Sherlock Holmes: Mystery of the Headless Monk 04/15/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Sherlock Holmes: Mystery of the Headless Monk (Aired 04/15/1946)
Starring: Basil Rathbone (Holmes) & Nigel Bruce (Watson)
Summary Date: March 20, 2026

---

Episode Overview

In this captivating old-time radio mystery, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson confront the eerie legend of the "Headless Monk" haunting Trevennis Manor in Cornwall. What begins as a seemingly supernatural case of ghostly organ music and local superstition soon reveals much darker and more earthly secrets. Holmes is drawn into an investigation that blends tales of the occult, black magic, and murder—demonstrating once again the detective’s skeptical brilliance in unraveling bizarre cases cloaked in fear and folklore.

---

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. A Murky London Setting and Restless Holmes

• Holmes and Watson are introduced experiencing the oppressive London fog, prompting Holmes’s restlessness and eagerness for a new case [02:34].
• “The London criminal is certainly a dull and unenterprising fellow these days.” —Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone), [03:47]

2. The Case Introduction: Mr. Harley and the Legend

• Occult scholar Walter Mahaly Harley arrives with an invitation for Holmes to investigate the increasing supernatural phenomena at Trevennis Manor, notably the ghost of the headless monk, Brother Hugh, and organ music heard in the manor’s chapel [05:02–06:10].
• Harley describes the legend: a headless monk, constantly playing the organ, said to haunt the chapel after being executed during the Reformation [06:10].
• Holmes immediately suspects a natural explanation but is interested by hints of trickery: “Almost as though some more mortal agency were motivating them.” —Harley, [07:12]

3. Arrival at Trevennis Manor & Local Superstitions

• Holmes, Watson, and Harley travel to Cornwall, encountering the vividly superstitious stableman David Pendragon, who warns them against entering the chapel:
  • “I be talking about the ghoulies and the ghosties and the organ music that comes out of the nowheres.” —David Pendragon, [08:54]
• The trio hears haunting organ music upon entering the chapel—but Holmes reveals he played it himself to investigate its condition [09:48–10:18].

4. The Brownlee Family & Tension over the Haunting

• They meet Dorothy Brownlee (the owner’s daughter), her father Mr. Brownlee, and secretary Leonard Miles, all unnerved by the legend [10:42–12:00].
• Mr. Brownlee is adamant about suppressing stories of the ghost, as it threatens his ability to sell the manor, but Holmes senses hidden motives [12:00–12:29].
• Pendragon claims to have seen the headless monk that very night but is dismissed and threatened with losing his job if he talks further [13:05–13:32].

5. Theories of Black Magic

• Harley and Holmes agree that the “evil” in the chapel is the work of human hands, likely involving black magic and the use of folklore to cover up real crimes:
  • “That chapel is evil… That evil does not stem from the hapless monk who was murdered there.” —Harley, [14:35]
  • “Someone has been initiating the local peasantry into the evils of the Black Mass.” —Holmes, [14:50]
• Harley prepares to perform an overnight “exorcism” of the chapel to purge its evil [15:47].

6. Climactic Night—Murder in the Chapel

• At midnight, as Harley prepares his ritual, organ music sounds from the chapel (implying something is wrong) [18:36].
• Holmes and Watson rush to find Harley dead, stabbed through the heart, in a pentagram on the floor—Pendragon claims no one entered or left the chapel during the incident [20:18–20:38].
  • “He just stood here and allowed himself to be stabbed.” —Watson, [20:38]

7. Holmes’s Deduction and the Unmasking

• The suspects are: Dorothy Brownlee, her father, and Miles. Pendragon is ruled out, given his frightened, superstitious disposition.
• Holmes investigates the “headless monk”:
  • Using Pendragon’s testimony and a height-based reconstruction, Holmes determines the killer wore a costume that built up false shoulders to hide their own head—meaning the real culprit was much shorter [24:01–24:26].
• The shocking reveal:
  • Dorothy Brownlee confesses, having lured Harley to his death to protect her black magic “coven.” She reveals her murderous glee and shoots herself rather than face justice.
  • “You thought I was a sweet little girl, didn’t you, father? … For months I’d been practicing black magic here.” —Dorothy Brownlee, [25:06]
  • “She was insane. Hopelessly insane.” —Holmes, [26:24]

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Holmes’s Wry Skepticism:

  • “What a day for a thief or a murderer. Roam London as the tiger does the jungle, unseen until he pounces…” —Holmes, [03:47]

• On Superstition:

  • “People that go in there don’t often come out the way they go in, sir.” —David Pendragon, [08:46]
  • Holmes notes the power of fear and folklore in controlling people’s actions.

• Denouement and Tragedy:

  • “She was insane. Hopelessly insane.” —Holmes, closing comment on Dorothy, [26:24]

• Holmes’s Deduction:

  • “The ghost is headless. That means the impostor must have built up fake shoulders covering the head. On either of these men it would have brought their shoulders to the level of my head… [so] neither of them is the murderer.” —Holmes, [24:26]

---

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Event | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:34 | Holmes restless for a case; discussion of the fog | | 05:02 | Harley arrives; introduction of the headless monk legend | | 08:22 | Meeting Pendragon, the nervous stableman | | 09:48 | First “ghostly” organ music—revealed Holmes was playing | | 12:00 | Meeting Brownlee, his daughter Dorothy, and the secretary | | 14:35 | Black magic theory discussed between Holmes and Harley | | 18:36 | Organ music at midnight; Harley alone in the chapel | | 20:18 | Discovery of Harley’s murder; pentagram on floor | | 24:26 | Holmes’s method of detection; the big reveal | | 25:06 | Dorothy confesses; tragic climax | | 26:24 | Holmes explains Dorothy’s insanity; ending |

---

Tone & Style

The episode balances eerie suspense, tinges of humor (wry Holmes and superstitious locals), and tragedy with the classic chemistry between Holmes and Watson. Holmes's razor-sharp skepticism and methodical logic unravel a plot steeped in gothic atmosphere and local superstition, culminating in a dark family revelation.

---

For the Listener

This gripping radio play is a prime example of old-time detective fiction, seamlessly weaving supernatural rumors with very human motives and flaws. The ghost story of the headless monk is revealed as smoke for black magic and murder. The denouement is particularly shocking for its era, with the murderer revealed not in a traditional villain, but in the seemingly innocent Dorothy—showing Holmes at his finest in exposing truth behind the haunting.

---

Recommended for listeners who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, psychological twists, and classic Holmes adventures with a supernatural flavor.

Transcript

[A]

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 as for me, well, I'd like to tell you the easiest way I know to get the reputation of being the perfect host. Next time friends come over for dinner, before you sit down to the table, serve glasses of Petri California sherry. Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. I say Petri Sherry because Petri sherry is extraordinary sherry. You can tell by looking at it, hold it to the light, notice how clear it is, notice its beautiful deep amber color. And you can tell Petri sherry is unusual from just a whiff of its fragrance. And of course, in the last analysis, you can tell just how fine a wine Petri sherry is by tasting. That's the best test of all. And that's where you'll get the most pleasant surprise. Because Petri sherry really tastes wonderful. A flavor right from the heart of the grape. So serve Petri sherry to your family and your friends and serve it proudly, because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. And now I'm sure our good friend Dr. Watson's expecting us. Let's not keep him waiting. Good evening, Doctor.

[B]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel. You'll forgive me if I. I don't get up, won't you, my boy?

[A]

Of course, Doctor. What's the matter? A touch of rheumatism?

[B]

No, no. I played 18 holes of golf today.

[A]

I hope that when I'm your age, Doctor, I can be half as frightly.

[B]

Oh, it's nice of you, but if you don't mind, we won't discuss the question of my age. So drop your chair, make yourself comfortable. I'll get on with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[A]

Well, from the hints you gave us last week, it sounded like quite a spooky story.

[B]

It was, Mr. Bar, tell it. It certainly was. Towards the end of November, in the year 1895, a dense yellow fog had settled down over London. For four or five days it was impossible from our rooms in Baker street to see the outline of the houses opposite.

[A]

A real London pea sooper, huh, Doctor?

[B]

Yes, my boy? And it became most depressing. The first day Holmes had spent in cross indexing his huge book of criminal references. The second and third had been patiently occupied with a subject which he had recently made his hobby the music of the Middle Ages. But when, on the fourth day, on pushing back our chairs after breakfast, we saw the greasy, heavy brown swirl still drifting past us and condensing in oily drops upon the window panes, Sherlock Holmes's impatient and active nature could endure this drab existence no longer. He paced restlessly about our sitting room, chafing against the inaction. After several minutes of these perambulations, he turned to me and spoke.

[C]

Anything of interest in the paper, Watson?

[B]

News of a revolution, a possible war and of an impending change in the government? Nothing to interest you, though. No crimes of any importance.

[C]

The London criminal is certainly a dull and unenterprising fellow these days. Look out of the window, Watson. See how the figures loom up, are dimly seen and then blend once more into the foggy depths. What a day for a thief or a murderer. Roam London as the tiger does the jungle, unseen until he pounces and then evident only to his victim.

[B]

That's a cheerful thought. I must say. Hello. Hello. I wonder who that is.

[C]

Probably a visitor for Mrs. Hudson. Or perhaps the local plumber has finally condescended to pay some attention to the faulty gas jet in our hallway.

[B]

I don't think you're right on either count. I can hear Mrs. Hudson's footsteps on the stairs.

[C]

Come in, come in. Yes, Mrs. Hudson, what is it?

[D]

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Holmes, but there's

[E]

a gentleman to see you.

[D]

Says it's most important, and he asked me to give you this cash.

[C]

Oh, thank you. Oh, Mother.

[B]

Mahalier.

[C]

Show him up, please, Mrs. Hudson.

[D]

Very good.

[B]

Morning, Mahali. And who's he?

[C]

I've not had the pleasure of meeting him personally, but I'm quite familiar with his scientific reputation.

[B]

Scientific, all right. In what does he specialize?

[C]

Oh, I. I suppose one might refer to him as one of the greatest authorities on all matters connected with the occult.

[B]

You mean the fellow dabbles in supernatural stuff and all that sort of thing?

[C]

I mean, my dear Watson, that Walter Mahali is an extremely intelligent man with a thoroughly comprehensive and scholarly knowledge of his field and an intense belief in the existence of the supernatural force. Here he is to speak for himself. Oh, come in, Holly. Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

[D]

You're Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

[B]

Yes, sir.

[C]

This is my colleague, Dr. Watson.

[B]

How do you do, Mr. Holly?

[D]

How do you do, Doctor?

[B]

Won't you Sit down, sir.

[D]

Thank you. Well, you fellas are probably wondering who I am and what's brought me here.

[B]

We're not wondering who you are, Mr. Harley. My friend Holmes is just telling me of your scientific eminence.

[D]

I'm flattered that you know of me, Holmes. Just the same, you're wondering why I'm here.

[C]

Naturally, sir.

[D]

Well, since you know I'm a student of the occult, I'll get right down to my problem. Mr. Holmes. Have you ever heard of the headless monk of Trevenis Chapel?

[C]

Oh, yes indeed, Mr. Holly. An apparition to be counted among our more intangible national treasures, I should say.

[B]

I'm sorry to feel stupid, but I have never heard of the headless monk of whatever it is Chapel.

[D]

Well then, let me tell you about it, Doctor.

[B]

Yes, I wish you would.

[D]

Trebens Manor in Cornwall was once an abbey. It was expropriated during the reign of Henry viii and several of the monks were killed in some of the. Some of the minor difficulties attendant on such an act. But one of the murdered monks, a certain Brother Hugh, the chapel organist, was persistent. He still haunts the chapel today. He still plays the organ. And since he was beheaded, he always appears headless.

[B]

Charming Little legend, Mr. Harley. But you don't expect us to believe it's anything but a legend, surely?

[D]

Ah, skeptic, eh? How about you, Mr. Holmes?

[C]

I'm extremely curious to know why you've come to see me, Mr. Harley.

[D]

I'll tell you why. I have a rare opportunity to investigate the phenomena. You see, the son of an old friend of mine, a young fellow by the name of Leonard Miles, is secretary to the owner of Trevennis Manor. He asked me to stay there and I find the invitation irresistible. Particularly since the phenomena have curiously increased of late, Mr. Holmes. Almost as though some more mortal agency were motivating them.

[C]

Now I see why you've come to me, Mr. Holly.

[D]

I knew you would, Holmes. You see, I'm like my good friend and fellow investigator Carnacki. I believe in being prepared to meet phenomena on either the natural or the supernatural plane. If the phenomena are real, then they fall legitimately in my field.

[C]

Whereas if, as I'm sure you suspect, they are being contrived by human forces, then. You think that's part of my department, eh? Holly, Fix it.

[B]

What do you say, Holmes? A little trip to Cornwall would be a nice few days. We, we probably escaped the fog down there.

[C]

Ah, the place is with the weather, Watson, Huh? I'm much more concerned with the fog that Surrounds the appearances of the headless monk at Trevenous Chapel. Mr. Harley, I accept your invitation with pleasure. There's still time to catch the Cornish express. We can be at Trevenous Manor before the moon is.

[B]

Hello. Who's this funny looking fellow coming down the steps towards us?

[D]

If I didn't hear the sound of his footsteps I believe it was a psychic manifestation. He certainly looks as if he came

[C]

from beyond the grave.

[F]

Who be ye gentlemen? Where be going?

[B]

Supposing you tell us who you are first, my good man.

[F]

Who be I? I be David Ben Dragon, sir, that's who I be. Stable and here at the manor. And I ask you gentlemen again, where you be going?

[D]

Staying at the manor and we're just going to take a look at the chapel.

[F]

Oh don't he do that, sir. People that go in there don't often come out the way they go in, sir. Don't ee do it gentlemen?

[B]

What are you talking about my good fellow?

[F]

I be talking about the ghoulies and the ghosties and the organ music that comes out of the nowheres.

[D]

You you heard it?

[F]

Of course I heard it sir. Just like I seen the poor monk walking around without his head on.

[D]

Take us into the chapel will you and show us where you saw the figure.

[F]

I. E That I will not, sir. Not for all the gold in port. Cor will I go back and chance seeing the poor lost soul wandering about without his head on. If you gentlemen know what's good for. He'll not go in there either, mark my words.

[B]

Don't he go in that chapel Extraordina. Seems really frightened of the place.

[D]

Yes, but it's more than blind superstition that accounts for his reluctance.

[C]

Let's go in, shall we?

[B]

I suppose it's all right.

[F]

Great Scott, listen to that. The organ, the ghost plane.

[D]

We're extremely fortunate. A psychic manifestation as soon as we enter. Remarkable.

[B]

Psychic manifestation.

[F]

Rubbish.

[B]

Look who's sitting at the keyboard. It's Holmes. Holmes. What's the matter Watson? What's the matter? You frightened us to death. Didn't he, Harley?

[D]

Speaking for myself, Doctor, it disappointed me. I thought it was a genuine phenomenon.

[B]

What do you think you're doing, Holmes? I thought you were still behind us.

[C]

I'm sorry if I frightened you, Watson. I was curious about this organ. I slipped in by the side door ahead of you and tested the instrument. It's in astonishingly good condition for a disused chapel, don't you think Holly?

[D]

Yes I do, Holmes.

[C]

One might reasonably presume that someone tends it with great care in fact I would go further and say.

[E]

What are you doing in here?

[C]

We are guests at the manor house and we decided to pay a visit to the chapel before we paid our respects to our host.

[E]

Oh, my father is your host. I'm Dorothy Brown.

[C]

How do you do? My name is Holmes and These gentlemen are Dr. Watson and Mr. Harley.

[E]

How do you do Dr. Watson? Mr. Harley. I heard the organ music and I was terribly frightened. You've heard of the legend I suppose?

[B]

You mean about the headless monk and the ghostly organ music, Ms. Brownlee?

[E]

Yes doctor, and it's more than a legend I assure you. That's why I rushed over here as soon as I heard it. It must have frightened all the servants within hearing distance. Why were you playing the organ?

[C]

I was curious to see whether it was in good repair.

[E]

Obviously it is Mr. Holmes. Well my father and his secretary Mr. Miles are expecting you. I know. Walk over to the house, shall we? I'm sure you've seen enough of the chapel for tonight. Father. This is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[B]

How do you do?

[C]

How'd you do?

[B]

How do you do?

[C]

This is my secretary, Leonard Miles. How do you do Mr.

[B]

Miles?

[C]

Dr. Watson. I'm afraid Mr. Brownlee is rather angry with me. I hadn't told him that you were an expert on psychic phenomena, Mr. Harley.

[D]

I fail to see why the knowledge of that fact should make you angry. Mr. Brownlee.

[C]

I don't want you ferreting about into this so called ghost business. There's been enough trouble in the neighborhood already. It's almost impossible to keep servants and these Cornish people are incredibly superstitious. You haven't seen the ghost yourself Mr. Brownlee? Oh, of course not. There isn't any ghost I tell you. You heard the mysterious organ playing, hmm? Uh, well no, no I haven't and I don't want to talk about it anymore. Yes? Yes, what is it?

[D]

David?

[C]

Pendragon's at the door. He's very anxious to see you, sir. Pendragon? Very well, tell him to come in.

[E]

Yes, David, what does he want I wonder?

[B]

Pendragon. That's the fellow we met outside the chapel, isn't it?

[D]

He is quite a colorful character.

[C]

He's a superstitious old fool if you ask me but he is a good groom. Yes, Pendragon, what is it?

[F]

Begging your pardon sir, but there be trouble at the chapel again tonight. I says to myself, David, tis your duty to go to the master.

[C]

I say. Oh never mind, never mind. What's the trouble?

[F]

As the moon was hanging low to night sir, I hears the organ a playing.

[B]

But that was Mr. Holmes, my good man.

[F]

Ay, that's what he thinks. Maybe what I says to myself is what made him play the organ. Then this very night I saw the headless monk with my own eyes. I saw that poor soul with his head off wandering in the moonlight. I saw that sir, with my own eyes. I did.

[C]

Oh get out of here you blithering old fool. And I'm warning you, if I hear any more nonsense about this ghost you'll

[F]

lose your job, you understand?

[C]

Now come along, be off with you.

[F]

Ay sir. Begging your pardon sir.

[C]

Come on, I'll give you chap to drink.

[B]

Mr. Brown, it seems absolutely rabid on the subject of the ghost, eh?

[C]

Yes, suspiciously so. Wonder what he's trying to hide.

[D]

Whatever it is, I don't think he'll be successful. In your profession Holmes you know that Murder will out. It's true in my profession also. Try to suppress them as you may gentlemen. Ghosts will out.

[B]

Well Holmes, this place may be haunted but I swear that I never spent a better night anywhere.

[C]

Ah, good morning Mr. Harley.

[D]

Good morning.

[B]

Good morning sir. Good morning.

[D]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only late riser.

[B]

Were you up late too, sir?

[D]

Yes I was doctor. I decided to ignore the veiled threats of Mr. Brownlee and so I did a little investigating in the chapel. Would you mind passing the teapot?

[C]

And what were the results of your investigations, Mr. Harley?

[D]

Well, there was no psychic manifestation, you understand. But I'm sure of one thing. That chapel is evil. Evil to the hearts of its stones. And I'll swear that evil does not stem from the hapless monk who was murdered there.

[C]

You confirmed certain suspicions aroused by my own investigations last night. There is evil here, Mr. Harley, and I think I know its nature. Unless I mistake every sign and reaction, someone has been initiating the local peasantry into the evils of the Black Mass.

[B]

Black mass? Good Lord, what a shocking thought.

[D]

My own sensations last night confirm your Terry Holmes. There is a coven here, I swear it, hiding its own obscene practices under cover of the haunting.

[B]

Well that sounds quite feasible. After all the people are so superstitious that they'd keep as far away as possible from the chapel when they when they heard the organ playing.

[C]

This problem falls into both our fields, honey. The practice of black magic is a criminal offense.

[B]

Perhaps it's just as well the old laws against witchcraft are still in force.

[C]

I imagine, Mr. Harley, that you have your own methods of combating such forces as we're up against?

[D]

Oh yes, Holmes. Though mine are not connected with the legal aspect of the case.

[B]

May I ask what you plan to do, sir?

[D]

Well, I have several rather elaborate preparations to make, Doctor. It'll take me most of the day, I'm afraid. However, I shall explain them to you all after dinner tonight.

[B]

It's very pleasant to sit here after a good dinner with a superb brandy at one's elbow and listen to the piano being so charmingly played.

[E]

You're very kind.

[C]

Won't you play something more, Ms. Brownley?

[E]

I'd love to.

[C]

Are you enjoying your stay down here? Oh, very much, thank you. Both Mr. Harry and I have found the local folklore extremely interesting. I see you fellows haven't been investigating the haunted chapel business again, have you?

[F]

Oh look here, if you have, I

[C]

shall be very angry. It's abusing my hospitality. I told you distinctly I didn't want any more talk of ghosts.

[D]

We are not talking of ghosts, my dear Mr. Brownlee. I have something even more important that I must fight now. It's possibly a little hard to imagine me as a crusader. Me, the stooped little man beside the four of you as toweringly tall a quartet of men as I have ever faced. And yet I am your St. George.

[F]

What on earth are you talking about, sir?

[D]

I'll tell you in secrecy. This mustn't reach the ears of the peasantry. I refer to myself as St. George because I go to wipe out an evil that lives in your midst. A living modern dragon.

[E]

Please, Mr. Harley, that sounds deadly frightening.

[D]

And to rid you all of this fiend I must cleanse the chapel, purify it, exorcise it, remove its residue of psychic evil. That, gentleman, is my mission tonight.

[C]

Dorothy fainted.

[B]

Get some smelling salts, quickly.

[C]

I'm afraid you were a little too graphic, Mr. Harley.

[D]

I'm sorry if I frightened the young lady, but I. I'm sure that after tonight she will have no further grounds for fear in Trevennis. Man.

[C]

Holmes? Yes, old chap?

[D]

Did you hear anything?

[C]

Nothing but the owls and the clock striking midnight. I'm getting awfully jumpy. What do you suppose Harley's up to? I can imagine his procedure. Midnight, the crucial hour. I suppose in his endeavors I wish him luck. My own plans are not nearly as clear. Unfortunately, I sense a guiding force here that I lack the clues.

[F]

There is something, Holmes.

[D]

Listen.

[C]

Great heavens. It's the organ in the chapel.

[B]

And hall is in there alone.

[E]

Not alone.

[C]

Listen to the organ peeling forth its madness. Come on, Watson. Something has gone horribly wrong.

[A]

You'll Hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. You know a moment ago I told you how much I thought you'd like Petri California sherry. But I didn't tell you that Petri sherry is the all round, all American wine. You can not only serve Petri sherry before dinner it's good after dinner too. And of course later in the evening when you're listening to the radio with some friends a glass of Petri sherry is just the thing. And say Petrie makes two kinds of sherry. The regular and Petri pale dry to make sure you get the one that you like best.

[D]

Do what I do.

[A]

Don't buy one, buy two. But remember, always buy petri. Dr. Watson, that was a heck of a place to break off your story.

[B]

Then let us continue it as speedily as possible my boy. As soon as we heard that devilish organ music Holmes and I rushed out of the house and raced in the moonlight down the path leading to the ruined chapel. By the time we reached the entrance the organ music had ceased and the tall gangling figure of David Pendragon was standing in our path.

[F]

You gentlemen be wanting at this time of night.

[C]

What are you doing here? Oi.

[F]

I be here because the gentleman gave me five shillings to stand outside here and see that no one disturbed him. That's why I be here and nobody did come or go. He still be there he be.

[B]

When you heard that organ music why the devil didn't you go in?

[F]

Organ music? I heard no organ music.

[C]

Come on Watson. Great heavens, look at him. We're too late. Poor devil. A knife through his heart.

[B]

It's obvious who did it at full of Pendragon. I'll go and grab him before he gets away.

[C]

He's not our man. This murder was planned with devilish cunning.

[B]

Curious thing. There's no sign of a struggle at all. He just stood here and allowed himself to be stabbed.

[C]

Is that these chalk marks with which the body is surrounded? They're known as a pentagram. I believe he thought it would protect him completely from the supernatural forces.

[B]

Poor chap. For once his researches went too far.

[C]

Yes, because they touched not on the supernatural but upon natural evil. And remember Watson that only three people besides ourselves and David Pendragon knew of this Vigil.

[B]

Yes, Brownlee, his daughter and young Miles, a secretary.

[C]

Exactly. Go back to the house will you and bring them here. Perhaps we can lay a ghost by trapping a murderer. And that's all I know Mr. Holmes.

[B]

Well you've not established much so far Holmes. Three of them all swear that they were asleep and that they didn't hear the organ?

[C]

Yes. Then you can't prove otherwise. I think I can prove that one of you was not only awake but also murdered. Mauda. Mahaly.

[E]

Why should any of us want the poor man dead?

[C]

In your case, young lady, I confess that I find it hard to conceive a motive implying that Mr. Brownlee and I might have one.

[B]

Well, Mr. Miles, you must admit that you are responsible for Mr. Harley coming here.

[C]

And you, Mr. Brownlee, must admit that you did everything in your power to prevent the dead man from carrying out his investigations. Why? What were you trying to hide? Nothing. It's just that I wanted to sell the manor house. All this talk about ghosts was giving the place a bad name. And if it had gone on I'd never have disposed of the property. Well, speculation can get us nowhere. Let's get down to facts. Is there any other entrance to this chapel besides the two doors? None.

[E]

There was an old smuggler's cave which came out near the organ loft but Father had it bricked up some years ago.

[C]

I had to. The tourists kept crawling in. Go and examine it, will you, Watson, old chap. If you don't mind my saying so, Mr. Holmes, it seems obvious who did this murder you told us. David Pendragon admitted that no one went in or out as he stood guard. He must have done it himself. Oh, the man's half witted and superstitious.

[E]

He might have killed Mr. Harley because he was attempting to interfere with a

[C]

ghost and then played the organ to celebrate the occasion. I think you overestimate David Pendragon's capabilities, Ms. Brownlee. Mr. Miles. Yes, Mr. Holmes? Pendragon is waiting outside. Would you be kind enough to ask him to come here for a moment, please? Certainly. What did you find out, Watson?

[B]

Well, it's easy to see where it was bricked up, but it's a solid wall now. No one could get in that way.

[C]

But if no one came in or out, who else could have killed Harley except Pendragon? The ghost. Or rather the person disguised as a ghost. The dead man expected a psychic manifestation. When he. When he saw the supposed ghost coming towards him, he offered no resistance. He believed that the magical pentagram would protect him. Ah, there you are, David.

[F]

Ay, here I be, sir. But I don't know nothing more than what I told ee.

[C]

Oh, don't be fighting, Pendragon. All we want is the truth.

[F]

That's what I told thee, sir.

[C]

And tell us a little more, will you? When you Said no one had entered the chapel tonight. You meant that no mortal man had entered, didn't you?

[F]

That I did, sir. But how could I say I'd seen the ghost when Mr. Brownlee here told me I'd lose my job if I spoke of the ghost again?

[B]

Now we're getting somehow. So you did see the ghost?

[F]

That I did, sir. The poor soul walking through the moonlight with no head on his body.

[C]

You saw it quite clearly?

[F]

Just as clearly as I sees you now, sir.

[C]

How tall was he? He was. Would you.

[F]

Would you mind standing against the wall, sir?

[C]

Yes, of course.

[F]

He was as tall as. Well, his shoulders come to just where your shoulders come now, sir.

[B]

A tall man then, sir. We narrow it down to either you Mr. Brownlee, or you Mr. Miles.

[C]

This is utterly ridiculous. Of course it is. On the contrary, gentlemen, the case is solved.

[B]

Which one of them was at Holmes? Neither.

[C]

Remember that the ghost is headless. That means that the imposter must have built up fake shoulders covering the heads. On either of these men it would have brought their shoulders to the level of my head.

[B]

Great Scott. It was.

[E]

Bravo, Mr. Holmes. I didn't think you'd catch me.

[C]

Dorothy. No, no, I don't want you.

[E]

Keep back. Don't any of you come near me. As you see, I have a revolver.

[C]

Dorothy, for heaven's sake, don't speak to me of heaven.

[E]

You thought I was a sweet little girl, didn't you father? You didn't know your dear demure daughter could murder a man, did you?

[C]

Why did you kill Multa Mahaly?

[E]

Because he was a meddler. For months I'd been practicing black magic here. For months I'd been building up the legend of the headless monk and the organ music. It made me so wonderfully alone, so gloriously free to practice the rites. And then he came here. I let him live that first night because I thought he was a fool. But on the second when he said he was going to exorcise this chapel to purify it as he said he signed his death warrant. If you could have seen his face. If you could only have seen his stupid toddled face as I plunged the knife into him. Sorrowful, he bled so beautifully. Holmes.

[B]

Holmes. She's mad as a hat. What are we going to do, Barry?

[C]

Give me that revolver.

[E]

And let you take me to prison or an asylum? No, you'll never catch me.

[B]

She's backing up the stairs leading to the organ loft. Dorothy. Dorothy, come back.

[E]

Don't go and follow me.

[B]

Look out the ratings behind you.

[E]

And turn my head. Oh, no. Mr. Holmes, I.

[F]

Think.

[B]

Dorothy. My poor little girl.

[C]

Mr. Brownlee, the powers of evil are frightening. Your daughter had killed one man and might have killed more. She was insane. Hopelessly insane.

[A]

Well, doctor, that was quite an exciting story. You know, I wish I could play the organ and write music for it. There's nothing like music to really express a thought.

[B]

Yes, I can just imagine the kind of music you'd write. Probably catchy little ditties such as the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you drink, remember Petri wine.

[A]

Oh, no, Doctor. Is that the way I affect you? Although on the level. You could probably write beautiful music to describe the way the grapes look on the vine in the sunlight. But what music could tell you about the Petrie family How long they've been making fine wine. You know, the Petrie family has been making wine for generations. Handing on down from father to son, from father to son the knowledge necessary to transform luscious sun ripened California grapes into delicious, fragrant wine. And when you see that name, Petri, on a bottle of wine, remember, you're not looking at a mere trademark. That name, Petri, is the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle meets their unusually high standard. Petri wine is always good wine. It's got to be, because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes adventure do you have lined up for us next week?

[B]

Well, now, let me think. Next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you a story that started quietly enough as Holmes and I sat at a London dinner party. And yet, before the evening was over, we found ourselves involved in one of the most shocking scandals that ever rocked London. Soc.

[A]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, the Adventure of the Devil's Foot. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwood Mayor. 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. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.