Sherlock Holmes: The Blanched Soldier (Langford & Baker)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Blanched Soldier" Episode

Podcast Information

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Blanched Soldier (Langford & Baker)
• Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the thrilling tale of "The Blanched Soldier", the seventh story in the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick. The episode masterfully intertwines mystery, deduction, and the enduring partnership between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson.

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The Case of the Blanched Soldier

[00:54] Dr. John Watson introduces the narrative by reflecting on his role as Holmes's companion:

"Watson has some remarkable characteristics of his own, to which, in his modesty, he has given small attention amid his exaggerated estimates of my own performances."
– Dr. John Watson, [00:54]

The story delves into a puzzling disappearance concerning Godfrey Emsworth, the only son of Colonel Emsworth, a decorated Crimean veteran.

Initial Contact and Suspicion

At [02:00], Sherlock Holmes reveals he has received troubling news about his friend, prompting Dr. Watson to express concern:

"I must confess, Watson, that it comes as a surprise to me, and not altogether a pleasant one."
– Sherlock Holmes, [02:04]

Holmes explains that Godfrey was a close friend during the Anglo-Boer War but has since vanished without a trace after supposedly embarking on a long voyage. This unexplained silence raises Holmes's suspicions about the true circumstances surrounding Godfrey's disappearance.

The Encounter with Colonel Emsworth

Upon arriving at Tuxbury Old Park, Holmes meets Colonel Emsworth and confronts him about Godfrey's disappearance. Their tense dialogue reveals the Colonel's reluctance to discuss the matter:

"He would have been pleased to see you, no doubt, Mr. Dodd. His travels."
– Colonel Emsworth, [07:36]

Holmes persists, sensing that something more sinister is at play, leading to an unsettling encounter where Holmes believes he sees Godfrey's ghostly apparition.

Unraveling the Mystery

As [09:44], Holmes narrates his eerie experience of seeing Godfrey's pale figure through a window, only for the apparition to disappear mysteriously:

"When he saw me looking at him he sprang back into the darkness. Mr. Holmes? There was something shocking about the man."
– Sherlock Holmes, [10:16]

Determined to uncover the truth, Holmes and Watson decide to revisit Tuxbury Old Park to investigate further, only to be met with increased resistance from Colonel Emsworth.

Confrontation and Revelation

In a climactic confrontation, [19:08], Colonel Emsworth becomes hostile, accusing Holmes and Watson of being spies:

"Have I not told you, you infernal busybody. Never dare to show your face here again."
– Colonel Emsworth, [18:47]

Dr. Watson intervenes, attempting to mediate the situation, but tensions escalate until Holmes presents irrefutable evidence linking the Colonel to the concealment of Godfrey's condition.

The Truth Unveiled

With the assistance of Sir James Saunders, a trusted friend, Watson conducts a thorough examination and reveals that Godfrey Emsworth does not suffer from leprosy, as previously believed, but from ichthyosis, a non-infectious skin condition:

"It is a well marked case of pseudo leprosy. Ichthyosis. It's a scale-like affection of the skin."
– Sherlock Holmes, [29:12]

This revelation dispels the fears of contagious disease within the family and uncovers the Colonel's misguided efforts to protect his son's reputation, ultimately resolving the mystery.

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Key Characters

• Sherlock Holmes: The astute detective known for his unparalleled logical reasoning and keen powers of observation.

• Dr. John Watson: Holmes's loyal friend and chronicler, whose medical expertise and steadfast support are invaluable.

• Colonel Emsworth: A respected war veteran and father of Godfrey, whose stern demeanor conceals deep familial concerns.

• Godfrey Emsworth: The blanched soldier whose mysterious disappearance forms the crux of the investigation.

• Sir James Saunders: A trusted friend brought in to provide an authoritative medical opinion.

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Notable Quotes

1. Dr. John Watson on Partnership:

   "A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous. But one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate."
   – Dr. John Watson, [29:44]

2. Sherlock Holmes on Determination:

   "I warn you that until I'm assured of the safety and well-being of my friend, I shall never desist in my efforts to get to the bottom of this mystery."
   – Sherlock Holmes, [14:13]

3. Colonel Emsworth's Defiance:

   "I tell you to take your reputed talents to some other field where there is an opening for them."
   – Colonel Emsworth, [19:08]

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Insights and Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The episode masterfully explores how appearances can be deceiving, as seen in the initial belief that Godfrey suffered from leprosy, contrasted by the ultimate diagnosis of ichthyosis.

• Family and Reputation: Colonel Emsworth's actions highlight the lengths to which individuals will go to protect family honor, even at the expense of truth and transparency.

• Friendship and Loyalty: The enduring friendship between Holmes and Watson underscores themes of loyalty, trust, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges.

• Deduction and Reasoning: Holmes's methodical approach exemplifies the power of logic and observation in unraveling complex mysteries.

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Conclusion

"Sherlock Holmes: The Blanched Soldier" is a testament to the timeless allure of detective fiction, enriched by Choice Classic Radio's exceptional adaptation. The episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder deeper societal issues such as stigma, reputation, and the human condition. Through intricate plotting and compelling character interactions, the story reinforces why Sherlock Holmes remains an enduring icon in the realm of mystery and deduction.

Transcript

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your message amplified.

[Dr. John Watson]

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[Colonel Emsworth]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

All in one podcast platform.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Launch your podcast on PodBean today.

[Dr. John Watson]

My school uses Podbean. My church too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I love it.

[Dr. John Watson]

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]

We present now the Blanched Soul Germ, which is another story in our Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick. The Blanched Soldier For a long time.

[Dr. John Watson]

My friend Watson has worried me to write down an experience of my own. I have often had occasion to point out to him how superficial are his own accounts, and to accuse him of pandering to popular taste instead of confining himself rigidly to facts and figures. Try it yourself, Holmes, he's retorted, and yes, I'm compelled to admit, I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in an interesting way. By the way, speaking of my old friend and biographer, I would take this opportunity to remark that if I burden myself with a companion in my various little inquiries, it is not done out of sentiment or caprice. Watson has some remarkable characteristics of his own, to which, in his modesty, he has given small attention amid his exaggerated estimates of my own performances. The only selfish action I can recall in our association, in fact, was when he deserted me for a wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I take it then, Holmes, that you're not altogether gratified by my news.

[Dr. John Watson]

I must confess, Watson, that it comes as a surprise to me, and not altogether a pleasant one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But on the occasion of my previous marriage, you appear to accept, I may even say, welcome the idea.

[Dr. John Watson]

True, true. But as I believe I remarked at the conclusion of that singular episode of the sign of four, the late Mrs. Watson was exceptionally gifted in that same field of logical deduction which I happen to have made my own particular province. She was an asset to our partnership. Not as I regretfully fear, the distraction from it that the new Mrs. Watson seems likely to prove.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, really, Holmes, I think you exaggerate. The fact that my dear wife to be has offered to establish me in a modest West End practice should hardly preclude the continuance of our association. A married man may still retain something of his former interest, may he not?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, Watson, for one who boasts of his experience of women in four separate continents I think I can only remark that your attitude remains singularly ingenuous. But we shall see Watson, we shall see. I find from my notebook that it was just at the time, January 1903, just after the conclusion of the Anglo Boer War, that I had my visit from Mr. James M. Dodd. From South Africa, sir, I perceive.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why, yes sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Imperial Yeomanry I fancy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Middlesex Corps no doubt.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, you're a wizard.

[Dr. John Watson]

When a gentleman of virile appearance enters my rooms with such a tan upon his face that an English son could never give, and with his handkerchief in his sleeve instead of in his pocket, it is not difficult to place him. You wear a short beard which shows that you are not a regular. You have the cut of a riding man. As to Middlesex, your card has already shown me that you are a stockbroker from Throgmorton Street. What has happened at Tuxbury Old Park?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, I.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, my dear sir, there is no mystery. Your letter came with that heading. As you fixed this appointment in very pressing terms it was clear that something sudden and important had occurred during your visit there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes indeed. But a good deal has happened since that letter was written. If Colonel Emsworth hadn't kicked me out.

[Dr. John Watson]

Kicked you out? Perhaps, Mr. Dodd, you will explain what you're talking about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd got in the way of supposing that you knew everything without being told. But I will give you the facts. I hope you will be able to.

[Dr. John Watson]

Tell me what they mean and pray proceed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Colonel Emsworth was the Crimean VC, you know. Well, when I joined up in 1901, young Godfrey, his only son, joined the same squadron. I never met a finer lad. The real fighting blood. We formed the kind of friendship you can only make when you both live the same life and share the same joys and sorrows. We took the rough and the smooth together through a year of fighting. Then he was hit with a bullet from an elephant gun outside Pretoria. I got one letter from the hospital at Cape Town and one at Southampton. Since then not a word. Not one word. Mr. Holmes. For six months and more he was my closest pal.

[Dr. John Watson]

And what then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

When the war was over and we all got back, I wrote to his father and asked where Godfrey was. No answer. I waited a bit and wrote again. This time I had a reply, short and gruff. Godfrey had gone on a voyage round the world and it wasn't likely that he'd be back for a year. Well, Mr. Holmes, I wasn't satisfied. The whole thing seemed so unnatural. It Wasn't like him to drop a pal like that. No, I just wasn't satisfied.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, what did you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My own affairs took quite a time to straighten out. So I haven't been able to do anything about it until this week. My first move was to go down to his home, Taxbury Old Park. I had to walk five miles from the station. It was nearly dark when I got there. But at any rate, when I told the old butler my business, he went straight away and came back and showed me into Colonel Emsworth's study. He was sitting behind his desk, waiting for me.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Well, sir, I should be interested to know the reasons for this visit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I explained to you in my letter, sir, that I knew Godfrey in Africa.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Yes, yes, I know that. Of course, we have only your word for it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have his letters to me in.

[Colonel Emsworth]

My pocket to let me see them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah. We were the closest of friends, sir. Is it not natural that I should wonder at the sudden silence and wish to know what has become of him? I have some recollection, sir.

[Colonel Emsworth]

But I had already explained that in replying to your letter, he has gone upon a voyage around the world. His health was in a poor way after his African experiences. And I was of the opinion that the complete rest and change what he did. Kindly pass that explanation on to any other friends who may be interested in the matter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly. But perhaps you would have the goodness to let me have the name of the steamer and the shipping line. I have no doubt I should be able to get a letter through to him.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Many people, Mr. Dodd, would take offense at your infernal pertinacity. They would consider this insistence to have reached the point of confounded impurance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then you must put it down to my real love for your son. Exactly, Mr. Dodd.

[Colonel Emsworth]

I have already made every allowance upon that score. I must ask you, however, to drop these inquiries. And now, sir, you've come a long way and you're welcome to stay the night here. My butler, Ralph, will see to your needs. We dine at 8 o'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clock. Come in. I beg your pardon, sir. I just brought you some more coals. Bitter cold it is, sir. Thank you, Ralph.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, sir, will there be anything more tonight? No, that's all, thanks. Oh, before you go, there is just one thing, sir. You've been in service here a long time, I suppose? Oh, yes, sir. Me and the missus both. Then you've known Master Godfrey for many years. Oh, Lord bless you, sir. Why, my missus nursed him. You could say, in a manner of speaking, that I'm his foster father. Really?

[Dr. John Watson]

He was a fine boy all right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And he was a fine man, sir. Was, you say he was. Look here, what is all this mystery about what has become of Godfrey Innsworth? Well, I don't know what you mean, sir. Ask the master about Master Godfrey. It's not for me to interfere. Listen to me. No, no, let go of me, sir. Pete, you're going to answer one question before you leave this room if I have to hold you all night. Is Godfrey Emsworth dead? I wish he was, sir. I wish to heaven he. Well after that there seemed to be only one interpretation, Mr. Holmes. My poor friend had evidently become involved in something criminal or at least something disreputable that had touched the family honor. His stern old father had sent him away for fear of some scandal coming to light. Or that was what I thought just then.

[Dr. John Watson]

Your problem presents some very unusual features, Mr. Dodd, but pray continue.

[Sherlock Holmes]

After the butler had gone I must have stood there pondering all this for some time. Then something made me look up and there was Godfrey Emsworth.

[Dr. John Watson]

In the room?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, he was outside the window. It was a ground floor room. I'd left the curtains open and there he was looking at me through the glass. He was deadly pale. I'd never seen a man so white. I reckon ghosts may look like that. But his eyes met mine and they were the eyes of a living man.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did he give any sign?

[Sherlock Holmes]

When he saw me looking at him he sprang back into the darkness. Mr. Holmes? There was something shocking about the man. It wasn't just the ghastly face. It was something. Something slinking and furtive, something guilty. It left a feeling of horror in my mind.

[Dr. John Watson]

I assume, however, that when a man has been soldiering a year or two with Brother Boar as his playmate, he keeps his nerve and acts quickly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. Godfrey had hardly vanished before I was out of that window. I ran down the garden path in the way I thought he would have gone. It seemed to me that something was moving ahead of me. I called his name, but it was no use. When I got to the end of the path there were several others branching in different directions to some outhouses. But as I stood there hesitating, I distinctly heard the sound of a closing door. It wasn't behind me in the house, it was somewhere ahead in the darkness. I knew then, Mr. Holmes, that what I'd seen was no vision.

[Dr. John Watson]

You believed he had run away from you and shut the door behind him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm certain.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well there, Mr. Dodd, what else did you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There was nothing more I Could do. I spent an uneasy night trying to find some theory to cover the facts. Next day I found the Colonel rather more conciliatory. His wife remarked that there were some places of interest in the neighborhood. I saw an opening to ask whether I might stay one more night. Somewhat grudgingly, he agreed.

[Dr. John Watson]

Which gave you a clear day in which to make your observations?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, yes. I felt I must explore the garden and see what I could find. There were several small outhouses. But at the end of the garden there was a detached building of some size. It was heavily curtained. I wondered if this could have been the place the sound of that shutting door had come from. I approached in a careless fashion, strolling aimlessly as I did so. A small bearded man in a black coat and bowler hat came out of the door. He locked it after him. Then he looked at me with some surprise. Good day, sir. Good day. Are you. Are you a visitor here? Yes, I am. My name is Dodd. James M. Dodd. I see. I'm an old army chum of Mr. Godfrey Emsworth. I came hoping to see him. What a pity that he should be away on his travels. He would have been pleased to see you, no doubt, Mr. Dodd. His travels. Exactly. Well, good day to you, sir. No doubt you will resume your visit at some more propitious time. Good day. He passed on. But when I turned, I observed that he was standing watching me, half concealed by some laurels at the far end of the garden. So I strolled back to the house and waited for night. As soon as everyone had retired and everything was dark and quiet, I slipped out of my window and made my way as silently as possible to the mysterious lodge. The curtains were still drawn, but now there were shutters up as well. Even so, there was some light coming through. At one place, I found I could see inside the room. I saw the little man I'd seen that morning. He was smoking a pipe and reading a paper. I tried to see more of the room, but just then.

[Colonel Emsworth]

So you become a spy, have you, Colonel Emsworth? Kindly follow me back to the house, sir. There is a train to London at 8:30 in the morning. The trap will be at the door at 8. The matter will not bear discussion. You have made a most impertinent intrusion into the privacy of our family. You were here as a guest and you have become a spy. I have nothing more to say, sir. Say that I have no wish ever to see you again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, Colonel Emsworth. Only I have seen your son. And I am convinced that for some reason of your Own. You are conceding him from the world. I have no idea what your motives are in cutting him off in this fashion, but I'm sure he is no longer a free agent. I am warning you, Colonel.

[Colonel Emsworth]

What's that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I warn you that until I'm assured of the safety and well being of my friend, I shall never desist in my efforts to get to the bottom of this mystery. And I shall certainly not allow myself to be intimidated by anything you may say or do.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Your message amplified.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with podbean.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Dr. John Watson]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

However, he didn't attack me, Mr. Holmes. There was nothing for it but to take the appointed train after writing first to ask you to see me, Mr. Dodd.

[Dr. John Watson]

The servants. How many were in the house?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To the best of my belief, there was only the old butler and his wife. The family seemed to live in the simplest fashion.

[Dr. John Watson]

There was no servant then in the detached house?

[Sherlock Holmes]

None. Unless the little man with the beard acted as such. But he seemed to be quite a superior person.

[Dr. John Watson]

That seems very suggestive. Now. Had you any indication that food was being conveyed from the one house to the other?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I did see old Ralph carrying a basket down the garden walk and going in the direction of this house. The idea of food didn't occur to me at that moment.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did you make any local inquiries?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I did. I spoke to the station master and the innkeeper. I simply asked if they knew anything of my old comrade, Godfrey Emsworth. Both of them assured me that he'd gone for a voyage round the world.

[Dr. John Watson]

You said nothing of your suspicions?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yet you say you had seen your friend's face quite clearly at the window. So clearly that you are sure of his identity?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have no doubt about it. Whatever the lamplight shone full upon him.

[Dr. John Watson]

It could have been someone resembling him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, it was he.

[Dr. John Watson]

But you say he was changed?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only in color. His face was. How shall I describe it? It was of a fish belly. Whiteness.

[Dr. John Watson]

It was bleached all over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I. I think not. It was his brow that I saw so clearly. It was pressed against the window.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well, Mr. Dodd. The matter should certainly be inquired into. I will go back with you to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tuxbury Old park today.

[Dr. John Watson]

As it happens, I'm clearing up another matter at the moment. I also have a rather important commission from the Sultan of Turkey to attend to. Let us say at the beginning of next week.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall be ready whenever you are, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, I shall also ask an old friend of mine to accompany us. It is possible that his presence may be entirely unnecessary. On the other hand, it may be essential. There is no need at the present stage to go further into the matter. The narratives of my friend Watson have shown no doubt that I do not waste words or disclose my thoughts while a case is under consideration. In fact, my case was practically complete when the next week we arrived at the strange old rambling house. I asked the elderly friend who had accompanied us to remain in the carriage unless we summons him. I have not introduced him to Dodd, who seems surprised but asked no questions. The old butler, Ralph opened the doors to us. He wore the conventional costume of black coat and pepper and salt trousers with only one curious variant. He had on brown leather gloves. He shuffled them off at the sight of us, laying them down on the whole table. I have, as Watson may sometimes have remarked, an abnormally acute set of senses and a faint but incisive smell was apparent. I contrived to drop my hat on the floor and in picking it up brought my nose within a foot of the gloves. A curious tarry odor was oozing from them. My case was complete at last.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Big pun, sir. Mr. Dodd and Mr. Sherlock Holmes to see you, sir. The devil tell you.

[Colonel Emsworth]

What is the meaning of this? You, sir. Have I not told you, you infernal busybody. Never dare to show your face here again if you choose to enter here without my leave. I shall be within my rights if I use violence. And as to you, sir, I extend the same warning to you. I am familiar with your ignoble profession and I tell you to take your reputed talents to some other field where there is an opening for them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I cannot leave here until I hear from Godfrey's own lips that he is under no restraint.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Ra, telephone at once to the county police and ask the inspector to send up two constables. Tell him, tell him there are burglars in the house.

[Dr. John Watson]

One moment. You must be aware, Mr. Dodd, that Colonel Emsworth is within his rights. We have no legal status within this house. On the other hand, he should recognize that your action is prompted entirely by solicitude for his son. I venture to hope that if I were allowed to have five minutes conversation with Colonel Emsworthy, I Could certainly alter his view on the matter.

[Colonel Emsworth]

What the devil are you waiting for Ralph? Ring the police. I say.

[Dr. John Watson]

Gang sir? Nothing of the sort. Any police interference would bring about the very catastrophe you're dreading.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Stand away from that door Colonel M. I'll shoot you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sir. On this page in my notebook I'm writing just one word. Here you are sir. Pray read it and you will know what brought us here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Colonel Emsworth]

You.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How.

[Colonel Emsworth]

How do you know this?

[Dr. John Watson]

It is my business to know things. That is my trade.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Then you were forced to my hand. If you wish to see Godfrey you shall. This is your doing, not mine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes. What does this mean?

[Dr. John Watson]

You shall soon see Mr.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Dodge.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Go down to the gardener. Tell Mr. Godfrey and Mr. Kent that in five minutes we shall be with them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good, sir, very good. But this is very sudden. Colonel Ensworth, this will disarrange all our plans.

[Colonel Emsworth]

I can't help it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Kent.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Our hands have been forced. Can Mr. Godfrey see us now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, he's waiting inside. Good.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Follow me gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Godfrey old man.

[Dr. John Watson]

Don't touch me. Jimmy. Don't come near.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wait. What?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, you may well stare. I don't quite look smart enough for B Squadron now do I? What's happened?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Those white patches on your skin.

[Dr. John Watson]

That's why I don't court visitors. But you seem to have me at a disadvantage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I came down to see if all was well with you that night. You looked into my window.

[Dr. John Watson]

Old Ralph told me you were there. I couldn't resist taking a peep.

[Sherlock Holmes]

After you ran away I couldn't let the matter rest. I asked Mr. Sherlock Holmes here to help.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes, eh? Well Mr. Holmes you may as well hear my story too. If you please Mr. Emsworth. It won't take long to tell. You remember Jimmy, that morning fight outside Pretoria on the Eastern railway line? You heard I was hit?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I heard about it but I never got the particulars.

[Dr. John Watson]

Three of us got separated from the rest. Baldy, Simpson, Anderson and I. The other two were killed. I got an elephant bullet through my shoulder. I stuck on my horse though and he galloped several miles with me before I must have rolled off in a faint. When I came to it was night. It was deadly cold. You remember that kind of numb cold that used to come at evening?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I do. Deadly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Luckily there was a house nearby. I knew my only hope was to reach it. I've a dim memory of staggering there. There was a large room with many beds in. I just fell onto one of them and passed out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lucky for you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was it when I Woke in the morning. It was as though I'd passed from a world of sanity into a nightmare. Standing in front of me was a dwarf like man with a huge bulbous head. He was jabbering in Dutch and waving his hands. They were like. Like horrible brown sponges.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good heavens.

[Dr. John Watson]

There were others behind him, watching me. And as I looked at them I realized that not one of them was a normal human being. Everyone was twisted or swollen or disfigured in some way. And they were laughing at me. Heavens, I can hear them now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You were delirious.

[Dr. John Watson]

I thought so for a moment. Then that little beast laid his horrible deformed hands on me, began pulling me off the bed. My wound was bleeding. But he went on. He was as strong as a bull. I don't know what he was going to do. But an elderly man suddenly came in and shouted an order in Dutch. The little monster moved away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is fantastic.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's only too true. Well, the elderly man spoke to me in English. I'm a doctor, he said. That shoulder of yours once, fixing up quickly, but man alive. Do you know where you are?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A hospital, I said. Yes, he said.

[Dr. John Watson]

The leper hospital. You're lying in a leper's bed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Great Scott.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Now you have the truth, Mr. Dodd.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But Godfrey, surely this doesn't mean.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thanks to the British advance, I was in the General Hospital at Pretoria within a week. Apart from my shoulder, I seem to be all right. It wasn't until they got me home and I came here that these terrible signs began to appear on my face. I knew then that I hadn't escaped.

[Colonel Emsworth]

What was I to do, Mr. Dodd? We had two servants we could trust completely. There was this house where he could live. And Mr. Kent here, he's a surgeon, was prepared to stay and care for him in secret.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but why? Surely a hospital.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Don't you see it would have meant segregation for the rest of his life. To live forever among strangers without any hope or release. Even in these quiet parts. If one word got out, he would.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have been dragged away.

[Dr. John Watson]

To that, even you had to be kept in the dark, Jimmy. But what I don't understand, Father, is why you've relented now.

[Colonel Emsworth]

It was Mr. Sherlock Holmes who forced.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My hand with this scrap of paper.

[Colonel Emsworth]

He wrote one word on it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Leprosy.

[Colonel Emsworth]

After that I realized that if he knew so much, it was safer that he should know it all.

[Dr. John Watson]

So it was. And who knows but good may come of it. How I understand that only you, Mr. Kent, have attended the patient. May I ask, sir, if you are an authority on such tropical or semi tropical complaints?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have the ordinary knowledge of the educated medical man.

[Dr. John Watson]

I have no doubt, sir, that you are fully competent. But I am sure you will agree that in such a case a second opinion is valuable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It would have meant pressure being put on us to segregate him.

[Dr. John Watson]

I foresaw the situation and I brought with us a friend whose discretion may be absolutely trusted. I was able once to do him a professional service and he is ready to advise as a friend rather than as a specialist. His name is Sir James Saunders.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Saunders.

[Dr. John Watson]

He is a present in the carriage outside the door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then I should be proud, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good. I will ask him to step this way. Meanwhile, Colonel Emsworth, we may perhaps assemble in your study where I could explain my process of thought in this matter. My invariable process starts upon the supposition that when you have eliminated all that which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. As this case was first presented to me, there were three possible explanations for the seclusion or incarceration of this gentleman in an outhouse of his father's mansion. There was the possibility that he was in hiding for a crime, or that he was mad and they wished to avoid an asylum, or that he may have some disease which caused his segregation. I could think of no other adequate explanation. The criminal solution would not bear inspection. No unsolved crime has been reported from this district. If it were some crime not yet discovered, then clearly it would be in the family's interest to send the delinquent abroad rather than keep him concealed at home. Insanity was more plausible.

[Colonel Emsworth]

What's that?

[Dr. John Watson]

The presence of the second person in the outhouse suggested a keeper. The fact that he locked the door when he came out strengthened the supposition. On the other hand, this constraint could not be severe or the young man could not have got loose to have a look at his friend. There remained the third possibility. Rare and unlikely as it was, everything seemed to fit into it. Leprosy is not uncommon in South Africa. Bleaching of the skin is a common result of the disease. By some extraordinary chance this youth might have contracted it. His people would be placed in a very dreadful position. Since they would desire to save him from segregation, great secrecy would be needed. But he could be allowed some freedom after dark. A devoted medical man, if sufficiently paid, would easily be found to take care of him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You thought the case was the strongest of the three.

[Dr. John Watson]

In fact, so strong that I determined to act as if it were actually proved. When I arrived Here and noticed that the gloves worn by Ralph, who carried out the meals were strongly impregnated with disinfectant. My last ducts were removed. A single word showed you, sir, that the secret was discovered.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Yes, I see it now. But tell me, sir, why did you write it down instead of saying it?

[Dr. John Watson]

That was to prove to you that my discretion was to be trusted.

[Colonel Emsworth]

I thought as much. I decided you should know it all.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, here's the James.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Well, sir, let us know the worst. It is often my lot to bring.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ill tidings and seldom good. This occasion is the more welcome. Colonel Emsworth, it is not leprosy.

[Dr. John Watson]

Not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What is it, Sir James? A well marked case of pseudo leprosy. Ichthyosis. It's a scale like affection of the skin.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Unsightly and obstinate, but possibly curable and certainly non infective.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then heaven be sacked.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Surely if he got it from contact with these leper fellows.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, not from them. A coincidence.

[Colonel Emsworth]

Remarkable, but a coincidence.

[Dr. John Watson]

And here it is that I miss my Watson. By cunning questions and ejaculations of wonder, he could elevate my simple art into a prodigy. A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous. But one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Amy.

[Dr. John Watson]

I trust marriage will not change him over much.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was the Blanched Soldier, the seventh story in our Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick.