Sherlock Holmes: The Basilton Estate

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes – The Basildon Estate

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: October 3, 2025
Featured Story: Sherlock Holmes: The Basildon Estate

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Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives revives The Basildon Estate, a suspenseful Sherlock Holmes tale set in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. The episode features Holmes and Watson as they unravel a deadly plot involving an American heiress, a disinherited nephew, and a perilous inheritance scheme. It faithfully recreates the mood and style of golden-age detective radio, with strong chemistry and wry humor between Holmes and Watson.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Return to London and New Clients

• Holmes and Watson set the stage, reflecting on travels abroad and the comforts of London life ([03:57]).
• Holmes immediately notices an unusual visitor—a smartly-dressed, anxious American woman, Charlotte Basildon, who comes to Baker Street with a pressing concern ([05:53]).

2. Charlotte Basildon's Story

• Charlotte explains that her husband, James Basildon, is heir to the lucrative Basildon Estate, left by Texas cattle millionaire Lucas C. Basildon ("LC").
• The other potential heir, Philip, is reckless and in severe debt, with moneylender Amos Feltman now desperate due to James’s re-emergence from presumed death ([06:39]).
• Charlotte is convinced a plot against her husband’s life is unfolding in London, orchestrated by Peter Cottrell, who has befriended James but is actually working for the moneylender ([08:30]).
• Holmes agrees to help, assuring discretion to avoid scandal ([09:41]).

Notable quote:

"Between the moneylender and his money, there only stands your husband's life."
—Sherlock Holmes ([07:54])

3. Holmes' Investigation Begins

• Holmes lays out his methodical plan: checking prominent hotels for James and Cottrell, then seeking underworld contacts ([10:22]).
• He enlists the help of Raoul the Ferret, a colorful informant from Soho, to track down any contract for murder ([11:00]).

Notable quote:

“If Cottrell has the ready cash… then it's clear that the murder is planned for tomorrow night. Get to work, Raoul. Live up your name—ferret it out and quick.”
—Sherlock Holmes ([12:28])

4. Preparations and Stakeout

• Raoul discovers that Diggs Baker, a known criminal, is to be paid handsomely to kill James Basildon outside Aristo’s restaurant in Soho between 8pm and midnight ([13:28]).
• Holmes coordinates a small team to stage a street scene and keep watch ([14:18]). Dr. Watson, eager for action, is armed and joins the stakeout outside the Grosvenor House Hotel ([14:33]).

5. Dramatic Climax: The Night of the Murder Plot

• Holmes predicts correctly that Cottrell will distance himself from the actual crime, luring James to Soho while making himself conspicuously visible elsewhere ([15:04], [17:19]).
• As James leaves Aristo’s, he’s nearly abducted—but Holmes and his team intervene. James is chloroformed for his own safety and whisked away to Baker Street ([19:11]).

Notable quote:

"The street suddenly seemed filled with activity. Three men seized James Basildon and within seconds a pad of chloroform was placed over his face."
—Dr. Watson ([19:19])

6. Confronting the Villain

• Holmes confronts Peter Cottrell at his hotel, offering him a stark choice: flee or face the law, leveraging bluff and the criminal’s fear ([20:05]).
• Holmes lays out false but convincing evidence, using psychological leverage, and Cottrell agrees to depart London ([20:51]).

Notable quote:

"You are the person who is going to get out… The choice is yours: make your own way somewhere else, or face ruin and imprisonment."
—Sherlock Holmes ([20:17])

7. Resolution and Aftermath

• James Basildon awakens confused and angry but is eventually briefed by Holmes on the entire plot and saved from certain death ([21:34]–[22:44]).
• Holmes admits to Watson (and the audience) that parts of the case relied on strategic bluffing ([23:23]).
• The central tragedy isn’t averted by the law, but by quick thinking and personal intervention.

Notable quote:

"I was forced to do a little bluffing in the end, of course... Unfortunately, we cannot bring [Diggs] to book. Not this time. But his type will be caught eventually."
—Sherlock Holmes ([23:23])

• The story concludes with James grateful and heading to reconcile with Charlotte, reflecting on the importance of trust and loyalty ([24:17]).

Notable quote:

"If all you say is true, then I am forever in your debt. I owe you my life... I suppose I have to face the facts. I should have listened to my wife."
—James Basildon ([23:58])

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Holmes’s insight into American visitors:
  "Americans are quite easy to pick out in a crowd... She's smartly and expensively dressed, but she's carrying a large buckskin bag..."
  —Sherlock Holmes ([04:31])

• Watson’s dry humor:
  "If you try to prevent me, there'll be trouble, Holmes."
  —Dr. Watson ([14:18])

• Holmes on the limits of justice:
  "Unfortunately, we cannot bring him to book. Not this time. But his type will be caught eventually."
  —Sherlock Holmes ([23:23])

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Key Timestamps

• [03:57] – Holmes and Watson reflecting on London and foreign visits
• [05:53] – Charlotte Basildon’s arrival and explanation
• [10:22] – Holmes outlines investigation plans
• [11:00] – Holmes works with Raoul the Ferret
• [13:28] – Raoul identifies Diggs Baker as hired assassin
• [14:33] – Holmes, Watson, and team prepare for the night
• [17:19] – Holmes sends Watson to trail Peter Cottrell
• [19:11] – James Basildon nearly taken, Holmes orchestrates his rescue
• [20:05] – Holmes confronts Peter Cottrell
• [21:34] – James Basildon wakes, learns the truth
• [23:23] – Holmes explains use of bluffing to Watson
• [23:58] – James expresses gratitude and remorse

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a classic example of Sherlock Holmes’s blend of deduction, street smarts, and moral fortitude as he outwits both criminal masterminds and the underworld. The interplay between Holmes, Watson, and the supporting characters brings Victorian London to life, while the emotional payoff—James Basildon's redemption and reunion with his wife—adds a heartfelt dimension to the crime-solving adventure.

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Presented in the lively spirit and language of a vintage radio drama, the story’s blend of mystery, suspense, and characterful asides ensures it remains as entertaining today as when Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced us to Baker Street’s greatest detective.

Transcript

[Dr. Watson]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

It is.

[Dr. Watson]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Dr. Watson]

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[Dr. Watson]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

I love it.

[Dr. Watson]

I really do.

[Podbean Announcer]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we.

[Dr. Watson]

Bring to you the greatest old time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Radio shows, like us on Facebook.

[Dr. Watson]

Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Ah, come on, James, cheer up. Take a drink. These things happen. Oh, I know. But I didn't think it had ever happened to me. I guess I'm gonna live to regret it. My life is simply broken apart, Jack. No, it hasn't. Marriages are breaking up every day. Folk get over it. Look, I'll tell you what you need. What you need a complete break. And I got just the idea. What about a trip to Great Britain, huh? We can rustle up the money somehow. It's Queen Victoria's jubilee year in June. They're having a big celebration. 21st of June is a great day. What say we go over and join in, huh? We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes. The Basildon estate. It was 1887, Victoria's Jubilee year, and the spring was quite perfect. The days were sunny and bright. Daffodils bloomed in the parks as workmen became busy cleaning statues and public buildings and London began to wear a festive air. Sherlock Holmes had just returned from the capitals of Europe where he'd been working on a case of international importance. He was extremely pleased to be back home and sat for long hours at our windows in Baker street looking down at the traffic and the people in the street below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I must admit it's very pleasant to be back in London and surrounded by all the old familiar things. Watson. One tries not to apply sweeping statements and generalization about other nationalities. But the fact is that the Germans are heavy and humorless, the Italians are excitable and the French unpredictable. The French women do dress better than others and they can make a wonderful meal out of hardly anything at all.

[Dr. Watson]

Your stay on the continent makes you appreciate the English films. Personally, I'm never really happy when I'm abroad. America perhaps is acceptable. Even there I feel out of place.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a vast and interesting country, but for the observant, Americans are quite easy to pick out in a crowd. For instance, Watson, the lady across the road who has just paid off the cabbie of that hansom. Now she could well be one of our American cousins.

[Dr. Watson]

What makes you say that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, she's unfamiliar with the currency. You see, the cabbie had to show her which coins were which, so she doesn't live in England. Yet she conversed with him fluently enough, which shows that they've been talking in English. She's smartly and expensively dressed, but she's carrying a large buckskin bag instead of the conventional British handbag. It's attached to a length of rawhide carried from the shoulder. When I was in America last year, I saw many women with those bags. I've never seen an English woman use one. Ah, she's looking at the numbers of the houses, I think. Watson, we're about to have a visitor. What's the betting against her being an American lady?

[Dr. Watson]

She looked quite English to me. But Holmes was right about her visiting us. She walked up the steps with a confident air. The doorbell rang. I remembered it was Mrs. Hudson's day off, so I went down and opened the door. I found myself looking into an amazingly bright pair of blue eyes. This with a mass of black Hair over an oval face and gentle smile created as lovely a picture as I'd seen that spring. She requested an interview with Holmes. In a soft American accent. So Holmes was right again. Up in our sitting room, she introduced herself.

[Charlotte Basildon]

My name is Charlotte Basildon. I'm from Boston, the USA. I must thank you very much, Mr. Holmes, for granting me this interview without an appointment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is my pleasure. You found me at an unusual time. I have nothing important to work upon. I take it that you wish to ask my advice upon some matter of importance. A delicate matter that requires a discreet inquiry, perhaps?

[Charlotte Basildon]

That is quite correct. I am unfamiliar with such procedures in this country. I have, of course, heard of you and I know that while you have often worked with the police, you are not part of them and so anything I say will not be repeated. I am most anxious to avoid a scandal. You see, nothing criminal has happened, at least so far.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please. I understand. Tell me what's troubling you. From the very beginning, when your anxiety started. Try not to leave anything out, even though it may seem very unimportant.

[Charlotte Basildon]

Very well. But it is hard to think, say when I began to worry. You see, the position is this. My husband is heir to a large estate. He's the great nephew of Lucas C. Basildon, the Texas cattle millionaire. LC as he is popularly known by, has never married. He is now a very old man and quite ill. He has no near relatives except my husband, James, and another great nephew, Philip. Philip has proved himself just a no good. He's a wastrel, a knockabout, what we call smart Alec. In fact, the very reverse of my husband.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Got him.

[Charlotte Basildon]

James is a very independent man. When young, he scorned Elsie's wealth and influence and went up to Australia to make his own way. The family lost touch with him, so much so they assumed he was dead. During this time, Philip led a life of ease and luxury. He got into debt, but his prospects were extremely good. He was to inherit Elsie's vast estate. He went to a money lender and raised a huge sum of money. He speculated and with his usual carelessness, lost most of it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And then your husband returned from the dead, as it were.

[Charlotte Basildon]

Quite. You realize what this means, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, yes. Being the eldest and nearest, he's able to claim the estates. When Lucas C. Basildon dies, Phillips will be out in the cold and the moneylender will have absolutely no chance of getting that vast sum plus interest back again. So this means between the moneylender and his money, there only stands your husband's life. Proceed, please.

[Charlotte Basildon]

Well, old Elsie is very ill. The doctors hold out very little hope. And, well, the fact is that I am convinced that during the next few days an attempt will be made upon my husband's life and the attempt will be made here in London.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your husband is in London? Do you know where he's staying?

[Charlotte Basildon]

No, but he is here. He came over with a man called Peter Cottrell. Peter Cottrell is in the pay of Amos Feltman, the money lender. James does not know this. He thinks Peter is a good friend. When James and I agreed to separate, Peter saw his chance. He comforted James and suggested this trip to England. Since I left my husband I have found out many things. One is that Peter Cockrell stands to gain $20,000 if the estate goes and not James. In other words, $20,000 is the blood money, the money Linda will pay him to kill James.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. And James thinks Peter is his best friend. A very nasty trap. But forewarned is forearmed. All we have to do is to find your husband. Have you any means of identification?

[Charlotte Basildon]

I have a photograph of my husband. It is here in my bag. Here it is. And on the back is his name and address in Boston. That is our old address. I am staying at the Westbury Hotel in New Bond Street. You can reach me there anytime. Please. Please, Mr. Holmes, you will see what you can do to help me, won't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, Mrs. Battleton, I will try to help you.

[Charlotte Basildon]

Thank you. I. I would stress the fact that I don't wish the police or the newspapers to know about this. It would create a dreadful scandal and that would easily find its way back to the States.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite understand it. I shall see what I can do. Now, may I offer you coffee before my friend Watson calls a cab to take you back to your hotel? Have no fear, we shall be in touch quite soon.

[Dr. Watson]

I saw Charlotte Basildon out and into a handsome cab. I could tell she was most grateful to Holmes, but not at all sure of his chances of success. I was anxious to resume the rounds of my patience, but I had to ask Holmes what he intended to do about this most curious case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall, of course, first check all the fashionable hotels along the park and Piccadilly. The two visitors, Peter Cottrell and James Basildon, will be using their own names. Cottrell dare not do otherwise for fear of rousing his friend's suspicions. They will also be using a bank near at hand. One cannot live without money, especially on a trip from America. They should be quite easy to Trace. Yes, I shall find them all right.

[Dr. Watson]

And then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then I think I shall take a stroll through Soho. If Peter Cotterill is over here with the express intention of killing his best friend, then he will not do the killing himself. He'll hire someone to do the job for him. And that is why I shall seek out our man known as Raoul the Ferret. Raoul the Ferret.

[Dr. Watson]

Extraordinary name.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, he's an extraordinary man. I think I know just where to find him. Excuse me. Now, Watson, there's much work to do that costs £9.

[Dr. Watson]

Hey. Hey, watch it. Watch where you're going.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It weren't my fault. You should keep your feet yourself.

[Dr. Watson]

Is that so?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, you look here.

[Dr. Watson]

If you want to make anything of it, get out of this crowd.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's not a bad idea. Raoul, I don't think we can talk very comfortably in this noise. Let's move down the side street.

[Dr. Watson]

Why? But isn't Mr. Sherlock Owl?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's correct. I haven't seen you for some months. You busy?

[Dr. Watson]

So so, Ms. O. Why, I can't accommodate you. If it's worthwhile, of course. What's it this time? Information, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've reason to believe that an American gentleman by the name of James Basildon is about to meet his end here in London. He's staying at the Groden House Hotel with another American, Peter Cottrell. Cottrell is the man who is behind the assassination. You must be looking for someone to do the job. Heard any rumors, Rob?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I could ask a few questions.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should be very grateful. And my client will pay handsomely. Yeah. This is a photograph of the intended victim, Grove.

[Dr. Watson]

Now. So tell me, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, that's correct. But you have to move very quickly. In the inquiries I made this morning, the two men are due to leave for a tour of Scotland within the next two days. They're only booked in at the hotel until the day after tomorrow. I know that Cottrell went to his bank at noon today and changed a thousand American dollars into British sovereigns. Now, this would be the payment for the killing.

[Dr. Watson]

That's all the money talks, eh? Well, if there's any talking going on, I'll make sure I hear it. Don't worry, Mr. Holmes. If there's a job being planned, then I shall find out all about it. Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But as I say, you must move fast. If Cottrell has the ready cash, and if they're moving out the day after tomorrow, then it's clear that the murder is planned for tomorrow night. Get to work. Raoul. Live up Your name. Ferret it out and quit.

[Dr. Watson]

I was extremely busy for the rest of that day and saw little of Holmes, who seemed quite preoccupied and didn't mention the Basil and estate case at all, even over breakfast the next morning. But at lunchtime when I came back to Baker street, there was a rather scruffy looking man loitering around the steps of 221B. He inquired after Holmes and said his name was Raoul and he had something of importance to impart. I knew immediately what it was about and showed him up to our rooms. There, over a tasty luncheon of bubble and squeak, Raul the ferret told us all he'd uncovered. How's it to be tonight, Mr. Holmes? Man is doing the job is Diggs Baker, known to have received 100 quid in advance and the balance is when it's all over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where and how Ralph?

[Dr. Watson]

Somewhere in Greek street, outside one of the rest zones I think.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Which one? I don't know.

[Dr. Watson]

Diggs is one of his favorite hangouts. Place known as Aristo's is the most likely. Can't tell you the time either, but could be anytime between 8 o' clock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And midnight I should imagine. The later the better. I doubt if it'll be before nine. Good work Ralph. Now here is what I wish you to do. You will find someone to give you a hand. As this cannot be stopped without plenty of help. I need three men to create a street scene. Now listen very carefully. Having enlisted these men, you will arrange to patrol Greek street from 8 o' clock onwards. Station yourself outside Aristo's and I shall arrive to give you final instructions. Now don't worry, there'll be no police interference and as little trouble as possible. Now finish up the bubble and squeak. There's a lot for us to do. Watson, I take it that you will have completed your day's work by six o' clock and will be willing to join in the evenings activity.

[Dr. Watson]

If you try to prevent me, there'll be trouble, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. Very well, we shall meet later and from 7 o' clock onwards we shall be outside the Grosvenor House Hotel as it could be a very long and quite dangerous evening. So both of you come prepared.

[Dr. Watson]

I found it hard to concentrate while my work for the rest of that afternoon. I simply couldn't see how Holmes could prevent an underworld crime of this magnitude without a sensation and perhaps bloodshed. However, I agreed to pocket my service revolver when we left Baker street and in the warmth of that April evening I stood with Holmes opposite the Grosvenor Hotel. Good Job. The evening so mild, Holmes. At least we can sit on one of the park benches without arousing curiosity.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, yes, that is fortunate.

[Dr. Watson]

Can't you tell me what to anticipate? I mean, what form do you think this murder plot would take?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't say. I am, however, fairly sure that Peter Cottrell were not to be actively involved. That means that James Bazildon will somehow be lured into Soho. If that's why we're watching Watson. If only we knew what was taking place at this very moment between those two men. We should have a clearer idea of how to go about things. I'm only sure that Peter Cottrell is about to put his deadly plan into action. Basildon. Well, of course not suspect of him.

[Dr. Watson]

Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen? It's magic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. Why is that? This is amazing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Retractable screens for your home make life better.

[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Charlotte Basildon]

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[Dr. Watson]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today. I'm sorry that I have to go out straight away, James, but I must try to fix up this unexpected business with an export firm. Oh, I thought you'd done all that. I couldn't finalize it till after hours. Look, it won't take long. Look, I have a table booked at aristo's for 8 o'. Clock. It's that great little place in Soho. You know, we went there a couple of nights back. Why don't you go there? I'll join you as soon as I fix things up. I can wait here. As a matter of fact, I. I don't care if we don't go out at all. Come on. It's our last night in London until Jubilee Day, and then the city will be crowded. We can have a leisurely meal and maybe fix ourselves up with a couple of girls. There's some great lookers around Aristotle's. Oh, no, I. I kind of dislike that casual stuff. Ever since I left Charlotte, I. Well, I've been thinking. I made a mess of my love life. No, come on. At least let's Have a decent meal. Out. We came over here to cheer you up, remember? Oh, all right. I'll meet you at the restaurant at 8 o'. Clock. But don't keep me waiting there too long, will you, Pete? I'll be there just as soon as I can. I'll go order your handsome right now. See you later, James. And don't flirt with too many girls till I get there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There, Watson. See the handsome cab this is waiting. There's Peter Cottrell getting into it quickly. Take the other cabin, follow him. Stay near him and report back to me in Greek street as soon as you find out where he is. Now hurry now, Watson, hurry.

[Dr. Watson]

I did as I was told. And it was a most curious experience. For nearly an hour my cabby followed Cottrell's hansom about the streets of London. Had I not known otherwise, I should have thought the man was simply on a sightseeing tour. We trotted our way round the tower of London, St Paul's and the Embankment, and along to Buckingham palace before ending back in Park Lane, where Cottrell alighted at the Grosvenor Hotel. Again, he had clearly simply been killing time. It was 8 o'.

[Podbean Announcer]

Clock.

[Dr. Watson]

I inquired from the hotel reception and was told that Mr. Cottrell had just come in. And Mr. Basildon had left half an hour before I took the hansom to Greek Street.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, there you are, Watson. What's your news?

[Dr. Watson]

Cottrell left me a rare chase all over London, stopping nowhere, just riding about until he ended up back at the hotel.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, that's much as I anticipated. Meanwhile, Basildon is in that restaurant I've been in and he's sitting at a table in a corner and looking very annoyed. Also in the restaurant is the man Raoul the Ferret has identified as Diggs Baker.

[Dr. Watson]

Gracious, Holmes, you're supposing the killing takes place in there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not in a district like this, Watson. Restaurants are particular about keeping their custom. No, it'll be when Basildon leaves the place. He's unwise enough to walk towards Soho Square to find a cab, as is most likely, the digs will almost certainly follow. A scuffle, a flash of a knife, and then it will all be over.

[Dr. Watson]

What do we do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look across the road near the entrance. Raoul and some friends are ready. So? So is that waiting three wheeler. There's some movement. Come on, Watson. Battle gun's about to leave. We must get him before Diggs Baker does. Come on.

[Dr. Watson]

Evening, sir. Nice evening you've been eating. A cab, sir? Oh, no, thank you. I shall Walk. Oh, I wouldn't do that, sir, not if I was you. It's dangerous. Much better to come with me. This way, if you please. I guess you want trouble and so. No, no, that ain't wiser. Come on, come on. The street suddenly seemed filled with activity. Three men seized James Basildon and within seconds a pad of chloroform was placed over his face. The cab moved forward. Raoul Holmes and I clamored in beside the half unconscious form of Basildon and we set out at a spanking pace for Baker Street. Once in our rooms, Basildon was given a heavy sleeping draught and I was told to watch over him. Holmes left once again and I guessed he was going to interview the man who had caused all this trouble. Peter Cottrell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You are Peter Cottrell?

[Dr. Watson]

That is correct. Who are you? How dare you force your way into this hotel room?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My name is Sherlock Holmes. You're lucky to be dealing with me and not with our Metropolitan Police or even Scotland Yard.

[Dr. Watson]

What are you talking about? Get out of here. No, no, no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You are the person who is going to get out. Get out of the country and keep out. I'd also advise you to stay away from your home in America and the clutches of Amos Feltman, the moneylender in whose pay you have been for many months.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't know what you're talking about. How dare you accuse me of having dealings with moneylenders.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now stop blustering, Cottrell. James Basildon knows the truth. We have proof of your activities and Philip Basildon's debts have been made public back in Boston. I'm offering you your one chance to escape from the charge of attempted murder. The man, Diggs Baker, is prepared to give evidence. Now will you listen to reason?

[Dr. Watson]

What? What are you gonna do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing, if you obey my instructions. You still have a reasonable amount of money in your account at the bank. Tomorrow you will withdraw it all and buy a ticket on the next packet steamer for France. Once there, you will quietly disappear. If you appear again either in London or Boston, I will have you arrested. The choice is yours. Either make your own way somewhere else in the world or face ruin and imprisonment. Well, Cottrell, what do you say?

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes returned surprisingly early and related all that had occurred. James Basildon was fast asleep in the spare room. I kept the adjoining door open during the night in case he woke. But he didn't. It was quite late the next morning when he opened his eyes.

[Charlotte Basildon]

Oh.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, my head. Where the devil am I?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've woken up at last. That is Good. How do you feel?

[Dr. Watson]

Who the heck are you? They. What am I doing here? I haven't been asleep. I've been drugged. I remember now. I was in that restaurant in Greek Street. I came out and I was attacked. I demand an explanation for it. How dare you hold me here against my will?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You are not being held against your will. You have been brought here for your own good. There was a plot against you. You're a very lucky man, Mr. Basildon.

[Dr. Watson]

Plot against me? What the devil are you talking about? And how. How'd you know my name? What does all this mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I not only know your name, I know all about you. Your failed marriage, your dying uncle, your trip to Europe. I also know more about you than you know yourself.

[Dr. Watson]

Stop talking nonsense. If I'm being held here against my will and kindly order me a cab and let me return to my hotel, perhaps my friend Peter Cottrell can sort this out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your friend Peter Cottrell is not at the Grosvenor House Hotel. And you will be surprised to hear that he is not your friend, but your most deadly enemy. Now, Mr. Basilgan, you rise and don a dressing gown over a good old fashioned English breakfast of eggs and bacon and Indian tea. I will explain to you in great detail how you are now still living and able to enjoy life on the Basildon estate.

[Dr. Watson]

At first, James Basildon was reluctant to accept our hospitality, but he could see that neither Holmes nor I were the criminals he first took us to be. He was a very puzzled man as he sat at our dining table and toyed with breakfast as Holmes went over the case. From the very beginning. As Holmes told the tale, the skepticism gradually faded from Basilin's face and an expression of wonderment grew in his eyes. The disbelief vanished when Holmes explained that his wife had brought the investigation about and that it was through her love and loyalty that Cottrell's treachery had been exposed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was forced to do a little bluffing in the end, of course. I told Cottrell that I had proof of his dealings with Amos Feltman, the money dealer. I hadn't. I told him also that your cousin Philip's debts were well known. They aren't. I also told him that Diggs Baker's prepared to give evidence against him. He isn't. In fact, Diggs is getting off extremely well with £100 in cash for a crime he wasn't able to commit. Unfortunately, we cannot bring him to book. Not this time. But his type will be caught eventually. Before he does another killing, I hope. But if he goes free. At least you are free also, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

Dr. Watson, if all you say is true, then I am forever in your debt. I owe you my life. It still seems quite incredible that Peter Cockrell could have well deceived me in such a fashion. But I suppose I have to face the facts. I guess I've been just plain stupid. I should have listened to my wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, I think you should. But she stood at the Westbury Hotel not far from here. When you've finished your breakfast, perhaps you'd like to take a cab round there.

[Dr. Watson]

I most certainly will. Thank you again, both of you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is there anything else I can do for you?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, there is one thing. I guess I'll never get used to drinking tea. You think I might beg a cup of strong coffee before I go? Listen again next Sunday to the stories.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of Sherlock Holmes with Graham Armitage's Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

And Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watson.