Sherlock Holmes: April Fool's Adventure 04/01/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Sherlock Holmes: "April Fool's Adventure" (Aired 04/01/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: April Fool's Adventure (Rathbone & Bruce)
Date: March 13, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This charming episode returns listeners to 1881, Sherlock Holmes' and Dr. Watson’s earliest days as flatmates at Baker Street. What begins as a light-hearted April Fool's Day prank quickly transforms into a genuine mystery, testing both Holmes' deductive skills and Watson's loyalties. Listeners enjoy the interplay of wit and deduction, culminating in clever twists and the memorable introduction of one of Holmes' greatest adversaries.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Early Days of Holmes & Watson

• Dr. Watson reminisces about the mysterious and sometimes difficult Holmes of their early lodgings together. (02:42)
• Mood: Reflective, nostalgic, playful.

"It took place only a little while after Sherlock Holmes and I had first met and taken up lodging together." – Dr. John Watson (02:42)

2. The April Fool’s Day Prank

• Watson encounters Stamford and Murphy (later revealed as Moriarty) at the Criterion Restaurant, where they conspire to play a prank on Holmes for April Fool's Day. Lady Anne Farlington, also part of the scheme, feels slighted by Holmes’ earlier rudeness. (05:01–06:03)
• The prank: Lady Anne reports her family’s prized emerald stolen, orchestrating a mock case to trick Holmes. Watson agrees to play along.

"You must be careful not to give the joke away. I'll bet you a fiver that Holmes falls for the whole story, hook, line and sinker." – Murphy/Moriarty (06:03)

3. Holmes Takes the Case

• Lady Anne visits Holmes and Watson at Baker Street, acting the part of a distressed victim of theft. (06:21)
• Holmes, demonstrating his signature deductive prowess, inspects Lady Anne’s safe and rooms in Cavendish Square, identifying clues intentionally planted by the conspirators: traces of chemicals, tobacco ash, and rosin (violin), all characteristics of Holmes himself. (08:03–10:07)

"The thief was a tall man with a long stride... The marks on this carpet indicate that the thief was a tall man with a long stride... dabbles extensively in chemicals, plays the violin, smokes shag tobacco..." – Sherlock Holmes (10:43–11:05)

4. The Reveal: April Fool!

• Lady Anne and her co-conspirators confess the ruse, revealing that Holmes has inadvertently described himself as the “thief.” Laughter and relief, but a slight bruise to Holmes’ pride. (11:23–11:47)

"You’ve just given a perfect description of yourself." – Dr. Watson (11:29)
"April Fool!" – Lady Anne Farlington (11:37)

5. The Joke Turns Sour – The Real Theft

• Lady Anne goes to retrieve the emerald, only to find that it is actually missing. Panic ensues—what was a prank now appears to be a real crime. (13:03–13:06)

"Mr. Holmes... the emerald. It's not where I hid it. This time it's really stolen." – Lady Anne (13:06)

6. Holmes Investigates in Earnest

• Holmes takes control: all prank participants are questioned and searched. Murphy (Moriarty) dramatically confesses to taking what he thought was the true emerald out of desperation but presents a fake. Holmes tests the stone and exposes it as a forgery. (15:56–17:01)

"Murphy, that's a criminal action... Holmes. What are you doing with the emerald?" – Dr. Watson and others (16:24–16:39)
"It means, Lady Anne, that Mr. Murphy has just imperiled his honor and his freedom to steal a singularly beautiful fake." – Sherlock Holmes (17:01)

7. Where is the Real Emerald?

• All in the scheme are searched and questioned by police; the real emerald remains missing. Lady Anne recounts the previous night’s dinner with a Dutch jewel expert, confirming the emerald was genuine until that morning. (17:27–18:44)

8. The Brilliant Solution

• While Lady Anne is about to serve Holmes a drink, he requests crème de menthe, observing the bottle is heavy. Inside, he finds the missing emerald—hidden in plain sight. (19:21–20:13)

“Lady Anne, allow me to restore to you the Elphinstone emerald... Where could a green gem be more effectively hidden than in a bottle of green liqueur?” – Sherlock Holmes (20:02–20:13)

9. Aftermath & The Revelation of Moriarty

• Holmes, Watson, and Murphy/Moriarty reconvene for lunch. Holmes reveals that the real prankster and thief is “Murphy,” who pre-planned the switch and created a perfect imitation emerald. Murphy is, in fact, Professor Moriarty—a criminal mastermind making his first appearance. The two trade veiled threats and mutual respect, foreshadowing their future rivalry. (22:02–25:08)

"On your side of the line, you'll never be a rich man. By the way, for your edification, my name is not Murphy... M O R I A R T Y. Moriarty." – Moriarty (24:17–24:47) "I shall remember that name. I have a feeling we shall meet again." – Sherlock Holmes (24:53)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes outwitted by circumstantial evidence (12:37)
  "A perfect example of the dangers of deductions based on purely circumstantial evidence. I shall profit from this little lesson." – Sherlock Holmes

• The prank backfires with the real theft (13:06)
  “Mr. Holmes... the emerald. It's not where I hid it. This time it’s really stolen.” – Lady Anne Farlington

• Holmes restores the emerald (20:02)
  “Lady Anne, allow me to restore to you the Elphinstone emerald... Where could a green gem be more effectively hidden than in a bottle of green liqueur?”

• The infamous introduction (24:47)
  "M O R I A R T Y. Moriarty." – Moriarty

• A criminal investigator and his equal
  "The dividing line between the criminal and the criminal investigator is thinner than you might imagine, my dear doctor." – Sherlock Holmes (24:00)
  "How very true, my dear Holmes. Would you consider coming over to my side of the line?" – Moriarty (24:05)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• The prank is plotted: (05:01–06:03)
• Holmes investigates "theft": (06:21–11:23)
• April Fool! The joke is revealed: (11:23–11:47)
• The real theft discovered: (13:03–13:06)
• Murphy's (Moriarty’s) fake confession tested and exposed: (16:02–17:01)
• Holmes discovers the true hiding place: (19:21–20:13)
• Moriarty’s revelation and final exchange: (22:10–25:08)

---

Summary & Takeaways

• This episode showcases Holmes’ early relationships and the lighter side of his partnership with Watson, juxtaposing humor with real danger.
• The plot cleverly blurs the line between prank and peril, with clues both real and staged, and ultimately leads to the introduction of Holmes’ most iconic rival, Professor Moriarty.
• The story is rich in playful banter, period detail, and wry reflection on detective methodology, serving as both a tribute to Doyle’s canon and a delight for classic radio fans.

---

For First-Time Listeners

You'll enjoy clever twists, rapid-fire deduction, and a classic duel of wits. The episode is both a light homage to April Fool’s mischief and a pivotal tale in Holmes’ legendary battles with criminal genius. This dramatization, delivered with wit and style, exemplifies the enduring charm of Sherlock Holmes on radio’s golden age.

Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

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] Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And right now I'd like to just briefly mention an idea you ought to try. Tomorrow night, just before you sit down to dinner, just pour yourself a glass of that good Petri California sherry. Petri sherry is the perfect before dinner wine. Its cheerful, glowing amber color looks festive, and it sort of lends an air of importance to the occasion. As for the wine itself, just taste it. That Petri sherry is not just ordinary wine. No, sir. One sip and you know that wonderful sun ripened grapes went into its making. Yes, and you know that Petri sherry was carefully watched over every step of the way. Incidentally, Petrie makes two kinds of sherry. Regular sherry and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure just which kind you and your friends will like best, try them both. Don't buy one, buy two. But when it comes to sherry, or any other wine for that matter, be sure you always buy, Peter. And now I'm certain our good friend Dr. Watson's waiting for us. Let's go in and join him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, There you are, Mr. Burchell. Punctual to the minute as always.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, this is one doctor's appointment I'm eager to keep.

[Dr. John Watson]

Nice of you to say so, my boy. Draw up your usual chair and make yourself comfortable.

[Harry Bartel]

Thanks. Well, Doctor, today is April 1st. Did anyone try and play any jokes on you?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, you did, Mr. Barteau. But I'm happy to say that nobody caught me. Not as in the story that I'm going to tell you tonight, but an April Fool's Day prank certainly scored a bullseye.

[Harry Bartel]

I see you have the dispatch box out again, Doctor. Been refreshing your memory?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I have, Bartel. When I tell you the adventure took place in 1881, I think you'll agree that after such a lapse of time, a man can hardly rely on memory alone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

1881, Doctor.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight's adventure must have been one of the really early ones.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, it was indeed. In fact, to be exact, it took place only a little while after Sherlock Holmes and I had first met and taken up lodging together.

[Harry Bartel]

How was the great Detective in those

[Dr. John Watson]

early days found mystery to me, Mr. Bartell, to give you an example, my boy, I'd shared our Baker street lodgings with him for over a month before I was even certain of his profession. The knowledge of which I learnt to my awe and astonishment, when our first adventure together took place.

[Harry Bartel]

That was the one you called A Study in scarlet, wasn't it, Dr. Martin?

[Dr. John Watson]

What a memory you've got. But even after that adventure, I found myself wondering at times what I had let myself in for sharing lodgings with such a strange companion. It was in one of those moods of doubt and confusion that my story begins. Late one March evening, I found myself in the neighborhood of Piccadilly Circus. Cold and a steady drizzle of rain had dampened my spirits. I thought the glass of wine and the sound of music would put me in a better mood. And so, Mr. Bartel, I entered the Criterion Restaurant. As I sat with a glass of rare vintage port at my elbow, the orchestra playing a dreamy Strauss waltz in the background, I couldn't help thinking of the last time that I'd been there. It was the night I met a young medical student by the name of Stamford. He was the man who first introduced me to Sherlock Holmes. Suddenly, I felt a clap on my shoulder. I turned and to my amazement, once again, young Stamford was standing before me. Watson.

[Dr. Stamford]

Or should I say Dr. Watson? How are you, my dear chap?

[Dr. John Watson]

Hello, Stamford. Come and sit down.

[Harry Bartel]

Thanks.

[Dr. Stamford]

I'm glad to see that you're not holding any grudge against me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why on earth should I do that?

[Dr. Stamford]

For introducing you to Sherlock Holmes. I've reproached myself ever since. I think he's as mad as a hatter.

[Dr. John Watson]

Not at all. He may be eccentric, in fact, I'll admit that he is eccentric. But he's an extraordinary interesting fell. He'll make a great name for himself as a private detective. One of these days. You'll see if I'm not right, Stanford.

[Dr. Stamford]

I saw something about him in the paper the other day.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I expect that was the Laron Gardens affair, wasn't it?

[Dr. Stamford]

Yes. Yes, it was.

[Dr. John Watson]

He's a brilliant man, Stanford. Quite brilliant. Though I must ad he's difficult at times. He works like a fiend as a rule, but occasionally a reaction sets him for days at a time. He lie on our sofa, hardly uttering a word or moving a muscle from morning to night. Depressing, I must say.

[Dr. Stamford]

I think he takes himself too seriously.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, that's your ride.

[Dr. Stamford]

How would you like to join in a little plot?

[Dr. John Watson]

Plot against Holmes?

[Dr. Stamford]

Yes, yes, just a rag, you know, we thought it'd be rather fun.

[Dr. John Watson]

We?

[Dr. Stamford]

Murphy and I, we were just talking about it. I'll call him over. Murphy.

[Dr. John Watson]

Murphy. I've seen him before somewhere, haven't I?

[Dr. Stamford]

I'm sure you must have done. He's been around at the hospital and anytime you go into the British Museum, you'll find him there. Nice fella, but dull.

[Dr. John Watson]

Definitely dull.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Yes, Stamford.

[Dr. Stamford]

Oh, this is a friend of mine, John Watson. This is James Murphy.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do? I think I've seen you at the hospital.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

And I know I've seen you, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, sit down and come and join us, won't you?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Oh, thank you very much.

[Dr. Stamford]

I was just telling Watson about our little plot.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Oh, you, you, you mean about Sherlock Holmes?

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here, I'd like you fellas to realize that Holmes is a very good friend of mine.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Oh, don't worry, Watson, this is all in good fun. Don't you realize what the date is tomorrow?

[Dr. John Watson]

1st of April, isn't it?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Yes, April Fool's Day.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, now I see. You're going to play an April Fool's Day joke on on Holmes.

[Dr. Stamford]

Yes, that's our plan.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Well, it's hardly our plan, scarce Partington's idea. You see, Holmes was very rude to her when she visited the hospital recently and she wants to, well, you know, take him down a peg or two.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sounds innocent enough. I must say he's inclined to be rather arrogant at times. Well, what's, what's the plan?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Well, we'll need your help, Watson. You must be careful not to give the joke away. I'll bet you a fiver that Holmes falls for the whole story, hook, line and sinker. Now here's exactly what we're planning to do. Lady Anne is going to call on Holmes at Baker street in the morning

[Sherlock Holmes]

to see me in my professional capacity.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Surely, my dear man, you didn't think this was a social call? You were much too rude to me at the hospital the other day for that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was the point I was trying to make. Please sit down.

[Dr. John Watson]

Would you please take this chair, won't you, lady? By far the most comfortable chair in the room.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Oh, thank you, Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now, what can I do to help you?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

You've heard of the Elphinstone emeralds?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, yes indeed. A magnificent stone of very considerable value. An heirloom in your family, I believe.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. I keep it in a wall safe in my bedroom. This morning when I had occasion to go to the safe, I discovered that the emerald had been stolen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Stolen? Scott, what a shocking business. Of course you want Mr. Holmes to recover it for you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A remarkable deduction, my dear doctor. Lady Anne, when you opened the safe did you observe any signs of it having been tampered with?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I think it's rather stupid to sit and answer questions here in Baker Street. Why don't you come over to my house in Cavendish Square and examine the safer yourself? You are a detective, aren't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lady Anne, just now you accuse me of rudeness. I assure you that mine at least was unintentional.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh come, come, come, Holmes, don't be so touchy.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I can promise you a substantial fee, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm a struggling practitioner and a new profession. Eh, my poverty, but not my will consents.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I pay thy poverty and not thy will. You see, I can quote my Shakespeare too, Mr. Holmes. My carriage is waiting, gentlemen. Let's drive over to Cavendish Square at once, shall we? This is the wall safe, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not too difficult a safe to crack for an expert. You placed the emerald in it last night you say?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Yes, when I went to bed and this morning it had gone.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well surely Holmes, this is a good occasion to use that magnifying glass that you're always fitting about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent occasion, my dear doctor. That's why I brought it with me. Uh huh. That's very interesting.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This safe was opened by an expert. There isn't a sign of its having been forced. Hello.

[Dr. John Watson]

What have you discovered?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's a peculiar tarnish on the steel knob. It was obviously handled by someone whose fingers are habitually stained with chemicals.

[Dr. John Watson]

Amazing Harm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Elementary, my dear doctor. Where is that door lead?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

My boudoir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should like to examine it if I may.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

But of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Lady Anne.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Dr. Watson. This is the most beautiful April Fool's Day fraud I've ever played.

[Dr. John Watson]

I must say Murphy was right. He has fallen for it hook, line and sinker. Just the same I'm beginning to feel guilty. I can't help feeling a bit disloyal.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Oh nonsense, it's all in fun.

[Dr. John Watson]

Are Stamford and Mr. Murphy listening?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Yes, they're next door in my drawing room. I'm sure their ears are positively glued to the keyhole.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I do hope Holmes won't be angry with me.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Here he comes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing of any interest in there. The windows haven't been tampered with. We may presume therefore that the thief did not enter by an upstairs window. Lady Ann?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Yes mister?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This room has not been touched since you discovered your loss.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh no.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I told the servants to leave it exactly as it was while I came to fetch you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Splendid, eh?

[Dr. John Watson]

Could be got up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The thief was a tall man with a long stride.

[Dr. John Watson]

Come, come, come, Holmes, I know your methods, but there aren't any footprints on this carpet that that you can identify even with your magnifying glass.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear doctor, I've studied many crimes and I've never seen one yet that was committed by a flying creature. As long as the criminal remains on his two legs, there must be some. Some trifling displacement can be detected by a keen observer. I assure you that the marks on this carpet indicate that the thief was a tall man with a long stride. Faces of tobacco, ash, pipe tobacco, Jag tobacco that sells at fourpence an ounce.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Now really, Mr. Holmes, how can you possibly identify an individual tobacco?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, it's a hobby of mine. In fact, I've even written a monograph on the subject. Now, one more look at the space itself. Hello.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Powder dust here?

[Dr. John Watson]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's rosin. Distinct trace of rosin. Lady Anne, I suggest that you get in touch with Scotland Yard at once.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean that you've solved at, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I mean, my dear doctor, that I can give you a reasonably complete picture of the thief. And that picture is so individual that I'd be surprised if it would fit more than one man in London.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

This is pure magic, Mr. Holmes. Please describe him to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he's a tall man. The width of his stride indicates that, and he's thin.

[Dr. John Watson]

What enables you to tell that, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

His footprints have made a remarkably light indentation on the lap of the carpet. Our thief dabbles extensively in chemicals, as indicated by the tarnishing of the knob on the safe. And the traces of rosin would suggest that he plays the violin also. He smokes shag tobacco, has a great practical knowledge of the ways of combination locks, and he is obviously in close contact with the criminal classes.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

How do you know that, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he wouldn't steal a famous stone unless he knew how to dispose of it through some trustworthy fence.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, it's a very comprehensive picture, Holmes. I almost feel as if I knew the chap.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, doctor. I'm sure there's only one man in London and it shouldn't be hard to trace him.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I agree entirely, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson, I think the joke has gone far enough.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Joke? What do you mean?

[Dr. John Watson]

You're quite right, Holmes, in saying there's only one such man in London. You've just given a perfect description of yourself.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

April Fool. Dr. Stamford, Mr. Murphy. You can come in now.

[Dr. Stamford]

April fool, huh?

[Dr. John Watson]

April fool.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Come along here into the drawing room, everyone. Let us drink a glass of wine. To Mr. Holmes, who has so graciously forgiven us for the little trick we played on him. And also to Dr. Stamford, who thought of the whole idea.

[Dr. John Watson]

No hard feelings, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Doctor. It was a rather embarrassing experience.

[Dr. John Watson]

Murphy told me about the plan. I. I just couldn't resist joining him.

[Dr. Stamford]

Ah, here you are, Holmes.

[Harry Bartel]

Here's a drink.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, Stanford.

[Dr. Stamford]

You know Murphy, don't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I don't think we've met. How'd you do, sir?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

How do you do, Holmes? How did you like the little game we played on you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was rather a salutary experience. I suppose you gave them all the details to build up the picture of me, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I did, Holmes, and knowing some of your methods, we tried to plant every clue that you would pick up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very neat job too. And incidentally, a perfect example of the dangers of deductions based on purely circumstantial evidence. I shall profit from this little lesson.

[Dr. Stamford]

I must say, it was worth a fortune in emeralds to see your face, Holmes, when you realized what you'd done.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, the joke's over now. By the way, where is Lady Anne?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

I believe she said she was going to fetch the Elphinstone emerald. She thought you might be interested in seeing it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She probably feels the sight of it will salve my wounded vanity.

[Dr. Stamford]

Oh, here she comes now.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Holmes, what's wrong?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's happened?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Lady Anne, the emerald. It's not where I hid it. This time it's really stolen.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a few seconds. So I've just time to remind you that there are many, many different types of wine. But if you want one wine that's fine for almost any occasion, then you want Petri, California Sherry. Petri Sherry is fine before dinner, of course, but Petri Sherry is good after dinner too. And it's the perfect wine for cocktail time or anytime friends drop in. Everybody will love the real heart of the grape flavor you get in every sip of Petri Sherry. And you can serve Petri Sherry proudly because those letters, P, E, T, R, I spell the proudest name in the history of American wine. Petri wine. Dr. Watson, your April Fool Day plot kind of backfired on you, didn't it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Mr. Bartel, it was a perfect example of the biter bit.

[Harry Bartel]

What happened next? I suppose Sherlock Holmes went into action

[Dr. John Watson]

once again, Mr. Bartel, and it gladdened my heart to See the change in the fuller? I confess I felt rather ashamed of my part in the prank for I could see that Holmes's pride had been hurt. But now with a definite crime before him the difference was amazing. He suddenly became a dynamo galvanized into action as he stood there firing questions of the other members.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lady Anne, who beside yourself knew of this fresh hiding place?

[Dr. Stamford]

Both Murphy and I did, yes.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

After we'd left our deliberate clues on the safe we went with Lady Anne and saw her secrete the emerald in the top drawer of her dressing table.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

We thought it would be all right there after all. As soon as the joke was over I was going to put it back in the safe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think our wisest plan before we question the servants would for each one of you who were in this April Fool's Day prank to submit to being searched.

[Dr. Stamford]

Holmes, surely you don't suggest that any one of us took the emerald?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No Stampin, I don't. But if any one of you four are not guilty this will be a splendid way of proving your innocence.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say steady Holmes. You're not suggesting that Lady Ann stole her own Elmers, are you?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Are you Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm suggesting nothing. But I may point out that the recent vogue for the insurance companies has provided another interesting motive for these so called.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I resent your insinuation. It's outrageous.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lady Anne, if I'm to recover your emerald I must at least consider every possibility. The search is the most immediate practical action and perhaps you'll retire into the next room when I persuade these gentlemen to submit to being searched.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Very well. But, but I think you're in danger of making a fool of yourself once again.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Wait, don't, don't go Lady Anne. A search won't be necessary.

[Dr. John Watson]

What do you mean, Mother?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

I. I must throw myself on your mercy, Lady Anne. I confess that I stole the emerald.

[Dr. Stamford]

Murphy.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

After you put it in the drawer, Lady Anne, I slipped back into the room and took it out. Murphy, that's a criminal action, I know it. But I'm poor. I need money desperately for my mathematical research. I knew the emerald was priceless and I, well, I couldn't resist the temptation to take advantage of a joke. Here, Lady Anne, here's the stone and please don't prosecute me. Please don't. It'd be my ruin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

May I examine the emerald, Lady Anne? Thank you.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Well, Mr. Murphy, I won't pretend that I'm not deeply shocked. I must ask you to leave my house.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

But you won't prosecute me, will you? It was a moment's temptation.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

No, no, I won't prosecute you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes. What are you doing with the emerald?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, knowing something of the deceptive ways of thieves, I came on this case fully prepared to test the emerald when I found it. Now, a drop of this acid from this vial.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

So, Mr. Holmes, what are you doing? You'll enter the stone?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, not if it's a true emerald. Uh huh. Look at that.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good Lord. The acid eating to the stone as if it was sugar.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Then that means.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It means, Lady Anne, that Mr. Murphy has just imperiled his honor and his freedom to steal a singularly beautiful fake.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Mr. Holmes, this, this joke has turned into a nightmare. Is there no way of recovering my emerald?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope so, Lady Anne. I've been taking steps in their logical order. The servants have all been questioned. We've searched Mr. Stamford and Mr. Murphy.

[Dr. Stamford]

Yes, most humiliating experience. Made me feel like a criminal.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Well, personally I was only too thankful to submit to a search this time. I knew I had nothing to worry about.

[Dr. John Watson]

You yourself, Lady Annual, you consented to being searched by the police matron that Holmes sent for.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Only because he threatened to send for the police if I didn't. But distasteful though it was, I'd rather endure that than have this story on the front pages of the newspapers.

[Dr. Stamford]

And in spite of all these rather unfriendly proceedings, we've got exactly nowhere as regards finding the emerald.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Stamford. But we have at least eliminated the possibility that the thief is secreting the jewel on his person still somewhere in

[Dr. John Watson]

these two rooms, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think so. Though there is one remaining possibility. And that is that the fake stone was substituted for the real emerald sometime before. For all of you engineered your April Fool's Day joke.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Oh no, Mr. Holmes, that's not possible. I know it was the genuine emerald I took out of the safe this morning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How can you be sure? The substitute was an excellent imitation. That a chemical test such as I performed. It would be hard to be certain.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I can tell you why I'm certain. Last night Papa came to dinner and brought a Mr. Vanderlider of Amsterdam. He examined the stone. And you'll agree that a dual expert like that couldn't be fooled.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's true, Lady Ann. And what did you do with the emerald after Mr. Van der Leyde left,

[Lady Anne Farlington]

I locked it in my safe and went to bed. I didn't unlock the safe again until Dr. Stamford and Mr. Murphy came here this morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

That settles it then. The real emerald is still hidden somewhere in these two rooms.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

But Where?

[Dr. Stamford]

That's the question.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

I must say it's completely mystifying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, let's go back to what we were all doing at the exact moment you came into the room, Lady Anne, and informed us of the loss of your stone. Now we were.

[Dr. John Watson]

We were drinking a toast to you and was it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lady Anne, hard thinking is. Well, it's thirsty work.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me get you something. A glass of port?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, thank you. But I observe that you have a remarkably comprehensive assortment of liqueurs. I wonder if I might have a glass of creme de mont?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Oh, of course I'll get it for you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Creme de mont in the middle of the day? Home.

[Dr. Stamford]

I knew you were eccentric, but this

[Lady Anne Farlington]

really takes this bottle, it, it clings.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As I picked it up I thought it might. Lady Anne.

[Lady Anne Farlington]

There's something inside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Allow me, madam. Thank you. I'm sure you won't mind if I waste this liqueur on the aspid estra.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

So,

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lady Anne, allow me to restore to you the Elfinson emerald. Great Scott.

[Dr. Stamford]

Amazing.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Fantastic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ingenious. The one safe hiding place in the room. Where could a green gem be more effectively hidden than in a bottle of green liqueur?

[Dr. John Watson]

But who stole it? Who substituted the fake stone?

[Lady Anne Farlington]

Frankly, I don't care. The gem is restored. That's all that matters. I prefer not to go to court. Neither you nor I, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, would show up in the best of lights and my father would disapprove of this whole affair, I'm afraid.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just as you wish, Lady Anne. In either case, I shall expect your check for my services in due course.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, here we are at the Criterion again, Stamford. Won't you come in and join us for lunch?

[Dr. Stamford]

Thanks, Watson, but I'll keep the cabin. Go on. I actually have a patient this afternoon. A rare and delightful experience for a young doctor. As you probably know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As rare and delightful as a client is for a young detective. I quite understand. And I'm correspondingly grateful to you for your. Your profitable hopes.

[Dr. Stamford]

I'm glad it was profitable for you. Personally, I feel pretty stupid about the whole thing. Well, goodbye.

[Dr. John Watson]

Goodbye, old fellow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Goodbye.

[Dr. Stamford]

39 Onslow Square, cabby.

[Dr. John Watson]

You're remarkably quiet, Mafer.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

I'm afraid my conscience won't let me do much talking, Doctor. I'm heartily ashamed of myself. Well, thanks for the lift off. I'll leave you traps.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, nonsense, nonsense. You'll join us for lunch, Murphy. But. No buts about it, I insist. Come on.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Well, it's awfully nice of you oh,

[Dr. John Watson]

come, come, come, Murphy. Any one of us can make a foolish mistake. It's just lucky that you didn't have to pay for yours.

[Harry Bartel]

Muster your wishes at David.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but Three, please.

[Harry Bartel]

This way, monsieur. Does this Debbie please you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you, George. I'm as hungry as a hunter. How about you, Murphy?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

No, I'm afraid I have very little appetite. This whole case has upset me dreadfully.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mustn't take it too much to heart, Murphy. By the way, Doctor, I'd like to have your opinion on the case. Who do you think staged the theft of the emerald today?

[Dr. John Watson]

Perfectly obvious to me. Lady Anne Farlington did it herself to collect insurance money. If she hadn't, she'd have insisted on your finding the thief. But you needn't worry, old chap. You get your fee all right, I'm sure of that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not worrying about the fee. But I assure you Lady Anne did not engineer that fraud today.

[Dr. John Watson]

You.

[Harry Bartel]

You.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean that it was Stamford?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell him who was responsible, my dear Murphy.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

But how should I know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, come now, Murphy, let's not fence any longer. You did an excellent job, a superlative job. I was almost sorry to spoil it for you.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

I don't think I understand your hoard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, you do, Murphy. You're a splendid actor too. I was so deeply touched when you had apparently stolen a fake jewel. And all the time you knew that the real one was safely hidden in the bottle of creme de monk. To be abstracted at your leisure. You scoundrel.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, do you mind telling me what's going on here? I'm competing absolutely in the dark.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Surely it's obvious, my dear Doctor, the imitation emerald was a brilliant copy.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

What makes you so sure of that, my dear?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because this April Fool's Day hoax was only conceived yesterday. Or that is what you wish the others to believe. Such a superb paste gem could not have been made at such short notice. Therefore it must have been prepared by someone who knew about the hoax before it was arranged. Now, my dear Doctor, when Stamper told you about the plan last night, whose idea did he say it was?

[Dr. John Watson]

He told me that it was Lady Anne Fartington's plan.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. And yet Lady Anne referred to it today as Stamford's idea. Obviously. You, my dear Murphy, presented the plan to each as the notion of the other. And so only you could have arranged the real theft behind the hoax. I repeat, a splendid job.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Thank you, Mr. Holmes. May I. May I also compliment you on your cleverness in frustrating my plot?

[Dr. John Watson]

Look here, what is all this. One of you is a criminal, the other's a detective. If you're throwing each other compliments as if you were in the same profession

[Sherlock Holmes]

the dividing line between the criminal and the criminal investigator is thinner than you might imagine. My dear doctor.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

How very true. My dear Holmes. Would you consider coming over to my side of the line? Together we'd make an unbeatable team.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You flatter me. Nevertheless, I must decline your offer, Mr. Murphy. Oh, a pity.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

On your side of the line, you'll never be a rich man. By the way, for your edification, my name is not Murphy. Though Stamford insists on thinking it is.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then what is your name, you scoundrel?

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Your friend says the word scoundrel so much better than you, Doctor. My name. My name is Murtry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, indeed. Spelled M U, R T, R, Y. No.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

Dear me. I have so much trouble with my name people will either misspell it or mispronounce it. I'm afraid I'll have to begin calling

[Sherlock Holmes]

it the way it looks.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

M O R I A R T Y. Moriarty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Moriarty. I shall remember that name. I have a feeling we shall meet again. I trust that we shall.

[James Murphy / Moriarty]

You've won the first brown, Sherlock Holmes. I admit that. But I believe that a return match is indicated.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall look forward to it, Moriarty. And now, doctor, I can't stand your bill for clearance. Nogger. Let's order lunch, shall we?

[Harry Bartel]

That was a pretty hectic April Fool's Day.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. I never want to see another one exactly like it.

[Harry Bartel]

I don't blame you, you know. I'd sure hate to have someone come to my house and pull a trick like that on me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why, Mr. Bartel, do you have a precious emerald you fear may be stolen? Are you kidding?

[Harry Bartel]

I wouldn't know the difference between a precious emerald and a piece of green glass. But when it comes to rubies, that's something else.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, you would know a ruby when you. When you saw it.

[Harry Bartel]

Sure, because a ruby has exactly the same color as a glass of Petri. California port held up to the light.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Lartell, you can find more excuses talking about Petri wine than any man in the entire world, believe me.

[Harry Bartel]

Excuses. I don't need an excuse to talk about Petri wine. Why, there's a wine that actually speaks for itself. If I may borrow a phrase from Shakespeare or somebody. There's no other wine quite like Petri wine because only Petri wine is made by the Petri family. And the Petri family has been making wine for generations. They've been handing down from father to son, from father to son, years and years of knowledge and experience, the fine art of turning luscious grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Harry Bartel]

And because the making of Petri wine is a family affair, those letters, P, E, T, R, I on a bottle of wine are the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. You never miss with a Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what's the prescription for next week's?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you a rather unusual story. It concerns a series of strange disappearances and a murder without apparent reason. And yet it was a case that Sherlock Holmes solved without ever meeting any of the suspect. I call it the singular affair of the disappearing scientist.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, I'm sure we'll all want to hear that one, doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, I'm sure. Well, before you go, Mr. Bartell, I want to urge our friends that will do all they can to save on the use of all wheat and rice products and also fats and oils. There are millions of families literally starving to death in Europe and Asia. We're not being asked to give them our food. They're just being asked to take it easy on certain foods so that there will be some left for them to buy. I know there isn't one person listening to me tonight who would knowingly let anyone starve. And remember, unless you do help, thousands of little children will starve. So please, let's share a meal and save a life

[Harry Bartel]

tonight. Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, A Study in Scarlet. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. And Mr. 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, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. 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 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holme. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.