Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Iron Box (Rathbone & Bruce) 12/31/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes – The Case of the Iron Box

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Iron Box (Rathbone & Bruce)
Original Broadcast: December 31, 1945
Summary Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

In this charming vintage radio adventure, Dr. Watson recounts a memorable New Year’s Eve mystery involving Sherlock Holmes at Dunbar Castle in Scotland. The plot centers around a long-awaited inheritance—an iron box of gold promised to Sir Walter Dunbar, only to be withheld due to a legal technicality with leap years. What begins as an evening of celebration and anticipation soon shifts to suspense and intrigue, culminating in a staged murder, a family secret, and the discovery of a literary treasure.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

The Dunbar Inheritance and the Puzzle of Leap Years

• Dr. Watson explains the background: Sir Walter Dunbar is finally due his inheritance, an iron box full of gold, as stipulated in a deed—only to be opened on New Year’s Eve before the heir’s 21st birthday.

• [03:32] Sherlock Holmes demonstrates his trademark deduction by calculating the train’s speed from telegraph poles, and then turns his attention to the inheritance issue.

• Sir Walter’s birthday, having fallen on February 29, means his legal “age” has advanced only one year every four years; thus, he only now reaches his 21st birthday at the age of 84.

  "So poor Sir Walter is still waiting for his iron box full of gold. He'll be 84 next year, and yet, legally, he'll at last be 21."
  —Dr. Watson, [06:22]

• After a spirited debate about time and calendars, Holmes reveals that 1900 is not a leap year—a surprise to Sir Walter and most guests, dashing hopes that the box will finally be opened.

  "Because of a slight imbalance... only those divisible by 400 are leap years. 1600 was, the year 2000 will be, but 1800 and 1900 are not leap years."
  —Sherlock Holmes, [12:14]

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Family Gatherings, Tensions, and Engagement Announcements

• The episode features a colorful cast: Sir Walter, his grandson Ian, Ian’s fiancée Dorothy Small, her skeptical father Herbert, and the family lawyer Murdoch, who brings the much-anticipated iron box.
• Ian and Dorothy announce their engagement plans. Herbert Small is only convinced when promised that the Dunbar inheritance will make Ian a suitable match.

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The Sudden “Murder” and Rising Suspicions

• Spirits are dampened by the inheritance delay, but the story takes a sharp turn when Holmes reports seeing Sir Walter being pushed out of his window into the castle moat.

  "Devil's work afoot, Watson. It's Sir Walter... his attacker had pushed him out of the window into the moat."
  —Sherlock Holmes, [15:06]

• As the household searches for Sir Walter without success, accusations begin flying: Murdoch for his family’s secret theft, Ian for a supposed motive, and even Mr. Small.

  "You, Mr. Murdoch. You came here planning to kill poor old Sir Walter... You thought that your secret would die with him."
  —Dr. Watson, [20:49]

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The Opening of the Iron Box and Family Skeletons

• Midnight approaches; despite the tragedy, Ian, now the new baronet, insists on opening the box, citing the document’s wording—that the box is to be opened on the New Year’s Eve before the baronet’s 21st birthday, now his right.

  “The phrase was that it was to be opened on the New Year’s Eve before the baronet’s 21st birthday. I am now the baronet.”
  —Ian Dunbar, [19:09]

• The box is opened, revealing nothing but an IOU: the gold was long ago stolen by the Murdoch family, who’d been entrusted as lawyers.

  "I owe you 4,000 sovereigns. And it's signed Alexander Murdoch. On behalf of Murdoch and Murdoch, lawyers."
  —Ian Dunbar reading the note, [19:48]

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Holmes’ Reveal: Deception and the “Murdered” Man Returns

• The stage is set for recriminations when Holmes reveals the “murder” was a ruse to force the issue and get the box opened while Sir Walter still lived.

  "You'd better come out now... A happy New Year to your grandfather!"
  —Sherlock Holmes, [21:45], Sir Walter reappears [21:54]

• Holmes uncovers the lawyer’s family fraud by deducing the box could never have held so much gold, and further reveals a hidden compartment containing an invaluable, unpublished manuscript—History of the Dunbar Family by Sir Walter Scott.

  "Since the cubic contents of the box obviously differed from my calculations, I deduced the existence of a false bottom... I found this manuscript."
  —Sherlock Holmes, [24:14]

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Resolution: Forgiveness and a Priceless Literary Treasure

• The episode concludes with forgiveness, Dorothy and Ian pledging to marry regardless of financial setbacks, and the family celebrating the value of history and love over gold.

• Holmes and Watson, along with the cast, toast the New Year by singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

  "I think, Sir Walter, that an original and unpublished manuscript by your distinguished namesake will prove worth several times the gold that is missing from that box."
  —Sherlock Holmes, [24:43]

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Memorable Quotes

• “It's a family singularly rich in literary friendships.”
  —Sherlock Holmes [05:57]
• “It's a remarkable example of the dangers of reasoning from motive alone.”
  —Sherlock Holmes [21:27]
• “This has been as strange a new year as ever I knew, but it's turned out to be a bonny one. Thanks to you, Holmes.”
  —Sir Walter Dunbar [24:51]

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Key Timestamps

| Time | Content | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:32 | Holmes calculates train speed and discusses the inheritance | | 06:22 | Watson explains the leap year problem—it delays the inheritance decades | | 12:14 | Holmes explains why 1900 is not a leap year | | 15:06 | Holmes reports Sir Walter is pushed out the window | | 17:40 | Ian becomes "Sir Ian" and insists on box opening at midnight | | 19:09 | Ian insists on opening the box—reveals IOU instead of gold | | 21:45 | Holmes brings the “dead” Sir Walter back—reveals the ruse | | 24:14 | Holmes uncovers hidden manuscript by Sir Walter Scott in false bottom | | 25:10-25:32 | Group sings Auld Lang Syne to close the adventure |

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Tone & Style

True to classic radio, the episode blends clever dialogue, wry humor, and gentle suspense. Holmes is at his deductive and dryly witty best, while Watson provides warmth and a grounding voice. The Scottish castle setting and the interplay of generations evoke both nostalgia and a sense of tradition standing at the edge of a new century.

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Final Thoughts

The Case of the Iron Box offers a masterful mix of mystery, family drama, and historical intrigue—ultimately celebrating intellect, honesty, and enduring affection over material wealth. Perfect for New Year listening, it’s an episode sure to please lovers of Sherlock Holmes and the golden age of radio.

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Transcript

[Dr. Watson]

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] this episode from the Life.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend at Master Detective Sherlock Holmes. Well, this is it, New Year's Eve. And I wish you could be here with us this evening so we could toast each other with a glass of Petri California port. As you know, port wine has long been a favorite wine for celebrating a happy occasion. That's because port is a wine rich in tradition. And you couldn't ask for a more delicious port than Petri port. Petri port is a deep, glowing red color, beautiful to look at and wonderful to taste with a hearty, full flavor. That's right, from the heart of the grape. And when you serve Petri port to your friends tonight or anytime, remember, you can serve it proudly because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wine. And Now I'm sure Dr. Watson's waiting for us, so let's drop in and see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel. Drop your usual chair?

[Ian Dunbar]

Thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

That's it? Well, did you enjoy the Christmas holidays?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Well, I've had a whale of a time, thank you. But I don't think I can face a turkey or a mince pie for at least another year. How about you, Docy?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I had a very pleasant week too, my boy. Parties, visitors, and a flattering number of Christmas messages to be answered.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Say, you got a new pipe. Is that a Christmas present?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. New pipe, new tobacco pouch and a pound of my favorite tobacco. All of them sent to me from London by an old client and a friend of mine. To Ian Dunbar.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

An old client, huh? Well, do you mean he was one of your patients or was he someone that you and the great Sherlock Holmes helped?

[Dr. Watson]

The letter, Mr. Bartel. As a matter of fact, it was receiving this gift that reminded me of the story I've decided to tell you tonight. The story in which Ian Dunbar played a prominent part.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

And how did it begin?

[Dr. Watson]

The day before New Year's Eve in 1899, Sherlock Holmes and I sat in Opposite corners of a first class railway carriage as we sped towards Edinburgh in the Flying Scotsman.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

What took you and Sherlock Holmes up there, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

It started off as a holiday visit, Mr. Bartell. My old friend Sir Walter Dunbar had asked Holmes and me to spend a few days with him at danbar Castle about 20 miles outside Edinburgh after we left King's Cross station. Holmes, his sharp eager face framed in his deer stocking cap, dipped into the bundle of fresh papers which he brought with him. We left Bedford far behind us before he thrust the last one of them under the seat, leaned across and offered me his cigar.

[Ian Dunbar]

Careful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Cigar Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

No thanks. Awful. I'll stick to the pipe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Flying Scotsman's living up to its name. We're going splendidly. Our present rate is 53 and a half miles an hour.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I haven't noticed the quarter mile post.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nor have I, but the telegraph posts on this line are 60 yards apart with the aid of a watch. The calculation is a simple one.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, we have several hours ahead of us. Tell me more about Sir Walter Dunbar. I have a feeling that he's in some kind of trouble, that you haven't wanted to talk about it.

[Dr. Watson]

Well it's not exactly trouble, Holmes, but there's a strange problem that confronts the Dunbar. There's a problem? It'll be settled at midnight tomorrow. Oh indeed?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Night of New Year's Eve, eh?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, exactly. But to really appreciate the story I have to begin by telling you of the death old Sir Thomas Dunbar, the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Father of the present baronet I suppose?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. He was severely wounded at Waterloo though he managed to last out long enough to get back to Dunbar Castle. The story goes that as he lay there on his deathbed he told his wife of his plans.

[Sandy Murdoch]

Dinner. Grieve lass. I'll fetch the baronetcy home from Waterloo. But if I fetch the mortal wound as well.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Oh hush lass.

[Sandy Murdoch]

I'm no afraid to die. All that niggles me is that I shall never see the child you bear. Is there wattle Scott no coming yet. Can he visit the deathbed of his old friend? Who's there? Is that you, Cindy? Murdoch?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Ay, Thomas, it's me.

[Sandy Murdoch]

I'm leaving an unborn son behind me. When I die I don't trust women or children or banks for that matter. Put the best part in the wealth and gold in the big iron box you'll find under the bed. The money's there. Ay, and something else for a rainy day. You're to keep that box in trust for me, Sandy. You can turn it over to my boy on the New Year's eve before his 21st birthday. And he'll be a man and wise enough to know how to use it. You understand Sandy? Aye, Thomas, but supposing your Baron's a girl? A girl I tell you it'll be a boy. And we'll name him Walter after my good friend Sir Walter Scott.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very interesting story, Watson. And that child of course is the gentleman we are going to see now. Sir Walter Dundy.

[Dr. Watson]

Exactly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the first baronet was a friend of Sir Walter Scott while his son conversed. Your acquaintance? Why sir, it's a family singularly rich in literary friendships.

[Dr. Watson]

It's not very funny, Holmes. To continue, I suppose you can guess what happened. Sir Thomas Carefree drew up a document to specify the New Year's Eve before the baronet's 21st birthday and the poor child was born on February 29. It was a leap year.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So poor Sir Walter is still waiting for his iron box full of gold.

[Dr. Watson]

He'll be 84 next year. And yet legally with only one birthday every four years, in the eyes of the law he'll at last be 21.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Most amusing situation though I'm afraid Sir Walter finds it far from entertaining. The lawyers must have been extremely scrupulous in abiding by the letter of the document.

[Dr. Watson]

Dear old Sandy Murdoch is dead now of course, but he too is a great grandson. William Murdoch, who still handles the Dunbar estate. He'll be at the castle tonight to formally hand over the iron buck.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm delighted you accepted the holiday invitation of Sir Walter. My dear fellow, I've needed a rest. But I've always loathed too strict A1. This situation may pose a nice little problem for me.

[Dr. Watson]

Problem?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm reasonably certain that the aged Sir Walter Dunbar will not get his iron box full of gold on this New Year's Eve either. But we shall see old fellow, we shall see.

[Ian Dunbar]

Doctor Watson, I'm glad to see you and Mr. Holmes here at the castle.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you my boy. Holmes, this is Ian Dunbar, Sir Walter's grandson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How you do Mr. Dunbar?

[Ian Dunbar]

I'm very proud to meet you Mr. Holmes. I've heard a lot about you. Grandfather will be down in a few moments. Let's go into the library, shall we?

[Dr. Watson]

I imagine Sir Walter's quite excited about tonight's ceremony, isn't he?

[Ian Dunbar]

Wouldn't you be if you'd waited 63 years? Too long for an inheritance. Thank the Lord I had the foresight to be born on the prosaic date of August 21st.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Even if your Grandfather's death. You would be the next baronet I take it?

[Ian Dunbar]

Yes Mr. Holmes. You see my father was killed two months ago at Mafekee.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes, I read about it in the papers. My boy. I'm very sorry.

[Ian Dunbar]

Thank you Doctor. The opening of the box isn't going to be the only ceremony. At midnight Dorothy and I are announcing our engagement.

[Dr. Watson]

Dorothy?

[Ian Dunbar]

Dorothy Small. He and her father are staying here too.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My congratulations.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes indeed Ian, indeed.

[Ian Dunbar]

Mine too, thank you. It's been quite a battle with her father though. He's a businessman and isn't impressed with title when they aren't accompanied by a suitable income. But when we told him about the inheritance he relented and gave his consent. Ah, here's Dorothy now. Dorothy darling, I want you to meet two friends of mine, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Dorothy Small]

How do you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do Ms. Ball?

[Dr. Watson]

How are you my dear? From what this young man's been telling us I gather that congratulations are in order.

[Dorothy Small]

Thank you. I finally persuaded father that Ian would make a worthy son in law. For a while I was afraid we'd have to elope to Gretna Green leaving a coffee, toned bread and cheese and lar that graves of parental rye just as they do in the storybook.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh Sir Walter, there you are.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Watson, my dear boy, how are you? This must be your friend Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do Sir Walter?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Very well for a young nipper who'll be 21 at midnight. Oh gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. Herbert Smith.

[Dr. Watson]

I believe that we have to congratulate you on the engagement of your daughter.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Never supposed to remain a secret until midnight, the Dunbar box was finally opened. Dinna be grouchy Herbert. The children are in low and I'm going to settle money on Ian. And it's New Year's Eve. Let's enter into the spirit of the occasion. Bring out the glasses Ian. I've had some bottles of my special pride put out. It's the finest port in Scotland. The cream of Dunbar. Aye, my father laid the first bottle down the year before I was born. And a drink of the brew will surely warm the cockers of your heart.

[Dr. Watson]

My mouth's watering already Sir Walter.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

When is this lawyer fellow, young Murdock getting? Oh any moment Herbert. As soon as he arrives we'll have dinner and then we'll be ready for the evening ceremony.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's bringing the famous iron box with him Sir Walter.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

If he doesn't they won't get any dinner. Holmes in. Pass the glasses around my boy. Ah there you are Miro.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, S. Oh, you've got the box.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

We.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Now the party's complete. Oh, let me introduce you. Ms. Small, her father. Mr. Small, my grandson, Ian. You know Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do? Huh.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

I'm sorry I'm late, Sir Walter. My train was delayed. Oh, that's all right, Murdoch, you're here and you brought the box. That's all that matters. Here, give our young lawyer a drink. Here, I'll help you.

[Dr. Watson]

I must say that this is rather exciting, Homes. The famous iron box with its inheritance of gold.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and from the size of the box, at a rough guess, I should estimate its cubic content in gold at around £5,000. Not a vast sum, perhaps to a businessman like Mr. Small, but a windfall to an impecunious Scottish baron.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I suppose it is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A strong young man, Mr. Murdoch.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you. Strong, huh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A box that size full of golden sovereigns would weigh a considerable amount. And yet the lawyer carried it single handed.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Now that we're all assembled, I'm going to propose a toast. Though it's still some hours off yet. Let's drink to the new year. It means a lot to some of us. To 1900.

[Dorothy Small]

We should toast more than just 1900s of water. We should drink to the new century that's about to begin.

[Ian Dunbar]

Good idea, Dorothy?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I'm afraid that wouldn't be quite appropriate, Ms. Small. To be accurate, the 20th century won't begin until January 1, 1901. And not 1900, of course.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

That's it, Dorothe, I'm afraid your wedding can't take place for some time yet.

[Dorothy Small]

Father, what are you talking about?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

I read an article in the Guardian.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

The other day that said just the same thing as you, Dr. Watson. And what's more, it said something even more important. It said that 1900 is not a leap year. Rubbish. Leap year comes every four years. There was one in 1896. Then obviously 1900 is one. I think Mr. Small may be right. What do you say, Mr. Holmes? Do you know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I hope no one would bring up this point, but it's the little problem I referred to on the train, my dear. What?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Holmes, for heaven's sake, answer. Is 1900 a leap year or no?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid it's not, Sir Walter.

[Dr. Watson]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because of a slight imbalance that would otherwise be produced in the calendar of the even century years, only Those divisible by 400 are leap years. In other words, 1600 was a leap year.

[Dr. Watson]

The year 2000 will be a leap year.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But 1800 and 1900 are not leap years.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Then you have no birthday next year, Sir Walter. And I'm afraid I can't open the.

[Dorothy Small]

Box tonight and the Dunbars won't get their inheritance.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

And you, my dear, don't marry for a few more years. I won't allow you to marry a pauper.

[Ian Dunbar]

Mr. Holmes. Are you sure of your facts?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm very much afraid that I am, young man.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Oh, this is terrible. I cannot stand anymore.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, don't take it too bad. Listen Walter, here, here's a. Here, drink this. That's it. After all you only have to wait another four years.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Another four years? At my age, young man.

[Dr. Watson]

At my age.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Oh no, I shall never live that long. Ay. What is it, Angus?

[Dr. Watson]

Dinner is prepared, Sir Walter.

[Sandy Murdoch]

You can tab it as soon as you're ready, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, what a miserable meal. Home. Walter's gone to his room. The young lovers are nearly in tears. And Small and the lawyer Murdoch seem to be positively gloating.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, a most depressing atmosphere in which to welcome the New Year. But let us at least make the best of it. I think I'll go and have a talk with Sir Walter. And you, my dear chap, why not try and cheer up the young folks some of your experiences in India.

[Dr. Watson]

It's quite nice, dear. I'll join you in the library. Call me if you want me home. Ah, there you are, my dears.

[Dorothy Small]

Hello, Dr. Watts.

[Dr. Watson]

All alone in front of the fire, eh?

[Ian Dunbar]

I'm afraid we're not in very good spirits.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, nevertheless I'll sit down here and join you if you don't mind. Misery loves company, you know.

[Dorothy Small]

You're very kind, Doctor. I was just trying to persuade Ian to elope with me. But he's being no stone gallant. He won't even consider it.

[Ian Dunbar]

How can I, darling? I've got under £200 a year in my own right. How could we live on that? I was counting on the money the grandfather was going to give us to get me started.

[Dr. Watson]

Now, now, now, Miss Small, a little earlier you talked of Brett of green and bread and cheese and loving a cottage. Yes, there's a lot to be said for it, you know.

[Ian Dunbar]

To be said for it? Yes Doctor, but have you ever tried it?

[Dr. Watson]

Not literally, my boy, but I may tell you that when Mary, my wife and I were first married I had very little money. In fact my income was just about the sum that you mentioned and we were very happy.

[Ian Dunbar]

Ah, but you have a profession, Doctor. Look at me. I've been trained for nothing except to be laird of Dunbar Castle. I can't support a wife on tradition.

[Dorothy Small]

But you're young, Ian. You can get some kind of position. I'm sure you can.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, of course, of course. As a matter of fact I think that. Holmes. What is it? What's wrong?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Devil's work afoot, Watson. Come with me old fellow. And you, Mr. Dunbar.

[Dorothy Small]

Mr. Holmes. What's happened?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's Sir Walter. I went to. His room was in darkness but in the moonlight I saw two figures struggling by the open casement. One of them was Sir Walter. As I entered he disappeared from sight. His attacker had pushed him out of the window into the moat. How dreadful. The other man got away in the darkness. We must get lanterns and go out to the moat at once. Though I'm very much afraid, Mr. Dunbar, that your grandfather is beyond our help.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Doctor Watson will be back in just a second. So I'd just like to remind you that if you want to serve a wine over the holidays that you're sure the ladies will enjoy, serve Petri California Muscatel. Petri Muscatel is a golden wine with a wonderful flavor. The flavor of big plump muscat grapes. You know what a flavor that is? I'm sure you'll find that Petri Muscatel is the favorite wine of all women just as Petri Port is the favorite wine with men. And incidentally, if you're not sure which to get Petri muscatel or Petri port, don't buy one, buy two, get them both and you'll be sure to please everyone. Now to get back to our story. Someone had pushed poor old Sir Walter out of his bedroom window and into the moat below. Isn't that right Dr. Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes Mr. Bartel, of course. We grabbed lanterns as fast as we could and rushed outside. But it was a hopeless task. The water was 8 or 10ft deep and it seemed obvious that the elderly Sir Walter wouldn't have a chance of saving himself. But we searched on the flicker bobbing lanterns and the scurrying figures in the frosty moonlight forming a weird.

[Ian Dunbar]

Angus, bring a lantern over here. Can you see anything home?

[Dr. Watson]

Not a thing.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

I don't see why your friend doesn't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Call the police, Dr. Watson.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Accomplishing nothing.

[Dr. Watson]

We thought there might be a chance of finding the old man alive, Mr. Small. He wants to avoid a scandal if possible. For your sake, sir, as well as the Dunbar.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

The scandal can't touch me or Dorothy over this. Her engagement was never announced, thank heaven.

[Dr. Watson]

That's a great pity, sir I should think some new blood in your family would be a great improvement.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're being confoundedly impertinent.

[Dr. Watson]

And you're being confoundedly heartless, sir. Well, Holmes, have you given up hope?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid we'll never find him without dragging us and grappling hooks have to call the police. What time is it, Sir Ian? You know the time.

[Ian Dunbar]

What did you call me? Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sir Ian.

[Dr. Watson]

My Curious. You seem a bit premature, Holmes. But of course you're right if your poor grandfather's dead. Mr. Dunbar, you're the baronet now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the time, Sir Ian?

[Ian Dunbar]

It's. It's a quarter to 12, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A quarter of an hour to the new year. Sir Ian, doesn't that fact suggest something to you?

[Ian Dunbar]

Yes. Yes it does. So I'm the new baronet, am I? Very well then. There'll be no more talk of the police for 15 minutes. I want all of you to come back to the castle with me. As the last chime of midnight rings out I shall have a statement to make. A statement that I want you all to hear.

[Dr. Watson]

She brought us all back here for home. Something very funny going on. I tell you. I don't like the look of it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I Watson, like the look of it very much.

[Dr. Watson]

I wish you wouldn't be so dash mysterious. What are you up to? You haven't taken a step yet towards finding the murderer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Haven't I? I wonder what causes the beads of perspiration on Mr. Small's brow.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean that Small.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wonder what causes the singular look of apprehension on the face of Murdoch, the young lawyer. You remember of course, on my remarking how easily he carried the large iron box.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it took a strong man to throw some water out of the window.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The new year is approaching, ladies and gentlemen.

[Ian Dunbar]

In view of our recent tragedy this is one New Year's Eve when none of us feels like song and jollity. But there still remains a ritual duty for me to perform. Mr. Murdoch, open the iron box please.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

But, but, but I can't do that.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

It was only to be open for your grandfather.

[Ian Dunbar]

No, Mr. Murdoch, the phrase was that it was to be opened on the New Year's Eve before the baronet's 21st birthday. I am now the baronet and I shall be 21 next year on August 21st. Open the box please, Mr. Murdoch.

[Dorothy Small]

Ian, darling, how frightfully clever.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good lad. I hope you'd think of it but serene.

[Ian Dunbar]

Murdoch, open that box.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Very well, but I'm afraid you're in for something of a Shock.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scotty. The box is empty except for a.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sheet of note paper in the bottom.

[Ian Dunbar]

What's the meaning of this, Murdoch?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Read that paper, Sirir, and you'll understand.

[Ian Dunbar]

I owe you 4,000 sovereigns. And it's signed Alexander Murdoch. On behalf of Murdoch and Murdoch lawyers, you'd better explain this.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

It's the family skeleton, Sir Ian, that note is signed by my great grandfather, the one that witnessed the original deed concerning the box. As soon as Sir Walter was born, on that February 29th, my great grandfather realized the money wouldn't have to be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Produced for 84 years.

[Ian Dunbar]

And so he stole it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He borrowed it.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

He always intended to pay it back, but he was never able to. When he died, he told my father of his secret. My father in turn told me. We've always planned to put back the money, Cyrene, but we've never been able to. This is daylight robbery. You should prosecute them, Ian. The firm's still in business. You can ruin them. You can sue them for every penny they have.

[Ian Dunbar]

Mr. Small, you've already shown a marked aversion to my family. I suggest you allow me to handle their affairs.

[Dorothy Small]

Bravo, Ian.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

How dare you.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Darby, go to your room.

[Ian Dunbar]

No one's going to their room. No one's leaving here until the police arrive. I'm convinced that one of you murdered my grandfather tonight.

[Dr. Watson]

If you ask me, it's obvious who that someone is. Who?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

You, Mr. Murdoch. You came here planning to kill poor old Sir Walter because you never intended to open that box. You thought that your secret would die with him.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

That's a lie. I was going to tell him everything and then ask for time to pay the money. I didn't kill him. Of course he didn't. There's your murderer. You yourself, Ian.

[Dorothy Small]

Father, what are you saying?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

I'm saying that Ian's the murderer. He saw that the box wasn't going to be open for another four years. He realized out the money, couldn't marry Dorothy, so he killed his grandfather and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then ordered the box open.

[Ian Dunbar]

You're trying to cover yourself. You pushed grandfather out of that window tonight. You thought that if he died, the box would never be opened, so Dorothy couldn't marry me.

[Dr. Watson]

You, You.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

You young gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gentlemen.

[Dr. Watson]

Upon my soul, Holmes, you seem remarkably calm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do I? My dear Watson, I must say I am absolutely fascinated by listening to three people accusing each other of murder and each of them producing perfectly sound motives. It's a remarkable example of the dangers of reasoning from motive alone. We should profit by experience, Watson.

[Dorothy Small]

Mr. Holmes, how can you be so calm. There's a murderer in this room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose this game of charades is getting a little out of hand, Ms. Small. Let's conclude it. You'd better come out now.

[Dorothy Small]

It's moving.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

A happy New Year to your grandfather.

[Dr. Watson]

So also, am I seeing a ghost?

[Dorothy Small]

Mr. Walter, you are right.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

What kind of a game have you been playing? It's a bunny game that Holmes and I invented. You might call it forcing the issue. I was determined to have the box open before the next four years were out. Whilst I was still alive to look inside it. But the trickery of your family, Murdoch, has made me a very unhappy man. Sir Walter, I shall pay back the money in a few years. I swear I will. It'll be too late to do me any good, but I'll take care that Ian gets it.

[Ian Dunbar]

I have half a mind to prosecute you, grandfather. The money isn't important now that you're all right.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

You were counting on it just the same, my boy. So that you could marry Dorothy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I know that.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Ah, she'll never marry a pauper.

[Dorothy Small]

I won't allow it when I'm 21. You can't stop me, father. And I am going to marry Ian.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Be quiet, Walter. It's a very unsavory business. I think that you owe us an.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Explanation of your behavior tonight.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

You tell him, Holmes. I fancy a wee drop of cream of Dunbar. Watching your search for my body in the moat has made me thirsty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The explanation is a very simple one, ladies and gentlemen. When you arrived here tonight, Mr. Murdoch, I knew from the way you handled the box that it could not contain the sum of gold it was supposed to.

[Dr. Watson]

And so you. You suspected Claude and devised a plan to force the opening of the box.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. And Walter was an eager conspirator.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Of course I was. Ian is 21 next August. Supposing. Supposing I had died after he came of age and before my next birthday. Four years hence, the box would never have been opened.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And so we invented the fake murder story. By the way, Ian, I must congratulate you for grasping the possibilities of the situation so speedily. If you hadn't demanded the opening of the box, the Murdoch secret might still be a secret.

[Dr. Watson]

It was a clever plan, Holmes. It too bad that it had to have such a miserable ending.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not sure that we have finished with the matter. Mr. Murdoch.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Yes, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You say that your family took £4,000 from that box?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Yes, Mr.

[Ian Dunbar]

Curious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I would have sworn from its size that it would hold closer to 5,000. And in your account of the legend Watson you told me that Sir Thomas Dunbar stated on his deathbed that he had put something else in the box.

[Dr. Watson]

Something for a rainy day.

[Sandy Murdoch]

Is that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did the Murdochs find that extra something?

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

No Mr. Holmes, they found nothing but the gold.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's very odd. I think I'll take it closer look at that box if you don't mind.

[Dorothy Small]

Since this seems to be a night of telling secrets I think you might as well know father, that if you don't give your consent I shall elope with you.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh bravo my dear, bravo.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

No such thing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I admire your resolution young lady, but I hardly think it will be necessary.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean hum? Permit me to show you all the.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

Treasure of the Dunbars. What are you found Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The something for a rainy day that old Sir Thomas spoke of. You see since the cubic contents of the box obviously differed from my calculations I deduced the existence of a false bottom. I was correct. And in that space I found this.

[Dr. Watson]

It's a manuscript.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so. The manuscript of the book. Look at the title page and see the author's name.

[Dr. Watson]

History of the Dunbar family by Sir Walter Scott.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think Sir Walter, that an original and unpublished manuscript by your distinguished namesake will prove worth several times the gold that is missing from that box.

[Sir Walter Dunbar]

You've saved the day for his Holmes my boy. God bless you. This has been as strange a new year as ever I knew but it's turned out to be a bonny one. Thanks to you Holmes. Will fill up your glasses. We're going to drink a toast to.

[Dr. Watson]

The new year By Jo. Yes Sir Walter, this is really a happy occasion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let's complete it by singing the traditional song of the season. Auld Lang Syne. And in this case when we sing should old acquaintance be forgotten. I feel that in our hearts we should be thinking of Sir Walter Scott. Though he died over 60 years ago, he's made us all very happy here tonight.

[Dr. Watson]

Should old acquaintance be forgotten.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Well Doctor, that turned out to be a very happy new year for all concerned.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, that's one new year that I'll never forget.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Well I sure hope you'll always remember this one too.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh just a second my boy. That calls for a glass of port.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Fine.

[Dr. Watson]

Well to a. To a happy new year my boy. For you and for our many friends listening in.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

And to you Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Thanks boy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, that's good.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Doctor, this has indeed been a pleasant association for me. You're the best storyteller I've ever known and the Petrie family makes the best wine I've ever tasted. I hope that just as they've been making wine for generations in the past, the Petri family will continue to make fine wine in the future.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Bartel, I know that you'll always be here to tell us just how good that Petri wine is.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Well, I hope so, Doctor. And I hope you'll always be right here beside me to tell another swell story about Mr. Hall. And incidentally, Doctor, what new adventure are you planning to tell us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a weird story. It starts with a series of murders on Hampstead Heath and ends with a battle to the death in a burning waxworks. I call it the Strange Case of the Murderer in Wax.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Silver Blaze music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.