Sherlock Holmes: The Bloemhof of Diamond

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Sherlock Holmes: The Bloemhof Diamond

Episode Date: October 10, 2025
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer AI

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Episode Overview

This classic episode transports listeners to the early 1900s as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson tackle the perplexing case of the missing "Bloemhof Diamond." The case weaves together themes of technological advancement—electric lights, telephones—and timeless elements of greed and subterfuge. As Holmes and Watson interview suspects and reconstruct a clever theft that occurred under everyone's nose, the episode captures the Golden Age of Radio detective storytelling with suspense, humor, and sharp dialogue.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Structure

The Scene is Set (01:03–03:21)

• Dr. Watson sets the context: it's 1905, London is modernizing with cars, phones, and electricity. Holmes is fascinated by these advances, adapting them into his investigations.
  • "Holmes... was continually experimenting with each new scientific invention." (01:23–01:40)
• Holmes and Watson travel to Richmond after receiving numerous urgent telegrams, summoned by diamond dealer Claude Leacock.

Introducing the Case (03:21–06:07)

• Leacock explains the predicament: he's recently purchased the famed Bloemhof diamond, introduced his three business partners to it, and, during a gathering, the diamond vanished under mysterious circumstances.
  • "While they were here it disappeared. I'm at my wits end." —Claude Leacock (04:35)
• Key suspects are Leacock’s business associates: Peter Marvin, Edmund Chester, and Roger Wallace.

The Night of the Theft (06:07–08:23)

• As the men prepare to inspect the diamond under a reading lamp, the lights fail, plunging the room into chaos.
  • "The lights have all gone out. What's happened?" —Leacock (06:42)
  • Mrs. Hawks and Ruby the maid provide candles; everyone is accounted for.
• Forensic frustration: despite a thorough search and everyone being strip-searched, the diamond remains gone. Leacock is devastated, facing bankruptcy.

Holmes Begins His Investigation (08:23–11:44)

• Holmes calmly gathers all accounts and clarifies that no one has entered or left the room since the loss.
• He interviews Leacock about the house staff (butler James, cook Mrs. Hawks, maid Ruby) and requests to interview them.
• Holmes observes the crime scene methodically and asks Leacock to take a break to clear his mind while he and Watson investigate further.
  • "Might I suggest that you leave us? Go to your room, take a bath..." —Holmes (11:17)

Search for Clues (12:33–13:44)

• Holmes rejects the idea of a full physical search, focusing on certain elements: thick curtains, securely fastened windows, and the reading lamp.
  • He inspects the reading lamp, notably removing and pocketing a threepenny bit he finds (13:32).
  • "Not at all. It might bring me good luck." —Holmes when questioned by Watson about keeping the coin (13:41)

Servants’ Testimonies (13:58–15:39)

• Mrs. Hawks, the cook, expresses suspicion of “dangerous” new electricity and recounts the household’s movements during the outage.
  • "It's dangerous, all this electricity, it's not natural." —Mrs. Hawks (14:10)
  • She also references answering the telephone for Ruby’s father, an odd detail Holmes notes.

Holmes’ Reveal Preparations (15:44–17:47)

• Holmes instructs Leacock to summon all three business partners for an evening meeting, cryptically promising the diamond’s return.
  • "Tell them that I... have investigated and decided exactly how the diamond disappeared." —Holmes (15:58)
• On the train home, Holmes puzzles over the modern innovations key to the case (telephone, electric light), hinting at their role in the theft.

The Confrontation & Solution (18:33–21:06)

• At the evening gathering, Holmes has everyone arrange themselves as on the night of the theft.
• He draws attention to the leather case and tissue paper, and shares they’ll soon receive a call from the police, raising the stakes.
• Holmes reveals a crucial piece of evidence: the threepenny bit he found. He implicates Ruby, the maid, noting her history and connections with one of the partners, Peter Marvin.
  • "The maid Ruby is a well known jewel thief who's only worked here a few months. She has also worked for considerably longer for Mr. Peter Marvin." —Holmes (21:31)
• Holmes exposes that Marvin phoned the house, pretending to be Ruby's father—the "call" Mrs. Hawks received—signaling Ruby to execute the plan.

Holmes Explains All (22:16–23:26)

• In a final debrief with Watson, Holmes details the mechanism of the theft:
  • A threepenny bit under the lamp's bulb caused the fuse to blow at the critical moment.
    • "Fuses do not blow without some reason. In this case a three piece inserted under the bulb of a lamp with a piece of metal bridging the contact..." —Holmes (22:16)
  • Ruby, hidden behind the curtains, grabbed the diamond under cover of darkness, and, later, slipped it to Marvin.
  • Holmes forced Marvin to return the diamond by threatening the exposure of the plot.
  • Holmes repeats the trick himself when demonstrating the case's resolution.
  • "Because I put yet another coin in the base of the holder under the bow. Not so hard up that I can't afford threatening to solve the case, Watson." —Holmes (23:26)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On New Technology:
  • "Holmes was... continually experimenting with each new scientific invention." (01:23)
  • "It's dangerous, all this electricity, it's not natural." —Mrs. Hawks (14:10)
  • "Might I suggest that you start by learning how to replace a fuse?" —Holmes to Watson (17:32)
• Holmes’ Confidence:
  • "Oh yes, perfectly sure... if they don't arrive on time I shan't place their future at the value of a threepenny bit." —Holmes (16:25)
• Dramatic Intrigue:
  • "The diamond is back." —Claude Leacock, as the diamond is dramatically revealed (20:41)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening Case Introduction: 01:03–03:21
• Leacock’s Account & Setup: 03:59–06:07
• Theft & Initial Reactions: 06:07–08:23
• Holmes Investigates: 10:56–13:44
• Holmes Confronts Partners: 18:33–21:06
• Final Explanation: 22:16–23:26

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Conclusion

This episode showcases a classic locked-room mystery, updated with the intrigue of new technological developments. Holmes’s mastery of both deduction and the use of early 20th-century technology is central to solving the crime. The suspense is maintained through sharp exchanges, period-appropriate humor, and a final twist that would satisfy both longtime Holmes fans and newcomers. This is energetic, engaging radio detective drama at its peak.

Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Host]

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 donating. At ChoiceClassicRadio.com.

[Narrator]

We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, remember the case of the Blumhoff diamond, for it seemed to me to herald the dawn of a new age in scientific detection. The year was 1905. Already there were quite a few flashy modern motor cars chugging their way through the London streets. We had a telephone installed at Baker street and most police stations were able to get in touch with us. The homes of the wealthy were discarding gaslights and adapting quickly to Swan Edison's electrical systems. Sherlock Holmes was of course, intensely interested by all these changes. He adapted amazingly swiftly to the advantages they lent to his skills and was continually experimenting with each new scientific invention. On this particular occasion, the day started. Ordinarily enough, Holmes and I had received dozens of telegrams asking for immediate help. So we thought nothing of taking an early train to Richmond.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope this proves an interesting journey, Bo. It should do.

[Dr. Watson]

But this man Leacock is a diamond dealer. It seems to indicate a robbery of some kind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shouldn't be a bit surprised. According to what I've been able to find out by telephone from Scotland Yard, this man, Claude Leacock is not the ordinary diamond speculator. His manner moves quite mysteriously, seeking only the best jewels and the shrewdest of deals.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, in other words, a man who.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Calls trouble, we seem so certainly a man to be watched, not necessarily to be taken at his word.

[Dr. Watson]

But you think this might be a false alarm?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It could be. I do not make up my mind about anything until I've been presented with all the facts. But when a man is dealing in diamonds, anything can happen. Don't you agree?

[Dr. Watson]

The rest of the journey was smooth enough. We took a carriage from the station and there was no need to question where Lee House was. The driver took us straight there and we were immediately shown into the main sitting room. It was large, comfortably furnished with a number of armchairs around an old fashioned fireplace. There was a three lighted modern fixture hung from the centre of the ceiling and A table lamp towards one side of the door, near what was obviously a small safe. There was only one door and the windows looked out high above the garden. Mr. Claude Leacock rose from one of the chairs and came towards us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Extremely kind of you, Mr. Holmes.

[Claude Leacock]

Dr. Watson, I hardly expected you to be so prompt. Please do be seated and allow me to explain the reason for sending for you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, I should appreciate that.

[Claude Leacock]

I will come straight to the point. I've been negotiating for some months for one of the most valuable diamonds in existence. I and three other friends, we at last found a customer in America for this particular jewel. We sought to make a considerable profit on this delicate transaction which all took place in strict secrecy. My arrangements were concluded only yesterday. The seller of the stone arrived from Amsterdam in the morning. I paid him in full. Then I invited my friends here last night to view the stone, but while they were here it disappeared. I'm at my wit tent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You must help me find it. If I'm able to do so, it will only be because you tell me the whole sequence of events in full. The names of your friends and how it happened.

[Claude Leacock]

Well, the men concerned are Peter, Marvin, Edmond Chester and Roger Wallace. They're all businessmen in the trade and personal friends. Yesterday morning after purchasing the stone, which is incidentally known as the Blumhoff diamond, I placed it in that safe over there. Then I telephoned each man and invited him to dinner in the evening. They knew the purpose it was to view the diamond that approved the amount we were to sell it for.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, as soon as the men received your message they knew the purchase had been completed. Exactly at what time did you send the messages?

[Claude Leacock]

Between three and half past that afternoon. Wallace arrived by car, the other two by train. Dinner was served promptly at 8, and it was just before 9 when we came in here to talk the matter over. The room is exactly as you see it now. The center light on, the reading light on the small table, the switch off.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the windows closed and shuttered.

[Claude Leacock]

The heavy curtains drawn across the bay, just as you see them now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see the room has not been touched.

[Claude Leacock]

Not in any particular.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. Pray continue.

[Claude Leacock]

Well, I gave a detailed account of the purchase and my friends and I discussed the matter for some time and then. Well, I think that all very satisfactory, don't you? Yes, excellent. I'm glad you approved, gentlemen. Well, come along, let's see this wonderful Glimhof diamond. Certainly, I have it right here in the faith.

[Dr. Watson]

Here we are in this leather case.

[Claude Leacock]

And wrapped in tissue paper.

[Dr. Watson]

There.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Claude Leacock]

That really is A diamond?

[Dr. Watson]

I doubt if I've ever seen such a large one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think we have a bargain here, gentlemen.

[Dr. Watson]

I wonder that the South African seller.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Didn'T ask for considerably more.

[Claude Leacock]

Yes, our syndicate should profit considerably by this negotiation. The American client is most anxious to purchase. May I see? My eyes aren't as good as they were. Place it there on the small table. Wallace, switch on the reading. Lampchester, you have your jeweler's eyeglass. Give it a complete inspection. You'll find it worth it. Very well. The lights have all gone out. What's happened?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is target.

[Claude Leacock]

Let me find a major light here. Someone is pushing the table. Take it easy. Stand all of you. Let me find the switch from the main top lighthouse. You, the door. The door to the passage. There'll be light out there. The passage light works up the same circuit. The whole thing has blown. Oh, candles. There must be some candles here. Matches then. Surely someone has a box of that. I have some in my pocket somewhere.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

My pipe.

[Claude Leacock]

Oh dear.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Claude Leacock]

Yes, yes, here we are. The diamond. The diamond.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was there on the table.

[Claude Leacock]

It's gone, but another case is there. The tissue paper must have rolled on the floor. Good start. Oh, my fingers burnt. Light another match. Quickly, quickly. The candles. We must have some candles.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

Can I ask her? Oh, what's happened to the Lord?

[Claude Leacock]

Ruby, get some candles from the kitchen. Quickly guys, quickly. Just to keep those matches going. Light one from the other until the candles come right. And everybody please stay quite still as you are at the moment. But the diamond. We've got to find the diamond. Of course we've got to find the diamond. We'll never find was some minutes before Ruby the maid returned with some candles. We all stayed in the room. No one left it, I'm sure of that. Then the butler who'd been told of the fuse managed to open the fuse box in the kitchen and eventually repaired it. The center lights came on again. I closed the door and the search of the floor began. Once again it was useless. The diamond had disappeared, just gone. It could not have left the room since no one had left or entered it. Even Ruby had remained in the passage when I took the candles from her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Can you describe where everyone was when the lights went out?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes.

[Claude Leacock]

I was standing about here, Marvin there. Wallace was sitting in that chair and Chester in the chair by the reading lamp. The stone was very large and it would have sparkled in the light. It was nowhere to be found. After we'd thoroughly ransacked the room, we gave up the search in despair. This is damned Awkward, you know, the.

[Dr. Watson]

Blaster thing has got to be somewhere.

[Claude Leacock]

I think there's nothing for it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But each of us has to submit.

[Claude Leacock]

To a thorough search.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can start with me if you like. I'm prepared to strip to the skin.

[Claude Leacock]

Well, it's darned embarrassing. If I think Wallace is right, I suppose there's nothing else for it. All right, the dreadful business, but we must be sure. I feel responsible, but I must clear myself. All right, let's trip one at a time. We are all aware of the ways.

[Dr. Watson]

Of jewel these each man to be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Given a thorough search.

[Dr. Watson]

As I say, start with me.

[Claude Leacock]

A space was cleared here in the.

[Narrator]

Center of the room and each of us took off his clothes while the.

[Claude Leacock]

Others went over every inch of them. When it was all over we were all satisfied that none of us was in possession of the diamond.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What happened then?

[Narrator]

Well, we sat down and held a council of war.

[Claude Leacock]

Eventually it was agreed that as the.

[Narrator]

Diamond had been lost in my house.

[Claude Leacock]

And the evening arranged at my instigation.

[Narrator]

I must be held responsible for its loss.

[Claude Leacock]

I tell you, Holmes, that I cannot make good the value of the stone. I shall be reduced to bankruptcy.

[Narrator]

Have you any theories?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not even I can have a theory without all the facts. Two or three questions. One is, who had been in this room since the incident took place?

[Narrator]

No one. After each man had clothed himself, the others watched him until it grew late. It was agreed to part. They left together. I stayed here in this room. I've not left it. I locked the door, stepped on the server. Early this morning I wrote out the telegram on one of the servants, entered the village and sent it off. I'd had no meals in here. I assure you that this room is in exactly the same state as when the Blumhoff diamond disappeared. It's my belief it is still in here. Well, that could be. On that point I think you've acted adamantly. Cook. Another question. Are you quite sure that it was at the exact moment the test was fixed on misleading month that the patient had gotten at that precise level? And in your physical room nothing to find of any interest? Nothing, unless you call a company.

[Dr. Watson]

I've really been so fascinated by such a puzzle and was eager to see how Holmes would tackle the matter. To my complete surprise, he sat himself down in one of the easy chairs and simply gazed around. We were silent, watching him observe every detail of the furnishings. And then he said, you must be very weary, Leacock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Might I suggest that you leave us? Go to your room, take a bath, change the clothes that you've been sleeping in. And get yourself something to eat. By that time I shall have finished in here and we can talk once again.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I think that's an excellent situation suggestion.

[Narrator]

If you don't mind.

[Claude Leacock]

I'll do exactly that. Please touch the bell. If you need anything, one of the servants will attend you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Just how big is your stuff?

[Dr. Watson]

I have a butler, James, a cook.

[Claude Leacock]

Mrs. Hawks, and Ruby, the housemate. Small stuff, but we manage between us. I'm a bachelor. The house is not all that big, really.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Well, I may ask to interview all three servants before I go. And meanwhile, take your time in recovering from your long ordeal.

[Claude Leacock]

Thank you. It is indeed a relief to have you dealing with this terrible matter. Please do make yourself at home.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, Watson, what do you make of things?

[Dr. Watson]

I know, Holmes, Peacock is right and no one took the diamond out of this room. Then it must still be here. Do you intend to search the place?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, I think that would be something of a waste of time. Peacock would have moved everything in his efforts to find the jewel. No, just a few things. The curtains, the softest. Yes, they're very thick. The windows are securely fastened. The drop to the gardens is quite considerable. Now, the lamp, the reading lamp.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, it lights up all right now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but let me switch it off and take out the electric light bulb. Interesting. Very interesting. Very swift. A matter of a few seconds to remove the bulb and replace it. Really a wonderful invention of reading number. Now, what was it Leacock said they searched thoroughly and found nothing but a three piece on the carpet. Now, on the mantelpiece, I think he said. Now, let's see.

[Claude Leacock]

Yes, here it is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I'll pocket this.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Holmes, I've heard of people picking up small coins for luck, but don't you think in these circumstances it's a trifle mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not at all. It might bring me good luck. Yes, I think. Now, while Leacock is about his ablutions, it'll be a good opportunity to have a word or two with the servants. Shall we find our way to their Quarters, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

We made our way below stairs as it were and found the cook, Mrs. Hawks, busy preparing a meal. How much she knew of the drama going on about her was hard to guess but she did have decided views.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

So don't with it Mr. Holmes. It's dangerous, all this electricity, it's not natural. Why we'll all be burnt in our beds if we don't watch out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, you may find that it won't be long before you're able to cook with it.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

Me? Oh never. Gas is bad enough. Give me a good coal fire, I'll produce you a decently cooked meal.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is that the fuse box up there?

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

That's right. James and I was having a bit of dinner at that table. Leftovers you understand. Ruby can't appear up in the dining room. We was about to get ready to do the washing up when phew, suddenly there's a spark from that there box.

[Claude Leacock]

All the lights go out.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

I can't. But the wedding never did trust the electricity. James got up and fiddled about and eventually put bits of wire back in that thing. But it took him time I can tell you. Cabeza, such a fright. I tell you it's far too dangerous an invention.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well we must have progress you know. What about the telephone?

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

Well I must admit I, I have answered it on the odd occasion. Seems funny hearing someone's voice speaking from miles away at the same time you are, if you know what I mean. As a matter of fact I heard Ruby's father only yesterday. Even ill telephoned her to say he was better. I answered the phone and then I called Ruby.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, I see. Well I'm glad you think some modern inventions are useful, Mrs. Hawkes. Well, we shall leave you now. I think Mr. Leacock will want to have a few words with us before we get back to London.

[Dr. Watson]

Good day to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come Robin.

[Dr. Watson]

We waited a short time until Called Leacock appeared, looking considerably refreshed and eager to know what Holmes had decided. Holmes remained totally non committal but gave quite precise directions.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall leave you now, Leacock, and travel back to town. Watson and I will lunch there. We both have several things to do, but in the meantime will you please get in touch with your friends Peter Marvin, Edmund Chester and Roger Wallace. Tell them that they must all three return here this evening at 8:30. Tell them that I, Sherlock Holmes, have investigated and decided exactly how the diamond disappeared. Tell them that I expect it to be returned.

[Claude Leacock]

Holmes, this is extraordinary. Are you sure?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, perfectly sure. You must telephone each of them now and say that it is a matter of life and death and if they don't arrive on time I shan't place their future at the value of a threepenny bit. Those words understand come often. We have just time to catch the next train home. We caught the next train with some.

[Dr. Watson]

Minutes to spare and Holmes was extremely thoughtful for most of the journey. Eventually he stopped puffing at his empty meerschaum pipe, gazed out at the field flashing by the window and said, the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Barrel coronet, the Amersham emerald and the Mazarin stone. Those three cases that you have chronicled immediately spring to mind, don't they Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh you mean they all three jabbed with missing jewels? Yes, I remember.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But they are different from the present case in two respects. Can you say what those two respects are?

[Dr. Watson]

Well let's see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well.

[Dr. Watson]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The rest of my cat, the telephone and electric light. Yes, two of today's modern advances in the easy living of our present day society. And both an integral part of this very puzzling case.

[Dr. Watson]

I confess I cannot see how.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh you will Watson, you will. You have already accepted the telephone and use it to great effect in your personal and professional life. I think you may soon appreciate electricity to the full. Might I suggest that you start by learning how to replace a fuse?

[Dr. Watson]

What's new? I was glad of the afternoon to devote to my own work but interested when in the early evening Holmes once again asked me to accompany him back to Lee House at Richmond. We were back in the same room again. By 8 o' clock the other guests had arrived and Claude Leacock introduced us both. Holmes had on the train give me the most explicit instructions. I didn't understand them at all but knew better than to query his requests. Before the assembled company had gathered to hear what he had to say I was dispatched to the servants quarters. Apparently once I'd left the room Holmes got down to business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well gentlemen, I'm glad that you've all managed to arrive here on time as requested. That's good. It means we will have cooperation.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course. But I couldn't make sense of Claude's message. He said you knew exactly what had.

[Claude Leacock]

Happened to the diamond and some brought about our lives not being worth fruffants. What's it mean? Please, Mr. Holmes will explain. Just give in time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Now firstly, will you all assume the positions you were in last night when the lights fused and the diamond disappeared?

[Claude Leacock]

Please, I'll do as you tell.

[Dr. Watson]

I was standing right here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. Now I assure you, but apart from the inevitable searching that you yourselves did everything is exactly the same as it was last night. Now the top electric light is on and the reading lamp on the table is off. It is all exactly the same, is that not so?

[Claude Leacock]

Absolutely yes, exactly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now I shall just alter things a little by ringing the servant bell. So now Leacock, will you please produce the leather case in which the Blumhoff diamond was taken from the safe?

[Claude Leacock]

Of course, I have it at hand here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the tissue paper of course. Now place them on the small table in exactly the position you can remember.

[Dr. Watson]

Sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Now I think I should tell you that you will be receiving a call from the police within the next 10 minutes. Gentlemen, gentlemen, I must explain. The police will call on the telephone. It will be up to you then to say what course of action you wish then to take. You can merely say it's a false alarm or you can instruct them to take action against the man who took the diamond.

[Claude Leacock]

But we don't know who took blood.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Patience, patience.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

You rub sir?

[Claude Leacock]

Yes I did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ruby.

[Claude Leacock]

Here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have something of yours in my pocket. A trepanny bit. Stand on the floor here. Last night after the lights went out and the valuable diamond disappeared, it is yours, isn't it?

[Dr. Watson]

Look here, what sort of joke is this? Well why drag Ruby in?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You will see. Please do not move from your positions. Now allow me. I shall turn on the table lamp.

[Dr. Watson]

So.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

Light switch.

[Claude Leacock]

Bad play Holmes. The matches. We know it's no good trying the light switch.

[Mrs. Hawks (Cook)]

Here we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Matches. Good.

[Claude Leacock]

Look in the light of the match.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Something glittering over tissue paper.

[Claude Leacock]

It's the diamond. The diamond is back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes and so are the lights. Watson's fixed the fuse in the kitchen exactly as instructed. Well Leacock, I told you I'd be responsible for returning your diamonds. Now gentlemen, I shall leave you. The good Watson will be here in a moment and we just have time to take a carriage to the station for the train home.

[Claude Leacock]

But what does it mean? How, how did it all happen? Who is responsible?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gentlemen, you can do one of two things. Work it out yourselves and agree to take appropriate action against the would be thief or place the whole thing in the hands of the police and let them work it out. If they do, then criminal action will be taken against the culprit and your business will be made public. If you do it yourselves then it can still be resolved in secret.

[Claude Leacock]

But we don't know which one of us is guilty. How can we know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let me give you a very broad hint. The maid Ruby is a well known jewel thief who's only worked here a few Months. She has also worked for considerably longer for Mr. Peter Marvin. Mr. Marvin phoned yesterday to this house impersonating her father to say he was much better. Doesn't that give you a clue? Gentlemen, our Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

You're here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The case is closed as far as we are concerned. Shall we go home?

[Dr. Watson]

I was as baffled as I usually am. When Holmes solves an intricate case. I knew he wouldn't tell me all about it until he was ready. And this came after we were safely settled in an otherwise empty compartment on the London bound tray.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You see, it was all a childishly simple trick. The whole success of the theft depended upon the light going out at exactly the right time. Fuses do not blow without some reason. In this case a three piece inserted under the bulb of a lamp with a piece of metal bridging the contact and causing the electrical short circuit. I noticed a small stain on the coin impression.

[Narrator]

This.

[Dr. Watson]

But who put it there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ruby, the maid. While they were having dinner, she hid behind the heavy curtains near the lamp. When the light went out, she swiftly stepped forward, removed the bulb, picked out the coin, replaced the bulb and taking the diamond stripped from the room. By the time the matches flared, she appeared in the door to inquire what the trouble was.

[Dr. Watson]

So she did it all.

[Podbean Promoter]

Not all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was acting under Marvin's instructions. He worked it all out and when he knew the game was all set, he rang her on the telephone pretending to be her father. That meant they would go ahead with the plan. She must have slipped the diamond into Marvin's coat pocket in the hall when she went out to the kitchen. When I gave them all the warning that I knew how it was worked, Marvin decided that he'd better return the diamond or his life wouldn't be worth a stepping.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, but how is it that the lights all fuse the second time?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because I put yet another coin in the base of the holder under the bow. Not so hard up that I can't afford threaten to solve the case, Watson. Listen again next Sunday to the stories of Sherlock Holmes with Graham Armitage's Holmes and Kerry Jordan as doctor was.