Sherlock Holmes: Telltale Pigeon Feathers 01/21/1946

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes “Telltale Pigeon Feathers” (01/21/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: Telltale Pigeon Feathers
Original Air Date: January 21, 1946
Summary Date: February 13, 2026
Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson
Host: Harry Bartel

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Overview:

This engaging episode presents a classic mystery adventure featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, with a unique twist: their involvement unravels not from official channels, but through a seemingly trivial domestic issue brought by Mrs. Hudson’s sister. The case leads from the innocent appearance of pigeon feathers to espionage, murder, undercover stings, and a wrongful accusation threatening Dr. Watson. Listeners are drawn into a rich Golden Age of Radio spectacle with gripping plot twists, clever deductions, and plenty of trademark Holmes wit.

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Key Discussion Points & Case Progression

1. Case Introduction: Mrs. Hudson's Problem (02:42 – 07:02)

• Setting: Mycroft Holmes at the Foreign Office, visited by Mrs. Hudson.
• Mrs. Hudson fears her sister’s boarding house is home to a “birdman” after discovering mysterious pigeon feathers where “the man doesna keep pigeons.”
• Mycroft suspects espionage, theorizing the use of covert carrier pigeons.
• Mycroft orchestrates Sherlock’s involvement by composing an anonymous, menacing letter to lure his brother into the case.

Notable Quote:

"Pure laziness. It is less effort to keep an old friend than to make a new enemy."
– Mycroft Holmes (05:22)

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2. Investigation at Kensington Garden Square (08:25 – 13:30)

• Sherlock & Watson pose as building inspectors and enter the suspicious tenant’s room.
• Evidence of homing pigeons is discovered: actual feathers and a ring used for pigeons.
• They theorize the guest is a spy using pigeons to communicate with the Boers during the war.
• The tenant confronts them with a revolver but is quickly subdued, revealing he was indeed harboring a pigeon ready for message delivery.
• Holmes locates a hidden coded message and plans to use the pigeon to set a trap for the spy ring’s master.

Notable Moment:
Holmes deduces the significance of the string and ring, making a key connection to carrier pigeons.

"Yes, but a small metal ring on the end. A ring such as is used to place around a homing pigeon's leg."
– Sherlock Holmes (11:00)

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3. The Sting at Dexter’s Music Hall (14:02 – 17:02)

• Holmes’ coded message arranges a meeting with the master spy at a notorious underworld haunt.
• Watson is confused by Holmes’ secrecy and elaborate ruse.
• They identify Sid Trimble, former operative for Moriarty, as the man drawn to the meeting.
• Suddenly, Trimble is shot and killed.
• Watson, holding a revolver that fired, is wrongfully accused and arrested for murder.

Key Quotes:

"We've caught a prize pigeon, Watson. Better have your revolver handy, old chap."
– Sherlock Holmes (15:56)

"Why are you standing here with a smoking revolver in your hands? You're under arrest."
– Constable (17:02)

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4. Scotland Yard, False Evidence, and Holmes’ Reasoning (18:19 – 23:53)

• At Scotland Yard, Inspector Lestrade takes charge of the investigation.
• The police surgeon, Dr. Hendricks, claims powder burns prove close-range firing, further implicating Watson.
• Holmes, undeterred, reasons the killer was an accomplice aiming to silence Trimble, and someone has faked the powder burns to frame Watson.
• Holmes reconstructs the murder logically, questioning the opportunity and means for faking powder burns with a blank cartridge. He zeros in on Dr. Hendricks, the only one with access and ability to tamper with the body undetected.

Notable Analytical Sequence (Holmes’ Deductions):

"Therefore only one person could have fired that blank cartridge without detection. The same person who made the incision necessary to remove the cartridge but also remove all traces of the shot. You yourself, Dr. Hendrickson."
– Sherlock Holmes (23:47)

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5. Resolution and Aftermath (24:05 – 25:29)

• Caught by Holmes' ruse, Dr. Hendricks gives himself away and is apprehended.
• Holmes reveals to Watson that his “discovery” of pigeon feathers on Hendrick’s collar was a psychological bluff:

"Confidentially, my dear fellow, neither did I. But Hendrick’s guilty conscience knew they might be there. It was a shot in the dark and I had to take it."
– Sherlock Holmes (24:25)

• Mycroft assures Mrs. Hudson the spying has ceased, crediting her for helping break an espionage ring.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes to Watson about codebreaking:

  "The key word was Louis Botha, the name of the Boer leader. The message was a report on the number of troops now in training at Aldershot." (14:28)

• Humor in adversity:

  "Well, you've narrowed it down to three suspects, Holmes. I hope I don't hang before you find the real killer."
  – Dr. Watson (23:09)

• Holmes’ signature humility (and showmanship):

  "If you'd spent the night in a prison cell I should never have heard the end of it, I'm sure."
  – Sherlock Holmes (24:25)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:42 – Mrs. Hudson brings the case to Mycroft
• 08:25 – Holmes & Watson investigate disguised as inspectors
• 11:00 – Discovery of the homing pigeon ring
• 14:02 – Holmes and Watson at the music hall; Holmes lays out the espionage plan
• 15:56 – Sid Trimble identified as the main contact
• 17:02 – The murder occurs and Watson is arrested
• 20:30 – Dr. Hendricks claims there are powder burns, strongly implicating Watson
• 23:47 – Holmes unmasks Dr. Hendricks as the spy using deductive reasoning
• 24:25 – Holmes reveals his psychological trick

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Tone & Style

The episode balances dry humor, suspense, and classic Sherlockian deduction. The interplay between Holmes’ unflappable confidence and Watson’s everyman bewilderment keeps the listener entertained, while Mycroft’s wry wit and Lestrade’s procedural stubbornness provide additional texture. The story captures the feel of the golden era of radio drama, from clipped British banter to high-stakes espionage tension.

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Conclusion

“Telltale Pigeon Feathers” is a standout radio mystery, blending innocuous domestic concerns, high government intrigue, clever disguises, and a classic Holmes masterstroke to foil a foreign spy operation. The episode highlights the value of keen observation, cool-headed reasoning, and – perhaps most importantly – the enduring curiosity of Mrs. Hudson.

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Preview for next week:

“A weird adventure ... in the East End of London. It concerns the most unusual stage play, a badly frightened actor, and a blood-stained razor. I call it the Strange Case of the Demon Barber.”
– Dr. Watson (27:40)

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Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Petri wine brings you Basil.

[Announcer]

Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine. Invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting story about his good friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I'd like to tell you something that maybe you already know. The fact that America's favorite wine is port wine. Did you know that? Well, if you didn't, you'll know why. Port is the way out front favorite. If you'll just sample some Petri California port. You just look at that pet report and you know it's good. That wonderful deep, rich red color. And Petre port is so clear. Well, just hold it to the light and you can sort of see right through the glass. But what you really want to know about a wine is how does it taste? And I'll tell you something, I've never yet been able to find the adjective that'll do pet report justice. It's wonderful, honest. You just got to taste it for yourself and find out for yourself. You love that Petri port in the evening after dinner when you're sitting around listening to the radio. And it's perfect to serve your friends when they come over. Oh, and you can show that Petri label too. In fact, you can show it proudly because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. And now I'm sure our old friend Dr. Watson's ready for us, so let's go in and join him.

[Dr. Watson]

Come in, come in, come in. Good evening, Mr. Barto.

[Announcer]

Good evening, Doctor. Well, the puppies seem very happy tonight.

[Dr. Watson]

Tonight, yes. But you should have seen him this afternoon. I doubt if there were two more frightened little dogs in the whole of California. Will you know, doctor, control yourself.

[Announcer]

What happened, doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I took him for a walk on the beach. As we were scrambling around a rocky point, a seal popped his head up the water quite close to us.

[Announcer]

What'd the puppies do?

[Dr. Watson]

Both of them barked at it furiously and the seal blew a few bubbles and then barked right back. I don't know what the world speed record is for short legged dogs. I'm sure they broke it.

[Announcer]

You know, doctor, I'll have to join you on one of those afternoon strolls of yours. You always seem to be having such exciting adventures. Oh, and Talking of that, how's about tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure?

[Dr. Watson]

I'm all ready for you, my boy. In fact, I was looking over my notes on the case just before you arrived. This is another story in which Sherlock Holmes elder brother Mycroft played an important part. Mycroft Holmes was seven years older than Sherlock, and some said it is superior in powers of observation and deduction.

[Announcer]

That sounds like heresy, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, Young fell of a lad. Holmes himself was the first to admit it. In fact, if it hadn't been for his incurable laziness, Mycroft could have been a formidable rival to his younger brother. However, Mycroft did hold a position of considerable importance at the Foreign Office, and it was there that tonight's story begins. It was in the winter of 1899, and Mycroft Holmes, after gourmet's lunch, was reclining full length on a leather settee. His eyes were closed, his hands were folded across his stomach and his breath came rhythmically. A cynic would have declared that Mycroft Holmes was taking an after luncheon snooze. But Mr. Holmes secretary, a gentleman by the name of Gardner, was a realist. He tapped on the door discreetly, then he wrapped on it and still there was no response. So he opened the door and entered. After a moment he gave what he thought was a discreet cop. Mycroft Holmes opened his eyes and folded his hands and said.

[Harry Bartel]

Found it, Gardener. Must you come in here and bark at me so soon after lunch?

[Mrs. Hudson]

I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes, but I thought that.

[Harry Bartel]

You thought that as I was lying down with my eyes closed that I must be bored and soon you came galloping in. Well, what do you want?

[Mrs. Hudson]

There's an old lady outside, sir. She insists on seeing you personally.

[Announcer]

I've tried to get rid of her, but.

[Harry Bartel]

What's her name?

[Dr. Watson]

Mrs. Hudson, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

Mrs. Hudson. Show her in, gardener, show her in.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Very good, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

Undoubtedly a message from young Sherlock. How are you, Mrs. Hudson?

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, good day, Mr. Holmes. I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I won't take up much of your time.

[Harry Bartel]

Sit down, won't you? Don't leave us, Gardener. I may need you in a few minutes.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Very good, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

Now, Mrs. Hudson, what's the message?

[Mrs. Hudson]

Message, sir?

[Harry Bartel]

Didn't my brother send you with some message that he was afraid to entrust to the ordinary channels? He's always so confounded and dramatic.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, bless your heart, no, sir. I've come to you with a little problem of my own. I didn't like to bother Mr. Sherlock Holmes with it. He's been so busy lately and. And he's looking very tired.

[Harry Bartel]

And so you came to me. Delightful.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I thought you wouldn't mind, sir. You've always been so nice and friendly to me.

[Harry Bartel]

Pure laziness. It is less effort to keep an old friend than to make a new enemy. But tell me your problem.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Well, it's really my sister's problem, sir. She keeps a boarding house at 14 Kensington Garden Square in Bayswater. And she's convinced that one of her boarders, a man who has a room on the first floor back, she's convinced that he's a birdman.

[Harry Bartel]

And what in heaven's name is a birdman? Do you know, Gardener?

[Mrs. Hudson]

No sir, I can't imagine. Oh it's like a werewolf, gentlemen. Except that the man turns into a bird.

[Harry Bartel]

Oh come now, Mrs. Hudson.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, I know it sounds daft, but my sister's in a dreadful state. Of course I've been with your brother long enough, sir, to know that such things are nonsense. But how can I prove it to her?

[Harry Bartel]

What reason does your sister give for holding a strange belief?

[Mrs. Hudson]

She keeps finding pigeon feathers in the room. Now the man doesna keep pigeons, sir. My sister knows that for a fact.

[Harry Bartel]

Has she found any traces of scattered food on the window ledge?

[Mrs. Hudson]

None, sir. No signs of any pigeons except the feathers. My sister's a wee bit fey, Mr. Holmes. She's the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter and you know what that means. Just the same, she's not imagining things, sir. She's showing me the feathers herself.

[Harry Bartel]

Where were they, Mrs. Hudson?

[Mrs. Hudson]

Somewhere on the floor by the end of the bedstead, sir. I brought some along with me. Yes sir, and we found some more in the gentleman's cupboard where he keeps his clothes.

[Harry Bartel]

By George, I wonder if.

[Mrs. Hudson]

What is it, sir?

[Harry Bartel]

I'll tell you in a moment, gardener. Mrs. Hudson, this matter will require a little private investigation. You may return to your sister and tell her not to worry. I shall get in touch with you as soon as my inquiries are completed. Good day to you.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Good day, sir. And I'm very much obliged to.

[Harry Bartel]

Well Gardener, what do you make of it?

[Mrs. Hudson]

An old wives tale, sir. You're not treating it seriously, are you?

[Harry Bartel]

Yes I am. One of these feathers shows evidence of having had string tightened round it. That suggests a captive bird. Now a captive bird smuggled into an obscure boarding house would point to something of the greatest importance to us, Gardener.

[Mrs. Hudson]

By George, sir, you mean cattier pigeons.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Harry Bartel]

And remember that we're at war and that the Boers have obtained several important and highly confidential secrets of Ours lately. We know there's a leak somewhere. This requires an active investigator who can work with discretion. Now I could work with discretion, but I don't feel too active at the moment. Ah, I have it. I want you to write this letter to my brother. Disguise your hand, use plain cheap notepaper and don't sign the letter. He won't be able to resist that combination. Are you ready gardener?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes sir.

[Harry Bartel]

Very well then. My dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, we know of your proposed investigation of the tenant in the first floor back at 14 Kensington Garden Square. We warn you, as you value your life, keep away from the clean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We warn you, as you value your life, to keep away from the case. And that, my dear Watson, is why we are driving towards 14 Kensington Garden Square disguised as building inspectors of the London County Council.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I must say it's a very challenging letter, Holmes. Unsigned, I notice, written on cheap note.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Paper and in a disguised hand. No clue there.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm afraid we're entering the square, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's stop the cab here. You can drop us here, cabby. It would seem a little incongruous in these costumes for us to arrive in a cab.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I suppose.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Hey, all kebby.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, thank you Governor. Supposing this mysterious tenant to the first floor back should be in his room when we get there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then we must hope that our disguises are convincing and keep our wits about us. This may be a trap.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, just what I was going to say. After all, you've never heard of 14 Kensington Garden Square until you received an unsigned letter 2 hours ago warning you to keep away from it. I don't like the look of it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There we are, number 14. I suggest that you let me do most of the talking.

[Dr. Watson]

My cockney accent doesn't compare with yours.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Who do you want to say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We're from the London County Council, we are. We've had complaints about a leaky gas jet in the first floor back.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, that's Mr. Green's room. He ain't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh that don't matter my dear. We'll go up and take a look.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Come on, Birdie.

[Announcer]

Right, right you are, Alfie.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Want me to show you the way? The Mrs. Is out. Sharp.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No thanks dearie.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Me and Birdie can't get lost, can we buddy?

[Dr. Watson]

No, of course we can't. Of course we can't. Look at him laughing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on Birdie. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside. I do like to be beside the sea. Nice house, Birdie. Ain't it yourself?

[Dr. Watson]

Nice house can be this house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I Do not a bitch beside the side there.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I do not have.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Be beside us. There we are. First full back. Better make sure the bloke ain't home.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh I do lock ain't home.

[Announcer]

A.L.I.E.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. All right, let's go in. Oh, so this is the mysterious Romaine.

[Dr. Watson]

It looks perfectly ordinary, doesn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, a depressing example of the squalor of boarding house live.

[Dr. Watson]

Hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's this on the bedspread?

[Dr. Watson]

Feathers must have come out of the pillow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, these are pigeons feathers old chap. Look here Watson, attached to the bed rail.

[Dr. Watson]

No, that's only a piece of string.

[Sherlock Holmes]

String? Yes, but a small metal ring on the end. A ring such as is used to place around a homing pigeon's leg.

[Dr. Watson]

Why should someone keep carrying pigeons in an obscure boarding house like this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why indeed?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Why indeed?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The answer could be that the tenant of this room is engaged in some sinister activity that requires the use of carrier pigeons and sending messages.

[Dr. Watson]

There's no evidence of the birds being kept here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's true fellow, that's true. Possibly the owner of this room is given a pigeon by one of his superiors, brings it here, affixes his message and releases the bird.

[Dr. Watson]

Why couldn't he just take the message to where they keep the birds?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well in that way he would run the risk of being picked up with dangerous and incriminating messages on him.

[Dr. Watson]

What kind of skullduggery involves the use of carrier pigeons do you suppose?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We're at war with the Boers in South Africa, Watson, what could be more logical than that? A spy in their pay should be using this method to smuggle important information out of the country.

[Dr. Watson]

By Jovius Holmes, I wouldn't mind vetting the Somebody coming.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look out.

[Dr. Watson]

Who are you? What the devil do you think you're.

[Announcer]

Doing in my room?

[Dr. Watson]

Well my name's Bertlam and I come here to look at your gas pipes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, don't lie to me.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Who are you?

[Dr. Watson]

It's like I say, Gavin. My name's Bertlam and I come from the London Council.

[Announcer]

Very well then you won't tell me the truth. Perhaps this revolver will make you change your mind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Grab his balder, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, right Holmes. Where were you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I slipped behind the doors. This gentleman opened it.

[Harry Bartel]

Yeah, me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Say, your overcoat seems extraordinarily well filled with chest, doesn't it? Why not slip it off? It's a bit warm in here.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, left me alone Joey. You were right Holmes, he had a pigeon under his coat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, see if you can catch the bird will you?

[Dr. Watson]

Watch all right. Here. Come on, pidgey, pidgey.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Come on.

[Dr. Watson]

Come on, little fellow. Come along, pidgey. There he comes. That's it. Look at the little fella snuggled up on my arm. Friendly little fellow, isn't he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I. Look out, Watson. The gentleman's revolver. He's going out when I get it out.

[Dr. Watson]

A beautiful uppercut, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm. I'm afraid he'll be unable to talk to us for some time. How fortunate he told us where the message was hidden before we indulged in this little set.

[Harry Bartel]

What do you mean?

[Dr. Watson]

He didn't say anything about a message?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, not verbally. But I was watching his reflection in the mirror. As he entered the room. His eyes first glanced at this top drawer on the dresser here to see if we touched was obviously the most important spot in the room. Let's see.

[Harry Bartel]

Aha.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here we are. A message already rolled up and in its container.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh. What does it say, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's in code, which is not surprising, but I don't think it will be very difficult to decipher.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, and when you've done that, then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, I shall compose a code message of my own and persuade this pigeon to lead us to its master. I can see from your puzzled expression, Watson, that you're wondering why I brought you to Dexter's Music hall in the Edgeware Road.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I must confess I'm in a confused, Holmes. First of all, we go to Baker street and you spend hours poring over some obscure book and you write out a message, attach it to a pigeon and let it loose. Now you bring me here. I hate to question you when you're working, but I should be glad if you give me some idea of what's going on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course. But old chap, at times I must seem confoundedly mysterious. I'm sure. Here's the situation. The obscure book I was studying was a table of ciphers. I was trying to decode the message we found in the room on the first floor bed.

[Dr. Watson]

Obviously you succeeded or we wouldn't be here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. The key word was Louis Bother, the name of the Boer leader. The message was a report on the number of troops now in training at Aldershot.

[Dr. Watson]

Then you were right. They're mixed up with a ring of enemy agents.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Obviously, old chap. So I kept the original message and composed another using the same code and dispatched it by carrier pigeon.

[Dr. Watson]

What did you say in your message?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Meet me at tonight, 8 o', clock, table number three at Dexter's Music Hall.

[Dr. Watson]

What made you choose this place as a rendezvous.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I happen to know that it's a common meeting place for underworld characters.

[Dr. Watson]

And which is table number three?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That one over there in the corner. I reserved it.

[Dr. Watson]

Then why don't we go and sit down there instead of standing it here at the back?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought we'd give our visitor the opportunity of showing his hand first. He won't be expecting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, I fancy.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord, look at this woman coming on to sing. You ever see so many fellows not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Allowed to have a bow, except for the slime?

[Mrs. Hudson]

So yesterday he came and cooked me through.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Look, look. A man just sitting down at table.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Number three once a minute.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Luck.

[Announcer]

It's Sid Trimble.

[Dr. Watson]

Sid Trimble? Who's he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A dangerous criminal who once worked for the Moriarty gang. We've caught a prize pigeon, Watson. Better have your revolver handy, old chap. Undoubtedly he'll recognize us right to our home. Come on then.

[Dr. Watson]

Go and you draw.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Them and Maggie to the old.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm so glad you're able to keep your appointment, sir.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Sherlock Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

This is a trap. Ah, don't try any tricks. I've got a revolver here, Sid.

[Announcer]

How'd you like this tie bun your boy face.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

You didn't shoot him, did you? No, no, he knocked my hand. The revolver went off, the shot went wild. I swear he did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, of course.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Look at the wound.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There are no powder burns. The shot was fired from some distance.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Holmes. He's. He's dead. Out of the way. Out of the way, please.

[Harry Bartel]

Now then, what's going on here, Constable?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This man has been killed.

[Harry Bartel]

Yes, and it's easy to see who did it.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I didn't do it, constable, if that's what you're thinking. No?

[Harry Bartel]

Then why are you standing here with a smoking revolver in your hands? Come on, you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're under arrest. But you can't arrest me.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm Dr. Watson and this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Harry Bartel]

I don't care if you're the King of Siam and the Bishop of London himself. You're under arrest. And I'm taking you both to Scotland Yard.

[Announcer]

You'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. And if you don't mind, I'll take that second to say just one word to the ladies. And that word is Muscatel. Petri, California muscatel. I want you women to know about it. Because Petri muscatel is one wine that practically every woman likes. Maybe because it's such a beautiful color, like. Well, like pale Gold. But I guess really because Petri Muscatel brings you the wonderful flavor of luscious sun ripened muscat grapes. And that's a flavor. Try Petri Muscatel after dinner or anytime as a change from Petri port. Have a bottle of each on hand. When you buy Petri wine don't buy one, buy two. Remember if it's a Petri wine you know it's a good wine. Dr. Watson, that was really one for the books. So you got yourself arrested on a murder charge?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes Mr. Bartel, it's a very humiliating experience. I was taken off to Scotland Yard in the Black Marath. Look like any common criminal. The wretched constable wouldn't listen to a word that I'd got to say.

[Announcer]

Well Sherlock Holmes went with you of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally.

[Dr. Watson]

But as we arrived at Scotland Yard my mortification was complete and I found that I was led into the presence of our old friend Inspector Lestrade. Holmes spoke to him at some length but I could see from Lestrade's expression that my position was a very serious one.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Now can see what it is Mr. Holmes. You see I know you both but I must say there are lots of them here at the Yard as don't like what they call your high ended method.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lestrade. Personal likes or dislikes have nothing to do with this.

[Dr. Watson]

No, of course they haven't. This is purely a matter of evidence.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well I know that Dr. Watson and the constable's evidence was as clear as the nose on your face. The dead man was shot through the head and you were standing in front of the body with a drawn revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But my dear Lestrade, my dear Lestrade. There were no powder burns on the wound.

[Inspector Lestrade]

That's what you tells me Mr. Holmes. But I'll have to wait for the official report on that. The police surgeons examining the body. Now you understand gentlemen, I'm not saying I'm sorry that Sid Trimble is dead. He's been a thorn in our side for a good many years in fact. Ah, here's the police surgeon now. Dr. Hendricks, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? How do you do gentlemen? I. I'm a great admirer of you both and I'm sorry to see you in such a very unfortunate plight.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you, thank you doctor.

[Inspector Lestrade]

What were your findings Dr. Hendricks?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I just extracted the bullet Lestrade, and I'm very much afraid it's the same make and caliber as the one missing from Dr. Watson's revolver.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, but that doesn't prove that I fired the fatal shot 45 Colts. A very common weapon, Doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It proves nothing. Dr. Hendricks, as I was just saying to Inspector Lestrade before you came in the only fact that would show my friend guilty would be powder burns on the wound, thereby giving proving that the bullet had been fired from close range. I entirely agree with you, Mr. Holmes. Then as there were no powder burns. But there are powder burns, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very distinct ones too.

[Dr. Watson]

Lord, I. Well, I just. I don't have a stand, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sorry, gentlemen, to be the bearer of bad tidings but I have my duties to perform.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I'm sorry too, Dr. Watson. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to let you leave here. You must consider yourself under arrest.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. I never felt more despondent in my life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, cheer up, old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, how can I locked up in a prisoner cell? Looks if I might end up at the gallows.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't worry, Watson. You'll be out of here before the night is over, I promise you that.

[Dr. Watson]

I wish I felt as confident as you do. How do you propose to do it all?

[Sherlock Holmes]

With the aid of a little hard thinking.

[Dr. Watson]

Thinking that won't unlock any cell doors?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thinking it will, old fellow. It's obvious someone's deliberately trying to incriminate us. Try and reconstruct killing. Logically. Sid Trimble was a member of an S. I sent him a false message. After he'd left to keep the appointment. One of his colleagues trailed him to the music hall and killed him before he could betray anything to us. Yes. Yes, that's undoubtedly the way it happened.

[Dr. Watson]

The powder burns, Holmes. How do you count for them?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There were none just after the shot was fired. We know that. And yet Dr. Hendricks assures us that there are very distinct powder burns Now. May we come in, gentlemen?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes, of course you can. Dr. Hendricks. Hello. Hello, Lestrade.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I thought we'd come and chat with you, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, that's very nice of you gentlemen.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yeah, not a bit of it, Doctor. You know it. It hurts me to see you in here and that's a fact.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I can't bear to see a fellow medico in such plight without coming in to see what I can do to help Watson.

[Inspector Lestrade]

You're very quiet, Ms. Jones.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Am I? Astra? I was thinking, you see, what's an old chap. I have it.

[Dr. Watson]

You have what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The answer. You'll sleep in Baker street tonight after all, Mr. Holmes.

[Inspector Lestrade]

What are you talking about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The murder of Sid Trumbull. Incriminating. Powder burns were obviously faked, Watson. And I Know that whether you and Dr. Hendricks believe it or not. The question is how were they faked? I think I have the answer, Dr. Hendricks. Yes, Mr. Holmes? If a blank cartridge were fired at the wound after death, it would produce powder burns, wouldn't it? Undoubtedly.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yeah, but who could have done that, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, that's the point Lestrade. Who had the opportunity, Constable?

[Dr. Watson]

Who brought the body here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

True old chap. Also you Dr. Hendricks. That's perfectly true.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well I had the opportunity too, Mr. Holmes. I spent half an hour in the morgue alone with the body when it first come in.

[Dr. Watson]

Well you've narrowed it down to three suspects, Holmes. I hope I don't hang before you find the real killer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I found him, Watson.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Why? Who is he, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The answer is simple, Lestrade. The powder burns were certainly faked by a blank cartridge. Now if a blank cartridge were fired into a wound, the wadding would have penetrated and distorted the wound.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes, but supposing the person had removed the wadding from the blank, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Its effect would still be quite apparent to the police surgeon who removed the bullet. Am I correct Dr. Hendricks? Entirely. A surgeon could not fail to identify the marks, Mr. Holmes. Exactly. Therefore only one person could have fired that blank cartridge without detection. The same person who made the incision necessary remove the cartridge but also remove all traces of the shot. You yourself, Dr. Hendrickson.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, I believe you're right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's an ingenious theory, Holmes. Surely you're joking. Am I? Then how do you account for the pigeon fellows feathers on the collar of your coat?

[Dr. Watson]

The devil with you Holmes.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Here, here.

[Dr. Watson]

Come back here. Great Scott. Scotland Yard itself. Harboring an enemy agent. Upon my soul Holmes, you've done it again. I must say you've got sharp eyes. I didn't see those pigeon feathers on Hendrik's collar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confidentially my dear fellow, neither did I. But Hendrick's guilty conscience knew they might be there. It was a shot in the dark and I had to take it. If you'd spent the night in a prison cell I should never have heard the end of it, I'm sure.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I want to see Mr. Mycroft Holmes. Please follow me Mrs. Hudson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's expecting you.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Aye, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

Ah, There you are Mrs. Hudson. Come and sit down.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh thank you sir. I got your message and came over right away.

[Harry Bartel]

In the first place, Mrs. Hudson, you may tell your sister that she needn't worry anymore. I'm sure she'll find no more pigeon feathers in her room on the first floor back.

[Mrs. Hudson]

No sir. Thank you but she knows the fact because the birdman left her yesterday for good. Some strange men came and took him away and today she's let the room to a nice young commercial traveler. I'm really sorry to have bothered you with her trouble, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

I'm very glad you did, Mrs. Hudson. Thanks to your information an enemy espionage ring has been broken and the British government is deeply grateful to you.

[Mrs. Hudson]

You're always one for a joke, aren't you Mr. Holmes? Well, I'm glad you're not angry with me. I'll be going now, sir. Just one more favour I'll ask before I go though.

[Harry Bartel]

Anything Mrs. Hudson. What is it?

[Mrs. Hudson]

Please don't tell your brother about this, sir. He'd be so angry with me for wasting your time.

[Announcer]

Well Doctor, that was really a swell story tonight. Although it was a bit unexpected for you to have been arrested.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes indeed, Mr. Martell. When you're a detective like like Holmes or a doctor like myself, well, you've got to be prepared to meet the unexpected every once in a while.

[Announcer]

I suppose so.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course you wouldn't know about things like that being a wine expert yourself.

[Announcer]

Oh now wait a minute Doctor. And the way you talk, you'd think I spent every waking moment in a nice cool wine cellar tasting wine from morning till night.

[Dr. Watson]

Well don't you?

[Announcer]

Now Doctor, I'm no more a wine expert than you are. All I know about wine is that it either tastes good or it doesn't. And I know that Petri wine does taste good. And that's because the Petri family took time to make good wine. Generations of time. Why the Petrie family's been making wine ever since they started the Petri business way back in the 1800s. And since the business has always been family owned and operated, they've been able to hand on down from father to son, from father to son. All they've ever learned about the fine art of turning luscious sunripened grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. And they've learned plenty. So no matter what type wine you want for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well Dr. Watson, what story do you have lined up for us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Well now, next week Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you a weird adventure that Sherlock Holmes and I had in the East End of London. It concerns the most unusual stage play, a badly frightened actor and a blood stained razor. I call it the Strange Case of the Demon Barber.

[Announcer]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Greek Interpreter. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathborne appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.