Sherlock Holmes: Savior of Cripplegate Square

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes: Savior of Cripplegate Square

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: September 12, 2025

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives delivers an original Sherlock Holmes drama, "Savior of Cripplegate Square," inspired by passing references in the Conan Doyle stories. The broadcast revives the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a dark, morally complex case from Holmes’ early days—long before his famous partnership with Dr. Watson.

The plot centers on Holmes’ investigation into mysterious infant deaths at a private orphanage in Victorian London, uncovering themes of love, deception, social injustice, and the limits of moral action.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene—Love and Its Discontents

• The episode opens with Holmes and Watson debating love’s true nature during a stormy night. Holmes introduces his “dark tale for a dark night," questioning whether love is always a positive force.
  • Quote (Sherlock Holmes, 04:43):
    “Love is a positive force for good. Love brings out the best in man.”
    Dr. Watson: “Well, I think so.”
  • They segue into Holmes recalling a case involving “the Gutteridges of Cripplegate Square”—a story to “shatter your illusions about love.”

2. Nathaniel Collington Smith & Introduction to the Case

• Holmes references librarian Nathaniel Collington Smith, whose wisdom and perspective shape Holmes' detective approach.
  • Notable Quote (Nathaniel Collington Smith, 01:06):
    “It is the relationship between facts which gives them their meaning. However well concealed, the truth is always there to be detected...”
• Jenny Snell, a frightened, impoverished worker at Gutteridge’s orphanage, tearfully reveals her suspicions about child deaths.
  • Holmes learns of the practice of "baby farming": families pay orphanage owners to care for their unwanted children—often resulting in neglect or worse.
  • Quote (Jenny Snell, 13:04):
    “There’s something wrong in that house. Something very wrong. If it was just Mrs. Gutteridge, everything would be so different... He hates them, sir. The poor little babies, he hates them.”

3. First Evidence & Social Context

• Children at the orphanage are dying amid illness; Jenny connects her employer, Mr. Gutteridge, to suspicious tampering with medicines.
  • Deaths are certified as natural by an overworked local doctor—Holmes and Watson discuss the neglected underclass and the corruption and fatigue of East End medical practice.
  • Dr. Watson (15:12):
    “Those East End practices are desperately overworked. Some of the doctors there are not above taking money to turn a blind eye.”
• Jenny’s fear of retribution if she reports the Gutteridges mirrors the precariousness of life and work for the poor.

4. Holmes’ Investigation—Method and Morality

• Holmes, with Smith's encouragement, investigates by donning his first-ever disguise (21:21). He passes as a working-class father, “Mr. Hawkins,” seeking to place a child at the orphanage.
  • Notable moment: Holmes’ first use of disguise—a hallmark of later adventures.
    • Holmes (21:20):
      “Thinking sideways, you see? What did I do at university? Apart from study? I acted.”
• Visits confirm the outward decency of Mrs. Emily Gutteridge but a distinct malice or weariness from her husband.

5. The Medicine Store and the True Threat

• Jenny, unable to read, cannot secretly inventory the storeroom for Holmes. He resorts to “Plan B”—breaking in, discovering bottles of concentrated arsenic (27:51).
• Holmes consults the medical examiner about signs of poison—none are found. He faces an impasse: clear evidence of arsenic, but no proof it killed the children.
  • Holmes (30:44):
    “Why else is arsenic there if not to kill all those children?... If I read the evidence aright, that arsenic was being produced in secret, then hidden away...”

6. Turning Point—Jenny Disappears

• Jenny vanishes. Fearing the worst, Holmes considers confronting the killer or going to police but is warned by Smith that his evidence is only circumstantial.
• Holmes notices a crucial mistake: a supposedly “farewell letter” from Jenny, despite her being illiterate—a pivotal clue.
  • Holmes (37:04):
    “Next time you forge a farewell letter, Gutteridge, I suggest you first make sure that your victim knows how to write.”

7. The Denouement—Who Is the Real Murderer?

• Holmes publicly confronts the Gutteridges. Tobias Gutteridge confesses to killing Jenny to protect his wife, but Holmes reveals the mother, Emily, is the true murderer.
  • She had secretly addicted the children to arsenic, so withdrawal killed them without leaving evidence; Holmes recognized the symptoms only retrospectively.
  • Holmes (39:55):
    “You start with the smallest of amounts... Then you build up the dose...until you have a child hopelessly addicted to arsenic. Withhold it and the result is death. And not a trace of anything harmful to be detected. Clever and diabolical.”
  • Emily’s justification is chilling:
    • Emily Gutteridge (41:04):
      “For a time, for a tiny, fleeting time, I can give them warmth and comfort and love. And then I can make sure the world doesn’t get them and soil them and wear them down and finally destroy them like animals.”

8. Moral Ambiguity and Aftermath

• Emily is arrested; her motive remains ambiguous—was it mercy, despair, or something worse?
• Holmes reflects on the case’s legacy and on Smith’s optimism, revealing the limits of his own faith in humanity.
  • Nathaniel Collington Smith (42:47):
    “Whatever our experiences may suggest, I like to think that the world is basically a good place. There’s still tolerance and warmth and humanity out there. Don’t you believe that?”
  • Holmes (44:45):
    “I wish I could, my friend. I wish I could.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:06 | Collington Smith | “The truth is always there to be detected. At least that is my view. And I should like to think that you agree...” | | 13:04 | Jenny Snell | “Something wrong in that house. Something very wrong.” | | 15:12 | Dr. Watson | “Some of the doctors there are not above taking money to turn a blind eye.” | | 21:20 | Sherlock Holmes| “That was the very first time you ever used a disguise?...” | | 27:51 | Collington Smith | “Mr. Holmes, I cannot condone such blatant criminal activity. Unless, of course, it yielded the desired result.” | | 37:04 | Sherlock Holmes| “Next time you forge a farewell letter...first make sure that your victim knows how to write.” | | 39:55 | Sherlock Holmes| “You have a child hopelessly addicted to arsenic...and not a trace...to be detected. Clever and diabolical.” | | 41:04 | Emily Gutteridge| “For a time...I can give them warmth and comfort and love...then I can make sure the world doesn’t get them...” | | 42:47 | Collington Smith | “I like to think that the world is basically a good place...Don’t you believe that?” | | 44:45 | Sherlock Holmes| “I wish I could, my friend. I wish I could.” |

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 05:01 — Holmes introduces the Cripplegate Square case
• 13:04 — Jenny Snell’s emotional account of trouble in the orphanage
• 27:51 — Holmes finds arsenic, confirming Jenny’s suspicions
• 32:17 — Holmes and Watson reconstruct the arsenic method (flypapers)
• 37:04 — The forged farewell letter reveals the cover-up
• 41:04 — Emily Gutteridge’s chilling confession and rationale
• 42:47 — Collington Smith’s hope for humanity contrasted with Holmes’ unease

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Conclusion: The Episode’s Tone and Message

• Bleak, atmospheric, and thought-provoking, the script embraces the gloom of Victorian London social realities, exposing how love can drive both heroism and horror.
• The story ends with Holmes and Watson reflecting on the world’s goodness—its answer left uncertain.
  • Dr. Watson (44:40): “I believe so. Don’t you?”
  • Holmes: “I wish I could, my friend. I wish I could.”
• The moral ambiguity and emotional complexity set this episode apart from more straightforward detective tales, making for a powerful and haunting radio drama.

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A superbly-crafted, emotionally rich story that probes the shadowy intersection of love, poverty, and moral action—reaffirming why Sherlock Holmes remains a classic for all ages.

Transcript

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

It's magic. It is. Oh, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

[Jenny Snell]

Why is that? This is amazing.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

Podbean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

My school uses Podbean. My church too.

[Emily Gutteridge]

I love it. I really do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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] now on BBC Radio.

[Narrator]

4, the last in a series of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Five new cases inspired by references in the original stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Look around you, my young friend. A library is a perfect reflection of the ideal world. Every single volume in my care has its allotted place in the great scheme of things. Move one, even by an infinitesimal degree and you diminish its values. It is the relationship between facts which gives them their meaning. However well concealed, the truth is always there to be detected. At least that is my view. And I should like to think that you agree with me, Mr. Holmes.

[Narrator]

The saviour of Cripplegate Square by Bert Cos. With Clive Medicine as Sherlock Holmes and Andrew Sachs as Dr. John Watson. And featuring Tom Baker as Collington Smith, Siobhan Redmond as Mrs. Emily Gutteridge, David Holt as Tobias Gutteridge and Jasmine Hyde as Jenny Snell. The Saviour of Cripplegate Square.

[Dr. John Watson]

What a filthy night. God only knows what's going on under cover of that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Crime, you mean?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yeah, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh. Oh.

[Dr. John Watson]

Damn weather.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not much, I'd wager. How's the old war wound?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, making its presence felt. What do you mean, not much?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's fog. That's the criminal's friend. On a night like this, most self respecting villains are safely tucked up with a drink and a good smoke.

[Dr. John Watson]

Both of which they probably stole from some honest, hard working citizen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, no doubt.

[Dr. John Watson]

Brandy?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Second. Yeah. You don't mind?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, of course not. Take my mind off my damn shoulder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah, I'll do my best.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, no, don't stop.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not too depressing for a cold winter's mate?

[Dr. John Watson]

I wouldn't have called it depressing. Plaintive.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, plaintive. Very word A dying man lies alone, helplessly waiting for the woman he loves. For her sake, he's turned his back on everything. His friends, his country, his hopes for the future. And now he waits for her and she does not appear.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's it from?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Kristen and Isolde. A Hymn to Love and Death.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now he had a pretty bleak view of love, your Wagner.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a bleak emotion. Oh, come on. The Elizabethans have the right idea. To them, love was a disease. If you caught it, you were doomed.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'll stick to my definitions, thank you. Yeah.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Love is a positive force for good. Love brings out the best in man.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I think so.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You should have met Tobias and Emily Gutteridge.

[Dr. John Watson]

Who the devil were they?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Gutteridges of Cripplegate Square?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They caught the disease.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean they were in love?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Goes somewhat further than that. One of your cases, just before you and I met.

[Dr. John Watson]

Is it a good story?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, Watson. If you want to hear it, say so.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course I want to hear it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A dark tale for a dark night. Very well, Doctor. Keep the brandy to hand. Light up a cigar and let me shatter your illusions about love.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

The Annals of crime. Police Review, 1880. Criminals and their Characteristics. A Survey of Delinquent behavior. Your books, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, Mr. Smith. I don't believe I've ever mentioned Collington Smith.

[Dr. John Watson]

Never.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nathaniel Collington Smith. He worked in the library at the British Museum when I came down from the university. I spent a good deal of time there, reading up on various subjects.

[Dr. John Watson]

Like the History of Crime.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's an essential study for a detective. If they put in a book collection down to Scotland Yard, their success rate would soar.

[Dr. John Watson]

Only if you persuaded them to read the books.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smith could have persuaded them. He had that rare combination. He not only possessed knowledge, he was able to infuse others with the thirst for it.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

If I might make a small comment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Criminals and Their Characteristics. It is perhaps a trifle unsound.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've read it?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Oh, dear, no. Librarians don't read books, Mr. Holmes. They simply know about them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unsound?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

That's the general opinion. Sloppily argued from some highly dubious data.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then please take it back. Why? I've no wish to clutter my mind with useless information.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

My dear sir, your mind may not have elastic walls, but it does at least possess both an entrance and an exit. Read the book. Decide for yourself what to retain. One can learn from the unsound as well as the sound, you know. Surely they taught you that up at the university.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Smith. Anyone foolish enough to have voiced that sentiment would have been rapidly removed from the building and confined as a lunatic. Really?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Fascinating. What a good job I never went there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was a remarkable man.

[Dr. John Watson]

He sounds it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I learned a good deal in that reading room and by no means all of it from the books.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

This is the finest place in the capital to study one's fellow man. In the course of a single morning. Here you can observe more characteristics than in a week outside. Only the other day I noticed. I heard nothing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh sure, yes.

[Jenny Snell]

Listen.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Ah, that's a woman crying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought I was right. Probably one of the cleaning staff. I'm sorry, you were saying?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Mr. Holmes, you disappoint me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In what way?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I believe it's emanating from that storeroom. Come with me. My dear child, what are you doing in here?

[Jenny Snell]

Sorry, sir. It won't happen again, sir. I'll get back to work.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

You'll do nothing of the sort, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sugar, sir?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Do you take sugar?

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, no, sir, no thank you.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Very well. Mr. Holmes, kindly pass over that plate of biscuits, will you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, of course. Here, I. I should be going.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

No, I think perhaps you should stay.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Excellent. Now, I am Nathaniel Collington Smith and this gentleman is Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And you are?

[Jenny Snell]

Jenny, sir. Jenny Snell.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Drink your tea, Ms. Snell.

[Jenny Snell]

I shouldn't be in here. If Ms. McCarthy finds out.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Oh, you may safely leave Ms. McCarthy to me. Drink your tea, then Mr. Holmes will pour you some more. You can tell us what's wrong.

[Jenny Snell]

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was typical of the man. She wasn't a servant to him, just a soul in distress.

[Dr. John Watson]

What was the matter with the girl? Obviously it was nothing trivial.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you know that?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, if it were, you'd hardly be telling me about it, would you? When do we get to the Gutteridges of Cripplegate Square?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Patience, Doctor, let the tale unfold at its own pace. That's better.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Now, Ms. Snell, what is it that so upset you?

[Jenny Snell]

I can't tell you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is it something to do with your other job?

[Jenny Snell]

How did you know about that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've observed you once or twice, arriving here in the evenings as I was leaving. You always come wearing some sort of uniform. Obviously you have other employment.

[Jenny Snell]

During the day I'm a nursemaid. Well, not really a nursemaid, just sort of a cleaner really, like here. During the day I work at Gutridge's private orphanage in Clerkenwell. And have you heard of it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Jenny Snell]

Mrs. Guttridge, she's the owner. She Takes in babies.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Orphans, presumably?

[Jenny Snell]

No, sir, not orphans. Though most of them might as well be within.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Unwanted children, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unwanted for what reason?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

There are many. Caste, space, social stigma, general encumbrance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good God.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Something else they didn't teach you up at the university.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Jenny Snell]

Anyway, the women bring their babies to Mrs. Gutteridge and she takes them in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So she's a philanthropist.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

So I think you'll find that money changes hands.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, baby farming. You're talking about baby farming?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The concept was totally new to me then. It was quite a shock.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's a shocking practice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I mean it was a shock realizing how little I actually knew of life. Valuable lesson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yeah, I'm sure it must have been. So this girl Jenny, worked for a baby farmer?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Jenny Snell]

The women pay so much a week, or sometimes they just make one donation.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what happens to the children?

[Jenny Snell]

Mrs. Gutteridge looks after them until they're older. Then she finds people to take them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. And something's happened to upset this arrangement?

[Jenny Snell]

Yes, sir.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Something connected with Mrs. Gutridge?

[Jenny Snell]

No, sir, not her. Oh, it's her husband. Oh, he's a nasty piece of work, sir. Though I shouldn't say so.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Get out of here, girl. You've no business in here.

[Jenny Snell]

Please, sir. Mrs. Gutridge sent me to fetch some iodine, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Iodine?

[Jenny Snell]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well.

[Dr. John Watson]

You fetch this yourself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You understand I was not here.

[Jenny Snell]

Very good, sir. Thank you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell her otherwise and I'll see you're dismissed. Now go. Where did this conversation take place?

[Jenny Snell]

In one of the storerooms, sir, where the medicines and things are kept.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interesting.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Go on with your story, Jenny. Surely you're not so upset just because someone told you off.

[Jenny Snell]

If I was, I'd always be crying, sir. No, it's more than that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Give us the facts.

[Jenny Snell]

Well, I'm not sure if I can. Not real facts, like.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Without the facts, how can we help you?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Well, there's more to life than cold fact, Mr. Holmes. Jenny, suppose you tell us this in your own way.

[Jenny Snell]

Yes, sir. Well, there's something wrong in that house. Something very wrong. If it was just Mrs. Gutteridge, everything would be so different.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But it's her husband who causes you this alarm.

[Jenny Snell]

He hates them, sir. The poor little babies, he hates them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

For the love of God, can't you shut them up?

[Jenny Snell]

Some of them are sick, sir. Again? Mistress says they'll be over it soon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why she has to devote her life to this, I cannot tell.

[Jenny Snell]

She says they need her, sir. They need her.

[Dr. John Watson]

She was a rare woman. Most of them are only Interested in the money? The babies come a very poor second.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You speak from experience?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, indirectly. These people are supposed to be registered. Local doctors carry out regular checks. Oh, the stories I've heard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, perhaps this one will be different.

[Dr. John Watson]

I hope it is.

[Jenny Snell]

There, that's good. That's nice. He'll have nothing to moan about now, will he? The old misery. Feeling better now, are you? Are you? Oh, no. Oh no. Oh, please, no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How many of them were dead?

[Jenny Snell]

Three. And three who'd been sick. And, sir, this was the day after I saw Mr. Gutridge messing about with medicines the very next day. Ah, as cotton is heaven. Sirs, I. I think he killed them.

[Dr. John Watson]

It wouldn't be the first time, I'm afraid. Did the Gutridges have the babies insured?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As usual, you cut straight to the heart of the matter. Yes, they did.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was there a doctor's report?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Gutteridge did everything by the letter of the law. The doctor was sent for straight away.

[Dr. John Watson]

And?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No obvious cause of death?

[Dr. John Watson]

It may not have been the most rigorous examination. Those East End practices are desperately overworked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Some of the doctors there are not above taking money to turn a blind eye.

[Dr. John Watson]

That is a disgusting suggestion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Which you know full well to be true. Every barrel has its rotten apples, Watson. They will always be so.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, yes, I'm afraid you're right. I take it you investigated this Gutteridge man then? Was it your first murder case?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Actually, I was reluctant to get involved. You must go to the police.

[Jenny Snell]

The police? I can't. Don't you know what happens to servants who criticise a master, Sir? I'll be out on my ear in no character. Then what would happen to me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have your job here.

[Jenny Snell]

Four hours work at fivepence a night. Could you live on that?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

No, he couldn't. I understand your problem, my dear.

[Jenny Snell]

There's something else, sir, Something I haven't said.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

And what is that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

She's afraid that Gutteridge knows of her suspicions.

[Jenny Snell]

That's it, sir. He knows I saw him doing it, whatever it was, with the medicines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When was this?

[Jenny Snell]

Five days ago.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Have you been into work there since?

[Jenny Snell]

Every day. I'd get the elbow otherwise.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You are a very brave young woman. Brave?

[Jenny Snell]

Not me, sir. I've been terrified. I can tell you straight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Has Mr. Gutteridge said anything to you or done anything suspicious?

[Jenny Snell]

No, but I've kept away from him best I could.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Very sensible of you. My young friend here will look into the matter.

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smith.

[Jenny Snell]

I'm ever so grateful, sir. I had to tell someone. I'm glad it was.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

You ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's magic. It is? Oh, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

[Jenny Snell]

What is that? It's amazing.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Retractable screens for your home make life better. Visit phantom screens.com. another fine night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why did you say that to the girl?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Well, my dear Mr. Holmes, surely you found her story interesting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course. The girl is observant, intelligent, her suspicions are probably correct.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

And she appears to have great faith in your ability to help her. Which I share.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. The fact remains, I don't see what on earth I can do.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

You can stir yourself out from behind your books and look into the real world for a change. What sort of a detective turns his back on a possible murder case?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can hardly march up to this woman's establishment and tell her I'm investigating three suspicious deaths.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Of course you can't. But there are other ways. Put that brain of yours to use.

[Jenny Snell]

Good evening, sir. What's your pleasure?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whiskey, please, and one for yourself.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Thank you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pleasure to encounter a real gent for a change. There.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Best in the house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Jenny Snell]

Now, sir, what tickles your fancy? Big skinny, right for the plucking. What are you after?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What I'm after is information.

[Emily Gutteridge]

What sort of information?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do you know a man called Gutteridge? It was a mistake, of course. She shut her mouth and didn't open it again.

[Dr. John Watson]

No. They're very suspicious of strangers in those parts, especially ones from up west.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So I discovered. It was a stupid miscalculation.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Don't berate yourself. The basic idea was perfectly sound.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you want the local gossip, go to the local palm. Just don't go dressed for the opera.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I trust you didn't give up the quest quite that easily.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, of course not. I waited until it was full dark and went round to the house itself. The area wasn't pleasant. Guttridge's private orphanage was a rambling old building set back from the street. It must have been quite a place in its day.

[Dr. John Watson]

Didn't you feel even more conspicuous there than in the publisher?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oddly enough, no, I didn't. Evening wear is ideally suited to hiding in undergrowth. Every burglar should invest in a set of tails.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Easy now, easy. She'll be safe and well cared for. And you can come and visit her whenever you want.

[Jenny Snell]

I told you that I don't think I could bear it. I really don't.

[Emily Gutteridge]

I understand. But if you change your mind, there's always a welcome for you here.

[Jenny Snell]

You were so kind. Without you, I. I Would have had to.

[Emily Gutteridge]

There's no sense dwelling on mita beans.

[Jenny Snell]

Will it be all right going home? It's not far. I'll be quite safe. There, there, child.

[Emily Gutteridge]

It's mended. Everything's all right now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was immensely frustrating. I could see in the front door, but I couldn't learn anything of use. There's no sign of Mr. Gutteridge at all. If I'm going to see this thing through, I need to get inside.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

And how exactly do you propose to do that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't know yet.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

If I might make a small suggestion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please do.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

This could be an ideal opportunity to put some of that expensive university experience to good use.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Applied chemistry.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

That wasn't what I had in mind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Try to think in something other than straight lines.

[Dr. John Watson]

So that's where you got it from.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, you're interrupting my flow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Got what from that infuriating expression? How many times have you told me to stop thinking in straight lines?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good advice.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, did it work?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Actually, yes, it did. Oh, shit. Sorry, mate. Miles away. Yeah, the best place for all.

[Jenny Snell]

Right, all right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Keep your shirt on. Some people. Right.

[Dr. John Watson]

Are you really saying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, no. Sorry, but this is fascinating. You're saying that was the very first time you ever used a disguise?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Exactly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So, thinking sideways, you see? What did I do at university? Apart from study? I acted.

[Dr. John Watson]

You've never told me that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You never asked me. May I continue? You.

[Dr. John Watson]

No more interruptions, I promise. What did you find when you got to the orphanage?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What I expected to find. My primary suspect. Yes? I want to see Mrs. Gutteridge. What makes you think she's here? Oh, look, mate, don't mess me about. This is Gutteridge's private orphanage, right? Where else is she gonna be? Who are you? I'm someone who wants to see the proprietor. Look, please, please.

[Jenny Snell]

Who is it?

[Emily Gutteridge]

Toby?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's someone for you.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Then why didn't you send Jenny to find me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good afternoon, Mrs. G. I was told.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Look, it's a chilly day. We'll be more comfortable inside Podbean, your.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Emily Gutteridge]

Launch your podcast on podbean today. Now. Mr. Hawkins.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mum. Albert Hawkins.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Now, Mr. Hawkins, you drink your tea and I'll tell you why you've come to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Emily Gutteridge]

There.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thanks. What do you mean, ma'? Am? You'll tell me.

[Emily Gutteridge]

My dear Mr. Hawkins, people only come here for one reason. The details vary, but the basic facts are always the same. Now, let me see. You're in work, yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Market supervisor.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Decent enough pay, but not enough to feed one more mouth.

[Dr. John Watson]

Am I right?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We've got five already. Look, no offense and all, but if there was any other way, I wouldn't be here.

[Emily Gutteridge]

You're not alone, Mr. Hawkins. Oh, no, you're definitely not alone. At least you didn't do something drastic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd have nothing to do with that. No more with my else. I've seen one of those butchers do.

[Emily Gutteridge]

And so have I. I'm sorry to say we shan't mention it again. Does your wife know you're here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, yes.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Good. Well, we do have space at the moment. Would you like to see round the house?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I wouldn't mind. Put my mind at rest, like.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Of course. Drink up your tea and I'll give you a tour. You made a good choice, Mr. Hawkins. I never take in more babies than I can cope with. Unlike some, I'm sorry to say.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We have heard stories, my else and me.

[Emily Gutteridge]

And some of them are undoubtedly true, I'm afraid.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What happens if they get sick?

[Emily Gutteridge]

I can care for most common illnesses myself. And of course, we're registered with a local doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, good. That's good. And they do look all right. Look at him sleeping so peaceful. Happy, isn't it? So I suppose all I need to know now.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Well, I think there's still some cherry cake downstairs. We can discuss the practicalities over some more tea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come along. The practicalities turned out to be threepence a day or a single payment of £5.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Good Lord.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, it was certainly more than the going rate. I checked. But it was a superior establishment.

[Dr. John Watson]

How many working class women could afford five pounds?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, when you consider the alternatives.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'm afraid the alternatives are the only way for most people in that position. Something's going to have to be done, you know, sooner or later.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I agree, but we're straying somewhat from the storeroom.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sorry, sir. Did you manage to see that medicine storeroom?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It would have been too out of character, I'm afraid. But I did at least succeed in getting another look at the alleged child killer. He was summoned to show me out. Your wife's a wonderful woman, Mr. Gutteridge.

[Dr. John Watson]

So I'm constantly being Told.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, you must be proud of her.

[Dr. John Watson]

There are perhaps nobler ways to make a living.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't think of any. She's a real godsend, she is.

[Dr. John Watson]

Do you say, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I do, sir. God bless her. And you too. Good day to you, Mr. Hawkins. Good day. There's a definite undercurrent of.

[Jenny Snell]

How can.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not sure. Hate, possibly. Weariness, distaste. I'm not prepared to brand him as a murderer on the strength of it.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I'm pleased to hear it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have to know what's in that medicine store.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

And how do you propose to find out?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've thought of two separate ways. Neither of them is ideal. One is positively illegal and the other.

[Jenny Snell]

No, I can't, Jenny. I suppose he captures me and make.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sure he's out of the way.

[Jenny Snell]

But I wouldn't know what to look for.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll give you a list.

[Jenny Snell]

A list? Oh, sir. What good's a list to me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can't read nor write.

[Jenny Snell]

No, sir, I can't.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank God for it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hose.

[Dr. John Watson]

What the devil were you thinking of?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Collington. Smith used exactly those words.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good for him, to put that child into danger.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I had a perfectly foolproof diversion worked out.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As I said, it was a long time ago. I wouldn't do it now unless there.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was no other way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The point is academic. I fall back on my second plan of attack.

[Dr. John Watson]

The illegal one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite.

[Dr. John Watson]

I know exactly what it was.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course you do, Sam.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Mr. Holmes, I cannot condone such blatant criminal activity. Unless, of course, it yielded the desired result.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Arsenic. He's been concentrating pure arsenic and storing it in unmarked bottles in a locked cupboard.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Then young Miss Snell was quite correct.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Looks like it.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

What will you do now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's one more piece of evidence I need.

[Dr. John Watson]

And then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then my case will be complete.

[Dr. John Watson]

A detective, do you mean? From Scotland Yard?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A private detective. Are you sick? Injured? No, sir. I have a room full of patients out there and a hundred more waiting.

[Dr. John Watson]

To take their place. I don't mean to be rude, but.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have no time to play games. This is no game. You are the official medical examiner for Gutteridge's Orphanage, are you not? What about it? I have been commissioned to investigate the recent deaths of three infants. Mr. Holmes. Sherlock Holmes. Mr. Holmes, when you leave my rooms, look around you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Look at the filth and the squalor and the hunger and ask yourself, which is the stranger?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The children die or that they manage to live? Have you seen inside Mrs. Guttridge's establishment? Have you met the lady herself. Yes, I have. Then you'll know that the children there live like royalty compared to most.

[Dr. John Watson]

I have seen Mrs. Gutteridge take in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Babies who are more bone than flesh. If some of them don't survive, then.

[Dr. John Watson]

Look outside that house for the cause.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sir, not inside it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now, if you don't mind, I have.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To do my best to help these people. Will you answer just two questions?

[Dr. John Watson]

If you will agree to ask them and then leave.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I agree. Then ask me your questions. Did you conduct a thorough examination of the dead babies?

[Dr. John Watson]

Now, Sarah, as my time and my resources permitted, yes, I did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And did you detect any signs at all of arsenical poisoning? Arsenic? Good God now. Not a trace.

[Dr. John Watson]

You believed him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was impressed with him. I've said to you before now that when a doctor goes wrong, he makes a formidable criminal.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, you have. I can't say I was flattered.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps this will redress the balance. In all my life, I have not met many people who are thoroughly decent, uncomplicated, good men. Of the ones I have met, several of them were doctors.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

You appear to have arrived at something of an impasse, my friend.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why else is arsenic there if not to kill all those children? Rats. Not even buy poison for vermin over the counter at any chemist's shop. If I read the evidence of right that arsenic was being produced in secret, then hidden away, then what do you.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Propose to do now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose it could be nothing more than a coincidence. I have to talk to that girl again. Jenny.

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, sorry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't mean to stop.

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, it's not you, sir. It's me. I'm just frightened to any little noise. Now, you're not going to ask me to spy on him again, are you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no, no. And I'm sorry about asking you before. It was wrong. Please forgive me.

[Jenny Snell]

Forgive you? Forgive.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Ms. Snell. Please stop crying.

[Jenny Snell]

I'm sorry, sir. I'm really.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's wrong?

[Jenny Snell]

Nothing's wrong. It's just. Well, people like me don't get apologized to, that's all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then you do forgive me?

[Jenny Snell]

Of course I do, sir. He was only trying to help me, after all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Jenny Snell]

So, what do you want this time?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I want to ask you this. When you surprise Mr. Gutteridge with the medicines, can you remember what he was doing? Exactly what he was doing. Well, it might help if you tell me what he was working with. Do you remember?

[Jenny Snell]

I'm not sure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Recall the scene. Mrs. Gutteridge asked you to get some iodine.

[Jenny Snell]

That's right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So you had to Stop what you were doing, what was that?

[Jenny Snell]

I was washing the sheets. I just put the clean ones on the beds and I was washing the old ones.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good. Very good. So you had stopped washing the sheets and you went to the medicine store. Was the door open or shut?

[Jenny Snell]

Shut. It was shut.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent. Excellent. You pushed open the door and you saw Mr. Gutteridge. Was he facing you?

[Jenny Snell]

No, he had his back to the door. That's right. He was bending over the table, he turned around and he had fly papers. He was holding fly papers.

[Dr. John Watson]

Flypapers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Made by impregnating a strip of paper with a weak solution of arsenic.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. Soak the paper in water, boil the solution dry, and what's left is pure, concentrated poison. Pretty damning conclusive.

[Jenny Snell]

There you are. Not too fast now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good.

[Emily Gutteridge]

When you've finished here, Jenny, collect up the bottles and leave them to soap.

[Jenny Snell]

Yes, Mum.

[Emily Gutteridge]

I'll be in the scullery if you need me.

[Jenny Snell]

Mum. Yes. You like that, don't you? Of course you do. That's the way you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Girl.

[Jenny Snell]

Sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop there and come with me. I want to talk to you. Get in. Get in there.

[Jenny Snell]

No, no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quiet, girl. Go in, I say. Stop it. Listen to me. I want to know exactly what you saw in here the other day. You understand? Exactly.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I'm afraid I have some disturbing news.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What news?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I've been speaking to the cleaning supervisor. Jenny Snell hasn't come into work for the past four nights.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, God, no. It didn't look good.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I trusted that my disguise really had taken them in and went round to Gutteridge's orphanage as myself.

[Dr. John Watson]

Quite a risk.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It had to be done. Good afternoon. My name is Sherlock Holmes. I'm here to inquire about Miss Jennifer Snell. Then you better come in.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

What happened?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was presented with this. Here.

[Dr. John Watson]

But surely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. A fatal error. But what did it mean? Had he killed her too? The girl had been silenced. I'm afraid I could see no other explanation.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to do. I want to ask your advice.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

My advice? My dear sir, I'm just a tired old librarian too rapidly approaching an unwilling retirement. What can you possibly wish to ask me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If I should go to the police with what I know or confront the murderer myself?

[Dr. John Watson]

What was Smith's advice to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Neither. Neither?

[Dr. John Watson]

Why on earth not?

[Sherlock Holmes]

For a very good reason which I'd completely overlooked.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

You're too eager to show off your cleverness. A calculating criminal has made a slip and Sherlock Holmes has detected it. Am I correct?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, yes, I suppose you are. But if I'm. If I'm right and the girl has.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Been done away with, then justice must be done.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

But it seems to me, Mr. Holmes, that you're proposing to confront your villain with only half a case. You may have solved this new crime, but what of the old one?

[Dr. John Watson]

The dead babies?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was quite right, of course. I have nothing to link the three dead infants with the secret store of arsenic. No evidence whatsoever of foul play.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Something you've seen me do many times. I just sat and smoked and thought and eventually I saw the truth. And then I knew exactly what course I should take.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Mr. Holmes, I fail to see how I can help you further. I've given you Jenny's home address. I suggest you contact her at her father's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I doubt if I should find her there.

[Dr. John Watson]

What do you mean by that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

But I'm not here solely about Ms. Snell. I'm investigating the recent deaths of three babies in your care.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Mrs. Gutteridge, those children died of natural causes. God rest their souls. I have the doctor's certificates.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm well aware of that.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Then what is there to investigate?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A very great deal. For instance, I know that your medicine store contains a hidden supply of concentrated arsenic. What? And I know that the arsenic was used to kill those infants.

[Emily Gutteridge]

But there was no trace of poison.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know that. Oh, yes. And finally, I know that Jenny Snell was unfortunate enough to stumble onto what was happening and was killed to keep her silent.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Jenny's dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unfortunately for her killer, she came to me first.

[Emily Gutteridge]

She can't be dead.

[Jenny Snell]

It's a lie.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Toby, tell him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I already have. She had to leave unexpected. Oh, yes. My mum died sudden. I have to go home.

[Emily Gutteridge]

There you are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Actually, it's. It's quite well done. Except for one rather significant, significant detail.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you on about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Next time you forge a farewell letter, Gutteridge, I suggest you first make sure that your victim knows how to write.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Tobias, tell me this isn't true.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What did you do with the body, Gutteridge? There's new returned earth in the back garden. Shall we go and dig it up?

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, dear God.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have you guttering. There's no sense in denying it. I'm not going to tonight.

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, dear God. Oh, dear Lord. How could you do it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why? Well, will you tell her or shall I? I had to shut her up. She knew I killed those babies.

[Jenny Snell]

Toby.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't say nothing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Emily.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You admit it. You killed Jennifer Snell. I said so. And your Three children. Yes.

[Jenny Snell]

Oh, Toby.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How? What you mean, how? Oh, it was brilliantly done. Not a trace of poison in their system. Tell me how you did it. Well, very well. Then tell me why. Perhaps it was for the insurance money. Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, that's it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The insurance. The insurance money goes to your wife. I checked. I ask you again, just how were the murders done? You don't know? Of course you don't know, because you were not the killer. I tell you, I was evidence. You knew there had been foul play, even though you didn't know the method. And since then you've done everything in your power to protect the real murderer, to protect your wife. Only she handles the children. Only she supervises their food and their medicines. And only she stands to benefit from their death.

[Emily Gutteridge]

No, I've had enough of this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please remain exactly where you are. Thank you. Since one of you can't explain and the other won't permit me, it's been done on adults before now, but never on children. So I congratulate you on a totally original crime. You start with the smallest of amounts, almost infinitesimal, I suppose, on an infant. Then you build up the dose, a fraction of a grain by a fraction of a grain, day by day, until you have a child hopelessly addicted to arsenic. Keep administering the drug and the child lives. Withhold it and the result is death. And not a trace of anything harmful to be detected. Clever and diabolical.

[Emily Gutteridge]

You've got no proof.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have abundant proof. It's here in this house. You'll find no arsenic here. Of course I won't. You destroyed it all. Just as you destroyed that innocent young girl. For the same reason. Reason of averted desire to protect your wife.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Toby, my dear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't say anything, Emily. You're right. He's got no proof. Tell him, Mrs. Gutteridge. What? Tell me what? Tell him the rest. Tell him that three wasn't going to be enough. What? Tell him that every single one of the babies in this house is already a drug addict, waiting to be casually snuffed out the next time you felt the whim or the need for power or. Or some ready cash. Carum.

[Emily Gutteridge]

You are so wrong.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't think so.

[Emily Gutteridge]

A whim, power, money. That's not why I do it, Emily. Do you know what my babies have to look forward to, Mr. Holmes? Do you know about the factories and the workhouses and the filth and the squalor? Have you seen the children begging and seeing? Have you seen them selling their bodies on the street for a penny a Time. I've seen them well before it comes to that. For a time, for a tiny, fleeting time, I can give them warmth and comfort and love.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And then.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Then I can make sure the world doesn't get them and soil them and wear them down and finally destroy them like animals.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And don't you tell me that what.

[Emily Gutteridge]

I do is wrong. It's the world that's wrong, sir. Forget about me. I don't matter. Do something about the world out there, if you can.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you going to do with us?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Take you to the police.

[Emily Gutteridge]

And then it'll be the courts and then the hangman?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I imagine so.

[Emily Gutteridge]

Then tell me this, Mr. Holmes. What will happen to my babies? Now you tell me that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't know what to say.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

I have one question.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What is it?

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

The evidence of the other children. Were you sure? Or was it just bluff on your part?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It wasn't a bluff. One of the side effects of progressive arsenic addiction is a natural lethargy and calm, especially in the young. I'd seen the signs when she showed me around the house on my first visit. I just didn't recognize them for what they were until later.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

So all the children are due for the same fate? Dear God.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The doctor thinks they can be slowly weaned off the stuff they might live, if you can call the world that's waiting for them a life.

[Nathaniel Collington Smith]

Come now, Mr. Holmes. Whatever our experiences may suggest, I like to think that the world is basically a good place. There's still tolerance and warmth and humanity out there. Don't you believe that?

[Dr. John Watson]

I'd very much like to meet that man.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid that's not possible. He died last year. Oh, I'm. I'm sorry. Thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why didn't the doctor recognize the symptoms in the other children?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I dare say I was a lot more familiar with the signs of poisoning than he was. Besides, he had no reason to look for them. He saw clean sheets and good care and was grateful for it.

[Dr. John Watson]

So that was your story about love?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was. Gutteridge loved his wife. Murderer or no, he loved her so much that he was willing to take her guilt on himself and to kill to protect her. And she loved the children and so she murdered them. You still insist that love is a positive force for good?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, of course I do. You can't argue from a particular to the general like that. It's. It's thinking in straight lines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Touche, Doctor. A palpable hit.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, what a sordid business. Poor Jenny Snell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The wrong place at the wrong time. She must have walked in on Gutteridge at the very moment he discovered the arsenic.

[Dr. John Watson]

How can a young girl's life hang on such a slender thread?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, how indeed? There was Smith. Right, do you think is the world basically a good place?

[Dr. John Watson]

I believe so. Don't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wish I could, my friend. I wish I could. Yeah. I think the rain stopped. Yes, it has.

[Narrator]

In the Savior of Cripplegate Square, Sherlock Holmes was played by clive medicine and Dr. John Watson by Andrew Sachs. Collington Smith was played by Tom Baker, Emily Gutteridge by Siobhan Redmond, Tobias Gutridge by David Holt and Jenny Snell by Jasmine Hyde. The doctor was played by Andrew Wincott and the landlady by Helen Ayers. The violinists were Leonard Friedman and Bernard Doherty. The Savior of Cripplegate Square was written by Bert Coulls from a reference in the novel the Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The director was Patrick Rayner.