Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Grand Old Man 12/21/1946

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Sherlock Holmes - "The Adventure of the Grand Old Man" (12/21/1946)

Episode Theme Overview
In this classic Sherlock Holmes radio drama, Holmes and Dr. Watson are drawn into a web of deception, guilt, and attempted murder surrounding the death of Martin Reeve, a celebrated but tormented playwright. The story explores legacies—both literary and familial—and the dangerous consequences of secrets long-kept. Intrigue unfolds in the Reeve household, where the past literally comes back to haunt, and motives collide in a tense race to prevent murder.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. The Call to Adventure (03:01–07:58)

• Holmes and Watson Return from the Theatre:
  Holmes and Watson return from seeing a revival of Reeve’s famous play, "The Road is Narrow," and find a visitor waiting at 221B Baker Street.
• Dr. Harvey Manners’ Urgent Plea:
  Dr. Manners, Reeve’s physician, arrives gravely concerned about his patient. He suspects someone is attempting to murder Reeve, whose heart condition leaves him vulnerable to shock.

  “The reason I've come to you, Mr. Holmes, is that I'm convinced that although he's a dying man someone is trying to murder him.”
  —Dr. Manners (05:50)

• The Apparition:
  Manners describes how Reeve claimed to see a ghostly blond-haired, blue-eyed young man—a ‘ghost from his past.’ Blond hairs (from a wig) were found on the bed, yet no one in the house has blond hair, arousing further suspicion.

2. Investigation at the Reeve Estate (08:31–11:07)

• Arrival and Meeting the Household:
  Holmes and Watson travel to Carlisle and are introduced to the household:
  • Catherine (Reeve’s daughter)
  • Silas (Reeve’s resentful brother)
  • Hugh Kingslake (Reeve’s secretary)
• Tension and Suspicions:
  Discontent and hidden resentments among the family members, especially Silas, who bitterly comments on his brother’s notoriety and Catherine’s and Hugh’s apparent romance.

3. The Confession of Martin Reeve (11:12–14:45)

• Revelation of Guilt:
  Reeve, on his deathbed, confesses to Holmes and Watson that he did not write "The Road is Narrow." The true author was his friend, Colin McGrath.

  “The author of that play died 45 years ago.”
  —Martin Reeve (12:06)

• Atonement:
  Reeve wishes to right the wrong by leaving half his estate to McGrath’s heirs.

  “Now that I'm on my deathbed, I'd like to clear my conscience.”
  —Martin Reeve (12:23)

4. Tracing the McGrath Lineage (15:15–17:41)

• Watson Investigates:
  Dr. Watson learns from Keswick villagers and the vicar that Colin McGrath had a son, orphaned and sent to Liverpool after McGrath’s wife died young.
  • A crucial clue: the child’s only memento is a photograph.
• Key Discovery:
  Holmes matches Watson’s photograph of McGrath’s wife with one that Kingslake keeps, revealing that Kingslake is the lost McGrath heir.

  “One of our problems is solved.”
  —Holmes (17:18)

5. The Apparition Returns—Crisis (18:04–18:28, 20:58–21:42)

• Second Apparition and Arson:
  Dr. Manners calls for Holmes and Watson after another alleged apparition. As they return to the Reeve house, Silas knocks over a lamp, setting Reeve’s room ablaze.
• Kingslake’s Heroism:
  Despite danger, Kingslake rushes into the burning room to save Reeve, sustaining severe burns.

6. The Truth Revealed (23:07–26:53)

• Death and Aftermath:
  Reeve dies from shock and his injuries; Kingslake survives.
• Holmes’ Deduction:
  Holmes reveals that Kingslake, despite earlier heroism, orchestrated the ghostly apparitions to frighten Reeve to death before the new will could be signed—planning to gain all the inheritance by marrying Catherine. However, learning he was McGrath’s son (and heir), his motive reversed, so he risked his life to save Reeve.

  “A feature of the impersonation that especially struck your father, Ms. Reeve, was the color of the eyes... They were blue, Watson, brilliant blue. Just as his fathers were before him.”
  —Holmes (24:12, 24:48)

• Moral Reflection:
  Holmes offers a characteristically cool observation on human nature:

  “Emotional qualities are antagonistic to clear thinking. I assure you that the most winning woman I ever knew was hanged for poisoning three little children for their insurance money. And the most repellent man of my acquaintance is a philanthropist who has spent nearly a quarter of a million upon the London poor.”
  —Holmes (26:14)

• Resolution:
  The will was never changed; the estate remains with the family. Catherine renounces Kingslake.

  “No, of course he won't. I'll never see him again.”
  —Catherine (26:01)

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “I must apologize for being here at such an hour at night, Mr. Holmes, but my business is urgent.”
  —Dr. Manners (04:53)

• “Someone arranged for that apparition, that they knew of his heart condition and also knew that a sudden fright could kill him.”
  —Dr. Manners (06:24)

• “The author of that play died 45 years ago... I want you to find out if any heirs of Colin McGrath still survive.”
  —Martin Reeve (12:06, 12:59)

• “Then the fellow calling himself Hugh Kingslake is really the Colin McGrath heir.”
  —Watson (17:41)

• “He intended to marry you. And when he learned a few days ago that your father planned to will half his estate to the McGrath heir, he decided to try and kill him before that will could be put into effect.”
  —Holmes (25:01)

• “I can't believe it, Ollie.”
  —Catherine (25:28)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| MM:SS | Segment Description | |--------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 03:01 | The case is introduced by Dr. Manners' arrival | | 07:44 | Discovery of blond wig hairs as evidence | | 11:12 | Martin Reeve’s confession to Holmes and Watson | | 15:15 | Watson investigates McGrath’s past in Keswick | | 17:18 | Holmes matches Kingslake’s photograph | | 18:04 | The second apparition; concern for Reeve’s life | | 20:58 | Engagement announcement; revelation to Kingslake | | 22:31 | Fire! Kingslake attempts a rescue | | 23:09 | Aftermath in the sick room—Reeve’s death confirmed | | 24:12 | Holmes explains the blue-eyed disguise | | 25:01 | Holmes reveals Kingslake’s motives | | 26:14 | Holmes offers his moral reflection |

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Memorable Moments

• The shocking revelation that the famous play was plagiarized, and the guilt of a lifetime colors Reeve’s final days.
• The visual imagery of the ghostly apparition—crafted with wigs and blue eyes—playing on the fears of an old man.
• The dramatic fire rescue, with Kingslake’s desperate leap through flames, belying his own earlier treachery.
• Holmes’ quiet, almost chilling, assessment of human character, drawing the investigation to a somber, thought-provoking close.

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Summary

This episode is a masterfully layered tale of guilt, family secrets, and shifting motives, delivered with the richly atmospheric tone that marks old-time radio’s golden age. Nigel Bruce's Dr. Watson and Tom Conway’s Sherlock Holmes bring heart and intellect in equal measure. The case is steeped in literary references, theatrics, and human frailty—making it a classic Holmes adventure that continues to intrigue and surprise.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail]. Kremel hair tonic and kremel shampoo present the new adventures of sherlock holmes. Starring nigel bruce as Dr. Watson and tom conway as sherlock holmes. Now it's time to keep that weekly appointment with our good friend and host, Dr. Watson. Let's join him, shall we? Good evening, Dr. Watson.

[B]

Good evening, Mr. Bell. As usual, you're punctual to the minute.

[A]

Naturally, when I have an appointment with my favorite doctor.

[B]

Well, draw up your usual chair and make yourself comfortable.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

That's it.

[A]

All ready with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[D]

Dr. Watson.

[B]

Yes, my boy? I was going over my notes on the case before you arrived. I came across this old theater program. I think it'll interest you.

[A]

Garrick Theater. Sir Basil Wentworth in a revival of Martin Reeves famous play the Road is Narrow. A production that you and the great Sherlock Holmes attended, I'm sure.

[B]

He certainly did, Mr. Bell. Though at the time we had no idea that we were about to come involved in the tragic death of Martin Reeve. You've probably heard of him, haven't you, Mr. Bell?

[A]

It seems to me I had to read him in school, Dr. Watson.

[B]

Rather out of fashion now, like so many other good things. But in the 1890s, apart from Lord Tennyson, there wasn't a more famous writer in England or a more respected one. The story I'm going to tell you tonight, Mr. Bell, concerns the horrible circumstances surrounding his death.

[A]

Sounds like a mighty intriguing Sherlock Holmes adventure. But before you begin, Dr. Watson, do you mind if I.

[B]

You have your little talk? No, of course, Doctor.

[A]

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[B]

Well, Mr. Bell, that adventure began late on a foggy evening many, many years ago. Sherlock Holmes and I had been to the Garrick Theater to see the revival of Martin Reed's play. And I remember that we decided to walk home to Baker Street. As we approached the old familiar door of 221B, our footsteps echoed holloway in the deserted street and the chimes of a neighboring church reminded us of the fact that it was midnight.

[E]

A delightful evening, Watson. A good dinner, an excellent bottle of wine and three hours of theatrical magic.

[B]

Well, personally I found the play rather depressing.

[E]

Its theme is a morbid one, but the writing and construction are flawless. Yes, a magnificent play and well worth reviving. By the way, I noticed an item in the Times this morning concerning Martin Reeve. He's dangerously ill. Oh really?

[B]

Well he must be quite an old man.

[E]

82 to be precise.

[B]

Really? Is he as old as that curious career?

[E]

Watson, his greatest success was written when he was a young man. In the past 50 years he has never written anything to compare with tonight's play.

[B]

No, I don't think he. Holmes, look up at our window. Hello.

[E]

The gas is brightly lighted, whereas Mrs. Hudson invariably turns it low when we're out. And look at the silhouette on the blind. There's a man pacing up and down the room.

[B]

Visit Midnight Holmes. This looks ominous. Be careful now, it may be some sort of trap.

[E]

I think not, Watson. If some desperado were lying in wait for me, I doubt whether he'd be stupid enough to turn up the gas to advertise his presence.

[B]

It's the same. I wonder how he got in?

[E]

Presumably through the front door. Mrs. Hudson has instructions to let a client wait in our rooms if his business seems urgent.

[F]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

[E]

At your service, sir.

[F]

I'm Dr. Manners. Harvey Manners.

[E]

How do you do Dr.

[D]

Manners?

[E]

This is my colleague, Dr. Watson.

[B]

How do you do?

[F]

I must apologize for being here at such an hour at night, Mr. Holmes, but my business is urgen.

[E]

I'm sure it is, Doctor.

[F]

I left Carlisle this morning, arriving at St. Pancras station two hours ago. I came directly here, persuaded your housekeeper to let me wait for you.

[E]

Then sit down, my dear doctor and tell me what urgent business has brought you to London.

[F]

Thank you. Well, Mr. Holmes, I've been acting in the capacity of personal physician for Martin Reeve, the playwright Martin Reeve.

[B]

What an extraordinary coincidence. We have just returned from seeing the revival of his play the Road is Narrow. We were talking about him as we walked home.

[E]

I understand the grand old man is dying.

[F]

He's not in good shape Mr. Holmes. His heart's in very bad condition. Auricular fibrillation.

[B]

Dr. Watson, at his age I imagine you don't hold out much hope.

[F]

No, but I think with care he might last a year or two. But the reason I've come to you, Mr. Holmes, is that I'm convinced that although he's a dying man someone is trying to murder him.

[B]

To murder him? Good Lord.

[E]

What reason do you have for saying that, Dr. Manners?

[F]

Well Mr. Holmes, I've been in almost daily attendance on Mr. Reeve. Last night his coachman drove over to get me saying that his master had suffered another bad attack. When I got to the house I found that Mr. Reeve had received a severe shock. He was in a state of almost complete hysteria and he kept insisting that he'd seen an apparition in his room

[E]

a few hours earlier. What kind of an apparition?

[F]

A ghost from his past as he referred to it. I think that someone arranged for that apparition, that they knew of his heart condition and also knew that a sudden fright could kill him.

[E]

It's possible Dr. Manners, and it would be one of the least detectable methods of murder.

[B]

But who would want to kill a dying man?

[E]

Who lives at the house with him? Dr.

[F]

Manners, his daughter Catherine, his brother Silas who's a drunken good for nothing and his secretary, a fellow by the name of Hugh Kingslake.

[B]

Do you know the condition of Mr. Reeves as well?

[F]

No, but I do know he had dictated a new one a few days ago.

[E]

A fact that might easily have provoked a crisis. Dr. Manners, you say that Mr. Reeves spoke of seeing an apparition, a ghost from his past. Was he able to describe its appearance?

[F]

Well he was a little incoherent but he kept babbling something about blond hair and blue eyes and a young man who'd come back from beyond the grave to haunt him.

[B]

Don't you think, Dr. Manners, that these might simply be the delusions of an old and a sick man?

[F]

I didn't overlook that possibility I assure you Dr. Watson, even though Mr. Reeves mental faculties are remarkably acute for his age. But last night after I'd given him a sedative I examined his room. I found these, Mr. Holmes. That's when I decided to come to you.

[B]

Let's Have a look at them. They look like blond hair.

[F]

Yes, they are, Doctor. I found them on the bedclothes. And yet no one in that house has blond hair.

[E]

Interesting. Very interesting. The hair is human and yet the roots have minute particles of glue attached to them. Obviously they're from a Whig. Get out the timetable, Watson, will you? We're going to Carlisle on the earliest possible train. Though the grand old man of the English theater is dying we must do everything in our power to see that his death is not an unnatural one.

[D]

Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson. I'm Hugh Kingslake, Mr. Reeve's secretary.

[B]

How do you do, sir?

[D]

Your accommodations at the hotel are satisfactory, I trust, gentlemen?

[E]

Entirely. Thank you, Mr. Kingsley.

[G]

Good.

[D]

Frankly, I'm most relieved that you're here. Mr. Reeve received a severe shock the night before last. I quite agree with Dr. Manners that someone deliberately induced that shock. Knowing the serious condition of Mr. Reeve's heart.

[E]

Have you any idea who that someone might be?

[D]

Well, it's a little difficult for me

[E]

to talk, Mr. Holmes.

[D]

After all, I'm only an employee here but I can't help feeling. Oh, good morning, Mr. Reeve.

[C]

Excuse me. Who are these men?

[D]

This is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Mr. Silas Reeve.

[E]

How do you do, Mr. Reeve? And what, may I ask is the

[C]

professional meddler Sherlock Holmes doing in my brother's house?

[E]

I'm here at the request of Dr. Manners.

[C]

Manners has no right to bring you here, sir. A lot of rubbish. All this talk, talk about apparitions, nonsense. Martin's in his second childhood. He's become a gibbering old fool. Personally I wish he'd die and have done with it.

[B]

Well, upon my soul.

[C]

Never mind your soul, my good doctor. Why don't you mind your own business and get out of the house? We don't want detectives here.

[E]

Mr. Reeve, I've traveled some 200 miles to see your brother and I have no intention of leaving this house without

[C]

talking to him and talking the devil with you. And if my dear distinguished brother tells you that I've been sponging on him for years. It's perfectly true, Uncle Silas. Enter the beautiful Catherine to try and persuade her drunken old uncle to return to his room.

[H]

No, Uncle Silas. I came to get Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. Dr. Manor said that Daddy can see them now.

[D]

Shall I take them up, Ms. Reeves?

[H]

No, Mr. Kingslake, I will.

[C]

And don't be deceived by the Mr. Kingslake and the Ms. Reeves. Gentlemen. My dear niece and this young man here have a dark secret. A secret that is perfectly apparent to every member of this household, Uncle. Sire, they're in love. Delightful, isn't it, uncle, you're intolerable.

[E]

Will you lead the way, Miss Reeve?

[H]

Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes.

[C]

Don't forget to ask him about the play that made him so famous. You might learn some interesting facts.

[H]

I must apologize for Uncle Silas, gentlemen. I'm afraid he's like this all the time these days.

[E]

I quite understand.

[B]

This must be very distressing for you, my dear.

[H]

I'm used to it. Doctor, here's Daddy's room. I won't come in with you. Too many people upset me.

[B]

Come here.

[H]

Please go in, gentlemen. I'll see you later.

[B]

Ah, there you are.

[G]

Who is it, manners?

[F]

It's Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mr. Reeve.

[G]

Ah, good, good. You can leave us, manners.

[F]

Yes, Mr. Reeve. I. I'll see you both later.

[E]

Very well, Doctor.

[G]

Come sit on my bed. That's it.

[B]

How are you feeling, sir?

[G]

Old. Old and ill. But I'm glad you're both here. Manners displayed unusual enterprise in persuading you to visit me. There's been a lot of nonsense printed about my impending death. Anyone would think a great man is dying.

[E]

The author of the Road is Narrow is a great man, Mr. Reeves.

[G]

He was a great man, Mr. Holmes.

[B]

What do you mean, sir?

[G]

The author of that play died 45 years ago.

[B]

What?

[G]

And yet his ghost appeared in this room two nights ago.

[E]

Mr. Reeve, are you saying that you didn't write the Road is Narrow?

[G]

Yes, my boy, I am. And it's a secret that's been gnawing at me for years. Now that I'm on my deathbed, I'd like to clear my conscience.

[E]

Then who did write the place up?

[G]

Young friend of mine, the name of Colin McGrath. I started life as a lawyer's clerk in Keswick, a few miles from here. Colin lived in the same village and we became great friends. One day he gave me the manuscript of his play to look at and I realized it was a work of a genius. Suddenly he died. No one knew about the manuscript.

[B]

You claimed it as your own, sir.

[G]

Yes, to my eternal shame I did. Now I want to make amends, Mr. Holmes. I want you to find out if any heirs of Colin McGrath still survive. If they do, I'll give them half of my estate.

[E]

Mr. Reeve, does anyone else know of this fraud?

[G]

Yes. Knowing that I hadn't wronged this world, I confided the secret to three members of my household.

[E]

And you're convinced that the apparition you saw the other night was that of the dead Colin McGrath.

[G]

There was no mistaking him. Her blue eyes, long golden hair. It was Colin for his ghost. Come to hunt me on my deathbed.

[E]

This decision on your part to leave half of your estate to any heirs of the man you wronged, was that decision made before you had this strange visitation the other night?

[G]

Yes. Yes it was.

[B]

Did you mention it to any member of your family, sir?

[G]

No. I did say something to Dr. Manners and I didn't mention Colin McGrath's name.

[E]

It's obvious that someone wished to frighten you, knew your secret and disguised himself to resemble Colin McGrath.

[G]

It was Colin. Never forget his blue eyes. Who was standing over there in a chest of drawers. He looked at me. So approached through the sure is you sleep.

[E]

Yes, Watson. And while he lies there, some member of this household continues to plot his death. We must work fast.

[B]

What are we going to do?

[E]

Split forces. I shall remain here for a while and see what may be found out. I'll meet you at our hotel later and we'll compare notes.

[B]

And what shall I do?

[E]

Go to the village of Keswick. Colin McGrath lived and died there. See what you can find out about him, Watson.

[I]

Of course I remember Colin McGrath well.

[B]

I should be very grateful for any information about him, madam. As postmistress I imagine that very little village gossip has escaped you.

[I]

Of course it hasn't. I remember the McGrath boy. Well he was no good. Didn't he marry poor old Mrs. Northlip's granddaughter Susan and then go and desert her just to kill himself? And the poor girl was going to have a baby. No good on earth. That's what young McGrath was. And you can tell him I said so, if you ever reach the place I'm sure he went to.

[B]

Oh, I said. They have a child you say? What happened to it, madam?

[I]

How should I know? I'm only the postmistress. You'd better go and see the vicar, young man.

[J]

It's a tragic story. You've told me Dr. Watson, that you

[B]

remember Colin McGrath, sir.

[J]

Oh very well. And I always suspected something akin to genius in the boy that he burned with too hard and gem like a flame. As Walter Pater has said. He burned himself out, destroyed his life and poor Susan northstrips with it. She died of a broken heart less than a year after his death.

[B]

And their child?

[J]

There was no money, no one to look after the boy. He was sent to an orphanage in Liverpool.

[B]

And that child, if he's still alive, stands to inherit half of Martin Reeves fortune if only we can find him. It's good to be back here at the hotel. Holmes, I've had an exhausting day.

[E]

I trust you had better luck than I did. What did you find out?

[B]

That Colin McGrath had a child, that his wife died shortly after the child's birth and that the boy was sent to an orphanage in Liverpool.

[E]

In Liverpool? Go on, Watson.

[B]

Well, the vicar gave me this photograph of Mrs. McGarth. It was taken on their wedding day.

[E]

Let me see it. But this is amazing, Watson. One of our problems is solved.

[B]

Well, I'm blessed if I see how.

[E]

Let me explain it to you. After you left I had quite a long talk with the secretary, Hugh Kingslake. It transpired that he knew nothing of his parents. He'd been raised in an orphanage and the only memento he has is a picture of his mother, a picture that he carries in his watch. And that picture is a duplicate of this one.

[B]

Great Scott, then the fellow calling himself Hugh Kingsley is really the Colin McGrath heir.

[E]

Precisely. A fantastic situation indeed. Come on old chap, grab your hat and coat. We must drive over to Mr. Reeves and break the good news that the missing heir is a member of his own household.

[B]

We're still no nearer finding out who's been trying to frighten old Mr. Reeves.

[E]

Surely that's obvious now. Watson. Come in, Dr. Manners. What's wrong?

[F]

Please, please come at once, both of you. It's Mr. Reeve. Yes, Dr. Watson. This evening he had another visit from that apparition. I'm only afraid this time the devilish plan may work and that Martin Reeve won't live through the.

[A]

In a moment we'll find out. What Sherlock Holmes says is obvious. But first, more and more men today are beginning to realize they should take better care of the hair they've got. And when you buy a hair tonic, why not get your money's worth? Why not enjoy the extra advantages of Kremel Hair Tonic? Grammel contains a special combination of hair grooming ingredients which is found in no other hair tonic. This highly specialized hair tonic keeps dry, stubborn hair neatly in place all day long and always gives it such a natural, well groomed appearance. Never sticky or greasy. But men Kremel does lots more than keep hair looking handsome. A quick massage with Kremel stimulates circulation right in the surface of the scalp, leaving your scalp feeling so alive, so invigorated. At the same time, Kremel removes loose dandruff. It's excellent to lubricate a dry scalp. And if your hair is so dry that it breaks and falls when you comb it, remember Kremel Actually helps condition the hair in that it makes it feel softer, more pliable. So men just as soon as possible buy a bottle of Kremel at any drug counter. Let Kremel always keep your scalp feeling clean and refreshed. Your hair always looking its very best. K R E M L Kremel hair tonight. Well, Dr. Watson, this story certainly has me on the edge of my chair. What happened next? You drove over to Mr. Reeves house I suppose?

[B]

Yes, Mr. Bell, we did. And as we went rattling down the country lanes, the flickering oil lamps on Dr. Manor's carriage lighting a shadowy path, I found it almost impossible to get a word out of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes, sometimes you're the most irritating man on earth.

[E]

And what prompts that little tirade, Watson?

[B]

You haven't opened your mouth since we left our hotel.

[E]

Purposeless conversation is a waste of time. Not much further is it Dr. Manners? No, Mr. Holmes, we're nearly there.

[B]

I don't consider conversation purposes when it clarifies the problem. Holmes, you said it was obvious who had been frightening Mr. Reeve. I suppose I'm stupid but I find it far from obvious.

[E]

And yet the facts are clearly in front of your eyes. Eyes. That's it Watson, think about eyes.

[B]

Blue eyes of the supposed ghost, eh? But the Reeves family have all got brown eyes. Apparently it's a marked family characteristic.

[E]

Quite, Watson, that fact should lead you to the obvious conclusion.

[B]

Oh, you're always talking in riddle, Holmes.

[H]

In the room.

[E]

Here we are, Mr. Holmes, and Hugh Kings Lake is standing at the front door. How is he, Mr. Kingslake?

[D]

Better, Mr. Holmes. Seems to have rallied a bit. I'm glad you're all here.

[F]

I'll drive my carriage around to the stables.

[B]

Be back in a moment.

[D]

Come in, gentlemen. With Mr. Reeves so ill, it may seem a little inappropriate to announce my news, but Catherine consented to marry me tonight. We're engaged.

[B]

Oh, really? My congratulations.

[E]

Yes, indeed. She's a charming girl.

[D]

Oh, Catherine, darling. I've told them our news.

[H]

Oh, it must seem a terrible time to announce it, Mr. Holmes, with poor Daddy lying so ill upstairs.

[E]

It's quite understandable, Ms. Reeve. And before we go up and see your father, I'd like you both to know that we have something in the nature of a wedding present for you.

[H]

A wedding present?

[E]

Yes. You're both familiar with the story of Colin McGrath, I understand.

[D]

You mean that he was the true author of the Road Is narrow?

[H]

Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. Daddy told us all about it.

[B]

And did you also know that Mr. Reeve is planning to leave half his estate to the heir of Mr. McGrath.

[D]

I knew that, Dr. Watson. In my capacity as secretary I had occasion to draw up a rough draft of the new will a few days ago.

[E]

Then I'm sure, Mr. Kingslake, that you'll be very interested to know that today Dr. Watson and I discover that you are the son of Colin McGrath.

[A]

That I am.

[H]

Hugh is the heir. Well, that doesn't seem possible.

[E]

The fact is proven Beyond a doubt, Ms. Reeve.

[D]

Then if Mr. Reeve makes the new will, I stand to inherit half the fortune.

[B]

Yes, my boy, you do. That's what Mr. Holmes meant when he was talking about wedding presents. Come here somebody.

[H]

That's Uncle Silas. He's upstairs with Daddy.

[E]

What's wrong, Mr. Reeve?

[B]

Fire. I knocked over a lamp in Martin's

[H]

room and Daddy's up there. The room's ablaze.

[B]

What?

[E]

Come on, Watson.

[B]

The hook top landing's burning, Holmes.

[E]

Can't go through this way.

[D]

We just can't stand here. Mr. Reeve will roast alive. I. I'm going after him.

[B]

Come back.

[E]

Kings Lake.

[B]

Come back. Come back. Great stock. He went right through the flames.

[E]

Holmes, send one of the servants for the fire brigade and tell the rest to bring buckets of water and to bring them f.

[H]

Doctor Watson. How is Hugh?

[B]

He's going to pull through, Ms. Reeve. He's badly burned but he'll be all right, won't he, Dr. Manners?

[F]

Yes, yes, a few weeks in the hospital and he'll be as good as new.

[H]

And father?

[F]

Well, I am afraid he's dead, Catherine.

[C]

Dead.

[H]

Oh, poor daddy.

[B]

Oh, my dear. He might have lived for a time but the shock of the fire coming so close on top of the other one was too much for him. He died just as I took him from your fiance's arms.

[C]

So that by knocking over a lamp I was responsible for my brother's death?

[E]

Yes, Mr. Reeve, the credit is yours. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the local police might consider booking you on a charge of arson.

[A]

Rubbish.

[C]

It was an accident and you can't prove otherwise.

[E]

Possibly not. But there's one matter I can settle here and now. Two nights ago someone in this house tried to murder Martin Reeve by posing as Colin McGrath. The same despicable action was repeated tonight.

[B]

Well, one person that we can eliminate is Hugh Kingslake. He nearly gave his life just now trying to save his employer.

[H]

Then who was responsible, Mr. Holmes?

[E]

A feature of the impersonation that especially struck your father, Ms. Reeve, was the color of the eyes. He described them as a brilliant blue.

[C]

Then that rules out Catherine and me. We both have brown eyes.

[E]

Precisely, Mr. Reeve. I have devoted some considerable study to the art of disguise. There are wigs and methods of altering height and weight, but the color of the eyes cannot be altered. Watson, ten minutes ago you had the opportunity of examining Mr. Kinslake's eyes without the tinted glasses he's in the habit of wearing.

[B]

Well, they did fall off when he tumbled back down the back stairs. But I can't say that I noticed the colour of his eyes.

[E]

They were blue, Watson, brilliant blue. Just as his fathers were before him.

[C]

You mean that young Kingslake was responsible?

[E]

Yes, Mr. Reeve, I do.

[H]

But that's ridiculous, Mr. Holmes. He just hurt himself severely in trying to save father.

[E]

True, Ms. Reed, but surely his reason was obvious. He intended to marry you. And when he learned a few days ago that your father planned to will half his estate to the McGrath heir, he decided to try and kill him before that will could be put into effect.

[B]

I see it all, Holmes. And then tonight he realized that he was the heir.

[E]

Precisely, Watson. And so it was to his great advantage to see that his employer stayed alive to execute that new will. That accounts for his bravery in the fire tonight.

[H]

I can't Believe it, Ollie.

[C]

Mr. Holmes, I can. I've always disliked you and I'll have great pleasure in prosecuting him.

[F]

It'd be hard to prove, Silas. After all, your brother did die a natural death.

[E]

Yes, Dr. Manners, I fear that legally there's very little we can do to Mr. Kinslake. But when he recovers and realizes that he risked his life for nothing, I think he'll find his own punishment. The change in the will was not made. The estate will be divided between the family. And I doubt if Mr. Kinslake will now acquire any of it by marriage.

[H]

No, of course he won't. I'll never see him again.

[B]

Quite right, my dear, quite right. What a despicable scheme. And to think that his father wrote one of the greatest plays of our century.

[E]

I prefer to forget the fact, Watson. Emotional qualities are antagonistic to clear thinking. I assure you that the most winning woman I ever knew was hanged for poisoning three little children for their insurance money. And the most repellent man of my acquaintance is a philanthropist who has spent nearly a quarter of a million upon the London poor. Now my dear chap, I think we should look up the next train back to London. Our work here is done.

[A]

In a moment we'll hear about next week's story. But first, girls, here's a sensational beauty tip from some of the World's most divinely beautiful girls. Powers. Models. Girls who are famous for their enchantingly lovely silk and sheen hair.

[H]

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[A]

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[H]

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[A]

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[B]

Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Bill. And the same to you, my boy. I'd also like to take this opportunity of extending the season's greetings to all our listeners and all our friends. On behalf of our sponsors, on behalf of Mr. Conway and myself. And on behalf of Mr. McKnight, our director.

[A]

So, Dr. Watson, we'll be meeting again next Saturday night. What new Sherlock Holmes adventure are you planning to tell us then?

[B]

A strange story of a weird jungle music that was heard in the peaceful English countryside. And of a diabolical plot that failed. I call it the Singer Affair of the White Cockerel.

[A]

Tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story the Sign of Four. Nigel Bruce appeared by permission of California Pictures. Tom Conway. Through the courtesy of Eagle Lion. Help win the war against tuberculosis. Buy colorful Christmas seals and use them to dress up all your cards and packages. Buy the Christmas seals that help save lives today. This is Joseph Bell speaking for Kremel Hair Tonic and Kremel Shampoo. And inviting you to be with us next week at this same time, when Dr. Watson will tell us about the singular affair of the White Cockerel. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.