Sherlock Holmes: A Friend In Need (South African Radio)

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | "Sherlock Holmes: A Friend In Need" (South African Radio)

Release Date: August 15, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Duration: Approximately 24 minutes and 40 seconds

---

Introduction

"Sherlock Holmes: A Friend In Need" is a gripping installment from Choice Classic Radio Detectives, bringing the legendary detective to life through classic old-time radio storytelling. This episode masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and the timeless camaraderie between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, set against the backdrop of a foggy London evening.

---

Plot Overview

The episode begins with a sense of urgency as Inspector Lestrade informs Sherlock Holmes that Dr. Watson has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. Holmes, known for his unparalleled deductive skills, immediately senses that this disappearance is no ordinary case ([04:04]).

As Holmes delves into the investigation, he uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by the nefarious Dr. Henry Von Bork, a treacherous spy with plans to entrap Holmes. The narrative unfolds with Holmes navigating through deceptive clues, engaging with locals, and setting traps of his own to outwit Von Bork.

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Key Scenes and Developments

1. Discovery of the Missing Dr. Watson

   • Holmes: “Watson is missing and there's no trace. As you know, this is completely unlike him. I'm quite certain something's happened.”
     [04:17]

   Holmes's immediate concern and intuition set the tone for the investigation, highlighting his deep bond with Watson and his commitment to uncovering the truth.

2. Investigating Westley Street

   • Holmes: “I have a shrewd idea that it's empty. And I think... Yes, look here. See, by the light of my dark lantern, the street is Wesley.”
     [05:29]

   The meticulous examination of the crime scene showcases Holmes's attention to detail, as he notices discrepancies in the mud and signs of a struggle that point towards a deliberate abduction.

3. Encounter with the Cabby

   • Holmes: “Have you in the last 24 hours had reason to convey a sick man from that large house across the way there, Number five.”
     [08:16]

   Through pointed questioning, Holmes extracts crucial information from a local cab driver, further tightening the noose around Von Bork's plans.

4. Unveiling Dr. Von Bork’s Deception

   • Von Bork’s Accomplice: “You're not thinking of knocking him off, are they? I mean, it's not murder.”
     [03:07]

   The dialogue reveals the villains' intentions to use Watson as bait, underscoring the high stakes involved in Holmes's pursuit.

5. The Climactic Confrontation

   • Villain: “We can take more chances he is here in the nursing home. But he is not to stay here. He must be moved.”
     [12:51]

   The tension peaks as Holmes and Lestrade confront the villains in their booby-trapped laboratory, leading to a high-stakes improvisation by Holmes to save Watson.

6. Resolution and Aftermath

   • Holmes: “This is what we should have done. Perhaps it would have meant sacrificing Watson and that I was not prepared to do.”
     [23:16]

   The episode concludes with the defeat of Von Bork and the safe return of Dr. Watson, reaffirming the unbreakable partnership between Holmes and Watson.

---

Character Analysis

• Sherlock Holmes: Exemplifies intelligence, bravery, and unwavering dedication. His ability to remain calm under pressure and think several steps ahead of his adversaries is pivotal in resolving the mystery.

  • Notable Quote: “I know Von Bork's mind. I know it's tortuous and arrogant. He's convinced that he can outwit me and in order to save Watson, I shall have to allow him to think so.”
    [16:40]

• Dr. John Watson: Portrayed as loyal and compassionate, Watson's temporary vulnerability adds emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes for Holmes.

  • Notable Quote: “You've had such a terrible time of it. But it's all over now.”
    [22:42]

• Inspector Lestrade: Represents the supportive yet sometimes skeptical official perspective, providing a grounded counterpoint to Holmes's unconventional methods.

  • Notable Quote: “I've done so up till now. I'm not backing out when it comes to a crisis.”
    [18:11]

• Dr. Henry Von Bork: The antagonist embodies deceit and meticulous planning, serving as a formidable foil to Holmes’s intellect. His plans are intricate, involving abductions and explosive traps to eliminate Holmes and Watson.

  • Notable Quote: “Face to surrounded homes. No chance of anyone getting in or out of this so-called immersive home.”
    [23:10]

---

Themes and Insights

• Friendship and Loyalty: The core of the episode revolves around the deep bond between Holmes and Watson, emphasizing themes of trust and mutual reliance.

• Good vs. Evil: The age-old battle between the astute detective and the cunning antagonist underscores the moral dichotomy central to detective fiction.

• Intelligence and Strategy: Holmes’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are highlighted, showcasing the intellectual aspect of detective work.

• Deception and Trust: The narrative explores the complexities of identifying true allies and the dangers of deception, a recurrent theme in mystery genres.

---

Conclusion

"Sherlock Holmes: A Friend In Need" is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic detective stories. Through compelling storytelling, rich character development, and intricate plotting, this episode captivates listeners, immersing them in the suspenseful world of Sherlock Holmes. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode offers a thrilling journey through mystery and intellect, celebrating the Golden Age of Radio's finest detective tales.

---

Narrated By:
Graham Armitage as Sherlock Holmes
Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watson

Stay Connected:
For more classic detective tales, follow Choice Classic Radio on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, and support through donations at ChoiceClassicRadio.com.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Watson has a medical practice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To attend to it, it's rather worrying. His appointment book, have you seen it anywhere?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, he usually keeps it in his.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Doctor'S bag, but I did find it on the Allstead sort of note.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let me see. 5 Westley EC3. Tuesday 10th. Royston.

[Narrator]

We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes, a friend in need.

[Villain]

I was doing very nicely in my practice and thinking of going into partnership with an old medical colleague. His name was Royston. I'd met him on several occasions and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Knew he was engaged upon opening up.

[Villain]

A medical center in one of the poorer parts of London. I didn't think twice about the authenticity of the proposal. One Tuesday, I called at a very grim and rather dilapidated building called Westley, just off the river. I was totally unprepared for my reception, for instead of meeting my old friend, I was shown into a small ante room. It was dark, I couldn't see properly. Before I knew what was happening, hands seized me from behind. I struggled valiantly and then a violent blow against the side of the head caused me to gasp. Stars swam before my eyes and I lost consciousness.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's not enough.

[Narrator]

Couldn't have been easier, the falling prick like that.

[Villain]

Yeah, you'd think anyone who'd associated with Sherlock Holmes would be a bit more careful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's the next step?

[Villain]

We get him out and into a cab, Drive him to the boss's nursing home. From then on, it's nothing to do with us.

[Villain's Accomplice]

You're not thinking of knocking him off, are they? I mean, it's not murder.

[Villain]

No. The idea is to hold him as a hostage, that's all. This is the one way of getting at homes. Those two been buddies for years. If anything can tempt Holmes out into the open, this is the man. Come on now, pop him up. He'll be coming round soon. You want to have him safe and sound by then. It's not going to be easier getting.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Him in your cab.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's a Big bloke.

[Villain]

No bigger than I am. We'll switch clothes. I'll carry the doctor's bag and it'll look like we're helping a patient out. Here we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Check the street. Yeah, looks all clear. Getting dust. Gas.

[Villain]

Lamps aren't on yet, but there's more.

[Narrator]

Than a bit of hope gathering.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Come on, no more talk.

[Villain]

Get him on his feet. Right. He'll be able to put one foot in front of the other. By the time he comes to, he'll be in the nursing home with no idea of where he is or how he got there. Come on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You support him under one arm and.

[Villain]

I'll take the other.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here we go.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Hurry now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So that's the position. Lestrade. Watson is missing and there's no trace. As you know, this is completely unlike him. I'm quite certain something's happened. He would never have remained silent if it had been possible for him to get a message to me.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Might have met with an accident.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you tried the hospital? Well, yes, of course. Watson's well known in most of the local hospitals. There's no report of anyone answering to his description being found.

[Villain's Accomplice]

And what do you think it's all about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I'm afraid I take it very seriously. This could be someone's way of getting. At least at the moment there seems very little we can do except wait. But I should appreciate your help.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Of course, of course, Anything I can do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I need to carry out an investigation into a place in EC3. Now, all I have to go on is two names. One is Westley and the other is Royston. Now these were scrawled on a note that Watson must have left by accident on the hall stand when he was putting on his coat. Can I have a couple of men and do a search of that river district?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Of course.

[Villain's Accomplice]

I'll do better than that. I'll even come along myself. What do you say to that? Now this sudden fog is not going to make our task any easier, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, but in a way it's an advantage. One can remain more secretive in the heavy mists. Look, I think we're on the right track. That large building over there, I have a shrewd idea that it's empty. And I think. Yes, look here. See, by the light of my dark lantern, the street is. Wesley. Now, that building will be number five. And if it is, well, we're in luck.

[Villain's Accomplice]

I might remind you that we don't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have a search warrant. Oh, you're in plain clothes. I have no intention of letting all men swarm all over the building.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think there's bound to be a window open. I'll do the breaking and entering and you can come in through the front door. Yes, that's very nice.

[Villain]

Will you?

[Villain's Accomplice]

If they could see me at the yard now I'd get a railroad telling off. What sort of place do you think this is anyway?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's just a disused house. Strange. Now why should Watson want to call here? Now wait a moment. Look out here in the hall. Signs of a struggle. A chair knocked over. Movement in the dust. And hold the lantern up. This, look. Smudges of mud.

[Villain's Accomplice]

There's here down by the wall.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That looks like blood to me. Yes, I'm afraid the good Watson got into quite a bit of trouble here. You see this? It hasn't rained in these parts for some days and yet this is that gray type of mud that's found near the river and imprinted in the mother leaves and small particles of petals. This should tell us something.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Holmes, do you seriously mean to say that Watson has been abducted?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Looks like it was. Great. But why? That's the question. Watson hasn't got an enemy in the world. It can only be because of his connection with me. So who is behind all this? That's the question. What's the next move? Well I don't think we can do a great deal tonight. If I'm right then Watson will not be in any active danger until I've been approached directly. There will be an attempt to blackmail or coerce me in some way. I think we might well find something of interest if we question the cabbies who service this district. There can't be many of them on these routes. If Watson was abducted he must have put up a struggle. He's a big man. Come on the straight. Let's get back on the street and see if any of your men in pits have any clue. I think you report sir, the fog has settled in good and proper. Most folk have got themselves indoors by a good fire.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Yes, something we'd all like.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now here comes a cab. Perhaps we should return to Baker street and wait for events to develop. Just a moment. Hello there, cabby. Not many fares on an evening such as this. Going off jinky?

[Villain]

Oh, that's about it sir. Leading the old mare back to the stables. Can't see a thing in this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Are you a regular on these parts?

[Villain]

Oh that's right sir. Been working this part of the city for near 20 years.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then you must know it like the back of your hand. Tell me, have you in the last 24 hours had reason to convey a sick man from that large house across the way there, Number five.

[Villain]

Funny you should ask that. As a matter of fact I did. Earlier on there was a doctor and his assistant. He had a sick fellow with him. He was recovering from an accident. They bundled him in the cab and I took them south of the river. Place set back on its own grounds. He said it was a private sort of nurse and home, sir. Why do you ask, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, because we're most interested in this accident. Look here, I know it's a foul night and you're thinking of going home, but could you find your way to this so called nursing home?

[Villain]

Oh yes, yes of course I could.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, Robins.

[Villain]

It'll take a little time but we'll manage it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, good man. Now there'll be a sovereign for your pains at the end of it. Now send your men home to their beds, the strayed and jump in.

[Villain]

There you are, sirs. This is the place where I drop the doctor in the patient. That driveway. They say it leads up to the nursing home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, cabby. You think you can find this place again? This babe?

[Villain's Accomplice]

Yes, certain I can.

[Villain]

Quite easy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All right, so that's what we're doing tonight. To attempt to enter there. We'll be showing our hand and perhaps putting Watson in further danger. Well, I suggest that we now drive back to Baker Street. I shall be very surprised if the next move doesn't come from our adversaries. The waiters behind this must it out extremely carefully. Right, Gabby, 221 Baker Street. And there's another sovereign for you if you can get her there before midnight.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh. Oh Ms. Jones.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Oh, I'm so glad you're back. And you, Inspector?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Mr. Fatson. But why are you up and about at this hour?

[Inspector Lestrade]

I was worried about Dr. Watson and how you was getting on and then.

[Dr. Watson]

I went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I spotted this on the front door mat.

[Dr. Watson]

It's a message and it's from him. It's gotta be.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I recognise his handwriting anyway. Oh, do open it Ms. Holmes, and set my mind at rest.

[Dr. Watson]

He must be all right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's only a note. It's not a posted letter. It certainly looks like Watson's writing you, Sherlock. A reassuring note to say that I'm back in town and staying with an old friend, Dr. Hugh Royston, at his nursing home. I expect to be away for another couple of days on this most interesting development. John Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, well that's all right then, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no, it isn't. It's far from all right. Watson most certainly did not write this note. He's never called me by my first name in his life. This is practically an invitation to visit that nursing home that we traced astray. We must be careful. Watson's life is all important to me, but I'll never fall into a trap like this.

[Villain]

Never. I had no idea where I was and knew better than to attempt to open my eyes. There were two uncouth voices and one cultured foreign one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your boss delivered just like we promised.

[Villain]

No trouble at all. Easy as pie.

[Narrator]

How long has he been like this?

[Villain]

Oh, coo. Several hours.

[Narrator]

Then we can take more chances he is here in the nursing home. But he is not to stay here. He must be moved. Moved once again to his final resting place. But just as an added precaution. I think a small injection into the right arm, a drug I use, is most effective. He will not regain consciousness for over a day and a night. And now the syringe. Ah, yes, the skin is neatly punctured, so no question of pain. Caught him just in time. Now, in an hour's time, he will be moved, this time on a stretcher in a carriage ambulance, which you will drive. He will be taken to Bales Wharf, the number one laboratory. I should be there to arrange things.

[Villain]

Will we then be paid off in full?

[Narrator]

No, your task is not yet complete.

[Villain]

Complete?

[Narrator]

Then we have to await the arrival.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Narrator]

After he's drowned, Watson, and is a fellow prisoner, you will be dismissed and.

[Villain]

It will all be over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah.

[Villain]

You mean you're gonna do him?

[Narrator]

Balfame. The eventual outcome of these two men is really none of your concern.

[Villain]

Well, we have given her hand, though. We're what is known as accessories after the fact or some such. Ain't that right?

[Narrator]

You are being handsomely paid. That is all that needs concern you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not so sure.

[Villain]

If you get caught, then shut away.

[Narrator]

I shan't be caught and neither will you, if you will only keep my.

[Villain]

Head and do as you're told.

[Narrator]

Now, enough of this. Come to our final preparations. There is no time to lose. Sherlock Holmes is a fast worker. Now that the overnight fog has disappeared, we must expect swift action. Come, enough of this chapter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come to work if. I'm sorry to behave so strangely this morning, Lestrade, but I believe this is more difficult than I thought. It's clear to me that Watson has been abducted for the sole reason of trapping me. I'm therefore not rushed in, but taking things slowly and the first essential is to establish the true identity of this man, Dr. Hugh Royston. I therefore taken an hour of early morning looking him up in the London medical register. He does exist and he lives in this street. I would about to call upon him now. This way. Up these steps.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes, can I help you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My name is Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Inspector Lestrade from Scotland Yard. Is it possible to see Dr. Royston for just a few minutes?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Do come in. I will inform doctor that you have formed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Excuse me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, this looks respectable enough, Holmes.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Doesn't look much wrong here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I didn't think there would be.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Would you like to come too? Please. The doctor will see you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, thank you. Sherlock Holmes. A great pleasure to meet you.

[Villain]

You're a great friend of John Watson's, isn't that so?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please, won't you be seated and tell me what I can do for you. It's Watson himself. He has disappeared. The only clue we have is your name and address in Wesley Street, EC3.

[Villain]

Precious. Are you sure of this? Disappeared yourselves?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Extraordinary. You can throw no light upon this. For instance, when did you last see Watson?

[Villain]

Some weeks ago.

[Villain's Accomplice]

We'd been corresponding.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was rather keen to take a.

[Villain]

Small nursing home in the East End.

[Villain's Accomplice]

And run it for hard up people. The poor and delinquent Watson agreed to consider this. The suggested site was at 5 Westley Street. That rather derelict and seeded, run by a man called Henry Von Bork.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Von Bork? So he's the man behind all this?

[Villain's Accomplice]

You know the man?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only too well. One of the most treacherous spies in Europe. It's all becoming quite clear to me now. Von Bock is using Watson to lead me into a trap. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to ignore it. You will have no hesitation in killing Watson, unless he thinks I am coming to the rescue. Thank you doctor. You've been a great help.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Rosen told me what I wanted to know. I know Von Bork's mind. I know it's tortuous and arrogant. He's convinced that he can outwit me and in order to save Watson. I shall have to allow him to think so.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Why don't I get a search warrant against his home and let's raid the place? The element of surprise is always good. This von Bork won't think you'd consider such a bold plan.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You may do that by all means, if you wish to stay. But I. I don't think that is the answer to our problem. I'm prepared to believe that Watson was enticed into that nursing home thinking he would meet the good doctor there. But I cannot think Von Bork will keep him there. It's too risky. No, you'll have him removed. But.

[Villain's Accomplice]

But where to rumble?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Used to have offices in the dock area. You may recall that we thought he was using them in the smuggling case of the Blue Peter. Now, wait a moment. When we called at 5 Wester street, we found evidence of a struggle. Undoubtedly, that is where Watson was overpowered. Then I also observed gray mud. Do you recall? Imprinted in the mud were leaves and particles of petals. Now, the flowering petals, the autumn willow blossoms. Those trees only flourish down by the river. I think I can trace the old offices that von Bork used. If I'm right, then that's where they would have taken Watson.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Seems to be taking a long shot to me, Holmes, wouldn't it be better to stick to more orthodox methods?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's no. No time. Von Bork will be getting anxious. He's not going to hang around keeping Watson alive if he can't get at me. Now, I've got to move. The point is, Lestrade, are you still going to back me up?

[Villain's Accomplice]

I've done so up till now. I'm not backing out when it comes to a crisis.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lead on, Holmes.

[Villain's Accomplice]

I'm with you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is it, Lestrade. These are the offices. And I fancy Bouck has been using them for experimental purposes. We have the appearance of being scientific laboratories.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Doesn't look as though they're at all occupied.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think. This way. Round the side entrance. I know you do not approve of my method of emptying premises, but needs must when the devil drives. Watson's always said that the police were lucky I didn't choose a career in crime. I should be rated with the best of them. Observe. I have a full set of burglars tools with me now. For instance, this door, although made of steel and padlocks, presents no problems.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Something tells me I'm going to regret this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We're caught.

[Villain's Accomplice]

It's demotion for me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No doubt of that. Oh, nonsense, my dear.

[Villain]

Watch.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on.

[Villain]

Listen.

[Villain's Accomplice]

I can see why, you think Watson should be shut away in a place like this? I doubt they're just packing cases.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The workrooms must be through there. Ah, yes, this looks more like it. Fully equipped as a laboratory. Means we're on the right lines all right. Look. Wooden steps going down. And footprints, Muffy, footprints. Now you see how staggered they are. Now those are the sort of prints two men would make if they were carrying a stretcher. Come on, Lestrade. And here, once our eyes go accustomed to the dark. And straight down. Right there in the corner. It is a stretcher. And it is Watson.

[Villain's Accomplice]

By Jove, you're right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes.

[Villain's Accomplice]

What the devil?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The door. The top of the stairs. Closed. Hoarse Holmes.

[Narrator]

Corpse like a rat in a trap. I knew you would find Watson sooner or later. It all worked out as I planned. It is useless to think you can't escape. And within 20 minutes you will both die. You see, for months I have been working on an explosive device which is triggered off by that iron bar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Door closing.

[Narrator]

20 minutes, Holmes.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Goodbye.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What the devil? Holmes may fall apart into his hands. Explosive device. It must be here, down by the stretcher. Look. The straight gum. Cotton. Sulfuric acid. Nitric acid. Look, help me to move Watson right to the far corner. If there's only one chance, we must make our own explosive flow quickly. Mistake.

[Villain]

Listen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Right over here by the fence. Now, come on, give me a hand. Prepared cotton. It has to be 3 parts sulfuric acid to 1 part of nitric acid. It will burn without explosion on admission. It is laid up by the iron door with percussion. It goes up at about five times the power of gunpowder.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Holmes, do you really know what you're doing?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I bet it would rattle the stage. Well, this really is a triumph, Herr Bouck. Now listen. Do exactly as I say and as swiftly as possible. Take this carefully now. Right. Now.

[Villain]

Here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now get like that. Back by the far wall. Cover Watson with anything you can to protect me. The percussion when I trick her off should blow the gate outwards. If it does, when we are safe, we grab the stretcher. Get up those stairs as quickly as possible. You ready?

[Narrator]

Yes, I'm ready.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nearly there, Will. Here goes. Now get down. We've done it. We've done it. Come on. Come on.

[Villain]

It was summer's leisure that I opened my eyes. My head ached and I could hardly sit. But I was aware of familiar surroundings. Clean sheets under me and the softness of the pillow, which smelt of lavender. I was in my own bed back in Baker Street. I tried to speak, but I couldn't. I knew that someone was in the room with me. A friend. A friend whom I knew very well indeed.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Oh, Dr. Watson, I do believe you're coming round at last. I. Don't try to move or speak, just lie there and close your eyes. You've had such a terrible time of it. But it's all over now. Ms. Holmes and Inspector Lestrade have got everything under control. They found you down somewhere by the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

River, brought you back more dead than alive.

[Inspector Lestrade]

But you're all right. They've gone after the men and tried to kill you. And they'll get them, I'm sure they'll get them.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Face to surrounded homes. No chance of anyone getting in or out of this so called immersive home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is what we should have done.

[Villain's Accomplice]

In the first place.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps it would have meant sacrificing Watson and that I was not prepared to do. All right, Le. This is more your line of country.

[Villain]

Than it is nice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go ahead, do it your way from now on.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Right men, follow me. In we go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I'll be.

[Villain's Accomplice]

Not a sign, Nothing. Not a living soul in the place. Now what do you make of that, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm hardly surprised. If von Bork had been successful and killed Watson and me and you in his booby trap, then he wouldn't have wanted to stay around London to be questioned. Now clearly this nursing home's just blind, a hideaway until he carried out his plans. Well I'd sooner work out like this. Watson is alive and von Bork has escaped. But he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. I'll catch up with von Bork and when I do it will be a fight to the death.

[Narrator]

Listen again next Sunday to the stories of Sherlock Holmes.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Holmes.

[Narrator]

With Graham Armitage as Holmes and Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watson.