Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual (Hobbs & Shelley)"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: February 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson delve into the enigmatic case of the Musgrave Ritual. Set against the backdrop of Hurlstone Estate, an ancient and sprawling manor, the story unfolds with mysterious disappearances and age-old family secrets resurfacing.

Characters and Setting

• Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant, observant detective known for his methodical approach.
• Dr. John Watson: Holmes's loyal friend and chronicler, providing a grounded perspective.
• Reginald Musgrave: A member of the venerable Musgrave family seeking Holmes's expertise.
• Brunton Butler: The long-serving but occasionally troublesome servant engaged in dubious activities.
• Rachel Howells: The head housemaid whose erratic behavior raises suspicions.

The Mysterious Disappearances

The episode begins with Holmes and Watson addressing the chaos of their shared residence, hinting at their unconventional living conditions (00:41). Holmes reminisces about past cases and introduces the central mystery involving Reginald Musgrave.

Musgrave's Plea for Help (05:24):
Musgrave approaches Holmes, recounting strange events at Hurlstone Estate that have left the local police baffled. He describes the household staff and highlights Brunton Butler's recent deceitful behavior, including his broken engagement with Rachel Howells.

Unraveling the Musgrave Ritual

Holmes examines a collection of artifacts belonging to Musgrave, including a crumpled piece of paper and a brass key, hinting at their significance to the ritual (03:46). As they delve deeper, Musgrave explains the peculiar ceremony unique to his family, known as the Musgrave Ritual.

Key Insights (09:08):
Holmes deciphers the ritual's cryptic instructions, involving specific measurements and directions tied to an ancient oak tree on the estate. Utilizing his expertise, Holmes and Musgrave embark on a meticulous investigation, measuring shadows and mapping the estate to locate the ritual's intended site.

The Discovery in the Cellar

Their diligent efforts lead them to a concealed cellar beneath Hurlstone Estate. With the assistance of a constable, they uncover Brunton Butler's lifeless body, trapped beneath a heavy stone slab. Nearby, they find a box resembling an ancient diadem, now identified as the legendary crown of English kings.

Holmes's Revelation (25:36):
Holmes connects the ritual to historical events, revealing that the Musgrave family has safeguarded the crown since the tumultuous times of Charles I and II. The discovery underscores the ritual's purpose: to protect and eventually pass down the crown to a worthy heir.

The Fate of Rachel Howells

Despite their success in uncovering the hidden cellar and the crown, Rachel Howells remains missing. Holmes speculates that her frantic behavior stemmed from witnessing Butler's demise, leading her to flee and obscure her involvement in the tragedy.

Concluding Thoughts (27:18):
Holmes reflects on the intertwining of family legacy and personal vendettas, emphasizing the lengths to which individuals will go to protect or reclaim treasured heritage. The episode concludes with Holmes and Watson contemplating the unresolved mysteries surrounding Rachel's disappearance.

Notable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes:
  "An anomaly which often struck me in the character of my friend Sherlock Holmes was that although in his methods of thought he was the neatest and most methodical of mankind..." (00:41)

• Detective Holmes on the Oak Tree:
  "I don't think I've ever seen a more magnificent tree, Musgrave. A patriarch among oaks." (14:19)

• Holmes Reflecting on the Ritual:
  "It is nothing less than the ancient crown of the kings of England." (26:46)

Conclusion

"The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual" masterfully blends historical intrigue with classic detective work. Holmes's unwavering logic and attention to detail unravel a tale of legacy, betrayal, and the supernatural shadows of the past. This episode not only entertains but also immerses listeners in the rich tapestry of the Musgrave family's storied existence.

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Note: Timestamps correspond to key moments in the transcript to highlight significant developments and quotes.

Transcript

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your message amplified.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast Journey with Podbean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Podbean.

[Dr. John Watson]

Podbean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

PodBean. PodBean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Dr. John Watson]

To launch their podcasts.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Launch your podcast on podbean today. My school uses Podbean.

[Dr. John Watson]

My church too. I love it. I really do. 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].

[Sherlock Holmes]

An anomaly which often struck me in the character of my friend Sherlock Holmes was that although in his methods of thought he was the neatest and most methodical of mankind, and although he also affected a certain quiet primness of dress, he was nonetheless in his personal habits, one of the most untidy men that ever drove a fellow lodger to distraction. Not that I am in the least conventional in that respect myself. The rough and tumble work in Afghanistan coming on top of a natural bohemianism of disposition has made me rather more lax and befits a medical man. But with me there is a limit. Holmes. Holmes. There. Not bad, eh, Watson? It's a wonder to me Mrs. Hudson doesn't turn us out into the street homes. It's all very well you're keeping cigars in the coal scuttle and tobacco lying about in the toe end of a Persian slipper and sticking your unanswered correspondence to the mantelpiece with a jackknife, but really, I do think pistol practice belongs in the open air. Well, Watson, I must say I'm surprised at you. A natural patriot like you should be proud to have VR Adorning your sitting room wall in bullet. Holmes, Holmes, you're incorrigible. Just look at this room. Oh, I hadn't noticed. Well, then it's about time you did. Chemicals all over the sideboard.

[Dr. John Watson]

Crack.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Criminal relics. That thing in the butter dish. I do wish you get it out of here. Oh, is it still there? Of course it is. Well before weeks if it's left you to get rid of it. And all these papers everywhere. If the time's lying heavy on your hands this evening, I suggest you do a bit of sorting out here and now. Come to that, I'll give you a hand. Oh, well, in the interest of peace, let me see now. Ah, yes, yes, this old tin trunk should have room for a bit more. So long since I opened it, but I seem to remember. Ah, yes, I've Quite forgotten. Oh no, don't start taking things out of it, Watson. If you knew what was in here I think you'd want the whole lot out. What are they? The records of your early work? Yes, my boy. Oh, these were all done prematurely before my biographer had come to glorify me. Oh, your early cases. Oh Holmes, I've often wished I had notes of some others. There are pretty little problems among these. The Tarleton murders, case of Van Brae, the wine merchant, A full account, Watson, of Ricoletti, of the clubfoot and his abominable wife. Well if I might just have a look at the. And here. Ah, now this really is something. A little refresher.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It looks like a box of toys. There you are, open it for yourself. Thank you. Crumpled bit of paper, an old fashioned brass key, a peg of wood with a ball of string attached and. And three rusty old discs of metal. Well my boy, what you make of this lot, it's a curious collection, very curious. And the story that hangs around it will strike you as more curious still. Well these things have a history. They are history. They're all I have left to remind me of the episode of the Musgrave ritual. You'd like to hear about it no doubt. Well I said, what, and leave all this litter lying about? Oh come on Holmes, don't rag. So be it. Well I've told you before how when I first came down from the university my leisure time was all too abundant. Now and again cases came my way, principally through introductions from old fellow students. Well one day I had a visit from one of them named Musgrave. Reginald Musgrave, the MP The Sussex Musgraves, quite right. Yes, he came from one of the oldest families in the kingdom. And you know, I never looked at his pale keen face or the poise of his head without associating him with grey archways and mullioned windows and all the venerable wreckage of a feudal keep. Holmes, do go on. Well he'd always been interested in my methods of observation and inference, but I hadn't seen anything of him for four years until he walked into my room one morning. My dear Musgrave, do take a seat and tell me how all's gone with you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, pretty busily, Holmes. You know I became member of my constituency when my father died a couple of years ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I had heard something and I have.

[Dr. John Watson]

The Hurst and Estates to manage, of course. But you Holmes, I understand your turning to practical ends those powers which used to measles.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I've taken to Living by my wits.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I'm delighted to hear it. I don't mind saying I'd be glad of your advice. We've had some pretty strange goings on down at Hurlstone. The police have been able to throw no light upon the matter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only two peas to help you, Musgrave. Let me hear the details.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, you must know that although I'm a bachelor, Hurlstone's such a rambling old place I have to give up a pretty big start.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally.

[Dr. John Watson]

Altogether there are eight maids, Cork and Butler, two footmen and a boy. The garden and stables have a separate staff, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now, of these servants, the one who'd been longest in our service was Brunton Butler. He was a young schoolmaster out of work when he was first taken up by my father. But he was a man of great energy and character and he soon became quite invariable to us. But this peregrine has one fault. He's a bit of a Don John.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah.

[Dr. John Watson]

However, a few months ago we were in hopes that he was about to settle down. He became engaged to Rachel Howells, our second housemaid, but he's thrown her over since and taken up with the head gamekeeper's daughter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see what you mean about it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Poor Mitchell's a good girl, but of an excitable Welsh temperament. The business gave her a sharp touch of brain fever. Until yesterday she was going about the house like a black eyed shadow of her former self.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And is this the curious business you speak of?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, that's only part of it. The first drama at Hurston was driven from our minds by a second one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Also concerning Brunton.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I'm afraid, sir, one night last week I found I couldn't sleep. I rose and lit the candle intending to go on reading and then realized that I left my novel downstairs. So I went down to get it. As I was approaching the dining room, I saw light coming from the open door of the library. Well, my first thought was burglars and I took an old weapon off the wall before I went to see who was there. Who's that? Who is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is I, sir? Brunton.

[Dr. John Watson]

Brunton. What are you doing here? Desire. What have you got there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just a map, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

A map? Look here, that burial drawer is open. Would you mind telling me what the devil is going on?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's nothing, sir. Nothing, I assure you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Those are some of my family's papers. What are you doing with them?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I.

[Dr. John Watson]

So this is how you repay the trust we have imposed on you. You will Leave my service tomorrow. Branton, I. Very well, sir. If I may say one word though, sir. Well, Mr. Musgrave, sir? I can't bear disgrace, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've always been proud about my station in life. Disgrace would kill me. If you cannot keep me after what has happened then I beg you to.

[Dr. John Watson]

Let me give you notice and leave.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This house in a month, sir, as if of my own free will.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you, Brunton. You don't deserve much consideration. Your conduct has been most infamous, sir. However, as you have been such a long time with the family, I have no desire to bring this grace upon you. A month is too long. Take yourself away in a week and you may give what reason you like for going. Only a week, sir? Say at least a fortnight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please, sir, a week and you may.

[Dr. John Watson]

Consider yourself to have been very, very leniently dealt with. Very good, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

These papers he was studying, what were they?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, to my surprise there was nothing of any importance at all. Simply a copy of the Questions and Answers in a Musgrave ritual.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Musgrave ritual? What's that?

[Dr. John Watson]

It's a sort of ceremony peculiar to our family which each Musgrave for centuries past has gone through upon coming of age.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Oh but pray go on.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well for two days after this London was most assiduous in his attention to his duties. On the third morning, however, he didn't appear as usual after breakfast to receive my instructions for the day. As I left the dining room I happened to meet the maid, Rachel Howells. Why Rachel, you should be in bed. You're not over your illness yet. Get along with you and come back to your duties when you're stronger.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm strong enough, Mr. Musgrave, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

We shall see what the doctor says about sir. Now you must stop work at once and when you go downstairs Just tell Mr. Brunton I wish to see you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Mr. Brunton has gone, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Gone? Gone where?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just gone, sir. No one has seen him. He's not in his room? Oh yes, he's gone. He's gone.

[Dr. John Watson]

There was no doubt about it, Holmes, he had gone. His bed had not been slept in. He had been seen by no one since he retired to his room the night before. His clothes, his watch, even his money were in his room. But his black suit which he usually wore was missing. His slippers were gone too, but his boots were left behind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well we searched from cellar to gallop but there was not a sign of it. I called him the local police but without success. They examined the lawn and the paths all around the house but there was not a trace of his footmarks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is that all?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well not quite. There was yet another development which quite draw our attention away from the original mystery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, what was this?

[Dr. John Watson]

Then Rachel Howells collapsed and became delirious and sometimes hysterical. I had to employ a nurse to sit up with her at night. On the third night after Brunton's disappearance this nurse came bursting into the library.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Musgrave, sir. Oh, Mr. Musgrave.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes nurse, what is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's the girl, sir, Rachel Howells. She was sleeping so nicely and I just thought I'd take 40 winks in the armchair but when I woke up just now she disappeared.

[Dr. John Watson]

Disappeared?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you mean but just disappeared, sir? The bed was empty and the window was open when I looked out of it and you could see her footnotes going away across the lawn as clear as anything. Oh Mr. Musgrave, I'm terrified. She's gone to the lake.

[Dr. John Watson]

But.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lake?

[Dr. John Watson]

Surely you don't think her stage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't know what to think. She was so demented at times. I wouldn't put anything past her.

[Dr. John Watson]

Come along with me quickly. We must get the police onto this at once. Well the police started dragging the lake at once but no trace of her body could they find. But they did find something else rather curious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What was that?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well it was a linen bag containing a mass of old rusted and discolored metal and several dull colored pieces of pebble or glass. That was all that could be found. And from that moment to this we know nothing of the fate either of Rachel Howells or Richard Bunsen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Musgrave, I must see that paper.

[Dr. John Watson]

Which paper?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The one your butler thought it worth his while to consult. Even at the risk of losing his place.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well it's rather absurd business as ritual of ours but I have a copy with me if you care to run your eye over it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should like to very much. And what was it all about, Holmes? If you straighten out that crumpled ball of paper you found in the box Watson, I think you'll find the Musgrave ritual written down on it. Oh I see, a sort of catechism. Questions and answers. Whose was it? His who is gone. Who shall have it? He who will come. What was the month? The 6th from the 1st. Where was the sun? Over the oak. Where was the shadow? Under the the elm. How was it stepped? North by 10 and by 10, east by 5 and by 5, south by 2 and by 2, west by 1 and by 1 and so under. What shall we give for it? All that is ours. Why should we give it? For the sake of the trust. That's all, Helms. Yes. You will have observed, of course, that the spelling puts it in the middle of the 17th century. Yes, of course. Yes. Got to be much helped, you in solving the mystery. It provided me with another mystery even more interesting than the first. I sensed that the solution of the one might prove to be the solution of the other. It pointed to one thing with certainty. Oh, what was that? It showed that Brunson, the butler, was a very clever man indeed. A man? A man with a clearer insight than 10 generations of his masters. Sir Musgrave had no idea himself what this ritual business was all about, none whatever. He asked me if I could tell him. And could you? I told him we should be leaving for Sussex immediately and I would do my best to find out.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, there's the oak tree for you, Holmes. There are plenty more about the estate, but nothing as old as this one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My word, I don't think I've ever seen a more magnificent tree, Masgrid. A patriarch among oaks. Was it there when your ritual was drawn up?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I should say it was there at the Norman Conquest. It has a girth of 23ft.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Remarkable. Well, then, let us assume that this is the oak referred to. Have you any old elms as well?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, there used to be a very old one over yonder. It was struck by lightning 10 years or so ago, cut down to the stump.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can see where it used to be, though.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There are no other elms. Well, no old ones then. I like to see exactly where this one grew.

[Dr. John Watson]

It was over here on the wall.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. I suppose it would be impossible to find out how high the elm was.

[Dr. John Watson]

I can tell you now, 64ft, my dear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How on earth do you know that?

[Dr. John Watson]

But when my old tutor used to give me exercise in trigonometry, it always had to do with measuring heights. When I was a lad, I worked out every tree in building on the estate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that's a piece of good fortune for me then. Tell me, did your butler ever happen to ask you about the height of the elm?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, now you call it. To my mind, he once did, in connection with some argument he was having with the ghoul.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, this was excellent news, Watson. It showed me that I was on the right road. Yes. What did you do next? Then I looked up at the sun. It was low in the heavens. And I calculated that in less than an hour it would lie just above topmost branches of the old oak. I see. Where was the sun? Over the oak. Oh, yes, yes. Part of the ritual. Exactly. And the shadow of the elm must mean the further end of the shadow, otherwise the trunk would have been chosen as the guide. So I had to find where the far end of the shadow would fall. But the sun was just clear of the oak. That must have been difficult. The elm was no longer there. True. But if Brunton could do it, I could. Besides, there was no real difficulty. What? I went with Musgrave to his study and whittled myself that peg you see in the collection there. I tied that long string to it with a knot at each yard. Then I took two lengths of a fishing rod, which came to just six feet, and I went back with my client to where the elm had been. It's lucky the sun shone for us today. Musgrave. Look, it's just grazing the top of the earth.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you doing now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm. I'm fastening these two lengths of the rod together. There. Now I stand it on end where the old elm used to be. And you, Musgrave, take this knotted string and measure the shadow thrown by the rod.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see. One, two, three. It comes to the third knot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Three yards, nine feet. Now, a rod of six feet bears a shadow of nine feet. So by a simple calculation, a tree of 64ft. We throw a shadow of 96ft.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, following the direction of the shadow, we use the string to mark out 96ft. If you just lend a hand, Podbean.

[Dr. John Watson]

Your message amplified, ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Dr. John Watson]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Dr. John Watson]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Launch your podcast on Podbean Today. 93. 96. And we mark the spot with this peg.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, almost. At the wall of the house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. And look at this.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is that depression in the ground?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If I'm not mistaken, that mark was made by Brunton when he'd completed his calculation. We're on his trail. Musgrave.

[Dr. John Watson]

This is incredible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But now we take the cardinal points with my pocket compass. Yes. North lies over there. Now, you recite the directions from the ritual and I'll paste them.

[Dr. John Watson]

North by 10. And by 10.

[Sherlock Holmes]

10 steps with each foot towards the north. Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

East by five and by five.

[Sherlock Holmes]

East by five. And yes south by two.

[Dr. John Watson]

And by two.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By two and by two. That takes me right to the door.

[Dr. John Watson]

And west by one. And by one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that could only mean one step with each foot into the house. May I?

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course. I'll open the door for you. And so under out of this floor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unless my calculations are radically wrong, the cement between these flagstones is perfectly intact. They haven't been moved for many a long year. Well, at least Brunson hasn't been at work here.

[Dr. John Watson]

Just a moment, Holmes. You're thinking in terms of having to dig. But there's a cellar under here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A cellar?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, as old as a house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then come along down here through this door.

[Dr. John Watson]

There's a candle on this barrel. This place is used for storing wood. That's better. Look. The wood's all been pushed against the walls to leave a space on the floor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's that tied to the and ring in the Flexton? Muffler, I think.

[Dr. John Watson]

That Bronson's muffler. I've seen it on him. I. I could swear to it. He's used it to help him heal up the stone. Come on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just a moment, Musgrave. I think we've reached a point where we should pause a little while. But why?

[Dr. John Watson]

All we have to do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you'll take my advice, of course you'll send for the county police to be present when this stone is lifted.

[Dr. John Watson]

You think so?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I do. In fact, from the look of it we should be more than glad of their assistance in lifting it. Muffler or no muffler. Now then, Constable. Yes, sir. You take one end of the muffler. I got it, sir. And I'll take the other and we'll heave the stone up by its ring. Now. Ready, sir. Bad. Now please shine the lantern into the hole, Musgrave.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good Lord. It. It's one of them. Can we get him out?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We must. I'll get. Damn, sir. Won't be room for two of us. Thank you, Constable. No, sir. If you reach there. Yes, right. I. I got him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I think it's Brunton. His face is rather. Yes, I have no doubt about it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's been dead several days. No signs of any injuries? No, nothing at all, sir. Yes. There's a box down here. Keep a line across it.

[Dr. John Watson]

A box?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'd better have it up. It's heavy, sir. Coming out, sir. Right. I. I have it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ancient looking dinner.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'll examine that shortly. Is that all, Constable? Yes, sir. Then take my hand and out you come. You knew you would find Brunton down there then, Holmes? I feared as much. But now I had to ascertain how that fate had come upon him and what part had been played in it by the woman who had disappeared, Rachel Howells. I sat down on a keg in a corner and thought the matter carefully over. Well, you know my methods in such cases, Watson. I put myself in the man's place. He knew that something valuable was concealed. He had found the spot. Yes, but how? How did he get into it? Exactly whom could he trust to help him? Miguel. She had been devoted to him. A man always finds it hard to realize that he may have finally lost a woman's love, however badly he may have treated her. Yes, he would try by a few attentions to make his peace with the girl. How? And then would engage her as his accomplice. They would come together to the cellar at night and their united force would suffice to raise the stone. But Holmes, you said that you and the constable found it hard enough. I mean to say again, I realized that. And I asked myself what would they do to assist them? Almost at once I came upon what I expected. A billet of wood with marked indentations at one end. Obviously it had been used as a lever and then as a prop to keep the stone upright. Ah, yes, I see, yes. Then Brunton dropped into the cavity and the girl waited.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well then what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He unlocked the box, that's his ancient key you have beside you there, and he handed its contents up to the girl. I should tell you that it was virtually empty when we examined it. Yes, yes, yes, logical enough. And then what happened? Ah, Watson, what smoldering fire of vengeance had suddenly sprung into flame in this passionate Celtic woman's soul when she saw the man who had wronged her in her power? Was it by chance that the wood had slipped and the stone had shut Brunton into his sepulchre? Had she only been guilty of silence as to his fate? Or had some sudden blow from her hand dashed the support away and sent the slab crashing into place? Great heaven. I seemed to see that woman's figure still clutching at her treasure trove and flying wildly up the winding stair with her ears ringing, perhaps with the muffled screams from behind her and with the drumming of frenzied hands against the slab of stone which was choking her faithless lover's life out. And this was the reason for her hysterical behaviour the next morning. But Holmes, this, this treasure trove she took away. You. You said they only found a Bundle of old metal and pebbles in the lake. As to that, my client Reginald Musgrave provided the clue.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Musgrave.

[Dr. John Watson]

These are these few cartons, all of them in a box. I just realized that they're Charles I. You see we were right in fixing the date of the handwriting in the rituals. Mid 17th century.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Charles I. Yes, Musgrave, quickly, I must see the contents of the bag they fished out of the lake.

[Dr. John Watson]

Where? It's up in my study.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Command, we may find something else of Charles I. Musgrave. Now, what have we here?

[Dr. John Watson]

Not very encouraging, are they? Metal's almost there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shaped in the form of a double ring but twisted and bent and the stones are dull. But let me try rubbing one of them on my sleeve. Oh yes, look, it's beginning to come up.

[Dr. John Watson]

What? Yes, almost a place of sparkle.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You must bear in mind that when the royal party fled they probably left many of their most precious possessions buried behind them with the intention of returning for them in more peaceful time. More.

[Dr. John Watson]

My ancestor, Sir Ralph Musgrave was a prominent cavalier. He was the right hand man of Charles II in his wanderings.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, indeed. Well now I think that really should give us the last link we wanted. I must congratulate you on coming into possession, though in rather a tragic manner, of a relic which is of great intrinsic value but even of greater importance as an historical curiosity.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is it, Helms?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is nothing less than. Than the ancient crown of the kings of England. Precisely. Consider what the ritual says. How does it run? Whose was it? His who is gone. That was after the execution of Charles the First. Then who shall have it? He who will come. That was Charles ii, whose advent was already foreseen. I think there can be no doubt that this battered and shapeless diadem once encircled the brows of the royal stewards.

[Dr. John Watson]

But how is it that Charles didn't get his crown when he returned?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, there you lay your finger upon the one point which we shall probably never be able to clear up. It's likely that the Musgrave who held the secret died in the interval and by some oversight left this document to his descendant without explaining its meaning. From that day to this it has been handed down from father to son until at last it came within reach of a man who who tore its secret out of it and lost his life in the venture. And that's the story of the Musgrave ritual, Watson. What an astounding business. But what about the missing woman, Holmes? Nothing was ever heard. The probability is that she got away out of England. And carried herself in the memory of her crime to some land beyond the sea. Oh bless my show.

[Dr. John Watson]

Look at the time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh goodness me. Oh dear me. No doubt you will wish to add the Musgrave ritual to your chronicles now that I have given you the particulars. I most certainly shall Holmes. Capital, my dear Watson. Then as you'll be needing all these things to refer to, I suggest we simply leave them where they are and tidy them up another day. It.