Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Black Peter (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Black Peter (Hobbs & Shelley)

Release Date: November 22, 2024
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the classic detective tale, "Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Black Peter." Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode features the iconic duo Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Carlton Hobbs, and Dr. John Watson, voiced by Norman Shelley. The narrative delves into a mysterious murder that challenges even the legendary detective’s sharp intellect.

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Case Presentation

The story unfolds with Inspector Hopkins approaching Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to seek assistance in solving the perplexing case of Captain Peter Carey, famously known as Black Peter. Captain Carey, a retired sealer and whaler, was found dead in his secluded wooden hut, brutally pinned by a harpoon through his chest. The scene was described as grotesque, with blood splattered everywhere, painting a vivid picture of the horror that unfolded.

• Inspector Hopkins:
  "Saw the cabin door open but they were all so afraid of him they didn't venture near till midday."
  (00:15)

• Inspector Hopkins:
  "The walls of that hut were like a slaughterhouse, blood everywhere. And there up against one wall was Black Peter himself, pinned upright by a harpoon right through his chest like a beetle on a card."
  (00:22)

---

Initial Investigation

Upon reviewing the initial evidence, Holmes expresses skepticism about the supposed motive and method of the crime. He scrutinizes the scene, noting the absence of footmarks and the placement of the harpoon, questioning the plausibility of the murder weapon’s use.

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Meaning that you saw none. However, I understand from the inquest that there were some objects which you did not manage to overlook."
  (04:54)

Holmes also examines the tobacco pouch found at the scene, which bore Captain Carey’s initials but raised suspicions due to his known aversion to smoking.

• Inspector Hopkins:
  "Well, his own had his initials on it."
  (02:36)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Yeah, but he had no pipe."
  (02:37)

---

Interaction with the Carey's Family

Holmes and Watson meet with Mrs. and Ms. Carey, Captain Carey’s wife and daughter. The tension is palpable as Mrs. Carey expresses her disdain for her late husband, while Ms. Carey provides a vague account of the events leading up to her father's death.

• Mrs. Carey:
  "It's good riddance to the blackest scoundrel that ever lived, that's all."
  (08:05)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Ms. Carey, do you suppose that anyone in particular might have determined to kill him?"
  (08:20)

• Mrs. Carey:
  "What? To help you lay hands on the one who's put my ma and me out of a life of misery."
  (08:30)

---

Breakthrough with John Hopley Neligan

The plot thickens when John Hopley Neligan, a key figure connected to a financial scandal involving missing securities, enters the scene. Neligan presents his account, linking the disappearance of his father’s securities to Captain Carey, suggesting a motive rooted in financial desperation.

• John Hopley Neligan:
  "I spent months trying to trace them, and at last I found that the original seller had been Captain Peter Carey."
  (12:05)

Holmes methodically dissects Neligan’s testimony, revealing inconsistencies and pointing out the improbability of Neligan’s involvement in the murder, primarily due to the unrealistic nature of using a harpoon as a weapon by someone without the requisite strength and experience.

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Which is why you come to me."
  (07:48)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Which proves of course that the book was dropped after the crime was committed."
  (07:21)

---

Confrontation and Resolution

As the investigation progresses, Holmes orchestrates a clever ruse by posing as Captain Basil, a hypothetical figure, to lure the true murderer, Patrick Cairns, into the open. Using his unparalleled deductive skills, Holmes identifies Cairns as the only plausible suspect capable of committing the gruesome act.

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "I must admit that it has only one drawback, Hopkins."
  (17:11)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "The amazing strength and skill needed to pin a man to a wall with a harpoon. The sealskin tobacco pouch with a coarse tobacco and the initials P.C."
  (24:02)

In a dramatic climax, Cairns is apprehended as he attempts to flee, leading to a confession that unravels the complex web of deceit and greed underpinning the murder. Holmes adeptly ties together the physical evidence and Neligan’s testimony to present an irrefutable case against Cairns.

• Patrick Cairns:
  "I killed him and it's all the difference in the world."
  (20:55)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "From the beginning all I heard pointed in the one direction. The amazing strength and skill needed to pin a man to a wall with a harpoon."
  (24:42)

---

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Holmes reflecting on the intricacies of the case and his triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. The narrative seamlessly blends suspense, intellectual challenge, and classic detective storytelling, staying true to the beloved Sherlock Holmes legacy.

• Dr. John Watson:
  "Remarkable. The Case of Black Peter was one of the stories about Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in real life."
  (24:59)

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "Well, I hope that'll be soon."
  (25:42)

The episode concludes with a nod to the real-life origins of the story, acknowledging Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation of Sherlock Holmes, and teasing future adventures that promise to captivate the audience further.

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Notable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes on Exercise:
  "There could be no question of the value of exercise before breakfast."
  (01:21)

• Sherlock Holmes on the Murder Scene:
  "The walls of that hut were like a slaughterhouse, blood everywhere. And there up against one wall was Black Peter himself, pinned upright by a harpoon right through his chest like a beetle on a card."
  (00:22)

• Inspector Hopkins on the Investigation:
  "Failure Mr. Holmes, absolute failure."
  (02:16)

• Patrick Cairns during Arrest:
  "Now the coarse tobacco pointed to a semen, the seal skin to a whaler. The initials were those of Peter Carey too."
  (24:04)

---

Production Credits

• Sherlock Holmes: Carlton Hobbs
• Dr. John Watson: Norman Shelley
• Scriptwriter: Michael Hardwick
• Production: British Broadcasting Corporation, London

Closing Remarks:
This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives masterfully encapsulates the essence of Sherlock Holmes’ investigative prowess, offering listeners a captivating blend of mystery, character interaction, and the timeless appeal of the master detective. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of old-time radio, "The Adventure of Black Peter" promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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 donating@Choice ClassicRadio.com one of the maids.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Saw the cabin door open but they were all so afraid of him they didn't venture near till midday.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did they find?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Saw it for myself a few hours later and I can tell you it gave even me a shake. The walls of that hut were like a slaughterhouse, blood everywhere. And there up against one wall was Black Peter himself, pinned upright by a harpoon right through his chest like a beetle on a card.

[Dr. John Watson]

Calm accounts of horror were something I became used to in the company of Sherlock Holmes. Watson's my name, Dr. Watson, and I was privileged to share the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I'll tell you what happened in the case of Black Peter, which began with Holmes behaving in a way most unlike him. He was never an early riser but as ever he had his reasons, as you'll soon see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A very good day to you, my dear fellow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Morning Hans.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There could be no question of the value of exercise before breakfast.

[Dr. John Watson]

Exercise?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes, you and I return with an excellent appetite, but I'm prepared to bet that you won't guess what form my exercise has taken.

[Dr. John Watson]

I won't attempt it. Great heavens, what an act you got it Looks like some sort of spear thing. More coffee Watson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, actually it's a whaler's harpoon. And if you'd looked into the back of Allardyce the butcher's a few minutes ago you'd have seen a gentleman in his shirt sleeves stabbing furiously with this very weapon as a dead pig.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh really Holmes, no need to ask if that gentleman was you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose I was that energetic person and I satisfied myself that by no exertion of my strength can I transfix a pig with a single blow of a harpoon. Come in. Ah Hopkins, come and take some breakfast with us.

[Inspector Hopkins]

No thank you Mr. Holmes. I'll take a cup of coffee if you please. Morning, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Morning to you, Inspector.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Sure I spent the night in town. I came up yesterday to report back at the Yard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what had you to report, Hopkins?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Failure Mr. Holmes, absolute failure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear me, I must look at the matter.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, may I ask.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Mr. Heavens you would Mr. Holmes. My first big chance and I'm at my wits end.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well as it happens I've read all the available evidence. Including the report of the inquest of course. By the way, what do you make of the tobacco pouch?

[Dr. John Watson]

The pouch, sir?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well, his own had his initials on it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah, but he had no pipe.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well that's true, he didn't smoke, but he might have kept some tobacco for his friends.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, if you don't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Debbie Hopkins, I was forgetting that my friend Dr. Watson knows nothing of this death. Nothing, Holmes. And I myself should be none the worse for hearing the sequence of events once more. So just give us some short sketch of the essentials, will you?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Very well, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you.

[Inspector Hopkins]

You see, Dr. Weed, this dead man, Captain Peter Carey, 50 years of age, sealer and whaler. Commanded the Sealer sea Unicorn. Did very well. Retired 11 years ago.

[Dr. John Watson]

What? Well, he can't have been 40 then.

[Inspector Hopkins]

39. Traveled about for a few years, then bought a place near Forest Row in Sussex six years ago. Lived there with his wife and daughter, aged about 22. Female servants always changing and you can't blame them.

[Dr. John Watson]

How so?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Habitual drunkard, perfect fiend. When he had the fit on him. Been known to drive his wife and daughter out of doors in the middle of the night and flog them through the park.

[Dr. John Watson]

Great hint it appears, Watson, that he.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Was known as Black Peter in his seafaring days. A graphic description it seems.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Yeah, that's right, doctor. Huge fellow with a great black beard. Anyway, he built himself a little wooden hut near his house. Called it his cabin. All done up with maps and charts, picture of the sea unicorn, line of log books on a shelf and so on. He slept there every night. Well, last Tuesday he seems to have been in one of his most dangerous moods. Roamed all over the house drunk and savage and the women folk kept right out of his way. Then he went off to his cabin for the night about two in the morning. His daughter was waiting by a terrible yell. But he used to bawl and shout half the night when he was in drink, so she did nothing about it. Next morning one of the maids saw the cabin door open, but they were also afraid of him. They didn't venture near till midday.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did they find?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Saw it for myself a few hours later and I can tell you it gave even me a shake. The walls of that hut were like a slaughterhouse, blood everywhere. And there up against one wall was Black Peter himself, pinned upright by a harpoon right through his chest like a beetle on a card.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now tell my friend what you did next.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Hopkins examined the floor and the ground outside. There were no footmarks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Meaning that you saw none. However, I understand from the inquest that there were some objects which you did not manage to overlook.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Yes, the harpoon had been Snatched down from a rack on the wall. Two others remained there with sea unicorn engraved on them. Carey was fully dressed and there were two empty glasses and a bottle of rum on the table. So I deduced that the crime was done in a moment of fury by some drinking partner who grabbed the first weapon that came to hand.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sounds plausible enough to me Inspector.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I think both inferences are permissible. Tell me Hopkins, was there any other spirit but rum in the room?

[Inspector Hopkins]

A Tantalus full of brandy and whiskey on the sea chest. But I don't see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let us hear some more about the things you believe do bear on the case.

[Inspector Hopkins]

The tobacco pouch. Oh here Dr. Watson, if you care to see it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. Some straight haired skin. Steel skin I suppose. Leather thong to fasten it. Initial PC on the flap and about half an ounce of strong tobacco in it. Ship's plug? I didn't say.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent Watson. What more Hopkins?

[Inspector Hopkins]

This notebook. I found it on the hut floor. Owner's initials J.H.N. and the date 1883. Inside the front cover several pages of numbers mentioned at Argentine, Costa Rica and San Paolo and some other fellows. Initials? Cpr.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what you make of those?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Stock exchange securities? JH and the initials of a broker. Cpr. Those of his client by name.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Canadian Pacific Railway no doubt.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Hey, cpr. Well that makes a nug of me all right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well then JHN Are the only initials we have to worry about. I've been through the old stock exchange lists. There was no one with those initials in the house or among the outside brokers in 1883.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well surely the securities can be traced by their numbers.

[Inspector Hopkins]

That's true doctor. Only their South American concerns and the registers are held over there. I started inquiries but it'll take weeks. Yes Mr. Holmes, what have you found?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This discoloration on the COVID of this notebook. Surely blood sir.

[Inspector Hopkins]

I told you. I picked it up off the floor and there was blood all over the place.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Was this blood stained side the one uppermost or next to the boards?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Next to the boards.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Which proves of course that the book was dropped after the crime was committed.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Exactly Mr. Holmes. Near the door. Reckon the murderer dropped it as he ran.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I believe there was also a.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Knife found also on the floor still in its sheath. Mrs. Carey identified it as the captain's inspector.

[Dr. John Watson]

I don't quite see the mystery in all this. I mean couldn't it be a simple case of intended robbery in which the thief was surprised by Captain Carey?

[Inspector Hopkins]

It could sir. Even so it still leaves us with a murderer to track down.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Which is why you come to me.

[Inspector Hopkins]

I suppose I'd be more than obliged for your opinion, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I suppose I shall have to come out and have a look.

[Inspector Hopkins]

It'll be a real weight off my mind, Sir. This is Mrs. And Ms. Carey. Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, Mrs. Carey, sir. Allow me to express our sympathy.

[Mrs. Carey]

Thank you, sir. There's no need for it. It's good riddance to the blackest scoundrel that ever lived, that's all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Then, Ms. Carey, do you suppose that anyone in particular might have determined to kill him?

[Mrs. Carey]

Anyone you like to choose. Me including. Oh, for shame, girl.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come now, Ms. Carey, I appreciate your feelings but I wish you to be as specific as possible.

[Mrs. Carey]

What? To help you lay hands on the one who's put my ma and me out of a life of misery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Carey?

[Mrs. Carey]

No, no, I don't know.

[John Hopley Neligan]

I don't know anything.

[Mrs. Carey]

Oh come on Ma. There's no more to fret about. Is that all then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

For the moment. Thank you.

[Mrs. Carey]

Come back to the house, love. We'll make some tea and you shall rest a bit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now, Hopkins, if we may look inside this hut.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Right, sir. Here's the key. Hello.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is it, Inspector?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Someone's been at this lock since I was here last. Those marks were never there before.

[Patrick Cairns]

Hmm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whoever it was must have been a very poor burglar. He can't have got it open.

[Dr. John Watson]

Some curious village overhead. What do you think, Holme?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think that fortune is very kind to us. Someone came here expecting to find the door open. He tried to get in with the blade of a very small penknife. He couldn't manage it. Now what would he do?

[Dr. John Watson]

Come again next night with a more useful tool.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So I should say. And it'll be our fault if we're not here to receive him. Meanwhile, let me see the inside of the cabin.

[Inspector Hopkins]

There you are, sir. Mind, I don't think there'll be anything else for you to find. I've been over this place with a microscope almost.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah. Have you removed anything from this shelf in the course of your search?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Nothing, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Something's been taken.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Eh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's less dust in this corner of the shelf than elsewhere. It may have been a book lying on its side. It may have been a box. So let us see what else your microscope has failed to reveal, Hopkins. And then, Watson we'll enjoy a walk in these beautiful woods and all meet at 11 o'clock to hide in those fine bushes outside and see if we can come to closer quarters for the gentleman who wished to visit this place last night.

[Inspector Hopkins]

I tell you, it was probably just some curiosity. Mund.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He won't come again. Just the same, we must wait and see.

[Unknown Character]

We've not waited in d. I can just see him by the art, working on the lock, mister.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's more successful tonight.

[Unknown Character]

He is. Let's pay him a visit there. No, no, wait. See if he'll oblige us with some illumination first. Ah, you see? He lit a candle. Now then, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stay still there, or.

[Inspector Hopkins]

It'Ll be the worse for you.

[John Hopley Neligan]

Who are you?

[Inspector Hopkins]

I'm the priest, that's who I am.

[John Hopley Neligan]

You think I'm connected with the death of Captain Peter Carey, I suppose, don't you?

[Inspector Hopkins]

We'll see about that. Let's have your name first, young fellow.

[John Hopley Neligan]

It's Neligan. John Hopley Neligan. But I swear I'd nothing to do with the murder.

[Inspector Hopkins]

John Hopley Neligan. What are you doing here, then?

[John Hopley Neligan]

I only want to prevent an old scandal gaining a new lease of life. Did you ever hear of Dawson and Neligan?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The west country bankers?

[John Hopley Neligan]

That's right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They failed for half a million. Hopkins ruined half the county. Families of Cornwall and Neligan disappeared.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well, then.

[John Hopley Neligan]

It has always been said that my father stole all the securities and fled. It isn't true. He believed that if he were given time to realize them, every creditor would be paid in full. He started in his little yacht for Norway, leaving my mother a list of the securities he'd taken and swearing he'd come back with his honor cleared.

[Inspector Hopkins]

And did he?

[John Hopley Neligan]

No. Both the yacht and he vanished utterly. We believed, my mother and I, that he and it and the securities he'd taken were at the bottom of the sea. Yet some time ago, a faithful friend who was a businessman discovered that some of the securities had reappeared on the London market. I spent months trying to trace them, and at last I found that the original seller had been Captain Peter Carey.

[Inspector Hopkins]

You say this is the truth?

[John Hopley Neligan]

It is. All of it. I made inquiries about Carey and found he'd been in command of a whaler which was due to return from Arctic waters just at the time my father was crossing to Norway. There were many storms that autumn, and my father's yacht may well have been blown to the north and met by Kerry's ship. I read of Kerry's death. The report stated that the contents of this cabin included the old log books of his ship. And I hurried here at once, hoping to get my hands on them and find entries for August 1883, the month in which my father met his fate.

[Inspector Hopkins]

And this book you were looking in when we found you, is it the one?

[John Hopley Neligan]

It should have been.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Should have?

[John Hopley Neligan]

I barely got it open before you came in. But it only took a glance to see that all the pages for August 1883 are missing. Ripped out. See for yourself.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Hmm. So is that all?

[John Hopley Neligan]

Yes.

[Inspector Hopkins]

And you swear you've never been inside this hut before? Now that's the truth. Then how do you account for this notebook bearing your initials J.H.N. found lying in the dead man's blood when his body was discovered?

[John Hopley Neligan]

Oh, it can't have been. I thought I'd lost it at my hotel.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well here it is. And there's the bloodstain to prove where it was found. So I reckon you better save the rest of your talking for the courtroom and just take a little walk with me down to the police station. I'll stand for no trouble on the way.

[John Hopley Neligan]

You shan't have any outcomes.

[Dr. John Watson]

And where does it lead us now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Home to 221B Baker street where I fancy we shall find certain letters awaiting.

[Dr. John Watson]

You see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And this is the very one.

[Dr. John Watson]

Excellent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson. The alternative develops. Just get a couple of telegraph forms will you? Over there.

[Unknown Character]

That's the idea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Now then, here's the first one. Sumner shipping agent, Radcliffe Highway. Send three men on to arrive 10 tomorrow morning. Basil.

[Dr. John Watson]

Basil?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, did I never tell you Captain Basil is my name in those parts. Now the next one goes to Inspector Stanley Hopkins, 46 Lord Street, Brixton. Come. Breakfast tomorrow at 9:30. Important. Why if unable to come. Sherlock Holmes. There, Watson. This infernal case has haunted my mind since long before Hopkins first came to consult me about it.

[Patrick Cairns]

But Holmes, about that pig.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sticky. No, no, no, Watson. I hereby banish the whole matter completely from my presence. Tomorrow morning I trust we shall hear the last of it forever.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Splendid breakfast, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mrs. Hudson's kidneys are always delicious.

[Inspector Hopkins]

My word, my appetite was up this morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sharpened by success no doubt.

[Inspector Hopkins]

You may be right. You may be right. No, I can't imagine a more complete case. A Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your explanation covers every point then?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Undoubtedly I find that young Nelligan arrived at a hotel in Forest Row on the very day of the crime where he went down to Carey's place that night, met the captain at the hut, quarrelled with him, killed him with the harpoon, then horrified by what he done, fled out of the hut dropping the notebook which he brought with him in order to question Cary about those different securities. After his flight he didn't dare go near the hut again for some time but at last forced himself to go there to obtain the information he needed there. What could be more straightforward than that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I must admit that it has only one drawback, Hopkins.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Well, some slight detail maybe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And that is that it's intrinsically impossible. Eh? Tell me, have you ever tried to drive a harpoon through a body driver?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Of course I haven't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, you must really pay attention to these details. My friend Watson will tell you that I spent a whole early morning in that exercise. Oh, the body was that of a dead pig. But I can assure you that although I'm stronger than most men, I couldn't achieve it. It requires an arm that is not only strong but practiced. Now do you imagine that this anemic youth was capable of it? Well, is he the man who hobnobbed in rum and water with Black Peter and the dead of the night? No, no Hopkins. It's another and more formidable person we must see.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Now see here Mr. Holmes, you can't deny Nelligan was there that night. His notebook being found proves that.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean to persuade a jury, Holmes?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Yes, and besides I've laid hands on my man. But this one of yours, where is he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I rather fancy I hear him on the stair now, eh? I think Watson, you'd do well to keep your revolver where you can reach it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, very well. Hems. Here we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Put it in your pocket. Now Watson, you'll find three men outside asking for Captain Basil. Captain Basil. Kindly show them in one by one.

[Dr. John Watson]

All right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Captain Basil.

[Dr. John Watson]

In here my man. You are those waiter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Name please?

[Dr. John Watson]

Lancaster, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

James Lancaster. Ah, I'm sorry Lancaster, the berth has been filled. Here's half a sovereignty or trouble. Much obliged sir. Just step into this inside room and wait a few minutes, will you?

[Inspector Hopkins]

Right. Watch yours sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Next Watson. Next. Captain Basil, is it the same?

[Patrick Cairns]

And you Barings Captain, you patterns at your honor service?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I fear not. Patterns? Yes. Half a sovereign instead. Here. What? Watson, get Lancaster and show the two of them out. They're not to speak to the third man on any account. Do you follow?

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then show him in.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well Lancaster, come on out. Aye aye sir.

[Patrick Cairns]

You too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What the brain is?

[Inspector Hopkins]

You tell me what all this is Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll show you instead. Ah, this way.

[Patrick Cairns]

I'm a Kearns, Patrick Kearns, which is a Captain cairns.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Harpoona?

[Patrick Cairns]

Aye, 26 voyages and ready to start.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With an exploring ship.

[Patrick Cairns]

Ready enough wages. I quit a month.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well. Your papers please. Thank You. Hmm, hmm. Yes, yes. You're just the man I want, Gail.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now here's the agreement. Now if you'll just sign with this pen right here. That will do. And there.

[Patrick Cairns]

Right now where do you think you're at? The revolver. Stay still. I shoot. Oh, extinct of a bull.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought he'd be too much for us even with the handcuffs on. Cairn. Sit down on that Teddy. You'll do as I say or my friend here will not hesitate to put a bullet in you for a resisting arrest for the murder of Captain Peter Carey.

[Patrick Cairns]

Arrest? Oh, co. I wouldn't say no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's better. Now sit still.

[Patrick Cairns]

I see here, Mr. No, I won't give no trouble. Well listen. You say I murdered Black Peter, we're all right. But I say I killed him and it's all the difference in the world.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Going to sing us some yarn, are you?

[Patrick Cairns]

There's no yarn. He pulled his knife on me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I went.

[Patrick Cairns]

I pulled him through him sharp. You call that murder? If you like.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'd better hear your story from the beginning before we judge.

[Patrick Cairns]

That was united free. Black Peter Carey was master of the sea Unicorn. I was spare Arpuna. We'd just come out on the ice pack homeward bound when we picks up a little craft near the foundry. Only one man on her. So he takes him aboard with his tin box.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What was his name?

[Patrick Cairns]

Whatever did here? He was shut up with a skipper in his cabin for near two days. Talking and talking the ship's boy said. Then on the second night the skipper tells us all the chaps disappeared, fell overboard. He reckons we never sees him no more.

[Dr. John Watson]

It could have been true, Holmes.

[Patrick Cairns]

Yeah. Yeah he could. But it wasn't just one man sees Black Peter tip up that poor chap boy's heels over the rail in the dark.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And that man was yourself.

[Patrick Cairns]

Yeah, right.

[Inspector Hopkins]

But this was in 8312 years ago. Why didn't you report it?

[Patrick Cairns]

I'll get the knowledge to myself. And waited to see what we come of it. I reckon there was something in that tin box that'd make it well worth his while to pay me well for keeping me mouth shut. He left to see after that voyage and it was long years before I could track him down. When I called on him he was reasonable. We had a rum or two together and I didn't like the look in his eye. I spotted that harpoon hanging in the wall and it's as well as I did. But he went for his knife. But before he could use it when I heard the harpoon right through him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What did you do after you killed him?

[Patrick Cairns]

Well I looked around for that tin box, didn't I? It was on a shelf. I took it down and left the hut. But just as I got outside I heard someone coming so I hid it and watched. I saw a man go slinking into the hut. Next minute he gave a great yell and came out and ran off as fast as his legs would go.

[Dr. John Watson]

Young Milligan.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Oh never you mind. What then?

[Patrick Cairns]

Well walk 10 miles to Tonbridge Wells and got a train of London. When I opened a box there was nothing in it but papers I wouldn't have dared to sell. I'd lost my old and Black Peter and I was stranded without a shilling. And I saw these advertisements by Captain Basil for Arpunas, their high wages. Here I am.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A very clear statement Mr. Holmes.

[Inspector Hopkins]

I owe you an apology. You were right all along. Well I'm blessed if I know how you did it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Simply by having the good fortune to get the right clue. From the beginning all I heard pointed in the one direction. The amazing strength and skill needed to pin a man to a wall with a harpoon. The sealskin tobacco pouch with a coarse tobacco and the initials P.C.

[Dr. John Watson]

Here, here.

[Patrick Cairns]

That must be mine. Where is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Inspector has it. It was found in the hut.

[Patrick Cairns]

No, I've been wondering where I'd lost it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now the coarse tobacco pointed to a semen, the seal skin to a whaler. The initials were those of Peter Carey too. But he seldom smoked and no pipe was found in his cabin. I adjudged that to be a coincidence. Finally Hopkins, you remember that I asked whether whiskey and brandy were in the cabin? Yes, you said they were. How many landsmen are there who would drink rum when they could get these other spirits? Yes, I was certain Carey's visitor had been a seaman. I ascertained the names of the crew of sea unicorn in 1883 when I found one Patrick Cairns amongst the harpooners. I proceeded to spend several days in the East End devising an Arctic expedition and putting forward tempting terms for harpooners who would serve under Captain Basil. Behold the result.

[Inspector Hopkins]

Wonderful Mr. Holmes, wonderful.

[Dr. John Watson]

Remarkable. The Case of Black Peter was one of the stories about Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in real life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My name is Norman Shelley.

[Dr. John Watson]

My friend Carlton Hobbs played Sherlock Holmes and I was Dr. Watson. Michael Hardwick wrote the script for this production by the British Broadcasting Corporation from London. Of course I look forward to the pleasure of your company again for more of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I hope that'll be soon.