Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Silver Blaze (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of Silver Blaze"

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a masterful adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's renowned detective story, "The Adventure of Silver Blaze." Featuring the iconic duo Carlton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr. John Watson, this episode delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of the prized racehorse Silver Blaze and the consequent murder of its trainer, John Straker. Produced by Robin Mitchley for the BBC, the episode masterfully captures the essence of classic detective storytelling, intertwining suspense, intricate plot twists, and Holmes's unparalleled deductive reasoning.

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Setting the Stage

The episode opens at the famed 221B Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes is engrossed in deep contemplation over the Silver Blaze case. Holmes's demeanor is one of intense focus, as he meticulously analyzes the details surrounding the horse's disappearance and Straker's untimely death.

Holmes [01:59]: "I needn't tell an old racing man like you anything about Silver Blaze himself, need I?"

Dr. Watson, ever the loyal companion, engages Holmes in a discussion about the case, revealing initial observations and setting the groundwork for the investigation to unfold.

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The Mysterious Disappearance and Murder

The narrative swiftly progresses to the night of the incident at King's Pyland stables. Two stable boys are tending to Silver Blaze when an enigmatic stranger approaches Edith Baxter, Straker's wife, with a peculiar proposition.

Stranger [03:43]: "Tonight and you shall have the prettiest dress that money can buy."

Skeptical of the stranger's intentions, Dr. Watson intervenes, leading to a confrontation that ends with the mysterious man fleeing the scene. The next morning, tragedy strikes as John Straker is found dead, and Silver Blaze has vanished without a trace.

Watson [05:15]: "Silver Blaze's stall was empty, and there were no signs of his trainer."

Holmes begins to piece together the sequence of events, noting inconsistencies and subtle clues overlooked by the local authorities.

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Investigation and Clues

Holmes meticulously outlines the essential facts of the case to Watson, emphasizing the significance of a coin-operated knife discovered in Straker's hand and the absence of any immediate witnesses apart from the two stable lads.

Holmes [07:15]: "He's never been seen since."

Inspector Gregory, a competent but unimaginative officer, has arrested Fitzroy Simpson based on circumstantial evidence. However, Holmes remains unconvinced, suspecting deeper layers to the mystery.

As Holmes delves deeper, he uncovers that the curry served to the stable boy contained powdered opium, indicating a deliberate attempt to incapacitate him.

Holmes [07:29]: "Powdered opium is by no means tasteless. A curry was exactly the medium which would disguise this taste."

This revelation shifts the focus of the investigation, isolating Simpson from being the prime suspect and pointing towards John Straker and his wife as potential culprits.

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Confrontation and Unveiling the Truth

Holmes's keen observations lead him to the Capleton stables, where he confronts Silas Brown, the trainer. His interrogation skills unveil Brown's connection to the case, but Holmes remains skeptical of the simplicity of the explanation provided by local authorities.

Holmes [10:06]: "There is another training stable quite close I understand."

Despite thorough searches, no evidence links Brown to the disappearance of Silver Blaze, prompting Holmes to explore alternative theories.

As the investigation progresses, Holmes identifies a wax Vesta coin half-buried in the mud—an overlooked clue that becomes pivotal in unraveling the mystery.

Holmes [14:11]: "It's a wax Vesta, half burned."

This discovery, combined with his analysis of the horse's behavior and the dog's unusual silence, leads Holmes to deduce that the true perpetrator is someone Straker knew intimately, likely someone he trusted implicitly.

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The Climax: Race Day Revelation

Race day arrives, and tension mounts as Silver Blaze is expected to compete in the Wessex Cup. However, inconsistencies during the race, such as Silver Blaze appearing but not performing as expected, raise suspicions.

Watson [20:06]: "Wait, that's my horse on the board. But I don't see my colors passed."

Holmes's deductions culminate in a dramatic revelation as he identifies the real murderer—not Fitzroy Simpson, but someone much closer to the scene.

Holmes [23:06]: "The real murderer is standing immediately behind you."

As the truth unfolds, it becomes clear that John Straker orchestrated an elaborate scheme to manipulate race outcomes through fraudulent practices, leading to his own demise when Silver Blaze reacted violently to his deceitful actions.

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Conclusion

In the denouement, Colonel Ross expresses profound gratitude towards Holmes for not only recovering Silver Blaze but also for unveiling the true circumstances behind Straker's death.

Colonel Ross [22:39]: "You will take my breath away. I owe you a thousand apologies, sir, having doubted your ability."

Holmes gracefully concludes the case, reminding listeners of the intricate web of motives and actions that led to the resolution of one of radio's most captivating detective stories.

Holmes [28:09]: "But I think we must have an amnesty in that direction. After all, Colonel, you would not expect me to betray the secret of so noble an animal as Silver Blaze."

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Notable Quotes

1. Holmes on Silver Blaze's Significance:

   Holmes [02:09]: "I needn't tell an old racing man like you anything about Silver Blaze himself, need I?"

2. Revelation of Powdered Opium in Curry:

   Holmes [07:29]: "Powdered opium is by no means tasteless. A curry was exactly the medium which would disguise this taste."

3. Identification of the True Culprit:

   Holmes [23:06]: "The real murderer is standing immediately behind you."

4. Holmes on the Dog's Silence:

   Holmes [24:26]: "Therefore Simpson became eliminated from the case and our attention centered upon Straker and his wife as the only two people who could have chosen curried mutton for supper that night."

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Closing Remarks

"The Adventure of Silver Blaze" captivates listeners with its intricate plot, dynamic character interactions, and the ever-brilliant Sherlock Holmes. Carlton Hobbs and Norman Shelley deliver stellar performances, bringing to life the tension and suspense that define classic detective narratives. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of old-time radio dramas and their ability to engage and entertain audiences through impeccable storytelling and memorable characters.

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Credits

• Sherlock Holmes: Carlton Hobbs
• Dr. John Watson: Norman Shelley
• Production for BBC: Robin Mitchley

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Recommendations

Fans of classic detective stories and old-time radio dramas will find "The Adventure of Silver Blaze" to be a must-listen. The episode not only honors Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original work but also adds its unique flair, ensuring a memorable listening experience.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

I love it. I really do. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we.

[B]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[A]

Capital. My dear Watson, let us return to our humble abode.

[B]

221B Baker street, please. Gab.

[A]

From London we present Silver Blaze, a play for radio by Michael Hardwick, based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

[B]

Silver Blaze, the extraordinary case of the disappearance of the favorite for the Wessex cup and the tragic murder of its trainer was the one topic of conversation throughout the length and breadth of England. But I knew that Sherlock Holmes was brooding about it as he rambled about the room with his chin on his chest and his brows knitted, charging and recharging his pipe with the strongest black shag. Suddenly he stopped his pacing and addressed me.

[A]

I'm afraid, Watson, that we shall have to go.

[B]

Go Homes. Where to?

[A]

To Dartmoor. The King's Pyland. What? I think we're just trying to catch our train of Barrington. I presume you've already looked into this matter of the murder of John Straker and the disappearance of Silver Blaze.

[B]

Well, I've seen what the Post and the Chronicle have to say. Have you formed a theory then, Holmes?

[A]

At least I have a grip of the essential facts of the case. I'll enumerate them to you.

[B]

Yes, do.

[A]

I needn't tell an old racing man like you anything about Silver Blaze himself, need I?

[B]

He's from the iPhone, stock record. As brilliant as his ancestor. He'll be in his in his fifth year now.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

Up to the time he disappeared, he was favorite for the Wessex cup at 3 to 1. He Very popular with the Thunders. Never disappointed him yet.

[A]

Excellent. My dear Watson, See how invaluable you are to me?

[B]

All right.

[A]

Well, all that you've been saying was of course appreciated in his training stable at King's Pyland. I understand they'd taken every precaution to guard him. Do you know King's Pyland, by any chance?

[B]

No, I know Bean. I've heard a lot about it, of course.

[A]

Well, the country round is Very lonely. Tavistock is about 2 miles to the west and also about 2 miles away across the moor is Capleton.

[B]

Oh, that's Lord Dackwater's training place.

[A]

It is. In all the other directions the moor is a complete wilderness. Well, last Monday night the horses at King's Pyland had been exercised and watered as usual and the stables were locked up. At 09:00 two of the stable lads walked up to John Straker's house for their supper while the third, Ned Hunter, stayed on guard in the stable. At a few minutes after nine, Strakers made Edith Baxter took this lad his supper, a dish of curried mutton.

[B]

Ha ha. Lucky fella.

[A]

She was within 30 yards of the stables when a man appeared out of the darkness and called out to her. Hey, you gal. Yes, sir?

[B]

Can you tell me where I am?

[A]

Oh, you're close to the King's Pylon training stable, sir. Am I? Am I indeed? Yes, sir.

[B]

What a stroke of luck. Oh, he's. He's at the stable boy supper.

[A]

You're carrying, sir, if you don't mind. Look here, you see this note?

[B]

Now you'll see the boy gets this.

[A]

Tonight and you shall have the prettiest dress that money can buy. Pardon me, sir.

[B]

Hello, Edie. Hey, what's the matter?

[A]

Oh, Ned, there's a fellow roaming about out there. Tried to make out he was lost. And then he said he'd buy me a frock if I give you a note. Did he?

[B]

What's he look like?

[A]

Oh, gentleman, I reckon. Terrible pale and nervous, though I didn't like the look of stick he was carrying. A good heavy thing with a knob on him.

[B]

Well, you can leave him to me. I'll soon see him off the place. Oh, Ah, just the fellow I'm wanting to see. Now look here, what's your business about this place, mister? It's business that may put something into your pocket.

[A]

Oh, so that's it.

[B]

You're one of those damn touts, huh? Well, I'll show you how we serve the like of you in King's Pyland. No, no, wait a minute.

[A]

Get off with you.

[B]

I fetched the dog.

[A]

Ned.

[B]

Wait for the dog.

[A]

The boy locked the stable door and then went after his man with the dog. He ran all around the building but failed to find any trace of it.

[B]

Well, he. Plenty of time to get away. And then what happened?

[A]

Hunter sent a message up to the trainer to tell him what had happened. Straker was excited about it, but he doesn't seem to have quite realized its true significance. However, it left him vaguely uneasy. Mrs. Straker woke up about one o'clock in the morning and found him getting dressed.

[B]

John?

[A]

John, is that you? Yes love. Go back to sleep now you're getting dressed. It's all his love I'm that worried about.

[B]

A mic.

[A]

Can't get to sleeping.

[B]

No use.

[A]

I just go and have a look at them all. John, stop worrying and go off to sleep. I'll be back in no time.

[B]

No you fear.

[A]

Mrs. Straker woke again at seven to find that her husband still hadn't returned. She dressed quickly and hurried off to the stables. Inside she found Ned Hunter huddled on a chair in a state of absolute stupor. Silver blazes. Stall was empty and there were no signs of his trainer. She roused the other two stable lads and sent them out to search the moor. Oh Jas.

[B]

What is it then?

[A]

Over yonder by them first bushes there's something flapping.

[B]

Flapping? Ah, you're right, it's cold or something. Come on.

[A]

Right. This bastard cub hanging in the bush.

[B]

See if there's anything behind in there. Right. Jack. Oh my Lord. What is it?

[A]

It's Master.

[B]

His head's been bashed in.

[A]

Oh, he must have tried to fight in half. See the little knife in his hand? What's that in his other hand then? Cloth of some kind of piece of red and black cloth.

[B]

Let's see what is in class.

[A]

Must be part of a cravat.

[B]

See what happened?

[A]

No. He tore it off the murderer in his dying struggle. Edith Baxter, the maid, identified the cravat as having been worn by the stranger who had visited the stables the evening before. When Hunter recovered from his stupor he was quite positive about it too.

[B]

What has happened to him by the way, Holmes?

[A]

Oh, he drank nothing. It's quite certain that the same stranger had somehow managed to drug his curried mutton. Oh. The remains of the curry were analyzed. They contained an appreciable quantity of powdered opium.

[B]

Well then, what about Silver Bay's?

[A]

He's never been seen since.

[B]

It's fascinating all right. Inspector Gregory is on the job, isn't he?

[A]

Yes, and he's an extremely competent officer. If he were only gifted with imagination he might rise to great heights in his profession.

[B]

Now Holmes.

[A]

On his arrival Gregory promptly found and arrested the man upon whom suspicion naturally rested.

[B]

That was quick work. It appears.

[A]

His name was Fitzroy Simpson, a man of excellent birth and education who had squandered a fortune on the turf and who was making a living by doing A little quiet and genteel bookmaking in the sporting clubs of London. Gregory examined his betting book and found that that's to the amount of 5,000 pounds had been registered by him against.

[B]

The favorite and what the area the police holding to him.

[A]

I imagine they believe Fitzroy Simpson drugged the stable lad, opened the door and took out the horse with the intention of kidnapping him. He was leading the horse away over the moor but he was either met or overtaken by the trainer. Yes, well a row naturally followed. Simpson beat out the trainer's brains with his heavy stick and then either led the horse onto some secret hiding place or else it may have bolted during the struggle and be now still wandering out on the moors. Improbable though this explanation is all others are more improbable still. However I shall very quickly test the better when I'm on the spot.

[B]

Evening before we reach Terrestock. Are we to be met?

[A]

Inspector Gregory will be there. He telegraphed to me asking me to come. He said he'd do his best to bring the owner of Kings Pylon, Colonel Ross along with him. But we shall see what we shall see.

[B]

Delighted to see you sir. Colonel Ross, may I introduce Mr. Holmes?

[A]

How do you do Colonel?

[B]

Very pleased you come down Mr. Holmes.

[A]

Thank you. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. Colonel Russ.

[B]

How do you doctor?

[A]

How do you do? Have there been any fresh developments Inspector?

[B]

I'm sorry to say we've made very little progress but we've been open carriage outside. No doubt you'd like to see the place before the light fails so we can talk it over as we dry.

[A]

Splendid.

[B]

This way please gentlemen. Yes, the net is drawn pretty close around Fitzroy. Simpson. I believe he's our man. I really think we've enough to go before a jury.

[A]

A clever counsel would tear your case to rags.

[B]

How do you mean Mr. Holmes?

[A]

Why should Simpson take the horse out of the stable? If he wished to injure it, why couldn't he do it there? Well and where could Simpson, a stranger to the district, hide a horse? And such a horse as this it.

[B]

May lie at the bottom of one of the pits or old mines on the moor. The inspectors examined every stable, my fouse and tavasock radius of 10 miles.

[A]

There is another training stable quite close I understand.

[B]

Yes and that's a factor we must certainly not neglect. Desborough, their horse was second in the betting. That gives them an interest in the disappearance of the favourite. Now Silas Brown, the trainer at Capleton is known to have had large bets on the appearance and he Was no friend Paul speaker, believe me. Mr. Holmes.

[A]

You've examined the Capleton stables I imagine?

[B]

Oh yes. We found nothing to connect Brown with.

[A]

The affair and nothing to connect this man Simpson with the interests of the Capleton stable.

[B]

Nothing at all. Oh, perhaps you'd prefer to go to the scene of the crime straight away, Mr. Holmes. Mr. Holmes.

[A]

Oh, excuse me. No, I think I should prefer to stay here a little and go into one or two questions of detail. Straker had been in your service some years, Colonel Ross.

[B]

Five as a jockey, seven as a trainer. Always found him excellent.

[A]

I presume you made an inventory of what he had with him at the time of his death, Inspector?

[B]

I have the things themselves in the sitting room if you care to see them.

[A]

I shall be very glad.

[B]

Box of Vestas, 2 inches of tallow candle, a briar pipe, pouch of sealskin with half an ounce of long cut silver watch with a gold chain, a few papers. Oh, and this ivory handled knife with a very delicate inflexible blade marked Weiss & Co. London.

[A]

Ah, this is a very singular knife I presume as I see blood stains on it. This is the one which was found in the dead man's hand.

[B]

That's so.

[A]

What tools. This knife is surely in your line.

[B]

It is.

[A]

It's what we call a cataract knife. I thought so. Very delicate blade, devised for very delicate work. Strange thing for a man to carry with him on a rough expedition. How about these papers?

[B]

Three hay dealers accounts, a letter of instruction from Colonel Ross and a milliner's account for £37 15.

[A]

Mrs. Straker has somewhat expensive tastes. 22 guineas is rather heavy for a single costume. However, there appears to be nothing more to learn. We may as well go down now to the scene of the crime.

[B]

I lead the way. Gentlemen.

[A]

Colonel Ross. Inspector. Have you got him? Have you found him, sir?

[B]

No, Mrs. Stragan, but Mr. Holmes here, he's come from London to help us. We shall do all that is possible to hone them.

[A]

I didn't realize. Surely. I met you in Plymouth at a garden party some little time ago, Mrs. Faker? Me? No sir, you're mistaken. Oh dear me, I could have sworn it. You, you wore a costume of dove colored silk with ostrich feather trimming. I never had such a dress, sir. Ah, then that quite settles it. Please accept my apology. Podbean, your message amplified.

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[B]

And this is the very spot as Baker was found.

[A]

I perceive that the ground has been trampled up a good deal. No doubt many feet have been here since Monday night.

[B]

A piece of magic has been laid down here on the side. We all stood upon that. Excellent.

[A]

My apologies, Inspector.

[B]

Oh, that's all right, Mr. Holmes. Look, I brought in this bag, one of the boots Draker wore, one of Fitzroy Simpson's shoes and a clasped horseshoe of Silver Blaze.

[A]

My dear Inspector, you surpass yourself. But hello. What's this?

[B]

What, Helen?

[A]

Here in the mud. It's a wax vesta, half burned.

[B]

I can't think how I came to overlook that.

[A]

Well it's so coated with mud that it looked at first like a little chip of wood. I only saw it because I was looking for it.

[B]

You expected to find it, Holmes?

[A]

I thought it not unlikely but now I should like to take a little walk over the moor before it grows dark and I. I think I shall put this horseshoe into my pocket for luck.

[B]

Shall you be wanting me, Mr. Holmes?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I wish you'd come back with me, Inspector Brudger. There's several points I'd like your advice about. I'm especially concerned as to whether we don't own to the public. Remove my horse's name in the interest of the cup?

[A]

Oh, certainly not. I should let the name stand.

[B]

Very well, sir. I don't pretend upon your reasoning. See you later then, gentlemen.

[A]

There you are. Come on, my dear Watson, let us take our stroll.

[B]

Well Holmes, what do you think?

[A]

It's this way, Watson. We may leave the question of who killed John Straker for the moment and confine ourselves to finding out what has become of the horse.

[B]

Very well. What has become of the horse?

[A]

Well now, supposing he broke away during or after the tragedy, where could he have gone to? The horse is a very gregarious creature. If left to himself his instincts would have been to return to King's Pyland or go over to Capleton. He's not at King's Pylon, therefore he is at Capleton.

[B]

We set off across the moor to Capleton with Holmes eagerly examining the ground. Look.

[A]

What, sir? The trace of a horse. Let's just try this shoe from Silver Blaze for a fit and perfect.

[B]

It fits exactly. Let us proceed. Well, the tracks are pretty plain, Holmes. Lucky the earth's so soft here.

[A]

We must hope it remains like this.

[B]

Ah, but look, the man's track as well. Walking beside the horse.

[A]

That's it.

[B]

The horse was alone before.

[A]

Quite so. It was alone before. I'll know. What's this?

[B]

These are the Capleton stables.

[A]

The tracks lead right up to the gates.

[B]

Well, well, some coming. Looks like the trailer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Hey you. What the devil do you want here?

[A]

Ten minutes talk with you, Mr. Silas Brown.

[B]

I have no time to talk to you every gadabout. There aren't no strangers here. Now be off.

[A]

You may find a dog at your heels. Just a whisper in your ear first.

[B]

What? It's a lie. It's an infernal lie.

[A]

Very good. Shall we argue about it here in public or talk it over in your parlour?

[B]

Oh, oh, well, come in if you wish to.

[A]

I shan't keep you more than a few minutes, Watson, if you don't mind waiting here.

[B]

Oh, very well, Holmes.

[A]

Now Mr. Brown, I am quite at your disposal. Ah, my dear Watson.

[B]

I say Holmes, what has been happening? I never saw such a change in a man. All the winds even gone out of his sail.

[A]

A more perfect compound of the bully, coward and sneak than Master Silas Brown I've seldom met with.

[B]

He has the horse in.

[A]

He tried to bluster out of it but I described to him so exactly what his actions had been on that morning that he's convinced that I was watching him. Excellent. Of course you observed the peculiarly squared toes in the impressions and that his own boots exactly corresponded to them. No, no. Well I described to him how he found Silver Blaze wandering over the moor. How his first impulse had been to lead him back to King's Pylon but then the devil had shown him how he could hide the horse until the race was over.

[B]

As for the Gapleton stables have been searched by the police.

[A]

An old horse faker like him has many a dodge.

[B]

But aren't you afraid to leave the horse in his bar now?

[A]

He has every interest in injury, my dear fellow. He'll guard it as the apple of his eye. He knows that his only hope of mercy is to produce it safe.

[B]

Colonel Roston impressed me as a man who would like him to show much mercy. In any case the matter does not.

[A]

Rest for Colonel Ross. I, I don't know whether you observed it, Watson, but the Colonel's manner has been just a trifle cavalier to me. I'm inclined now to have A little amusement is expensive. Yeah, but this is all quite a minor matter compared with the question who killed John Straker.

[B]

And you all devote yourself to death.

[A]

On the contrary, we both go back to London by the night train. Back to London? Oh, but not another word. Now we must get on. The Colonel and the Inspector will be waiting for us. Colonel?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You have a few sheep in the paddock I noticed. Who attends to them?

[B]

This lad here.

[A]

I see. My lad. Oh yes, sir. Have you noticed anything amiss with the sheep of late?

[B]

Oh, sir, no, not on what you count.

[A]

But three of them have gone lame, sir. Ah, a long shot, Watson, a very long shot. Gregory, let me recommend to your attention this singular epidemic among the sheep.

[B]

You consider that important?

[A]

Exceedingly, sir.

[B]

Is there any other point you wish to draw to my attention?

[A]

To the curious incident of the dog in the night time.

[B]

The dog did nothing in the night time.

[A]

That was the curious incident. Now let us be getting along, please.

[B]

Four days later Holmes and I were again in the train bound for Winchester to see the race for the Wessing's cup and Colonel Ross met us by appointment at the station.

[A]

Ah, Colonel Ross. Delighted to see you again, sir.

[B]

Mr. Holmes, the day of the race and for all your assurances I've still seen nothing of my horse.

[A]

You've not withdrawn him from the race?

[B]

I shall do so the moment we meet the course.

[A]

I trust that will not prove necessary, Excellency. Time. The horses should be coming out of the paddock any minute.

[B]

What's that? What's that? Silver Blaze favorite. This is ridiculous. He's not even running. The horses are coming out on the course. Now look, all six numbers are still up on the board. All six there? Then, then Silver Blaze is running. But I don't see my colors haven't passed. Only five have passed. Ah, here's another. This must be Silver Blaze. Why that's Wilson up. I mean my colors. But that's not my voice. That's beast has no white hair on his body. What is this you've done, Mr. Holmes?

[A]

Well, well, let's see how he gets off.

[B]

They're at the start. Ah, they're at the start of the run.

[A]

Excellent start. Capital. Capital. There they are, coming round the bend.

[B]

Due to this isn't running too well. That's my horse moving out in front. It is my horse. Yes, but's coming up. Who's that lying first about morals? That's what I hope though. Just two of them in it. Neck and neck. Come on, come on. No, no, look, look, Ezra's sitting back, you see. Ah, your horse is coming away, Colonel. Oh buddy. Oh, what a burst of speed. You'll be good six legs in front. He will, he will. Come on. Come on Super Leg. He's getting a boat. Come on. Ah, Super Leg win. Super Leg win.

[A]

Bye.

[B]

Granted. What a rap. He's won. It's my reason. Oh congratulations Magnum, to use her. Well, I confess I can't make head, no tail of it. Mr. Holmes, don't you think you kept up your misfortune enough?

[A]

Certainly Colonel, you shall know everything.

[B]

Let's all go around and have a.

[A]

Look at the horse together.

[B]

Here he is.

[A]

You have only to wash his face and legs in spirits of wine and you'll find that he's the same old silver blazers.

[B]

You will take my breath away. I owe you a thousand apologies, sir, having doubted your ability. Done me a great service by recovering my horse. But you would do me a greater service still if you could lay your hands on the murderer of John Spaker.

[A]

I have done, sir.

[B]

You've got him. Where is he then?

[A]

He's here.

[B]

Here? Where?

[A]

In my company at the present moment.

[B]

Mr. Holmes, I quite recognize that I am under obligations to you but I must regard what you have just said as either a very bad joke or an insult.

[A]

I assure you I haven't associated you with the crime, Colonel. The real murderer is standing immediately behind you.

[B]

Behind? You mean the horse?

[A]

Yes, the horse. And it may lessen his guilt if I say that it was done in so far offense and that John Straker was a man who was entirely unworthy of your confidence. Over there goes the bell. And as I stand to win a little on this next race I shall defer a lengthy explanation until a more fitting time. I confess that any theories which I formed from the newspaper reports were entirely erroneous. I went to Devonshire with the conviction that Fitzroy Simpson was the true culprit although of course I saw that the evidence against him was by no means complete. Then it was while I was in the carriage, just as we reached the trainer's house that the immense significance of the curried mutton occurred.

[B]

Mutton, Holmes?

[A]

It was the first link in my chain of reasoning. Powdered opium is by no means tasteless. A curry was exactly the medium which would disguise this taste. By no possible supposition could this stranger, Fitzroy Simpson, of course, curry to be served in the trainer's family that night.

[B]

I see.

[A]

Therefore Simpson became eliminated from the case and our attention centered upon Straker and his wife, the only two people who could have chosen curried mutton for supper that night? It was then I grasped the significance of the silence of the dog. The Simpson incident had shown me that a dog was kept in the stable. And yet, though someone had been in and had fetched out a horse, the dog had not barked enough to arouse the two lads in the loft. Obviously the midnight visitor was someone whom the dog knew well.

[B]

Streaker.

[A]

I was already convinced, or almost convinced that John Straker went down to the stables in the dead of night and took out Silver Blaze for a dishonest one. Obviously. Or why should he drug his own stable boy? And yet I was at a loss to know why. There have been cases before now where trainers have made sure of great sums of money by laying against their own horses through agents and then preventing them from winning by fraud. Sometimes it's a pulling jockey, sometimes it's some surer and subtler means. What was it here? I hoped that the contents of Straker's pockets might help me to form a conclusion.

[B]

And did they?

[A]

They did. You cannot have forgotten the singular knife which was found in the dead man's hand. As Dr. Watson told us, it was a form of knife which is used for the most delicate operations in surgery and it was to be used for a delicate operation that night. You must know, with your wide experience of turf matters, Colonel Ross, that it is possible to make a slight nick upon the tendons of a horse's ham which leaves absolutely no place. A horse so treated would develop a slight lameness which would be put down to a strain in exercise or a touch of rheumatism, but never to foul play.

[B]

Villain. Scandal.

[A]

We have here the explanation of why John Straker wished to take the horse out onto the moor. So spirited a creature would have certainly roused the soundest of sleepers when it felt the prick of the night.

[B]

I've been blind, of course. That was why he needed the candle and struck the match.

[A]

Undoubtedly. But in examining his belongings I was fortunate enough to discover not only the method of the crime but a clue as to its motive.

[B]

What was it?

[A]

The bill for the 22 guinea dress.

[B]

What?

[A]

I questioned Mrs. Straker as to the dress without her knowing it and satisfied myself that it had never reached her.

[B]

Quite brilliant.

[A]

Clearly Straker was leading a double life and keeping a second establishment. From that time on all was plain. Straker had led out the horse to a hollow where his light would be invisible. Simpson, in his fight had dropped his cravat and Straker had Picked it up for some idea. Perhaps he might use it in securing the horse's leg. Once in the hollow he got behind the horse and had struck a light. But the creature, frightened at the sudden glare perhaps and with a strange instinct of animals, feeling that some mischief was intended, had lashed out and the steel shoe had caught Straker full on the body.

[B]

Wonderful. What wonderful you might have been there.

[A]

I confess my final shot was a very long one. It struck me that so astute a man, a Straker, would not undertake this delicate tendon making without a little practice. Well, what could he practice on? My eyes fell upon the sheep and I asked one of your lads a question which rather to my surprise showed that my surmise was correct.

[B]

You have made it perfectly clear, Mr. Holmes.

[A]

Ah, but this is Clapham Junction and we shall be in Waterloo in a few minutes. If you care to smoke a cigar in our rooms, Colonel, I shall be happy to give you any other details which might interest you.

[B]

You've explained all but one thing. Where was the horse?

[A]

Ah, it bolted and was cared for by one of your neighbors.

[B]

What?

[A]

But I think we must have an amnesty in that direction. After all, Colonel, you would not expect me to betray the secret of so noble an animal as silver blood. That was Silver Blaze by Michael Hardwick based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes was played by Carlton Hobbs and Dr. Watson by Norman Shelley. Production for the BBC was by Robin Mitchley.