Sherlock Holmes: Murder Beyond the Mountains 01/14/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Sherlock Holmes: Murder Beyond the Mountains

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Airdate: January 14, 1946 (Original), Podcast Release: February 6, 2026
Starring: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Summary by: [Your Assistant]

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Episode Overview

In “Murder Beyond the Mountains,” Sherlock Holmes recounts to Dr. Watson an adventure set during the three years when Holmes was presumed dead after the Reichenbach Falls incident. Holmes, disguised as a Norwegian explorer, finds himself stranded in the Tibetan mountains and drawn into an international web of intrigue and murder at a remote monastery. The story is rich with suspense, atmosphere, and classic Holmesian deduction—a murder mystery with diplomatic tension and secrets amidst the snowbound Himalayas.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage in Tibet [(02:00)-(05:20)]

• Holmes’ Disguise and Situation:
  Holmes, believed dead by the world, has traveled through Persia, Egypt, and France, settling two years in Tibet under the alias "Sigerson," a Norwegian explorer.

  “At the time the story happened, the whole world, including myself, believed that my old friend had been dead three years.”
  – Dr. Watson (02:17)

• Peril in the Mountains:
  Holmes insists on pressing forward up the dangerous mountain, defying fearful Tibetan guides who warn of an angry mountain goddess. An avalanche strikes, leaving Holmes the lone survivor, forced to forge on alone.

2. Rescue and Arrival at the Monastery [(05:20)-(09:38)]

• Holmes’ Delirium and Rescue:
  Holmes collapses in the elements, hallucinating, before awakening in a cart tended by Eileen Farley, an American medical missionary.

  “My name is Eileen Farley. I’m a medical missionary. I found you wandering out of your mind two days ago…”
  – Eileen Farley (06:19)

• New Companions:
  The pair are joined by Peter Dmitrievich Borodin, a brash Russian diplomat. All three travel together to the ancient monastery of Panchapushpa, which lies in the shadow of a sacred mountain.

3. An International Gathering and a Closed Door [(09:38)-(13:58)]

• At the Monastery:
  The travelers—Eileen (American), Borodin (Russian), Sir Harvey Forrester (British), and Holmes in disguise—each state their purposes to the wise old abbot in hopes of gaining permission to travel to the forbidden city of Lhasa.

• Political Obstacles:
  The Chinese regional overlord, Wah Tsun, arrives. Only the British and Russian are considered eligible for travel due to treaties; Holmes and Eileen are barred.

  “American lady and Norwegian will not be allowed. Only Great Britain and Russia have treaties with my country.”
  – Wah Tsun (13:16)

• Mounting Danger:
  Holmes senses rising tension and remarks ominously:

  “I have rarely seen more clearly exemplified that emotional tension which leads to one thing. Murder.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (13:58)

4. The Murder and Investigation [(14:14)-(21:08)]

• Murder of Wah Tsun:
  Holmes and the abbot discover Wah Tsun has been strangled with his own queue (hair braid). The abbot at first assumes suicide, but Holmes notes the telltale marks on the victim’s shoulder.

  “He is dead? ... Strangled with his own cue.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (16:11, 16:15)

• The Deal:
  Holmes proposes: If he solves the murder, will the abbot grant him passage to Lhasa? The abbot agrees.

  “If I were to produce the murderer for you with certain proof... would you authorize my going to Lhasa?”
  – Sherlock Holmes (16:28)

5. Clues and Deduction [(18:40)-(21:54)]

• Cigarette Ash:
  In the dead man’s cell, Holmes finds a cigarette ash with cardboard—pointing to a Russian cigarette. The suspects are narrowed to the Russian (Borodin) and the Briton (Sir Harvey), who both smoke, but Borodin’s left hand is artificial—a crucial clue.

  “Only a Russian cigarette has a cardboard mouthpiece.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (21:08)

• Holmes’ Deductive Leap:
  The implication is that the incriminating Russian cigarette was planted. Only someone who knew Holmes’ real identity and his methods would have thought to do this.

6. Unmasking the True Killer [(22:18)-(24:10)]

• Holmes Explains:
  To the abbot and monastery scribe, Holmes reveals that Eileen Farley, the missionary, is the murderer—a secret service agent with her own hidden agenda, who tried to frame the Russian.

  “The murderer was the one person who knew my true identity: Miss Eileen Farley, a supposed missionary.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (23:41)

  • Farley confesses, revealing she wasn't a true American missionary, but a German-origin secret agent working undercover.

7. Holmes’ Departure [(24:10)-(25:28)]

• Reflection and Farewell:
  The wise abbot invites Holmes to remain, offering peace and shelter, but Holmes declines.

  “Three great gifts, sir, but I cannot take them. My work is not done. I must go on.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (24:42)

  • Holmes maintains his secret identity even as he leaves, the abbot respecting his wish, with mutual respect and sadness at their parting.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes’ Foresight

  “I have rarely seen more clearly exemplified that emotional tension which leads to one thing. Murder.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (13:58)

• Holmes Unmasks the Murderer

  “The murderer was the one person who knew my true identity: Miss Eileen Farley, a supposed missionary.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (23:41)

• Holmes Rejects a Life of Peace

  “Three great gifts, sir, but I cannot take them. My work is not done. I must go on.”
  – Sherlock Holmes to the abbot (24:42)

• Holmes on Keeping Secrets

  “I cannot tell even you the answer to that question. One day perhaps, but not now.”
  – Sherlock Holmes (25:03)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Holmes recounts his travels and the avalanche: 02:13 – 05:20
• Holmes’ delirium and rescue by Eileen Farley: 05:20 – 06:46
• Arrival at monastery, meeting multi-national characters: 09:38 – 10:56
• Abbott questions travelers’ motives: 10:56 – 12:57
• Political confrontation and Holmes’ prediction: 13:08 – 13:58
• Discovery of the murder: 15:48 – 16:25
• Holmes articulates his plan/deal: 16:25 – 16:38
• Holmes finds evidence of planted cigarette: 19:35 – 20:01
• Holmes eliminates suspects and explains deduction: 22:42 – 23:47
• Holmes refuses the abbot’s offer and departs: 24:30 – 25:28

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Tone & Atmosphere

The story maintains the suspenseful, cosmopolitan intrigue of classic Holmes, blending exotic settings, cross-cultural tensions, and the signature wit of the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce era. Holmes is both compassionate and analytical, maintaining his mystique and sense of justice.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Show

“Murder Beyond the Mountains” is a tightly woven, atmospheric mystery placing Holmes far from London and even Watson, proving his legendary skills are undiminished by setting or isolation. The episode captures Holmes’ ability to unmask deception through logic and subtle clues, even when facing international intrigue and surrounded by secrets.

If you want a Sherlock story with a unique backdrop, moments of humor, and razor-sharp deduction, this one is not to be missed.

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 and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri 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 I'd like to talk about an adventure myself. An adventure in good eating. It begins with a good wine, Petri California Sauterne. You just serve that Petri Sauterne the next time you have fried chicken. You like fried chicken? Cooked so it's crispy and a beautiful reddish gold color on the outside and just, oh, just as tender as all get out on the inside.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Now that's chicken.

[Harry Bartel]

But wait till you try it with Petri Sauternes. That's a wine. That Petri Sauternes is a pale, delicate golden color. You can just look at it and you know it's going to be one of the most delicious wines you've ever tasted, if not the most delicious. Petri Sauternes is not only wonderful with chicken, it's. It's great with fish or any kind of seafood too. Get a bottle of Petri S turn. When it's a Petri wine, it's a good wine. And Now I'm sure Dr. Watson's expecting us, so let's go in and join him.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, There you are, Mr. Buck.

[Harry Bartel]

Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening. Drop your chair by the fire. That's it. The tobacco's in the jar beside you over there.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Thanks.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, Doctor, all ready for tonight's new Sherlock holmes adventure?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Bartel. Though on this occasion I'm going to tell the story a little differently. You see, I didn't take part in it myself. So I shall act as a narrator and recount the adventure as it was told me some years after.

[Harry Bartel]

It actually told you by Sherlock Holmes, I suppose.

[Eileen Farley]

Yes.

[Dr. Watson]

At the time the story happened, the whole world, including myself, believed that my old friend had been dead three years.

[Harry Bartel]

What did he do with himself during those three years, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Wandered about the world. Persia, Egypt, the south of France. And two years of his time was spent in Tibet, where he disguised himself as a Norwegian explorer by the name of Sergus. His object being to visit the forbidden city of Laza. The story began as Holmes stood on the outskirts of a tiny encampment high in the Tibetan snows. Disguised as a Norwegian circus. Surrounding him was an excited group of native guides, their fur capped faces and shaggy sheepskin coats making them appear like strange wild animals. As they stood there, gesticulating wildly. The freezing wind whirled great clouds of snow away from the mountaintop that loomed above them. And Holmes told me that he felt a premonition of impending disaster. Saab, my men will go no further. They say the Goddess of the Mountain is angry. If we climb further, she will swallow us up. She will bury us. But we cannot go back now. We have come so far. Thousand feet, 800ft higher, and we shall reach the pass. We shall be safe. I will not go. We can stay back there in the tent until the Goddess of the Mountain tells us we may go further. He is right. We can't go. We don't want to go anymore.

[Eileen Farley]

It's two fools.

[Dr. Watson]

If you stay here in the wilderness, in the village and the avalanche comes, you will all be buried. You will be swept away. The only road lies upward. We will not go back to the tent. The wind. Then I shall go on alone. Holmes was the only one who survived. He struggled up the pass that led to safety, the icy gale whipping around him in a frenzy. A few moments after he reached the top, the avalanche occurred. The tents, the guides and all their equipment were buried beneath hundreds of feet of hurtling, plundering the snow. The way behind him was closed. He could only forge ahead alone. Unaided, he descended the path that led to the plateau beyond. But the Goddess of the Mountain was still angry. Through the knifing wind and snow, he battled on without food and without, as he told me later, much hope. Even Holmes was helpless in that battle of man against the elements. What happened in that 36 hours, he never really knew, except that the wind howled and the driving snow slashed at him without mercy. Finally, his mind began to wander and he became delirious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, dear boy, hand me my violin, will you? Mariati, I want to introduce to you the Goddess of the Mountain. I think you will have a lot in common. 221B Baker Street. Caviar. For heaven's sake, get me this fast as you can. I. I think I've caught a chill.

[Dr. Watson]

Though his mind was wandering, his great strength combined with an instinctive urge for self preservation must have kept him on his feet. But finally he returned to normal consciousness to find himself jogging along a rough road in a primitive cart drawn by two oxen, the sun shining on him and a white girl feeding him warm broth from a cup. For a moment, the girl Looked at him with a comforting smile. And then she spoke. No wonder you look puzzled.

[Eileen Farley]

Poor man. You can't make up your mind whether you're in this world or the next.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who are you? And how did I get here? Please.

[Eileen Farley]

My name is Eileen Farley. I'm a medical missionary. I found you wandering out of your mind two days ago and I've taken you under my wing. We're going to the monastery of Panchapushka.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm most grateful to you, Ms. Valley. You have saved my life. Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Sigism Olaf Sigson, a Norwegian explorer.

[Eileen Farley]

Oh no, no. Your name is Sherlock Holmes and you're a famous English detective.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't understand.

[Eileen Farley]

Mr. Holmes. You've been delirious for the last two days in your ravings. I was delighted to learn that the great Sherlock Holmes did not die two years ago at the Reichenbach Falls.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can see that further simulation is useless. My dear young lady, however, I must implore you to keep my secret. It's essential that for a while longer the world continues to think me dead.

[Eileen Farley]

You don't need to worry, Mr. Holmes. I'm a great admirer of yours. And I promise that no one will ever learn your secret from my lips. Try drinking a little more broth. You're dreadfully weak.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you so much.

[Dr. Watson]

Help me, please. Please, give me help.

[Eileen Farley]

Another white man travels the road to Panchapushpa. Stop the cart.

[Dr. Watson]

You need help.

[Harry Bartel]

Ah.

[Eileen Farley]

Ah.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

My own cart has broken the wheel. You are going perhaps to the monastery of Panchapushpa?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

We are.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, good.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

Peter Dmitrievich Gorijin, imperial Russian envoy, will travel with you, please to make room as possible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Remember my secret.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

The court may proceed. Your name please, young lady?

[Eileen Farley]

Eileen Farley. I'm an American medical missionary.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

I do not approve of missionaries. But you are very beautiful, so Borijin will forgive you. Who is this magic lying on the floor? He looks half dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am half dead. Ghostbordin Boligin. My name is Sigurdsson. I am Norwegian.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

What is a Norwegian doing in Tibet?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have been exploring the mountains. And what, may I ask, is a Russian doing in Tibet? Of course, put in Borgon.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

What is a Russian doing? You shall see, my friend. To Holy Mother, Russia shall belong Tibet. But now let us be gay. We have some hours ahead of us. You like vodka, Miss Violet?

[Eileen Farley]

I'm afraid I don't drink.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

Will teach you to drink. Then he will sing you songs of his native Russia. We shall be happy.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, tell me that Every note jarred is aching weary head. After a few hours, the strangely assorted trio arrived at the gates of the monastery. An edifice, as Holmes told me, of great antiquity and of breathtaking beauty, and built in the shadow of a giant mountain. He was fed and bathed, and shortly afterwards he found himself together with his two companions in the presence of the head abbot, himself a man of great age and infinite wisdom. The faint chanting of religious music could be heard coming from another part of the monastery. As the old man.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

My dear Miss Farley. My dear gentlemen. I have welcomed you to the monastery. And yet each one of you has come to me separately and asked that he be given permission to go to the sacred city of Lhasa. I cannot give that permission.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

My children, Borajin has traveled a long way. Rossio will be most unhappy if he does not get the permission.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am an explorer, Reverend Sir. Will not that fact entitle me to some consideration?

[Eileen Farley]

I too have traveled a great way, sir.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

My children, I realize your claims, but the permission is not in my power to grant. Tibet is ruled by our Chinese overlords. In any case, I will ask you to turn your heads. The gentleman approaching us has preceded you in residence here. He also wishes to tread the road to lapse.

[Dr. Watson]

You have new visitors, I see.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Yes, my son. Permit me to introduce you, Sir. Harvey Forrester, this is Ms. Eileen Farley.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Eileen Farley]

How do you do, sir?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Harvey Gospodine. Borodim from Russia.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

One cannot travel the world without meeting an Englishman.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

And Mr. Olaf Sigurdsson from Norte Gordaxaha.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Please be seated. My children, the Chinese ruler in this province has heard of your presence here. He has announced his intention of visiting you. Before he arrives, I should like to ask him each a question. Four of you, all from different countries, have travelled here to the mountains of Tibet. At this monastery, I can offer you refreshment, the opportunity of acquiring wisdom and peace. What more do you seek in Lhasa? I shall ask you each that question in turn. You, Ms. Farley, what do you seek?

[Eileen Farley]

I seek the opportunity to bring both God and health to your Tibetan people.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

And you, Mr. Sigism?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I seek to chart the true course of your mountains. And so to bring knowledge to the world.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

And you, Gospodine Borodin?

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

I seek to bring about complete understanding between the great peoples of Tibet and Russia. If I succeed, the Tsar and his family may consider turning to Buddhism.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Indeed. And you, Sir Harvey, as representative of the British government, what do you seek?

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

I shall not join in this contest of wishful thinking.

[Dr. Watson]

I merely remind you, sir, that your government has signed a treaty with mine.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

And was not that treaty forced upon us by our Chinese overlords?

[Dr. Watson]

No.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

My children, you have advanced brave reasons. But I cannot help remembering that the streams of Tibet bear gold nuggets the size of hazelnuts. You foreigners, in your pitiful ignorance, esteem gold that signals the arrival of Wah Tsun, the Chinese emissary. Your problems will soon be settled, my children. I will acquaint him with your request.

[Eileen Farley]

Why are you smiling, Mr. Holmes, at.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The name of the Chinese overlord? Watson must avoid falling into old habits and saying, elementary, my dear Watson.

[Eileen Farley]

He's going to speak.

[Harry Bartel]

Silence.

[Dr. Watson]

Silence.

[Harry Bartel]

The abbot has told me your wishes.

[Dr. Watson]

I will hold confidence.

[Harry Bartel]

American lady and Norwegian will not be allowed. Only Great Britain and Russia have treaties with my country. I insist that I have prior right.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

Over the Russian representative. Sword was me. I represent the tsar and Russia is your neighbor. I demand my diplomatic privilege.

[Dr. Watson]

Follow me. I will decide these things, not you. I shall inform the British consul in Pekin.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

If this is only Mother, Russia will never.

[Eileen Farley]

Well, Mr. Holmes, it looks as if you and I, at any rate, don't get to Lhasa.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Eileen Farley]

You look worried. Does the journey to Lhasa mean so much to you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It isn't that I'm worried about the potential danger that hangs over this monastery. Violent forces are at work.

[Eileen Farley]

What do you mean, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As you know, Ms. Farley, I have some specialized acquaintance with these matters. And I tell you that I have rarely seen more clearly exemplified that emotional tension which leads to one thing. Murder. That is what I'm afraid of, young lady. Murder.

[Dr. Watson]

That was what Holmes was afraid of. Later that day, as the sun was setting over the mountaintop, the old abbot walked slowly in the monastery gardens as he talked to the man who he thought to deceivers.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Mr. Sneakerson, what can I do to help you? Our conversation has pleased me. You are a man of rare perception and knowledge. I grant you one worthy to enter Lazar. But I can offer no hope. Mr. Wah has already rejected the applications of both the Englishman and the Russian.

[Harry Bartel]

He did that?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

He did, my son. He told me they were both very angry and threatened him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If anything were to happen to the Chinese emissary, would you have the right to grant permission for a journey to Lhasa?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Yes, until the new envoy arrived from Peking. But what are you suggesting, my son? This monastery is a haven of peace, a backwater far from the troubled stream of life. No violence has ever occurred here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope it never will. And yet the Chinese envoy was threatened, you say, Reverend sir?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Yes, my son.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He has left the monastery, of course.

[Dr. Watson]

No.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Those who come here even for a short visit must break bread with us and sleep at least one night. Mr. Wah is quartered in the cell you see before us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then do you mind if we call on him? A reverend sir?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Of course not, my son. The though you will but waste your breath in talking to him, he will not give you permission to take the road to Lhasa. He sleeps, my son. Let us not disturb him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you don't mind, Reverend sir, I must waken him. If he can be wakened.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

What can be wrong?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I know. I'm going in. There is your answer, Reverend sir.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

He is dead?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, sir. Strangled with his own cue.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

The poor, misguided man has taken his own life.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

Master.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, sir. Look at those marks on his shoulder. He has been murdered.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

What are we to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As it happens, Reverend sir, I have certain amount of experience with these matters in my my own country. If I were to produce the murderer for you with certain proof of his guilt, would you authorize my going to Lhasa?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Yes. Since for a few days that permission is mine to give, I will grant it. You fill me with a strange confidence. But how will you find this taker of life?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't tell you now, sir, but I shall find him. All that I require is a little assistance from you, sir.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Of course. What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let us both leave the cell, Post guard here. And give him strict orders that no one is to enter unless accompanied by me.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Very well. But, my son, where are you going?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before very long, sir, I hope to be on my way to Lhasa.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor Watson will tell us the rest of his story immediately. So I'll just take a second to remind you that hamburgers, yep, hamburgers. Are practically an all American food. We all love a good hamburger. But wait till you taste a juicy hamburger. Together with a glass of Petri. California Burgundy. Boy, that Petri Burgundy is a hearty red wine that's just the best friend a hamburger or steak or any kind of meat dish ever had. So remember, if you want a red wine for dinner, you want Petri Burgundy. If you prefer a white wine, you want Petri. So turn. You can't make up your mind which you want.

[Dr. Watson]

It's simple.

[Harry Bartel]

Don't buy one, buy two. But always buy Petri. P E T r I petri. Dr. Watson, it seems to me that Sherlock Holmes was in a tough spot. There he was thousands of miles from England. A murderer was running loose. Holmes was in disguise and he hadn't got you to help him on the case.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Bartel. I must say I think that I always was useful to my old friend. But I wasn't there. So this time he enlisted the services of Eileen Farley, the American girl. Immediately after he'd left the cell of the murdered man he'd gone to Ms. Farley and told her of the tragedy. As I returned to the scene of the crime he found that his instructions had been carried out and that a guard was barring the entrance of the dead man's cell.

[Eileen Farley]

There's a guard in front of the cell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My instructions. The Abbott gave you your orders?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. You may go in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please close the door behind us. I'm sure your nerves are off for this, Ms. Farley. It's not a pretty sight.

[Eileen Farley]

I've seen sudden death before, Mr. Holmes. In any case, I wouldn't dare feel frightened. I'm so flattered that you asked me to help you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You were the only one who knew my true identity. That's why I suggest you take my old friend's place. I need. What shall I say I needed? A sounding board for my deductions. Wait a minute. Here, light a match. There we are. Now here's a candle. Oh, I wonder if it wasn't a pretty sight. Hold the candle, will you please, Miss Farley?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This isn't hard to reconstruct. Killer stood behind his victim, held him by the left shoulder, so wound his cue around his neck and pulled back. Yes, yes, my marks are self evident.

[Dr. Watson]

Hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's this on the floor's feet?

[Eileen Farley]

A cigarette. Dropped as it was burning I should think. And now it's nothing but ash.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Eileen Farley]

Ash.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, which of the visitors at the monastery smoke cigarettes?

[Eileen Farley]

Yourself, the Russian and Sir Harvey the Englishman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think we may justifiably omit myself from the list of suspects. So that narrows us down to two. Look, Ms. Farley.

[Eileen Farley]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There are clear traces here to the naked eye not only of tobacco ash and paper, but of. Of cardboard.

[Eileen Farley]

But what does that signify, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The case is nearly solved. Come on, young lady, we must pay a visit to Borodin's cell at once.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

Arguments? Always, Sir Harvey Forrester. You give me the arguments.

[Dr. Watson]

But my dear Borodin.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

I am not your dear Borodin. I'm Peter Dmitrovich Borodgin, Ambassador of Holy Mother Russia. I'm no friend of yours. Come in, come in, come in. Ah, the Missionary girl and the sick Norwegian. Come in. We will drink vodka and I will sing Russian songs for you.

[Eileen Farley]

We haven't come here to listen to songs. The Chinese envoy was murdered tonight.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

So we have been told. My dear sir, Harvey and I are very happy because of his death. Are we not?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I won't pretend I'm heartbroken.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Borodin.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

What is it? Norwegian.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You were in the cell tonight at the time of the murder.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

That's a lie.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can prove it. In that cell I just found ashes of totally burned cigarette. Ashes that included fragments of cardboard. Only a Russian cigarette has a cardboard mouthpiece.

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

What you can or cannot prove is of no interest to me. Sigurchon. He's very obstinate tonight, Sigurd.

[Dr. Watson]

We've just been having a political argument. Couldn't agree on a single point, except on the danger of the common man. He was telling me of the most extraordinary. Extraordinary revolution in his estates. Do you know they chopped off one of his hands?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your hand, Bordin.

[Harry Bartel]

Which one?

[Peter Dmitrievich Borodin]

As God was merciful, my left hand. The one beneath your glove is made of wax. My good Norwegian is made of wax. Mercy for yourself.

[Eileen Farley]

Extraordinary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's more than that. It is conclusive proof.

[Eileen Farley]

What do you mean, Mr. Secret?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I cannot tell you now. I must leave you here. Let me warn you. The three of you will be well advised to keep an eye on each other. Meanwhile, I must see the Abbot.

[Eileen Farley]

Why, Mr. Sieges?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because now I know who murdered Wat. Soon.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

The pink fingers of dawn are stealing across the mountaintop.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My son.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Soon you will be on your way to Lhasa.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Reverend sir. You have kept your promise.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

You kept yours, Mr. Sigison. The Chinese soldiers have arrived and the taker of life has been given into their custody. Before you leave, my son, I want you to do something for me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Anything, Reverend Sir. What is it?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

The hooded figure in the corner is that of the monastery scribe. He keeps our annals. I want you to explain for our records how you knew which one of the three was the taker of life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was not difficult, sir. The killer had gripped Watson's shoulder with the left hand, while the right was used to strangle him. Therefore, the Russian Borodin could not be the killer since his left hand was artificial.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Quite so. It was, as you told me, made of wax then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But the clue of the cigarette pointed directly to the washing. Therefore, it had obviously been planted there deliberately to incriminate him. Now, there is no trained police force in Tibet.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

We need no police. There is no crime here, my son. But continue.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why should the cigarette be planted to incriminate the Russian? Unless there was someone capable of making the deduction from a handful of cigarette ash. Therefore, the murderer was the one person who knew my true identity. Ms. Eileen Farley. A supposed missionary?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

No missionary, as it transpired when she confessed.

[Dr. Watson]

And no American?

[Harry Bartel]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A secret Service agent of America, of German origin seeking to reach Lhasa before the Russians and infuriated by Watson's denial of passage. Any secret service is better off without such employees.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

She will pay for her mortal sins. May she redeem herself in her next place on the wheel. My son.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Reverend sir?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

You are about to leave me and I shall never see you again. Though evil and death came to Pansha Pushpa and to my monastery in the caravan that brought you here. I shall miss you, my son. I shall miss you greatly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I you, Reverend sir.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Would you consider staying here? I can only offer you peace, a shelter from the outside world and quiet companionship.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Three great gifts, sir, but I cannot take them. My work is not done. I must go on.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

Of course, my son. It was an old man's dream. One last question.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What is it, sir?

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

You spoke of your true identity just now. Who are you, my son?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Reverend, sir, I cannot tell even you the answer to that question. One day perhaps, but not now. Let us just say that I have wandered through a world of trouble just as you have remained tranquil in a world of peace. I hope, sir, that we shall meet again.

[Reverend Sir / Abbot]

I hope so too. Goodbye, my son.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Goodbye, Reverend sir. Goodbye.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor. That was really an unusual story. You told it so well. I. I felt you were actually a part of it.

[Dr. Watson]

No, my boy. As I said, the story was told to me by Holmes. I. I've never been to Tibet. Been to India, of course. I never really wanted to go to Tibet. Horrible mountains, terrible weather, lots of bandits on the roads. Sort of dangerous place.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor, you're not afraid of danger, are you?

[Dr. Watson]

Ten years ago, Mr. Bartel, a question like that had been insult. Today I realize that all of us, unless we're stupid, have some fear of danger. I would say that I'm definitely not a coward, nor am I a thrill seeker. But I've done with searching for something new.

[Harry Bartel]

Me too, Doctor. I'm through searching for something new. Also, now that I've found Petri wine, I'm going to stick to it.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Bartel, no matter what we talk about. When you say it, it always sounds like Petri wine.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, why not? I can't think of a more delicious wine. And no wonder. The Petri family has been making the fine Petri wines for generations. Ever since the 1800s. They've handed on down from father to son, from father to son, the fine art of turning luscious sunripened grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. And because the making of Petri wine is a family affair, you can rest assured that the Petri family takes pride in doing a good job. They won't put that name Petri on any wine that isn't up to the high Petri standards. Yes, if it's Petri wine, you know it's good wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes adventure do you plan to tell us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, now, next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you a story that started off in a very light hearted way and ended on the same note. And yet it involved Sherlock Holmes and myself in serious danger and cause us intense humiliation. I call it the Adventure of the Pigeon Feathers.

[Harry Bartel]

Sounds swell, Doc.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. And before you go, I want to remind the families of our returned veterans that their sons are more than heroes. They not only fought bravely, but in the armed forces. They acquired new skills, learned or bettered themselves in some trade, or furthered their education. Our men have returned with a new maturity and a new wisdom. They'll be more valuable to past or to future employers and more valuable to their country. The greatest assets America has at this moment are her veterans. Remember that. Good night.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Antony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Adventure of the Empty House. 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 night on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.