Sherlock Holmes: Colonel Warburton's Madness 09/10/1945 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes – "Colonel Warburton's Madness" (09/10/1945)

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Starring Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes) & Nigel Bruce (Dr. John H. Watson)
Date of Original Broadcast: September 10, 1945
Podcast Release: December 5, 2025

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Episode Overview

This classic episode of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, dramatized for radio and featuring the iconic duo Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, centers on a strange case in the English countryside: "Colonel Warburton’s Madness." Dr. Watson, seeking to relax on holiday with his wife Mary, is drawn once again into mystery when an acquaintance fears her uncle, Colonel Warburton, is going insane. The story unfolds with mysterious whistles, violent outbursts, and questions of black magic, ultimately leading Holmes to untangle a sinister plot using deduction, a dog, and his acute sense of justice.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Watson’s Holiday and Unwelcome Mystery

• [03:52 – 04:47]
  Dr. Watson, tired from a busy year, follows his wife Mary’s advice to vacation in Taplow, a quaint village along the Thames. Their plans for rest are thwarted when Mary recognizes Ellen Warburton, an old friend. Ellen is distressed over her uncle's mental state and asks Watson for help.

  Notable Quote:

  • “He’s going mad before my eyes and I can do nothing to help him.” – Ellen Warburton [07:49]

2. First Visits and Symptoms of 'Madness'

• [05:06 – 13:16]
  The Watsons visit Colonel Warburton’s home, Chevy Grange. The Colonel—ex-military with a collection of African artifacts—is subject to violent rages, paranoia, and, most curiously, claims of hearing an untraceable “shrill piping whistle” that no one else hears. During an outburst, he nearly injures his niece with a thrown spear.

  Notable Moments:

  • “Black magic, that's what it is… the powers of jungle witchcraft are completely unknown in this country, Dr. Watson.” – Colonel Warburton [11:44]
  • The arrival of Nada, a Zulu girl staying as Warburton’s guest, introduces an aura of the exotic and mysterious.

3. Holmes Joins – Deductions Begin

• [14:08 – 17:37]
  Watson updates Holmes by letter, and Holmes responds with an enigmatic telegram querying if the household has a dog. Ellen reveals her dog was mysteriously killed the previous week, head smashed in, with her uncle a possible suspect during his ‘fits’.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Does the Warburton household have a dog?” – Sherlock Holmes (telegram) [14:08]
  • “Why on earth did you bring a dog?” – Dr. Watson [17:35]
  • Holmes arrives in person, bringing a nasty-tempered stray from London, hinting that dogs are central to the case.

4. New Crimes and Clues

• [18:50 – 19:27]
  Upon returning to the Colonel’s home, Holmes and Watson discover the dog Holmes brought has been killed with a spear—again implicating Warburton.

  Notable Lines:

  • “Poor brute. Stabbed to death by one of the Colonel’s spears. That proves it, Holmes. The man is mad.” – Watson [19:19]
  • “I think not, Watson. I think it proves that Colonel Warburton is a great deal more sane than some of the members of his household.” – Holmes [19:27]

5. The Barn, Black Magic, and Motives

• [20:43 – 21:43]
  Holmes and Watson witness Nada and the butler, Hacker, engaged in chanting and African drumming in the barn. Holmes suspects more than superstition at play.

  Memorable Exchange:

  • “Apparently assisting Ms. Nader in African mysticism. It’s black magic they’re dabbing with.” – Watson [21:33]

6. Experiment with the Dog: Holmes Lays a Trap

• [22:53 – 27:22]
  Holmes borrows a neighbor’s dog, Boojum, and gathers all suspects. He conducts a key experiment by blowing an ultrasonic whistle; the dog and Colonel both react, confirming a sound above normal human hearing but within reach for the hypersensitive Colonel and animals. The pattern matches the onset of the Colonel’s symptoms and the murders of household dogs.

  Notable Exchange:

  • “This wooden whistle in my hand is the answer to the mystery. The sound made by this cunningly designed instrument is above the normal range of pitch. The Colonel has hypersensitive ears.” – Holmes [27:05]
  • “Someone has deliberately been trying to drive the Colonel mad… That’s why the dogs were murdered.” – Watson [27:18–27:22]

7. The Reveal: Motive, Means, and Culprit

• [27:39 – 28:49]
  Suspicion falls on Nada, but Holmes reveals Ellen Warburton, the Colonel’s niece, engineered the plot to invalidate a new will possibly favoring Nada. Educated in physics, Ellen had the knowledge to craft the whistle.

  Notable Exchange:

  • “It should be obvious who had a motive for making the Colonel appear mad: his niece and heiress.” – Holmes [28:12]
  • “I did it for your sake—to save you from Nada. She’s just an adventuress.” – Ellen Warburton [28:40]
  • “My niece? I have no niece, Mr. Holmes.” – Colonel Warburton [28:49]

8. Resolution and Epilogue

• [29:09 – End]
  Holmes restores peace, Watson is impressed by Holmes’ reasoning, and Boojum the dog is safely returned to her owner—with the promise of scrupulously meaty bones. Brief technical talk about dog-whistles follows, rounding out the adventure.

  Memorable Closing:

  • “You mean there really is a whistle that only dogs can hear?” – Host [29:52]
  • “If I want you to come quickly, all I have to say is: would anyone like a glass of Petri wine?” – Watson, in a playful nod to listeners [30:07]

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “He’s going mad before my eyes and I can do nothing to help him.” – Ellen Warburton [07:49]
• “Black magic, that's what it is… the powers of jungle witchcraft are completely unknown in this country, Dr. Watson.” – Colonel Warburton [11:44]
• “Does the Warburton household have a dog?” – Sherlock Holmes (telegram) [14:08]
• “That proves it, Holmes. The man is mad.” – Dr. Watson [19:19]
• “I think not, Watson. I think it proves that Colonel Warburton is a great deal more sane than some of the members of his household.” – Holmes [19:27]
• “This wooden whistle in my hand is the answer to the mystery. The sound made by this cunningly designed instrument is above the normal range of pitch. The Colonel has hypersensitive ears.” – Holmes [27:05]
• “It should be obvious who had a motive for making the Colonel appear mad: his niece and heiress.” – Holmes [28:12]
• “I did it for your sake—to save you from Nada. She’s just an adventuress.” – Ellen Warburton [28:40]
• “My niece? I have no niece, Mr. Holmes.” – Colonel Warburton [28:49]
• “If I want you to come quickly, all I have to say is: would anyone like a glass of Petri wine?” – Dr. Watson (outro punchline) [30:07]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Content | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:52 | Watson and Mary begin their country holiday | | 07:49 | Ellen Warburton reveals fears about her uncle’s madness | | 11:44 | Colonel’s claims of “jungle witchcraft” and whistle | | 14:08 | Holmes’ cryptic telegram: “Does the Warburton household have a dog?” | | 17:09 | Holmes’ arrival—brings a dog; hints dogs central to case | | 19:19 | Holmes’ dog found dead, stabbed | | 21:25 | Holmes and Watson observe Nada and Hacker in the barn | | 27:05 | The dog whistle experiment—mystery revealed | | 28:12 | Holmes identifies Ellen as the culprit | | 28:49 | Colonel Warburton disowns Ellen | | 30:07 | Punchline about Petri wine and dog whistles (light outro) |

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Episode Tone & Style

In keeping with classic Holmes radio drama, the episode is rich in period dialogue, suspense, and clever deduction. Watson’s affable and sometimes blundering narration keeps the tone light, while Holmes’ incisive questions and occasional witticisms bring intensity and wit. The interplay of superstition, science, and personal motives is handled with a brisk, engaging style, highlighted by lively exchanges and a satisfying denouement.

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In Summary:
A delightful, twist-filled rural whodunit that showcases Sherlock Holmes’ scientific mind, the perils of hypersensitive hearing, and a very clever use of a dog whistle. The presence of African mysticism, an exotic houseguest, and the classic inheritance motive bring period flavor, all wrapped in the warm, nostalgic style of Golden Age radio drama.

Transcript

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[Radio Host]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Radio Host]

Petri wine brings you.

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and 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 as he tells us about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And you know what I wish I could share with you sometime? A bottle of Petri California Sherry. Have you ever tasted Petri Sherry? It's just perfect before dinner. Why that Petri Sherry can change the usual before dinner low into a special event. And that's a fact. Just look at the clear color of Petri Sherry. It's a deep rich amber, clear and cheerful looking and wait till you taste it. That's when you find out for sure just how good a wine can be. That's when you find out just what I mean when I say that the flavor of Petri Sherry comes right from the heart of the grape. Try Petri Sherry by itself or with hors d' oeuvres or canopies or whatever you call those little cocktail sandwiches and say if you like your sherry dry, well then Petri California Pale Dry Sherry is the sherry for you. Just be sure the label says Petri, the proudest name in the history of American wines.

And now let's look in on our old friend Dr. Watson Doctor.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I'm out here on the patio, Mr. Bartel. Come out and join me.

[Radio Host]

I see the welcoming committee's here.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, little scoundrels. They begin to think they own this patio. Scoop them off the chair, Mr. Bartel, and settle yourself down.

[Radio Host]

All right, off you go, boy, off you go.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Go on, off you go. That's it, my boy. As a matter of fact, it's rather appropriate the puppies should be here tonight. As in the story that I'm going to tell you, a dog played a most prominent part.

[Radio Host]

A dog? What kind of a dog, Doctor?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

No, no, no, my boy, don't get me anticipating my story for once. I'm going to start at the beginning.

[Radio Host]

Which was on a summer morning in.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

1890, not long after my marriage. I'd gone back to my private practice, you know, and Sherlock Holmes was living alone in our old Baker street rooms.

[Radio Host]

You still saw him, I suppose?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Indeed I did, Mr. Bartell. In fact, occasionally I even persuaded him to forego his bohemian habits so far as to visit my wife and me. But to get back to my story, I've been exceptionally busy that summer. In consequence was feeling rather, shall we say, nervy and run down. So much so that Mary, Mrs. Watson persuaded me to take a fortnight's holiday. We went down to the charming little village of Taplow on the lower reaches of the River Thames. But as so often happens, the best laid schemes of mice and men gang after glad.

[Radio Host]

I guess the holiday backfired on you, Doctor and you found yourself involved in a mystery. Maybe a mystery calling for the aid of your old friend Sherlock holmes.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Quite correct, Mr. Bartel. We'd only been down there a couple of days when the trouble began. In fact, the whole thing became so involved that I thought the best thing to do was to put the whole strange story in a letter to Sherlock Holmes. This I did. And I can imagine how he chuckled when he read.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear old Watson seems to be a little out of his depth. My dear Holmes, I need your help, or at least your advice. Two days down here and I've become involved in a most unusual problem. It began this morning when Mary and I were out for an after breakfast stroll. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and there seemed every indication of it being a happy and merry.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

You know, Mary, I've always thought up to now that barmy was rather a silly word.

[Mary Watson]

I still do, John dear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Nevertheless, it's the only possible word that describes a day like this eloquently.

[Mary Watson]

Very well, dear. It's barmy. Personally, I'm so happy to see you relaxing that I don't care what the weather's like. You've been working much too hard.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, it's been a busy year.

[Mary Watson]

Yes, and last year Sherlock Holmes monopolized most of your time. At least I've got you to myself for once.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

You dear little thing. You've always been rather jealous of my association with Holmes, haven't you?

[Mary Watson]

Not jealous, dear, but I must confess his influence on you wasn't entirely for the good. He had a habit of keeping you out all night.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

You should be used to that, dear. After all, it happens often enough in my practice.

[Mary Watson]

True, John, but on those occasions I know where you are and don't worry about you. And again you've copied so many of Mr. Holmes eccentricities. Keeping your tobacco in a Persian slipper for instance. And oh John, look down.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Look.

[Mary Watson]

Do you see that woman walking across the field towards her?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes. What's the matter? Do you know her?

[Mary Watson]

I'm not sure but I think it's Ellen Warburton. I believe she does live somewhere near here.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

And who is Ellen Warburton?

[Mary Watson]

An old friend of mine. She's frightfully clever and advanced. She's interested in women's suffrage and all sorts of things.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Sounds dreadful. Imagine giving women the right to vote their places in the home. It is.

[Mary Watson]

Ellen. Ellen. Ellen. Ellen Warburton. Oh, how are you? Mary? Mary Austin. How very nice to see you again. I'm Mary Watson now. This is my husband.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

How do you do, Ms. Warburton? How do you?

[Mary Watson]

How do you do? Mary, I'd heard that you'd married. Aren't you a medical detective or something, Mr. Watson? Not quite, dear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I hold the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of London, madam.

[Mary Watson]

But he's helped the great Sherlock Holmes on many of his cases. That's how I've heard of him. Then do you mind if I walk with you a little way? Of course not, Ellen. Come along.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Do you live near here, Miss Warburton?

[Mary Watson]

About four miles away, Doctor, at Chevy Grange. I'm a glorified housekeeper for my uncle, Colonel Warburton. Oh dear, that sounds rather dull for you. As a matter of fact, the state of my uncle's health at the present moment makes it anything but dull for me. That's why I asked if I might walk with you for a way. Well, what's the matter with him, Ellen? He's going mad before my eyes and I can do nothing to help him. Mad?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Come now, Mr. Wilbur, Doctor, I'm not.

[Mary Watson]

An hysterical girl in Fact, I regard myself as something of a scientist. I studied physics for a number of years at Bristol University. And I tell you that my uncle is going insane.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What are the symptoms?

[Mary Watson]

Most of the time he's perfectly normal. But when these attacks are on him, he gets in the most frightful rages and says the strangest things. He's even complained of hearing a shrill piping whistle that comes out of nowhere. I can't hear it, nor can anyone else, but uncle gets into the most dreadful state. I wonder, would you have a look at him for me, Dr. Watson? Well, I don't, because John will do everything he can. Thank you so much. Then. Supposing you both come over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, my Dear Holmes, at 7 o' clock this evening we found ourselves approaching Chevy Grange. Rather a forbidding looking place, covering little more than an acre, I should say. As we stood waiting for admittance, I must confess that I was not entirely.

[Mary Watson]

Hmm.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Gloomy looking place, isn't it, Mary?

[Mary Watson]

It is a little forbidding, John. Dear.

Oh dear. What's that?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Sounds like a tom. Tom. Someone singing a weird chant. Seems to be coming from the direction of that barn over there.

[Mary Watson]

It doesn't seem quite appropriate, dear, does it? I mean, not in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Why not knock on the door again, John?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It's all right, I will.

[Mary Watson]

Perhaps they didn't hear us.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh.

[Mary Watson]

Oh, they did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is it? Oh, It's.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Guess it's Dr. And Mrs. Watson, my good man. Hacker's the name, sir. Come in, please.

The Colonel's expecting you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's in the study. This way, sir.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

By the way, Hacker, as we were waiting outside the front door, we heard a strange chant and it sounded as if someone was beating a tom. Tom.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, that's.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That was Ms. Nada. You'll be hearing more of her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Promising beginning. Let's see what happened next. This very unpleasant fellow Hacker showed us into the stadia where we met Colonel Warburton. First, it was hard to believe that he was a sick man. He looked well enough and his conversation was sprightly. Spent most of his army life in Africa as military governor in a Zulu district. The African spears and other trophies that lined his study walls bore mute evidence to his past life. He encouraged me to tell him some of my own army experiences. Oh, dear. Poor fellow. He's very rather separate.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

There I was, Colonel Warburton, on the howdah of this wretched elephant. The river was a raging torrent and I couldn't get the confounded animal to budge. I'm a pretty strong swimmer, you Know on several cups of swimming.

[Mary Watson]

As a matter of fact, dear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mary Watson]

You interrupted Colonel Warburton's story. Well, sorry.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I thought this little incident would be interesting.

[Mary Watson]

Do go on, Colonel. Your story was so interesting. You were telling us that you were intercepted by an African drum code message.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, yes, yes. Well, I don't want to sound conceited, but I doubt if there was another Englishman in the world who could have told you what those particular drum beats meant. I don't doubt that, Colonel Wolverton. Well, I'd spent a good number of years studying the native customs.

[Radio Host]

I spotted the code right away.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It meant that an uprising was planned to start throughout the whole province at noon the next day. Of course, I heard. There it is again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The devilish whistle.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Can you hear a Dr. Watson, Mrs. Watson? I can hear nothing, sir.

[Mary Watson]

Nor can I.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Of course not. No one can hear it but me. No, no, no, no. Colonel Warden. Don't get so excited, sir. Black magic, that's what it is.

Realize it. The. The powers of jungle witchcraft are completely unknown in this country, Dr. Watson. But I know of them. And I can think of many people who might wish to employ them against me. Come in, come in. Oh, it's you, Nada. Great Scotch. She's.

[Mary Watson]

She's very beautiful.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Nada, I want you to meet some friends of Ellen's. Dr. And Mrs. Watson.

[Mary Watson]

I am very pleased to meet both friends. How do you do?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

How do you do, Miss Nada? Nada's father was a Chagajula, one of the greatest Zulu chieftains I ever had the privilege of knowing. He did me the rare honor to swear blood brotherhood. So when the missionary sent Nada to England to complete her education, I insisted that she spend her first few months here under my wing. I. Listen. What is it, Colonel? That whistle again. For heaven's sake, say that you heard it this time. Please say that you did. I didn't hear a thing, sir. Well, I did. And I know where that sound came from. Put down that spear at once, will you, Colonel? Wobbly devils are trying to kill me. I'll kill them first. No, no, no. Don't throw it, sir. Don't throw it. Someone's opening the door.

[Mary Watson]

Uncle, it's Ellen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Great Scott. The spear missed her by an inch.

[Mary Watson]

Uncle, what is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whistle. I heard it again, Ellen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

And I'm going to find where it came from.

[Mary Watson]

Poor Uncle. Of course, you heard no sound. Nothing. Ellen. What can we do to help him, Dr. Watson?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, it's hard to say, Ms. Warburn. I'm not sure that medical help's what she needs. He seems perfectly sane and lucid, except for these strange outbursts.

[Mary Watson]

But we must do something.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I propose to, madam, as soon as I get back to the inn, I think I'll write to my old friend Sherlock Holmes and ask his advice.

[Radio Host]

Problem?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't feel that the man should be committed to an asylum. And yet, obviously, when these attacks are on him, he's as matters a hatter. Well, fascinating problem and one that calls for speedy action. I think a telegram to my friend Watson might help to terrify some aspects of the case. Let's see. Dr. John H. Watson, Redline in Taplo Bucks. I suggest that you ascertain one.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Important fact. Does the Warburton household have a dog? Crispy tearglass reply, Holmes. Upon my soul, Mary, that's a cryptic answer to my letter.

[Mary Watson]

Yes, dear, it is. I'm afraid Ellen will be disappointed. He's coming over to join us for lunch to see if you have any news.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What on earth can dogs have to do with the case?

[Mary Watson]

I can't possibly. Here's Helen now. Good morning, Helen. Hello, Mary. Good morning, Doctor.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good morning. Good morning.

[Mary Watson]

I suppose it's too early to have received any reply from Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, as a matter of fact, I just got this telegram from him. You can read it if you like. I can't see it makes much sense, Ms. Elle.

[Mary Watson]

But that's extraordinary. I did have a little dog. He was killed a week ago, but it didn't occur to me to tell you about it yesterday. That's amazing. How could Mr. Holmes have known about it?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Very little that Holmes doesn't know, my dear. How was your dog killed, Ms. Warburton?

[Mary Watson]

I found him in the grounds with his head smashed in by a stone. Oh, how dreadful.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Who do you think did it?

[Mary Watson]

It might have been a poacher. And then again, it might have been your uncle. It's possible. When he's in those rages, I don't think he knows what he's doing.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

That's very important. I think I shall go and send Holmes a telegram at once. Don't wait lunch for me.

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[Mary Watson]

Why did we have to walk over to the station John Deere to see.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

If there was an answer at the station telegraph office to the wire that I sent home.

[Mary Watson]

It's only 4:30, dear. It's hardly possible for him to have answered as quickly. In any case, they deliver the telegram to the hotel, you know.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Well, it was a nice walk, my dear. Hello. There's a train in the station now. I wonder where it's from.

[Mary Watson]

Why don't you ask that porter, dear?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It's not a bad idea. Porter, huh? What train is this? Oh, it's the London train, sir, right on time. Next stop.

[Mary Watson]

Ready?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Not many people getting off here, are there? Great Scott. Look who's here, dear.

[Mary Watson]

It's Mr. Holmes and he's got a dog on a leash.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes. What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, how are you? This is Watson. How nice to see you again.

[Mary Watson]

Thank you, mister.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I'm delighted you're here, old fellow. We walked over to the station to see if you'd answered my telegram and here you are in person.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It occurred to me that I'd be down here at the same time that it would take a telegram to reach you, and I decided that a day or two in the country would make a present change. Apart from the fact that Colonel Warburton's problem interests me enormously.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Why on earth did you bring a dog?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I felt that this was a case in which a dog would be of importance.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Valuable assistance.

[Mary Watson]

Oh, be careful, John.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Look out old Jeff. I. I think it would be safer not to pat him. I picked him up in the Myelin Road for a couple of florins and I fear he's a dog that should have remained in London. A singularly unattractive nature seems to have been entirely ruined by a last train ride.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Unpleasant brute, isn't he? By the way, Holmes, what do you make of the case from my letters?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I should prefer to reserve my judgment till I've met the Colonel. However, I will vouchsafe one opinion.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, what's that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To paraphrase a proverb, don't disbelieve all you don't hear.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I can't think why someone doesn't answer. They can't all be out while we're waiting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I'll tie the dog up for this place. I don't want my arrival too Much commotion. Quiet.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Quiet.

[Mary Watson]

Don't you think perhaps we could try the door, John?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, certainly. It's a good idea. Hello? Hello? It's unlocked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's go in, old fellow. Let's go in.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Colonel Warburton.

Colonel Warburton. Ellen, what was the name of that butler fella?

[Mary Watson]

Hacker.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, of course.

[Mary Watson]

That's it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Hacker. Hackers. Hecker.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We appear to be in an empty house. The dog. Oh, fool that I am, I shouldn't have left him here.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Come on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah.

We'Re too late.

[Mary Watson]

Oh, the poor dog. He's been killed.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Yes, poor brute. Stabbed to death by one of the Colonel's spears. That proves it, Holmes. The man is mad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think not, Watson. I think it proves that Colonel Warburton is a great deal more sane than some of the members of his household.

[Radio Host]

You'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time for me to remind you that there's one secret every smart woman knows. Simply good wine makes good food taste better. And by good wine, naturally, I mean Petri wine. Try a Petri wine with your dinner. If you want a wonderful red wine, try Petri California Burgundy. If you want a perfect white wine, try Petri, California Sauternes. In fact, try them both. You'll agree, I'm sure, that next to your good cooking, nothing can do more for a meal than a glass of good wine, a glass of pep tree wine.

And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure, the story of Colonel Warburton's Madness.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes, why are we heading for this barn? Seems to me we should be back in the house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why? Old chapter found the house empty. Besides, I thought I heard.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What is it? Listen.

It's the same sound that Mary and I heard yesterday.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Once more. It's coming from the barn. Come on, Watson, but quietly.

We can see through this window here. It's that Zulu girl, Nada. She's beating a drum. Enchanting. Who's the man with her?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

It's Colonel Warburton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, it isn't. It's that servant, Fell. What in thunder's he doing here? Apparently assisting Ms. Nader in some of our African mysticism. It's black magic they're dabbing with, just.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

As the Colonel said. Let's go in and catch him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Redhead, stay quiet.

We'll talk to him soon enough. The moment I feel it's much more urgent that we find Colonel Warburton. Come on.

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[Dr. John H. Watson]

There's the Colonel facing up and down in front of the house with Mary and his and his niece, Ms. Warburton. We shouldn't have left the women alone with him, you know the man's dangerous.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't think the women have been in any danger. Watson.

[Mary Watson]

John dear, where have you been?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh well, Holmes and I decided we'd do take a little walk. It proved very interesting. Ms. Warburton, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Mary Watson]

How do you do Mr. Holmes? I'm so glad you're here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do Ms. Warburton.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

And this is Colonel Warburton.

I suppose you think I killed your wretched dog.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I might have done it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

When I hear that whistle something seems to snap in my brain. I might have killed it. Why doesn't your doctor friend certify me as insane? Send me where I belong before I do any worse.

[Radio Host]

Dammit.

[Mary Watson]

Poor man. Isn't there anything you can do for him, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I most certainly will try to miss Wobbiton. What's no fellow I won't follow the Colonel and give him a sedative. I'm afraid he has quite an ordeal before him.

Ms. Warburton, where were you when my dog was killed?

[Mary Watson]

Down in the greenhouse. As soon as I heard the poor animal yelping, I ran up to the house.

[Radio Host]

I see.

[Mary Watson]

Mr. Holmes, you are going to be able to help the Colonel, aren't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm convinced of it, Mrs. Watson. That is why I brought a dog with me from London. But now that he's dead I. I must obtain another one before I can proceed further with the case. Now I wonder where on earth I can find. John.

[Mary Watson]

Look, look down by the gate. There's a little girl walking with the dark. That's Sarah Entwistle, the daughter of our neighbors.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sarah. Excuse me, will you? Just a moment.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Sarah. Sarah.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh Sarah. Sarah, my dear, what a. What a pretty dog you have there. What's his name?

[Mary Watson]

It's a her. Her name's Boojum. What's your name?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sherlock Holmes.

[Mary Watson]

Sherlock. That's a funny name.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes it is, isn't it? Look here Sarah, here's a nice shiny half crown for you.

[Mary Watson]

Why are you giving me money?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well because I love dogs and I I want to borrow. What did you call him?

[Mary Watson]

Boojum.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Boojum? Oh, yes, Yes. I want to borrow Boojum for half an hour.

[Mary Watson]

Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I want to. I want to play with her.

[Mary Watson]

Sarah, you can play with her here. She's awfully friendly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, you see, I really want to take her for a nice walk.

[Mary Watson]

Why, she's just had one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now look here, Sarah, it's a beautifully shiny half crown.

[Mary Watson]

Mummy's told me I mustn't take money from strangers.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I'm not a stranger.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm a friend of Colonel Warburton.

[Mary Watson]

Having trouble, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I am, Mrs. Watson. You see, I want to give Sarah half a crown for borrowing Boojum for a short while. But she. Well, she doesn't want to do it.

[Mary Watson]

Sarah, does Boojum like bones? Oh, yes, loves them. We've got a lot of bones up at the house we'd like to give her. Have they got plenty of meat on them? Plenty. She can have a wonderful feast and then we'll bring her back in half an hour. All right? Go on, Boojum. Now promise you'll bring her back in half an hour.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We promise. Yes, Sarah. And Sarah, what about the. What about the half crown?

[Mary Watson]

Well, I'll take it home and ask Mommy if I may keep it.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Good.

[Mary Watson]

Goodbye.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Goodbye.

[Mary Watson]

And take care of Boojum. She's a sweet little girl. Mr. Holmes, you're not going to expose Boojum to any danger, are you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

None, Mrs. Watson. Otherwise I shouldn't have borrowed her. I'm convinced that Boojum will give us the clue to what appears to be Colonel Warburton's madness.

Now, let me see. We're all here. Ms. Warburton, the Colonel, Ms. Nada, hacker and the dog. Boom. Yes. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I propose to conduct an experiment. Before I conduct it, I should like to point out the chronology of the events in this case. First, Ms. N arrived here.

[Mary Watson]

Mr. Holmes, you're not suggesting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please let me finish, Ms. Nada. First, Ms. Nader arrived here. Second, the colonel first heard the mysterious whistle. Third, your dog was killed. Ms. Warton. Fourth, the whistling set in in dead earnest.

Col. Warton and Ms. Warburton. Doesn't that pattern suggest anything to you?

[Mary Watson]

No, I can't say that it does.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Mr. Holmes, I don't see what you're driving at. What do I, Holmes? I wish you'd be more expensive.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, then, I will. I shall now conduct my experiment. I want you all to watch Colonel Warburton and the dog, Boojum. Excuse me. While I turn my back.

[Mary Watson]

Now.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

There it is again. That whistle.

The dog heard it too. Great John Holmes. What does it mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It means that this wooden whistle in my hand is the answer to the mystery. The sound made by this cunningly designed instrument is above the normal range of pitch. You see, the Colonel has hypersensitive ears.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

The dog heard it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps I should have said the normal human range of pitch.

[Mary Watson]

Then do you suppose someone has deliberately been trying to drive the Colonel mad?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Of course, Mayor. That's why the dogs were murdered. Whoever it was knew that a dog would give the game away.

[Mary Watson]

And it's not hard to guess who that someone is. Nada, this started when you came here. Is this your gratitude for the Colonel's kindness to you? Endangering his sanity with your evil black magic? That is not true.

[Sherlock Holmes]

One moment please, Ms. Woberdon. Ms. Nada.

[Mary Watson]

Yes, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson and I watched you in the barn some three quarters of an hour ago with Hacker. Were you engaged in practicing any form of black magic?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

No.

[Mary Watson]

No, I was praying to my old gods to save the Colonel's sanity.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

What were you doing there, Hacker? Don't tell me you were praying to old gods too?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I used to be a chapel going.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Man, sir, but I don't know.

[Radio Host]

Never harm in trying something new, I always say.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In any case, why should Ms. Nada wish to persecute the Colonel?

[Mary Watson]

It might be for some tribal revenge.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, but that's ridiculous, Alan.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Her father and I were sworn blood brothers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly, sir. Now it should be obvious who had a motive for making the Colonel appear mad. His niece and heiress.

[Mary Watson]

What do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

She has studied physics, you will remember, and so could know about supersonic research. Possibly she was afraid the Colonel might leave his estate to Ms. Nada and so wished him to appear insane and thereby invalidate a new will. In any case, I found this whistle in a drawer in your room, Ms. Warburton. Ellen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Ellen, how could you?

[Mary Watson]

I did it for your sake. To save you from Nada. She's just an adventuress. Only you won't see it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Colonel Warburton, what action do you wish me to take regarding your niece, Ms. Warburton?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

My niece? I have no niece, Mr. Holmes.

[Radio Host]

Come.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Not, my dear.

Oh, what an amazing case, Holmes. Mary. Wasn't it clever? The way home solid was very interesting, dear.

[Mary Watson]

I was quite enthralled.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now I think I shall return to London and let you two finish your holiday in peace.

[Mary Watson]

Before you do that, Mr. Holmes, there's one thing we should do. What?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Mary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Boo.

[Mary Watson]

Jump. We promised you now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, of course, of course. I think the three of us might walk her home. But before we do that, I suggest we rummage through the kitchen.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

The kitchen? What?

[Mary Watson]

No, for bones, dear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And bones with plenty of meat on them.

[Radio Host]

Say, doctor, that was a swell story. And look. You mean there really is a whistle that only dogs can hear?

[Dr. John H. Watson]

I thought you'd ask me that question, so I've got one of those whistles to show you.

[Mary Watson]

There.

[Radio Host]

Well, there's nothing unusual about it. Blow it, Doctor.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Listen, Mr. Bartel, if I want you to come quickly, I don't just have to whistle. All I have to say is, would anybody like a glass of Petri wine? And. Hey, hey, presto, there you are.

[Radio Host]

Can you blame me? I know a good wine when I hear it. And Petri wine sure is good wine. It ought to be. The Petri family's been making wine for generations, as you know. Ever since they started the Petri business way back in the 1800s. That business has always been family owned and operated. So just think of all the experience the Petrie family's gained. They've been able to hand on down from father to son, from father to son, all they've ever learned about the art of turning luscious California grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. So whenever you're choosing a wine, a wine to serve before dinner, with dinner, or at any time, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Because Petrie took time to bring you good wine.

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story the engineer's thumb. 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 invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Oh, the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petri wine.

[Radio Host]

To make good food taste better.

[Dr. John H. Watson]

Remember Petri.

[Radio Host]

This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Mary Watson]

It.