Dr. Watson (3:49)

It is, of course, very beautiful.

Sherlock Holmes (3:52)

Downside, better than those pea soup fogs and the bitter cold of a few months ago. Thank goodness, all is peaceful here. I don't know about you, but I'm getting quite an appetite. Surely we must come across a country inn very soon.

Dr. Watson (4:07)

Well, according to this map, we're some miles from a village called Little Sutton Road.

Sherlock Holmes (4:10)

Well, that may be it, down there.

Dr. Watson (4:13)

What a view.

Sherlock Holmes (4:14)

Shall we stop for a few minutes, Holmes?

Dr. Watson (4:16)

I could do with a breather. Oh, very well, I'll take the reins.

Sherlock Holmes (4:20)

There we go. Let's get down and stretch our legs. Well, certainly a great sight. An undulating patchwork of different colored fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Ah, golden corn and sweetest breeze bring peace and quiet to an English heart.

Dr. Watson (4:43)

You wax very poetic this morning, Boxing. I appreciate the tranquility of all that lies before us, but I. I do confess that to live amongst all this for very long would become unsatisfying. One needs mental stimulation.

Sherlock Holmes (4:54)

Oh, I should have thought you'd had enough of that to last a lifetime. Thank goodness we've escaped from crime and violence, at least for a short while. Personally, I seen so much pain and.

Dr. Watson (5:05)

Suffering that I could carefully become travellers in a hurry. The road is quite narrow. It's not be pulled off to the side.

Sherlock Holmes (5:16)

The driver's Oscar. Oh, get me. Give me that horse. I saw the horse rear up the carriage about to topple over. The driver lost the reins, and unless the animal was controlled, I knew there'd be a dreadful disaster. Instinctively normal, like thinking, I threw myself forward, grabbing at the horse's head on the rifle turn off. My weight slowed him down. I was conscious of being dragged forward. There was a pain in my shoulder. My arms seemed to be wrenched out of their sockets. Suddenly I felt a searing stab of agony. Mercifully, all went dark and silent.

Dr. Watson (5:57)

How is he, doctor?

Sherlock Holmes (5:58)

He'll be all right. He's broken a few ribs. I don't like the look of those bruises, but if you ask me, he's been extremely lucky.

Dr. Watson (6:05)

Should he be taken to hospital?

Sherlock Holmes (6:06)

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

Dr. Watson (6:07)

He's a very strong man.

Sherlock Holmes (6:09)

Let him lie here in this comfortable room at the Dapple Duck. You have no immediate plan?

Dr. Watson (6:15)

No, no, we were taking a country tour with no definite plans. As long as he's comfortable and in no danger.

Sherlock Holmes (6:20)

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. He's a medical man himself, I understand.

Dr. Watson (6:23)

Yes, that's right.

Sherlock Holmes (6:24)

Then he will know what attitude to take when. When he becomes himself again. Just leave him. Let nature take its course. I'll be in the village if you need me at all. Good day to you, Mr. Holmes.

Dr. Watson (6:35)

Good day to you, Doctor. I'll show you out.

Sherlock Holmes (6:37)

I was conscious of what Holmes and the doctor were saying, and strangely enough, in spite of the aches and pains, I felt quite peaceful. I may have been given some form of opiate. I can only remember feeling quite at ease, knowing that Holmes would take good care of me.

Dr. Watson (6:52)

Come in.

Mary Cook (6:55)

Oh, excuse me. You are Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

Dr. Watson (6:58)

That is correct.

Mary Cook (6:59)

My name's Mary Cook.

Reva Low (7:00)

I've come here to inquire into the.

Mary Cook (7:02)

Condition of your friend who so gallantly rescued us this morning. My mistress and I were in the carriage that nearly overturned. I'd been sent from Rensburg Manor to convey our grateful thanks.

Dr. Watson (7:11)

My friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, is suffering from a few injuries, but I'm assured that he'll make a speedy recovery. Please, won't you sit down and discuss this whole matter? We were parked at the roadside when we heard a shot and your horse was frightened into bolting. Can you tell me who was in the carriage at that time?

Mary Cook (7:26)

Just myself and my mistress, Miss Riva Lowe. It's all very distressing. You see, Miss Low and I have only just arrived in this country from South Africa. We were on our way to Rendsburg Manor. My mistress is an heiress and has been left the manor and all the estates in her uncle's will. Oh, what a dreadful welcome. Are you sure that Dr. Watson's all right?

Dr. Watson (7:47)

Oh, yes, he's a very tough fellow. He'll pull through soon enough. Has anyone inquired into the shooting incident?

Mary Cook (7:52)

Why, no, I. Well, I assumed it was someone shooting in the woods. Oh, what an unfortunate incident.

Dr. Watson (7:59)

Yes, particularly as the bullet from the gun ricocheted off the rocks on the bank where we were standing. I don't wish to add to your anxieties, Ms. Cook, but I have the distinct impression that the shot was deliberately fired at either your carriage or ours.

Reva Low (8:12)

Oh.

Mary Cook (8:12)

Oh, but surely that cannot be.

Dr. Watson (8:14)

Well, as you were strangers to this country, it would be unlikely that you should be target of such an attack. And so you mean.

Mary Cook (8:20)

You mean someone aimed at you?

Dr. Watson (8:21)

It is quite possible. I am a man with few friends but many enemies. Please do not distress yourself on my account. If this was not an accident, you may be sure I shall find out the true cause of it.

Sherlock Holmes (8:32)

All well.

Dr. Watson (8:33)

Thank you for calling, Ms. Cook. Convey my respects to your mistress and assure her that all is well. Good day to you.

Sherlock Holmes (8:43)

Within a couple of days I was feeling more myself again. I'd managed to bandage up my chest to give support to my injured ribcage, but the comfort it gave me was offset by the heat it generated. However, I made progress. There was a goodwill note and a bowl of fruit from the ladies up at the manor and an invitation to call upon them whenever I was able. For most of the time I sat in the small back garden of the Dappleduck Inn under the shade of the large oak tree. Sherlock Holmes disappeared for hours at a time. I was surprised as he seemed cheerful and enjoying himself no end. Then on the third day, he suggested a quiet drive up to Rainsburg Manor. The mistress of the house, Reeve Low, received us graciously.

Reva Low (9:31)

Oh, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson. How good of you to call. We've been so anxious about you. Doctor. Are you recovering from the accident?

Sherlock Holmes (9:38)

Yes, I. I shall be myself again quite shortly. There's nothing to give concern.

Reva Low (9:42)

Well, I think you're a very brave man and we are much in your debt. May I introduce you? This is Harley Albright, our family lawyer. Newman, the squire of little Sutton, Mr. Robert Higgins. How do you do? Mary Cook, my companion in the carriage. You already know she's just as grateful to you as I am. Mary, have we sherry and biscuits to offer our guests?

Mary Cook (10:04)

Yes, they're there on the side table.

Reva Low (10:06)

Oh, thank you. Mr. Albright. I wonder if you'd be so kind, but.

Sherlock Holmes (10:09)

Yes, yes, yes, of course. Allow me.

Dr. Watson (10:12)

I do trust that things will settle down for you. Now, Ms. Low. You have inherited these estates, I understand.

Reva Low (10:17)

Under the terms of Uncle David's will. Yes. I must say I don't understand it very clearly. In these matters I am totally in the hands of lawyers.

Sherlock Holmes (10:25)

Well, Esquire, I can state most definitely that you couldn't be better represented. Albright has handled my affairs with great.

Robert Higgins (10:32)

Skill for many years. Mine too. Not that a hard worked farmer like myself has a great deal to handle. And I've enough to do trying to make the land pay for itself.

Mary Cook (10:41)

I'm sure you manage admirably, Mr. Higgins. If the farmlands about here belong to you, then you've something to be proud of. I've never seen such a green land.

Robert Higgins (10:49)

Thank you, Ms. Cook. I'd like to show you around him sometime.

Sherlock Holmes (10:52)

But I think we'd do better to.

Robert Higgins (10:55)

Start by calling each other by our.

Sherlock Holmes (10:56)

Christian names, don't you?

Reva Low (10:57)

Should we not take Our refreshments into the garden. It's still so dreadfully hot. There are shady umbrellas under the trees. Can you manage, Dr. Watson?

Sherlock Holmes (11:05)

Oh yes, yes, quite easily, thank you.

Reva Low (11:07)

Allow me to help you, Doctor.

Robert Higgins (11:09)

And I too, if I can be of any assistance.

Sherlock Holmes (11:12)

How about you, Albright? Oh yes, yes, yes. I have a great deal to look. Perhaps a few minutes in the garden, then back to work. Papers to prepare. You know.

Dr. Watson (11:23)

That leaves us together, Ms. Lowe. I understand you come from South Africa. A most fascinating land. What part you come from? The Cape.

Reva Low (11:32)

My family were amongst the early settlers. This is the first time I've been to England. Actually there's such a contrast.

Sherlock Holmes (11:43)

That was the most agreeable visit.

Dr. Watson (11:44)

Homes, I think.

Sherlock Holmes (11:45)

Beaver Low and her made companion is delightful. The Squire and Robert Higgins too. Very pleasant. A happy community. Pity we can't stay longer that I'm quite able to travel.

Dr. Watson (11:56)

No. What? I said no. You are incapable of enjoying a further holiday and reluctant to return to the heat of the city. I suggest we stay where we are.

Sherlock Holmes (12:05)

But Holmes. Holmes is more to this than meets the eye. Now, just what are you up to?

Dr. Watson (12:10)

What?

Reva Low (12:10)

You.

Sherlock Holmes (12:11)

Why do you really wish to remain here in Little Sutton?

Dr. Watson (12:14)

I wish to remain, Watson, because I know all is not happy. If I stay I may put a stop to a miscarriage of justice. I may be able to prevent a murder.

Sherlock Holmes (12:24)

I looked at Holmes in sheer amazement. I knew that he longed for the excitement of the city and his routine of continual investigation. Surely here in the peace of the countryside. He had to be mistaken. But he was quite serious.

Dr. Watson (12:39)

Oh yes, I am quite serious. This isn't daydreaming on my part. You see, I've been wondering about that accident. It was caused by a shot from the woods on the other side of the road. It might have been an accident. A poacher, a wild shot at a rabbit, something like that. But I don't think so. It was deliberately fired at that carriage. It could not have been meant for us. No one, not even Mrs. Hudson, knows we're here. While you've been lying down recovering, I've been making a few inquiries.

Sherlock Holmes (13:06)

Oh, you mean into the affairs of Rendsburg Manor?

Dr. Watson (13:08)

Yes. I find that David Rensburg died under very strange circumstances. He was found dead after taking a.

Sherlock Holmes (13:14)

Jump whilst out riding one morning.

Dr. Watson (13:16)

He was alone and there were no witnesses. He was an expert horseman and had cleared that fence most days of his riding life. The horse was found grazing some mile away. Nothing wrong. Must have been an accident.

Sherlock Holmes (13:28)

Well, these things do happen. Why should it arouse Your suspicion because.

Dr. Watson (13:31)

He made a will? It was a most strange one. I cannot find out the conditions, but I think there's going to be some controversy within the next few days. I can spell danger, Watson. I'm a man who deals only in facts, not suspicions. But I smell danger.

Sherlock Holmes (13:46)

I had learned never to take Sherlock Holmes views light. He was a man who rarely wasted time, and if he felt the need to stay on down at Little Sutton, then I was quite agreeable. In any case, I was still in great discomfort, and it was easier to convalesce on the countryside than back in the city. But it was some days later, before Holmes fears were confirmed. Ms. Reeva Lowe called at the inn. It was in the early evening.

Reva Low (14:13)

I'm sorry to arrive like this, Mr. Holmes, but I took a chance on the fact that you might still be here. May I talk to you in confidence?

Dr. Watson (14:20)

By all means, do take a seat.

Reva Low (14:22)

Thank you. I hardly know where to begin. Well, the fact is, since Mary and I arrived up at the manor, things have not been as trouble free as I should have liked to start with. The terms of my uncle's will are very strange. They require that I shall stay at the manor for a whole year before the estates are legally mine.

Dr. Watson (14:42)

These things often take some time, but a year is rather unusual.

Reva Low (14:46)

Yes, particularly because after that year I shall be required to prove my identity as being sound of mind and body.

Dr. Watson (14:53)

Extraordinary. May I ask if there are any other clauses in the will? Should you not fulfill the conditions, who would stand to benefit?

Reva Low (14:59)

That's the curious thing. No one else. I am the only relative. And so why all these strange conditions?

Dr. Watson (15:07)

Yes, well, if it's all legally drawn up, I don't see what could be done about it.

Reva Low (15:10)

Neither do I. But that isn't all that's bothering me. The fact is, I don't wish to be over fanciful, but I have a feeling that it's a very unlucky house.

Dr. Watson (15:20)

In what way?

Reva Low (15:21)

Well, to start with, there was the accident with the carriage before I even arrived at the manor, and then since then, several things have happened, even in this short time. The other day, Mary and I were out relaxing on the terrace, enjoying the Podbean.

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Reva Low (16:08)

Oh, isn't this heavenly? So beautifully cool under the trees. Yes, lovely.

Mary Cook (16:15)

Oh, it's too hot for tea, don't you think? What about iced lemonade? There's some waiting.

Reva Low (16:21)

Oh, look, here's Sandy.

Mary Cook (16:22)

Your uncle's old tomcat.

Reva Low (16:24)

Sandy.

Mary Cook (16:24)

I wonder if he misses his master. Doesn't appear to.

Reva Low (16:27)

I don't think Uncle David liked cats very much. He must have been much more of a dog man. Let's give Sandy a saucer of milk. I'd like some lemonade, please.

Mary Cook (16:38)

There we are, Sandy.

Reva Low (16:39)

That's nice.

Mary Cook (16:42)

Well, what are the rest of your plans for today?

Reva Low (16:44)

Mr. Albright is preparing some papers for signing. He should be here in a moment. Then the squire and Robert are coming for luncheon. Incidentally, I think Robert is becoming very attached to you. He talks of nothing else.

Mary Cook (16:55)

You must be imagining.

Reva Low (16:58)

What is the matter? What's the matter with Sandy? Sandy?

Mary Cook (17:01)

He seems to be having some sort of fit.

Reva Low (17:04)

Oh. Oh, I think. No. He's lying so still now. I think he's dead. Oh, no. Of course, Sandy was a very old cat. He hadn't been well and we were told that he was subject to fits. But the incident was upsetting. We naturally called the servants and retired into the house. The cat was dead and buried in a favorite spot in the garden. Well, I thought nothing more about the incident until noon today. It's been yet again another boiling hot day. Mary was about some duties in the house and I borrowed her green and white parasol and stepped out into the garden. I wandered quietly across the lawns, returning to the house along the open terrace. I was happy, humming to myself, at peace with the world, when. Maury. Mary, Is that you up there? It was all over so quickly, Mr. Holmes. I was on the terrace when I thought I heard a sound from above. I looked up at the veranda and then one of the heavy flower pots containing pink geraniums crashed down towards me. I just had time to jump aside before it broke into pieces on the tiles. There is no doubt that I could have been killed if I'd not moved quickly.

Dr. Watson (18:29)

And this is the latest accident.

Reva Low (18:31)

Yes, but now I am sure they're not accidents. There is someone trying to cause me bodily harm.

Dr. Watson (18:38)

Yes, yes, indeed. You or another.

Reva Low (18:41)

I beg your pardon?

Dr. Watson (18:41)

No, no, no, it's. It's nothing. I do agree with you, Ms. Lair. I think you have cause for alarm. In fact, I'm sure there is a vicious plot Afoot up at the Nanna. With your kind permission, I should like free access to the house at all times, day and night.

Reva Low (18:53)

By all means. I have spare keys.

Dr. Watson (18:56)

But first tell me, the cats that died, did anyone think of examining the milk on that milk tray?

Reva Low (19:00)

No. No. You mean you think it could have been poisoned?

Dr. Watson (19:03)

Almost certainly. Tell me who was in the house at the time.

Reva Low (19:06)

Just the servants. We had guests to lunch. The Squire and Robert Higgins, both of whom you've met.

Dr. Watson (19:12)

You find both men agreeable company? Did they pay you much attention?

Reva Low (19:17)

Yes, I think they were both uncle's friends and they're doing their best to make us feel at home. The Squire is most attentive towards me and Robert is more than anxious to look after Mary. In fact he seems quite infatuated with her.

Dr. Watson (19:29)

He does? That's very interesting. Well, let me gather a few things together and find out if Watson is agreeable to taking a trip to the manor. You have transport?

Reva Low (19:36)

Yes, yes, thank you. I have a Cab. Thank you. Mr. Holmes, I need hardly tell you that I'd be most grateful if you'd keep this conversation to yourself. I don't want the others to know of my suspicions. Can it remain a secret between us?

Dr. Watson (19:47)

Of course. But I think it's very important for us not to deceive each other. I am a well known detective and I shall find out the truth sooner or later. And so.

Reva Low (19:56)

So?

Dr. Watson (19:57)

So why don't you stop all this deception and tell me the whole truth here and now.

Sherlock Holmes (20:06)

Of course I agreed to accompany Holmes up to the manor. He didn't bother to explain the circumstances to me. Both he and Riva Low were silent for the whole journey. Then to my surprise, we didn't drive the whole way. Holmes stopped the carriage just outside the grounds.

Dr. Watson (20:27)

This will do nicely, thank you. Will you get off here Watson?

Sherlock Holmes (20:31)

Oh, all right, if you say so.

Reva Low (20:34)

Here, Mr. Holmes, I think you'll need these keys. They are to the whole house. The largest one is the well. It's the old side entrance, that'll be the safest way in.

Dr. Watson (20:44)

Oh, thank you. Remember all I have said and good luck.

Reva Low (20:46)

Thank you. Thank you. I shall remember. Come on boy. Come on, come on.

Sherlock Holmes (20:55)

Now look here Holmes, I'm accustomed to being kept in the dark about quite a lot, but I really must insist that you give me something information. How am I supposed to help if I don't know what's going on?

Dr. Watson (21:06)

All will be revealed to you shortly. Watson. The fact that. Fact is that I was right. There is a murder planned so far a few Attempts have been made under the COVID of an accident, but those have all failed. And I have reason to think that there'll be a more serious attempt made this very night. Come, we have a long wait ahead of us.

Sherlock Holmes (21:21)

The lights were ablaze at the manor, flooding through the open windows and spreading across the lawns. It wasn't easy to approach the house without being seen. We dodged from shadowed tree to thick and eventually stopped near the side of the house. We waited. Hearing voices from within, I could tell that the squire, Robert Higgins and Harley Albright were all present. It seemed to be hours before the guests departed. I'll call on you tomorrow, Mary.

Robert Higgins (21:49)

That's what I mean.

Mary Cook (21:50)

Yes, yes, of course.

Reva Low (21:51)

Good night. Good night, Squire Newman.

Sherlock Holmes (21:53)

Good night.

Mary Cook (21:54)

Good night.

Reva Low (21:54)

Come on, dear, let's lock up and good night. Let's go to bed now. I'm really very exhausted.

Mary Cook (22:00)

It's the heat, I think. Oh, it'll be difficult to sleep tonight, even with the windows wide open.

Reva Low (22:06)

Oh, listen. Thunder. A good storm may break the heat. Come on, let's lock up. Oh, it was a most pleasant evening, don't you think?

Dr. Watson (22:16)

Come, Watson. The time has come to take up our positions. We enter by the side door and climb the certain stairs to the bedrooms. Then I'm afraid it'll be yet another long wait.

Reva Low (22:25)

Come.

Sherlock Holmes (22:26)

I followed Holmes and we gained entrance to the house without being seen. To my surprise, Holmes chose to wait in the very small dressing room next to Mary Cook's bedroom. The two ladies were tired and we heard movements as they prepared for bed. Then followed hours of waiting while the storm grew and the welcome rain began. I began to become cramped and irritable.

Dr. Watson (22:50)

I fear the storm is much to our advantage. What of sort?

Sherlock Holmes (22:52)

Listen.

Dr. Watson (22:53)

But makeup. You could make all this a waste of time.

Sherlock Holmes (22:55)

We might be kept up here for nothing. Holmes, I'm in agony.

Dr. Watson (22:59)

Listen, someone is out in the corridor. I'm going to push this door open.

Sherlock Holmes (23:08)

Holmes. Holmes, this is Mary Cook's big room. Surely if there's danger, we should be guarding re alone. Quiet.

Dr. Watson (23:33)

Now, Watson.

Sherlock Holmes (23:34)

Get him quicker than ever. Instantly, my cracked ribs and aches and pains were forgotten. I threw myself into the room. Mary Cook jumped from her bed and Holmes and I grabbed at the man who loomed over her. He struggled manfully, but he was no match for the pair of us. Overpowered with wrists tied behind his back, Harley Albright, the lawyer, glowered at us as Reva Lowe entered the room.

Dr. Watson (24:02)

Just.

Sherlock Holmes (24:03)

Just what do you think this means, Mr. Holmes?

Dr. Watson (24:05)

It means that you will be facing a charge of attempted Murder. Albright.

Reva Low (24:07)

Mary. Mary, are you all right?

Mary Cook (24:10)

Yes, yes, thank you, dear.

Dr. Watson (24:11)

The game's up, Albright. I knew there was something wrong from the moment these ladies arrived in this place. Incidentally, I think I better explain. Watson. The two of them changed places. This is really Riva Low. And this lady who poses the heiress is a hired protector. You are a brave woman.

Reva Low (24:28)

Thank you. It was a job. Reaver approached me because she'd received a letter in South Africa from her uncle saying that he thought someone was trying to kill him.

Dr. Watson (24:37)

He was killed by Albright's loosening the girth of his saddle before he went jumping. Then when you arrived, he set about trying to kill again. Only he knew the switch had been made. And the person he wished to kill was known as Mary, not Reba. The parasol you borrowed made him think it was Mary underneath the veranda. And that's why we guarded this room tonight. Watson and I caught him red handed. It had to be him. It couldn't be anyone else. You killed to cover up for all the money you've been swindling out of the estate. Isn't that right, Albright? Oh, yes. There's no need to reply. You'll have plenty of opportunities for that at your trial.

Sherlock Holmes (25:21)

Listen again next Sunday to the stories of Sherlock Holmes. With Graham Armitage's Holmes and Kerry George Gordon as Dr. Watson.