Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Devil's Foot (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Devil's Foot"

Introduction and Setting

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio, the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Carlton Hobbs, finds himself grappling with the strains of relentless investigation. Faced with the threat of being permanently sidelined due to his deteriorating health, Holmes reluctantly agrees to take a much-needed respite. Accompanied by his steadfast friend Dr. John Watson, played by Norman Shelley, Holmes retreats to a secluded cottage near Polio Bay on the Cornish peninsula during the spring of 1897.

The Mysterious Tragedy Unfolds

Shortly after their arrival, Holmes and Watson are approached by Mr. Roundhead, the local vicar and an amateur archaeologist, along with his lodger, the affable but troubled Mortimer Tregennis. The duo brings alarming news of a horrific incident that occurred overnight at the Tregennis household in Tredannick Water. Mortimer explains that he spent the previous evening playing cards with his siblings—Owen, George, and Brenda—in a jovial atmosphere. However, upon returning the next morning, he discovered a scene of utter horror: Brenda lay dead in her chair, while Owen and George exhibited signs of extreme terror, their minds seemingly obliterated by an unknown force.

As Mortimer recounts the unsettling details, including the unchanged state of the room and the inexplicable terror that befell his family, Holmes expresses his intrigue and determination to unravel the mystery. Notably, Mortimer describes the victims' expressions of "the utmost horror" (02:32) and emphasizes the absence of any visible signs of struggle or theft, deepening the enigma.

Initial Investigation and Clues

Holmes begins his investigation by meticulously questioning Mortimer Tregennis. He notes the peculiar circumstances surrounding the family's death, particularly the unaltered arrangement of the room and the undisturbed cards on the table. Holmes hypothesizes that a "very exceptional" event transpired—possibly involving an unknown human contrivance or a naturally occurring phenomenon.

During their examination of the cottage, Holmes and Watson discover that the housekeeper, Mrs. Porter, fainted upon witnessing the aftermath. She mentions that a fire had been lit in the grate the previous night, which puzzles Holmes, as the environment remained inexplicably stuffy despite attempts to ventilate the room. Holmes deduces that a poisonous atmosphere may have been introduced, possibly through combustion, linking the lamp and the fireplace to the tragic events.

Unexpected Encounter with Dr. Leon Sterndale

As Holmes delves deeper into the case, an unexpected visitor named Dr. Leon Sterndale arrives. Claimed to be a cousin of the Tregennis family from his Cornish mother's side, Dr. Sterndale expresses his distress over the family's fate. Holmes, employing his signature deductive reasoning, engages in a tense interrogation with Sterndale. He meticulously outlines Sterndale's movements on the night of the tragedy, including his swift departures and suspicious interactions with the family.

A notable exchange occurs when Holmes accuses Sterndale of foul play:

Sherlock Holmes (22:29): "You sent for me, Mr. Holmes? I heard your note about an hour ago and I have come, although I am at a loss to know, sir, what you're going to have to speak about which affects me in such a very intimate fashion."

Sterndale's demeanor becomes increasingly defensive as Holmes unveils the evidence, suggesting Sterndale's involvement in the deaths of the Tregennis family members.

Confrontation and Revelation

The tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation. Sterndale confesses his motives, driven by unrequited love for Brenda Tregennis and resentment over her inability to leave her existing marriage due to restrictive English laws. He reveals his possession of a rare substance called "Devil's Foot Root," a powder with terrifying properties that induce fear, madness, or death upon combustion.

Sterndale recounts his plot to use the powder to exact vengeance on Mortimer Tregennis, who he believed had used the substance to manipulate and secure sole ownership of their family's property. His elaborate plan involved threatening Mortimer with the powder, leading to his eventual demise.

Resolution and Ethical Dilemmas

Despite Sterndale's confession, Holmes faces an ethical quandary. Recognizing Sterndale's heinous motives but also understanding the depths of his anguish, Holmes grapples with the decision to involve the authorities. Ultimately, he opts not to condemn Sterndale, acknowledging the complexities of human emotion and morality:

Sherlock Holmes (27:17): "You would not denounce the man?"

Dr. Watson concurs, reinforcing Holmes's decision to withhold judgment and allow Sterndale to seek his own path:

Dr. John Watson (27:50): "Certainly not Holmes. Certainly not."

Conclusion

"The Adventure of the Devil's Foot" masterfully intertwines classic detective elements with profound human emotions, exploring themes of love, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Carlton Hobbs delivers a compelling portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, whose analytical prowess is complemented by his capacity for empathy and restraint. The episode concludes with Holmes and Watson reflecting on the case, underscoring the intricate balance between justice and compassion.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. John Watson (01:13):

  "Was in the spring of 1897 that Sherlock Holmes's iron constitution showed some symptoms of giving way in the face of constant hard work of a most exacting kind."

• Mortimer Tregennis (02:32):

  "It's devilish, Mr. Holmes, devilish. It's not of this world. Something has come into that room and dash the light of reason from their minds."

• Dr. Leon Sterndale (22:23):

  "Do all your successes depend on this prodigious power of bluff?"

• Sherlock Holmes (24:54):

  "Radix fetis diaboli. Devil Devil's foot root. What is it?"

• Sherlock Holmes (27:17):

  "You would not denounce the man?"

Final Thoughts

For enthusiasts of old-time radio and detective fiction, this episode offers a captivating blend of suspense, intellectual challenge, and emotional depth. The Adventure of the Devil's Foot stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Sherlock Holmes, delivering a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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My church too.

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] capital. My dear Watson, let us return to our humble abode.

[Dr. John Watson]

221B Baker street says Kev.

[Sherlock Holmes]

From London we present the Devil's Foot by Michael Hardwick. Based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle THE Devil's Foot it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was in the spring of 1897 that Sherlock Holmes's iron constitution showed some symptoms of giving way in the face of constant hard work of a most exacting kind. And he was induced at last on the threat of being permanently disqualified from work, to give himself a complete change of scene and error. Thus it was that in the spring of that year we found ourselves together in a small cottage near Polio Bay, at the further extremity of the Cornish peninsula. The vicar of the parish, Mr. Roundhead, we came to know as something of an archaeologist. And we also met his lodger, Mr. Mortimer Tregennis, an independent gentleman who increased the clergyman's scanty resources by taking rooms in his large straggling house. These were the two men who entered abruptly into our little sitting room as we were smoking together shortly after our breakfast hour. Mr. Holmes, the most extraordinary and tragic affair has occurred during the night. We can only regard it as a special providence that you should chance to be here at this time in all England. You are the one man we need. Mr. Roundhay, I really must remind you that Mr. Holmes is here for the benefit of his health and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, Watson, please.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh now, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I insist. You were saying, Mr. Roundhead?

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. Shall I speak, Mr. Guinness?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Or perhaps it'll be for the best, vicar.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well. Now I may explain then, Mr. Holmes, that our friend here spent last evening in the company of his two brothers, Owen and George, and of his sister Brenda, at their house of Tredannick Water, which the old stone cross upon the moor. He left them shortly before 10 o'clock, playing cards around the dining room table in excellent health and spirits this morning. Earlier he walked over there. When he arrived, he found an extraordinary State of things. His two brothers and his sister were seated around the table exactly as he'd left them, the cards still spread in front of them and the candles burned down to their sockets. The sister lay back stone dead in her chair while the two brothers sat on either side of her laughing, shouting and singing. The senses stricken clean out of them, all three of them. The dead woman and the two demented men retained upon their faces an expression of the utmost horror, a convulsion of terror which was dreadful to look upon. Nothing had been stolen or disarranged and there is absolutely no explanation of what the horror can be which has frightened a woman to death and two strong.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Men out of their senses.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I will look into this matter. On the face of it it would appear to be a case of a very exceptional nature.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, I must beg.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, if you please, Watton. Mr. Tregennis, I must ask you a few questions.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Ask what you like, Mr. Holmes. It's a bad thing to speak of but I'll answer you with the truth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell me about last night.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

I stopped there as the vicar said. My elder brother George proposed a game of whist afterwards. We sat down about 9 o'clock. It was a quarter past 10 when I moved to go. I left them all round the table as merry as could be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who let you out?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

I let myself out. A housekeeper, Mrs. Porter had gone to bed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The windows, how were they?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Windows closed of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. This morning everything in the room was as you left it last night. Exactly.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Yet there they sat, driven clean mad with terror. And poor Brenda lying dead to fright. I'll never get the sight of that room out of my mind as long as I live.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The facts as you state them are certainly remarkable. I take it you have no theory yourself to account for them?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

It's devilish, Mr. Holmes, devilish. It's not of this world. Something has come into that room and dash the light of reason from their minds. What human contrivance could do that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I fear that if the matter is beyond humanity it is certainly beyond me. Yet we must exhaust all natural explanations before we fall back upon such a theory as this.

[Dr. John Watson]

I quite agree, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As to yourself, Mr. Tregennis, I take it you were divided in some way from the rest of your family since they lived together and you had rooms apart.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

That is so, Mr. Holmes. The matter is past and done with. We were a family of tin miners at Redwood. We sold out to our company and retired well enough to keep us. I won't deny there was some feeling about the Division of the money. But it was all forgiven and forgotten and we were the best of friends together.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Looking back at the evening you spent together does anything stand out in your memory as throwing a possible light on the tragedy? Any clue which will help me?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Nothing at all, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You left them then without any premonition of evil?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

None at all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Remarkable. Most remarkable. I think we had better visit Frederick Walker without further delay. No, no, no, Watson, it's no use protesting. I confess that I have seldom known a case which at first sight presented a more singular problem.

[Dr. John Watson]

This is the cottage, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what is this?

[Mortimer Tregennis]

My brothers, George and Owen, they're. They're taking them away to Helston Asylum.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh dear me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Careful Holmes, you must hit that water and get o all over my feet too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, I do apologize. I wasn't looking where I was treading that pitiful.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, tragic, terrible thing.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Terrible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Drenis, brace yourself if you can.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

Thank you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now let us go inside and see what we shall find.

[Dr. John Watson]

This is Mrs. Porter, the housekeeper. Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A terrible business for you, Mrs. Porter.

[Mrs. Porter]

Is that, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I understand you heard nothing at all in the nighttime.

[Mrs. Porter]

Not a song, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And this morning?

[Mrs. Porter]

Well I come down and there they were. I. I fainted away and then I came to again soon, sir, and there they were still gibbering like good monkeys. And the poor mistress. I opened the windows to let the morning air in. It was that stuffy and out they ran to send the land for the doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And everything in this room is as you found it?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, sir. The cards all over the table. The candles burned down? Oh, only the chairs has been pushed back, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. They had a fire in the grate last night.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

It was lit after I arrived. The night was cold, damp.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, yes. Well, thank you, Mrs. Porter.

[Mrs. Porter]

Thank you, sir.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

What are you going to do now, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

With your permission, gentlemen, Dr. Watson and I will now return to our cottage. But I'm not aware that any new fact is likely to come to our notice here.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

But Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In the meantime I wish you both good morning, gentlemen. Now I take it in the first place that neither of us is prepared to admit diabolical intrusions into the affairs of men.

[Dr. John Watson]

Certainly not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good. There remain three persons to have been grievously stricken by some conscious or unconscious human agency. Now when did this occur?

[Dr. John Watson]

After Mortimer Tregenis left the room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By all accounts within a few minutes afterwards. That's a very important point. The cards still lay upon the table. It was already past their usual hour for Bed. Yet they had not changed their position or pushed back their chairs.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, that's true enough. But Holmes, what about Mortimer himself? What were his movements after he left the room?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I had already considered that. Oh, how knowing my methods as you do, you were of course conscious of the somewhat clumsy watering can expedient by which I obtained a clearer impress of his foot than might otherwise have been possible. The wet sandy path took it admirably.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, so that's why I got a soaking.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My apologies. It wasn't difficult having obtained a sample print to pick out his track. Among others he appears to have walked swiftly away in the direction of his lodgings to Dickory.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then that only leaves Mrs. Porter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, she's evidently harmless. You perceive our difficulties.

[Dr. John Watson]

They're only too clear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, we have a visitor, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

A visitor? How do you know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

His footmarks are clearly discernible upon the path leading up to our door. But not away from it. Let us inquire within.

[Podbean Announcer]

Sherlock Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The same.

[Podbean Announcer]

My name is Sterndale, Dr. Leon Sterndale. You may have heard of me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course. My dear sir, this is my friend Dr. Watson.

[Podbean Announcer]

How do you know?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, I'm honoured to make your acquaintance, Dr. Sterndale.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We have seen you once or twice in the distance upon the cliffs. Dr. Sterndale. I fancy that lions are a little scarce about these parts, sir.

[Podbean Announcer]

I find all the lions I want in Africa, Mr. Holmes. But even an explorer must have his fill of his old familiar places from time to time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite understand, Mr. Holmes.

[Podbean Announcer]

You'll pardon this intrusion. But I will tell you that I'd got as far as Plymouth on my way back to Africa when the news reached me this morning of this terrible happening. I came straight back again to help in the inquiry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know the Tregennis family?

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh very well. I might go so far as to call them cousins on my Cornish mother's side. This has been a great shock to me, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And you've lost your boat as a result of coming back.

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh no matter. I can take the next friendship.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed, eh, what admirable business. But surely this event could not have found its way into the Plymouth morning papers?

[Podbean Announcer]

No sir. I have a telegram.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Might I ask from whom?

[Podbean Announcer]

You're very inquisitive, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is my business.

[Podbean Announcer]

Well let it be from Mr. Roundhead of a car.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Podbean Announcer]

And now perhaps you would not mind telling me if your suspicions point in any particular direction?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I can hardly answer that. I may say that I have not cleared my mind entirely on the subject of this case. Well I have Every hope of reaching some conclusion. It would be premature to say more.

[Podbean Announcer]

Then I've wasted my time and I need not prolong my visit. Good day, gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good day, Dr. Stern. Well, upon my word, Holmes, what are you doing?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Having permitted Dr. Leon Sterndale a few minutes start, I propose to follow in his footsteps. I doubt whether you'll see me again before evening.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, but Holmes.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Dr. John Watson]

Really, Holmes, you look exhausted.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's too bad, you know. Is there a telegram for me, Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, there was. It came some time ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you. From the Plymouth Hotel. I learned the name of it from the vicar. And I wired to make certain that Dr. Sterndale's account was true. And was appears that he did indeed spend last night there. Ah, well, a good night's sleep and we may soon leave our difficulties.

[Dr. John Watson]

Coming. Who on earth is it at this time of the morning? Just a moment. Ah, good morning, Vicar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come in.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why, Vicar.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Holmes. Mr. Holmes, we are devil ridden. My poor parish is devil ridden. Satan himself is loosened. We are given over into his hands.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear vicar, calm yourself.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, I tell you, we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing of the sorter. Now, pray tell me what has happened?

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Mortimer Ennis died during the night. What? With exactly the same symptoms as the rest of his family.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Mr. Roundhead, is your dog cart outside? Yes, yes. Can you fit us both into it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I can.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then we're entirely at your disposal. But hurry, hurry before things get disarrayed.

[Dr. John Watson]

No doubt at all, Helm. This man died of fright. You see the contortion of the limbs?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How incredibly stuffy it is in here.

[Dr. John Watson]

I remarked on that myself earlier, Mr. Holmes. My servant drew my attention to that lamp smoking on the center table. She had to throw open all the windows upon entering the room, but I did not permit her to put out the lamp so that you could see everything precisely as it had been.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An admirable precaution, Vicar. And let us examine the lamp first. Oh.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, the smoke.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I really think we must turn it out.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'll do it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. That's better. Now then, Just scrape a sample of this ash from under the T shield and place it in this envelope.

[Podbean Announcer]

Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So much for the lamp. Now, Mr. Roundhay, may I examine Mr. Tregellis's bedroom?

[Dr. John Watson]

Certainly. It's immediately above this room. Find anything of interest, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, indeed. The bedroom window and the sitting room lamp each is suggestive and together they're almost conclusive. The lamp certainly. You remember, Watson, that there is a single common point of resemblance in the varying reports which have reached us. This concerns the atmosphere of the room in each.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You may recall that Mrs. Porter told us she fainted upon entering the room at Tredannick Water and later threw open the windows to let the air in as it was so stuffy. In the case of Mortimer Tregennis himself. You cannot have forgotten the horrible stuffiness of the room when we arrived, although the servant had opened the window.

[Dr. John Watson]

Terrible. If I remember it clearly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then you will admit that these facts are very suggestive. In each case there is evidence of a poisonous atmosphere. In each case also there is combustion going on in the room. In the one case a fire and the other a lamp. The fire was needed. It was a chilly damp night, but the lamp was lit long after it was broad daylight. But why? Surely because there is some connection between three things the burning, the stuffy atmosphere and finally the madness or death of those unfortunate people. That is clear, is it not?

[Dr. John Watson]

Appears to be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At least we may accept it as a working hypothesis. The facts in each case therefore seem to bear out the theory of a poison which worked by combustion.

[Dr. John Watson]

Seems a likely idea, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With this plane of reasoning in my head I naturally looked about in Mortimer Tregennis's room to find some remains of the substance. The obvious place to look was the lamp. There, sure enough, I perceived a fringe of brownish powder which had not yet been consumed. Half of this I took, as you saw, and placed it in an envelope. Get away. Only half, Holmes. Oh, it is not for me, my dear Watson, to stand in the way of the official police force. I leave them all the evidence which I found. The poison still remained upon the talc. Had they the wit to find it? And now, Watson, we will light our own lamp. We will however, take the precaution to open our window to avoid the premature decease of two deserving members of society. Now if you will seat yourself in the armchair near that open window. Good. And I will place this other chair opposite you so that we may be the same distance away from the poison and face to face the door we will leave ajar.

[Podbean Announcer]

Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Each is now in a position to watch the other and to bring the experiment to an end should the symptoms seem alarming. Is that all clear?

[Dr. John Watson]

Perfectly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well then, I take our powder or what remains of it, and I lay it above the burning lamp. So now, Watson, let us sit down and await development.

[Dr. John Watson]

They were not long in coming. I'd hardly settle in my chair before I was conscious of a thick musky odor, subtle and nauseous at the very first whiff of it. My brain and my imagination were beyond all control. Thick black cloud swirled before my eyes and my mind told me that in this cloud lurked all that was monstrous and inconsistent, conceivably wicked in the universe. At the same moment, in some effort of escape I broke through that cloud of despair and had a glimpse of Holmes's face, white, rigid and drawn with horror the very look which I had seen upon the features of the dead.

[Mortimer Tregennis]

It was that vision which gave me.

[Dr. John Watson]

An instant of sanity and of strength. I dashed from my chair, threw my arms round Holmes and together we lurched through the door and threw ourselves down upon the grass plot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Upon my word, Watson, I owe you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Both my thanks and an apology. But for your help I might never have got from that room. But it was an unjustifiable experiment even for oneself and doubly so for a friend.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm really very sorry. You know.

[Dr. John Watson]

It is my greatest joy and privilege to help your Holmes. I. I take it you have no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Longer a shadow of doubt as to how these tragedies were produced. But the cause remains as obscure as before. Now come, let us sit down in the arbor here, discuss it together.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good idea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now I think we must admit that all the evidence points to this man, Mortimer Tregennis, having been the criminal in the first tragedy, though he was the victim in the second one. We must remember that there is some story of a family quarrel followed by a reconciliation.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How bitter that quarrel may have been or how hollow the reconciliation we cannot tell. When I think of Morton, of Tregennis, with that foxy face and those small shrewd, beady eyes behind the spectacles he is not a man whom I should judge to have been of a particularly forgiving disposition.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'm inclined to agree with you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But if he did not throw this substance into the fire at the moment of leaving the room, who did, sir?

[Dr. John Watson]

Who indeed?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Had anyone else come in, the family would certainly have risen from the table. Besides, in peaceful Cornwall visitors do not arrive after 10:00 at night.

[Dr. John Watson]

So we take it that all the evidence points to Mortimer Tregennis. And his own death was suicide.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, it is on the face of it, a not impossible supposition. The man who had the guilt upon his soul of having brought such a fate upon his own family might well be driven by remorse to inflict it upon himself. There are, however, some cogent reasons against it.

[Podbean Announcer]

What are they?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There is one man in England who can answer that.

[Dr. John Watson]

Who's that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And by all the saints, here he is and a little before his time. Oh, Dr. Standard, perhaps you would kindly step this way. Dr. Sternly.

[Podbean Announcer]

You sent for me, Mr. Holmes? I heard your note about an hour ago and I have come, although I am at a loss to know, sir, what you're going to have to speak about which affects me in such a very intimate fashion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The killing of Mortimer Tregennis.

[Podbean Announcer]

I have lived so long among savages and beyond the law that I have got into a way of being a law to myself. You would do well, Mr. Holmes, not to forget it. I have no desire to do you an injury.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nor have I any desire to do you an injury, Dr. Sterndale. Surely the clearest proof of it is that knowing what I know, I have sent for you and not for the police. What my next step may be will depend entirely on the nature of your own defence.

[Podbean Announcer]

My defence?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes sir, my defence.

[Podbean Announcer]

Against what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Against the charge of killing Mortimer Tregennis.

[Podbean Announcer]

Do all your successes depend on this prodigious power of bluff?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The bluff is upon your side, Dr. Leon Sterndale, not upon mine. As a proof I will tell you some of the facts upon which my conclusions are based. When you last left here you went to the vicarage, waited outside it for some time and finally returned to your cottage.

[Podbean Announcer]

How do you know that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I followed you.

[Podbean Announcer]

I saw no one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is what you may expect to see when I follow you. You spent a restless night at your cottage and you formed certain plans which in the early morning you proceeded to put into execution, leaving your door just as deep. Day was breaking. You filled your pocket with some reddish gravel that was lying heaped beside your gate. You then walked swiftly for the mile to the vicarage, passing through the orchard on the side hedge and coming out under the window of the lodge of Forginnes. It was now daylight but the household was not yet sturdy. You drew some of the gravel from your pocket and you throw it up at the window above you.

[Podbean Announcer]

I believe you're the devil himself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It took two or three handfuls before the lodger came to the window. You beckoned him to come down. He dressed hurriedly and descended to his Sitting room. You entered by the window. There was an interview, a short one, during which you walked up and down the room. Then you came out and closed the window. Standing on the lawn outside smoking a cigar and watching what occurred. Finally, after the death of Tregennis, you withdrew as you had come. Devil take you now, Dr. Sterndale. How do you justify such conduct? And what were the motives for your actions? If you prevaricate or trifle with me, I give you my assurance that the matter will pass out of my hands forever.

[Podbean Announcer]

I, I. This is why I did it. This photograph.

[Dr. John Watson]

Brenda Tregennis.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yes, Brenda Tregennis. For years I have loved her. For years she has loved me. There is the secret of my Cornish seclusion which people have marveled at.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Podbean Announcer]

I couldn't marry her. I have a wife who left me years ago and yet whom I could not divorce under the deplorable laws of England. For years Brenda and I waited for this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Proceed.

[Podbean Announcer]

The vicar knew he was in our confidence. That was why he telegraphed to me and I returned. Look you. You see this?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah. Radix fetis diaboli. Devil Devil's foot root. What is it?

[Podbean Announcer]

The root is shaped like a foot. Half human, half goat like. Hence the fanciful name given by a botanical missionary. Well, sir, one day, only a couple of weeks ago, I showed this mortiber some of my African curiosities. I told him of the strange properties of this powder. How it stimulates those brain centers which control the emotion of fear and how either madness or death results. I also told him our European science would be powerless to detect it. I well remember how he plied me with questions about it. And I've realized since that when my back was turned he must have abstracted some of that powder. But I thought none of this until the vicar's telegram reached me at Plymouth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When Mortimer Tregennis thought you'd be safely away at sea.

[Dr. John Watson]

Exactly.

[Podbean Announcer]

I was convinced that Mortimer Tree Gennis had used the devil's foot powder in his family with the idea that he'd become sole guardian of their joint property. And in doing so, he killed Blender. One being whom I. I have ever loved or who has ever loved me, my soul cried out for revenge. I determined that the fate which he had given to others should be shared by himself. Now I. I have told you all the rest. You know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We had better hear what transpired between you and him at his lodgings.

[Podbean Announcer]

Simply that I told him I'd come both as judge and as executioner. I lit the lamp, put the powder above it and threatened to come back into the room and shoot him if he should try to get out. The wretch was paralyzed with fright at the sight of my revolver. He died in five minutes. How he died. But he endured nothing that my innocent darling had not suffered before him. Perhaps if you loved a woman, Mr. Holmes, you would have done as much yourself. At any rate, you can do what you like with me. There is no man living who can fear death less than I do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What were your plans?

[Podbean Announcer]

I had intended to bury myself away in Central Africa. My work there is only half finished.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go and do the other half. I, at least, am not prepared to prevent you.

[Podbean Announcer]

Mr. Holmes, I. Good day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good day. Dr. Watson. I have never loved. But if I did, and if the woman I loved had met such an end, I might act even as our lawless lionhunter has done. Who knows? But I think you must agree this is not a case in which we are called upon to interfere. You would not denounce the man?

[Dr. John Watson]

Certainly not Holmes. Certainly not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was the Devil's Foot 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 Midgley.

[Dr. John Watson]

It.