are marked cards,
[00:12:08] Unknown:
which requires no elaborate dexterity in the dealings into the knowledge of your opponent's full card. How many of you were playing? Half a dozen of us. You, you were winning heavily, you said. Yes, doctor. Though one of the others, a fellow named David Harkness, was doing well.
[00:12:23] Unknown:
Now I come to think of it. Harkness almost seemed to know when I was bluffing as though he could see the marked card. Well, perhaps he was the one who marked him. That's possible. And yet certainly no one could accuse him of tricky dealing. He was so clumsy with his bandaged finger. How did you know he had a bandaged finger to go? I'll tell you that, captain Rentegath, when you tell me
[00:12:42] Unknown:
what's really on your mind. There's a great deal more at stake than a card scandal, isn't there? Yes, there is. I didn't dare to tell Alicia about it.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
You see, I'm fighting a duel tomorrow. A duel? Rod, with whom? Colonel Moran. What? He insulted me last night. He goaded me beyond a man's patience. He taught him he is, and I couldn't stand it any longer. And so I challenged him. And in so doing, gave him the choice of weapons. Yes. Could have found it. Of course, he chose revolvers. Moran is a big game hunter of note. He was reputed to be the best shot in England. And I'm probably the worst in London. If only I could shoot as well as I can box. I'm regimental champion, you know. Revolver? Good heavens, man. Revolvers are a duel with Moran is is suicide for you. No. What's not suicide?
[00:13:27] Unknown:
I'm a technical club. Sir, Cabby, keep the change, will you? Oh, bry me. Thank you, governor. Suicide. No. What's not suicide? This is a carefully laid plan for murder. Pray heaven that we are not too late to avert it. It's mister Harkness that you're wanting, sir? Yes. He he went to his room half an hour ago, number one hundred night, up the main stairs and down the corridor. Thank you. I, want you to follow us in precisely one minute and bring a sealed pack of the club's playing cards to mister Harkness' room. Do you understand?
[00:14:12] Unknown:
Oh, yes, sir. And thank you. Did you, did you make the arrangement? Yes. Come on.
[00:14:23] Unknown:
Let's go up to hark, missus Roeland. The three members have cut me dead since I came in here. It's a most humiliating experience. You're good patience, captain Brantegaus, and I'm sure your honor will be entirely vindicated. I wish I knew what you were up to, hon. I'm gonna try and restage the drama that was presented in this club last night. The only difference being that my production has a lot of cast that's a little different. Here we are. Now let me do the talking.
[00:14:52] Unknown:
Yes? Did you want something? Commander Garth, I don't want you in my rooms. I don't know why they allowed you inside the club. Let us in, mister Harkness, please. No. I won't. Take your foot out of the door, confound. Yeah, mister Harkness, there are three of us.
[00:15:05] Unknown:
I think you better let us in. You're going to let us in, Harkness. Oh, alright. Come in. Oh, thank you for your hospitality, sir. Now perhaps you fellows will tell me what the devil you think you're up to. With pleasure.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
As you very well know, mister Hopkins, this is probably captain Flendegast's last day on Earth. He has one request to make of you, that you join him in a farewell game of poker with us to show you bare no grudges. Oh, it's fantastic. You're all in safe. Safe. Oh, by the way, mister Hopkins, I'm delighted to notice that your sore finger seems to have healed with great rapidity. By an odd coincidence, you'll observe that, I seem to have injured much. When do you do that? Oh, in the carriage just now. Mere scratch. Fortunately, I had some first aid materials in my great coat.
[00:15:51] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
Yes, Taylor. What is it? Begging your pardon, mister Harkness, but the gentleman asked me to bring this sealed pack of cards here. Oh, put them on the table, Taylor. Taylor. Very good, sir.
[00:16:07] Unknown:
Well, what's the game? Stud poker, mister Harkness. A game with which you're quite familiar, I understand. And the stakes? A man's honor. Possibly another man's freedom. Open the pack, mister Harkness, and give us all a hand. I should think this might be a very unusual game.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
You'll hear the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time for me to explain that Petri California sherry is not only an ideal wine to serve before dinner, but it's also the perfect wine for almost any occasion. Petri Sherry is fine after dinner when you're listening to the radio or just sitting around talking. And of course, you couldn't ask for a finer party wine than Petri Sherry, especially if your party is at cocktail time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go wrong with Petri Sherry, but be sure it's Petri.
Look for the letters p e t r I. They spell the proudest name in the history of American wine. Doctor Watson, that was quite a game of poker you were settling down to. I have a feeling that Sherlock Holmes had an ace or two up his sleeve, didn't he? Figuratively,
[00:17:24] Unknown:
he did, mister Bartel. Though at the time, I must confess that as usual, I was pretty much in the dark. David Hardness opened the new sealed pack of cards, and the four of us played a hand of poker. It was easy to see that our unwilling host was far from happy. His felty eyes darted from one to the other of us as he played our cards. He knew that he was a victim of a conspiracy, and so he was watching every move we made. Finally, as that strange game progressed, captain Phrenegas leaned across the table and said, I think you're
[00:17:58] Unknown:
Do you? Well, it'll cost you exactly the limit to find out. How curious are you? My joy, I think you are bluffing, heartless. I'll see you. It'd be a fool to Watson when he has a straight flush. What do you mean, Holmes? My dear heartless, the markings are quite apparent, I assure you, to someone who knows what he's looking for. Don't you mean that these cards are marked too? Examine them for yourself, old chap. They are marked. They're pinpricked just like they were last night. Well, it's impossible Hart must broke the seals on your pack just now. We all saw him do it. He couldn't have switched to pack. And why would I do that even if I could? I wouldn't try and cheat mister Sherlock Holmes. No, mister Hartman. I just wanted you to know that I understood the trick. What trick, mister Holmes? The same one that was played on you last night, captain. Fendergast. This was a demonstration of how easily a sealed pack of cards may be turned into a marked one by a man with a sore finger. What does a sore finger gotta do with it, Holmes? Oh, it's very simple, Watson. A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage, a tiny pressure against a card one wishes to mark as it comes into one's hand. And after several deals hey, Presto.
I'm out packed. Oh, so that's how it was done. You can't prove it, Holmes. You can't prove a thing. You weren't here last night. Oh, unfortunately, I wasn't, mister Harkness. Otherwise, I should have had the great pleasure of exposing your trick at the time. As it is, I shall have to rely on a public confession. You'll never get a confession from me. Possibly not, sir. I'm sure that you'll be interested to know that I've made quite an extensive study of card shopping. In fact, I considered giving a little lecture or demonstration here at the club. What are you talking about? Those games that we've just played was in the nature of a rehearsal.
I should, of course, stress this particular method as being of a great local interest. I'm sure most of the gambling members will recall one man who has had unusually bad luck with his fingers. Holmes,
[00:19:43] Unknown:
you're trying to ruin me. Well, you were willing to see Pernegast ruined? And killed.
[00:19:48] Unknown:
But a pistol duel with Colonel Moran is almost equivalent to murder. What what do you want me to do? From the direction of your glance, mister Harkness, I'm certain that you keep a loaded revolver in your desk drawer. That's a very poor solution, I assure you. Why not be a man, write a confession and sign it? It'll free captain Prendergast from any stigma, and it'll help to trap the real culprit, colonel Sebastian Moran. Moran? Where does he come into the picture, Holmes?
[00:20:13] Unknown:
Knows, don't you? But I think I know now. Why don't you tell us, Harkness? One thing at a time, Pentagast. I owe it to you to write a confession. I'll do that rather than face a public exposure in the club, but that's as far as I'll go. If you have any ideas about Moran, go and talk to him yourselves.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
There's a certain honor, you know, even among thieves. Thank you for the implication, mister Hartness. You have writing materials here? Yes. I have writing materials, Harry. Splendid then. While you're telling the truth about last night's episode, we'll call on colonel Sebastian Moran. Have you any idea where we might find him at this time of night? Yes. I have every idea. You'll find him in the gun room. Thinks he has a jewel on his hands tomorrow. In the gun room, Thank you, mister Harkness. We'll go and talk to him. You may expect us back within half an
[00:20:56] Unknown:
hour.
[00:21:07] Unknown:
Who are you fellows? Turn the gas up, can't you? Colonel Moran, this is mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson. How do you do? Colonel Moran, I've been wanting to meet you for a very long time. Sherlock Holmes, I've heard a lot about you. And I have you, colonel. Harry, what are you doing inside the club? Mister Holmes brought me back. We've just left David Harkness' room. He's writing a confession that he engineered the swindle last night, that he deliberately tried to involve me. So
[00:21:34] Unknown:
in that case, I suppose I need oilless revolver no longer. Hartpeth is a cheat. Dear me, how shocking. Aren't you glad that my name will be cleared in this business? Of course, I am. I'm delighted. And you'll apologize for the things that you said last night? Yes, Harry. I'll apologize. But you must realize that this revelation makes no difference to my feelings about your marriage to Alicia. On my soul, Colonel Moran, it seems to me that one that Doctor,
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Watson, I think the name is. Watson. Yes. My name is Watson. Doctor Watson,
[00:22:03] Unknown:
I would suggest that the happiness of my ward is a matter that cannot possibly concern you. Now look here, sir. I don't want to go you all, champ. Oh, sorry. I don't want to go. I think I may be able to change your mind on the question of your ward's marriage. How very interesting. And what makes you labor under that delusion? Would you care to have it known at the club that you were deliberately planned Captain Fuentegast's murder? What in some are you talking about? You know, sir, that a revolver duel with you is no duel. It's a cold blooded killing. Rubbish. I was challenged. Therefore, I had the choice of weapons. Naturally, I chose the weapon with which I was most familiar. And you had the choice for a very good reason, colonel Moran. You forced Franny Goust into a duel because it was the only way you you could be certain that he'd never marry your ward. Alicia? What do you know about her? More than you think, sir. She's at my wife's house this very minute. She suspects you of jealousy. I think it's far more likely that the financial aspect of guardianship is involved here. A financial accounting is due upon her marriage, isn't it? That's none of your business. An accounting is due, mister Holmes. Unless you told me that herself. Exactly. And the accounts were in no state to undergo scrutiny.
The answer is obvious. David Hartnett, a card shop, was in need of money. You induced him to practice his cheating last night in order that you could trap captain Prendergast into a duel.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
Harkness, what the devil do you want? Put that revolver down, you fool. I don't care about my own disgrace, but you're gonna pay for your share in it, Moran. Drop that revolver, Harkness. Don't you see that you're Moran, you you shot him.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
You saw that it was in self defense, gentlemen. He was waving a loaded revolver at me. It's most unfortunate, but it was in self defense. Yes. Self defense that removed the one dangerous witness who could have testified against you.
[00:23:45] Unknown:
He's dead, Watson, isn't he?
[00:23:47] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:23:49] Unknown:
Shot right through the heart. Moran, you're a cold blooded murdering devil. I demand satisfaction for that insult. These gentlemen are my witnesses. I apologize for the misunderstanding last night, but this is a different matter. You've insulted me, Harry. The Duhamel will take place, colonel Moran, and doctor Watson and myself will act as seconds for captain Prendergast.
[00:24:07] Unknown:
Let's make the necessary arrangement, shall we?
[00:24:29] Unknown:
Miss Watson. Yes, Alicia, dear. It's 02:00. What can have happened to them? They left here just after eight.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
Well, if if you've been married to John for any length of time, my dear, you wouldn't worry. When your husband goes out with Sherlock Holmes, you are prepared not to see him for a few days. Missus Watson, what are you saying? I haven't got a husband. Oh. Oh, now Alicia, don't don't blower at me like that. What did you say the time was? It's just after two, and they left here at eight. What can have happened? Well, I don't know. But mister Holmes was with him. So So don't worry, my dear. He's frightfully clever. I wouldn't be surprised. They're the front door now. They're back. Oh, dear me. Now I'll have to make Coco.
[00:25:16] Unknown:
Harry. Harry, darling. What's happened? Oh, lots of things, darling. I'm a member of the Tankerville Club again. I'll probably become a major, and you'll certainly become missus Prendergast before very long. Oh, it all sounds wonderful.
[00:25:29] Unknown:
What have you two been up to? It's the old story, Mary dear. Holmes solved the case, and it all ended happily. Happily. My dear Watson, that's hardly the word to use. Harkness is dead, and colonel Moran is probably in hospital. Please tell me what happened. Well, your your guardian challenged captain Pentaghast to a duel. He overlooked the fact that, since he was the challenger, the choice of weapons belonged to his opponent. Perhaps you can guess what that choice was.
[00:25:54] Unknown:
Boxing gloves. We've just come from the gymnasium at the club, Alicia. I'm afraid I really gave him a thrashing.
[00:26:00] Unknown:
And a well deserved one too. I'm only sorry that I couldn't put him where he belongs behind prison bars. Oh, Harry. He'll be the laughing stock of London. I'm glad of it. But but that means that he'll never consent to our being married. I disagree, miss Wentworth. If we keep his secret and we've hinted that we might, I'm quite certain that he'll withdraw his objections to the marriage and somehow he'll make up his deficiencies in his guardianship account. Probably by borrowing money from professor Moriarty.
[00:26:27] Unknown:
Oh, I think it's all wonderful. But it's well after 02:00 in the morning. Let's go into the kitchen, shall we? I'll make some cocoa. Cocoa? Put a bottle of whiskey. We Harry. Yeah? You and Alicia stay here. You probably have some plans to make. Oh, cocoa is not a very exciting drink. Oh, shush. Oh, sorry. No. As soon as the cocoa is ready, we'll call
[00:26:57] Unknown:
you.
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was that was some story. You know, I'm glad the age of dueling is over. I'd hate to have someone challenge me to a duel. Madam, mister Bartell, are you afraid of being, hurt? Afraid of being hurt? Of course not. If someone challenges me to a duel, I I have the right to choose the weapons, don't I? Yes. And what weapons would you choose? Grain puffs at 30 paces. Nobody's gonna hurt me. See that. How long? Come to think of it, instead of cream puffs, I'd rather have a piece of cake. Oh, why a piece of cake? Because it tastes so good with a glass of petri sherry. Any questions?
[00:27:41] Unknown:
No questions.
[00:27:42] Unknown:
For a while there, I'll bet you thought I'd forgotten all about my wife. Oh, I've forgotten about it. Not you, mister Bartel. No. Not anybody who's ever tasted it. Petri wine is the kind of wine you'll always remember. That's because the Petri family really knows how to make good wine. They've been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. It's an art that's been handed on down in the Petri family from father to son, from father to son. Every drop of Petri wine is clear, fragrant, and delicious. As delicious as the luscious sun ripened California grapes from which it's made.
Remember, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that their wine is the kind of wine you like for any occasion. You can't miss with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, doctor Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story are you planning to tell us next week?
[00:28:41] Unknown:
Well, now let me see. Next week, next week, mister Bartow, I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place in the gay Vienna of the nineties. Concerns a strange tragedy that occurred on a ballroom floor and a weird series of murders that were punctuated by the sound of music. I call the story
[00:29:04] Unknown:
the worst
[00:29:05] Unknown:
of death.
[00:29:19] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, The Five Orange Pips. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone 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 Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week. Next week many communities will change time, and this program will reach some of our listeners at a different hour. Consult your local newspaper or a mutual station for the exact time in your area. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family.
For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
The Avengers in South Africa
Petri Wine and Sherlock Holmes
A Quiet Week for the Dogs
Holmes' Unexpected Visit
A Dinner with Holmes
A Secret Visitor
Alicia's Distress
The Card Scandal
A Duel with Moran
Holmes' Poker Strategy
Confronting Colonel Moran
A Happy Resolution
