Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Vanishing Elephant 10/08/1945

Summary

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Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Vanishing Elephant (Original Air Date: 10/08/1945)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Date: December 11, 2025
Cast:

• Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone
• Dr. Watson: Nigel Bruce
• Host: Harry Bartell

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Episode Overview

This classic Sherlock Holmes radio adventure whisks listeners away from the misty streets of London to the exotic splendor of colonial India. Holmes and Watson, responding to a mysterious summons from the Maharaja of Parbudipur, become embroiled in a baffling case involving a vanishing sacred white elephant—a mystical symbol upon which the fate of the Indian kingdom is believed to rest. The tale is woven with legend, political intrigue, murder, and Holmes’ signature deductive prowess.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Setting Up the Mystery (03:07–06:59)

• Holmes and Watson Journey to India: Holmes receives an urgent summons from the Maharaja of Parbudipur. After weeks of travel, they arrive in India and are received by Rabat Singh, the Maharaja’s brother.
• The Legend of the White Elephant: Rabat Singh explains the kingdom’s legend: the Maharaja’s reign is only secure as long as the sacred white elephant lives. Should the elephant perish, the ruler is fated to die violently soon after.
  • “The legend that the Maharaja’s rule would be happy, healthy, and successful only as long as the elephant flourished. If the animal were to die, then the reign would come to an end and the Maharaja was doomed to a sudden death.” (04:36, C: Rabat Singh)
• Suspicions: The discussion lingers on the history of the legend, the periodic appearance of a “wise man” with a new elephant, and the potential motives of royal succession.

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The Palace & First Clues (07:26–13:09)

• Opulent Setting: Holmes and Watson are impressed by the extravagant palace, but soon enough, tension arises when Madha, the royal physician, tries to prevent them from meeting the Maharaja (08:33, E: Madha).
• Medical Mystery: The Maharaja suffers from severe eye pain. Watson diagnoses it as conjunctivitis and administers eye drops, which relieves the Maharaja. However, suspicions linger regarding Madha’s intent and care.

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The Disappearance Unveiled (13:32–16:31)

• Visit to the Elephant House: Holmes and Watson, using a royal ring for access, attempt to examine the elephant. Instead, they discover the white elephant has vanished inexplicably.
  • “A white elephant has disappeared, Watson.” (14:24, D: Holmes)
• Death of the Maharaja: Upon returning, they learn the Maharaja has suddenly died after hearing of the elephant’s disappearance—fulfilling the dreadful prophecy.

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The Investigation Deepens (18:20–19:04)

• No Visible Poison: Watson examines the Maharaja’s body but finds no clear sign of foul play.
  • “Looks like natural death to me, Holmes... No traces of poison? None that I could see. Of course, it's hard to be certain without an autopsy.” (18:35, 18:38, B: Watson)

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A Second Murder & the Elephant Keeper’s Secret (19:30–20:46)

• Keeper Killed: Holmes and Watson search for the keeper, Sucro, but instead find his body with a cut throat. Holmes observes musical instruments and a megaphone-like device that mimics an elephant’s trumpet.
  • “Great Scott. The instrument sounds exactly like... like an elephant trumpeting.” (20:42, B: Watson)

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The Truth Revealed (21:03–23:55)

• Holmes Solves the Mystery: The white elephant had died months prior, and the knowledge was concealed. Its “trumpeting” was faked using instruments. The death of the Maharaja and the elephant keeper are both murders—carefully planned to preserve and then seize succession.
  • “The elephant did not vanish today. The beast must have died a natural death months ago. All that happened today was that I discovered its absence.” (21:19, D: Holmes)
• A Western Poison: Holmes explains the Maharaja was killed by hyocyamine, a newly discovered Western poison, cleverly administered through infected eye drops.
  • “Delirium followed by a strangulated breathing is highly typical of the newly discovered poison, hyocyamine.” (22:51, D: Holmes)
  • “The poison penetrates with unusual ease through the membranes of the eyes, if you will recall.” (23:23, D: Holmes)

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Justice and Aftermath (24:17–27:10)

• Confrontation with Rabat Singh: Holmes accuses the freshly crowned Maharaja, Rabat Singh, of orchestrating the murders. Singh, the absolute ruler, taunts Holmes and evades legal consequences due to his station.

  • “Of course, sir. You realize that I am now the maharaja, the king of kings, an absolute ruler with all power, including that of the police. Do you care to denounce the murderer to me?” (24:17, C: Rabat Singh)

• A Promise of Vengeance: Holmes and the palace physician, Madha, plot to gather evidence and enact justice—perhaps by assisting in another fateful “coincidence.”

  • “In a few weeks, the new maharaja will be enthroned... Perhaps a elephant that will not live very long.” (26:15–26:41, D: Holmes/E: Madha)

• The Prophecy Fulfilled Again: Watson reveals, in a coda, that the new white elephant quickly died after the new Maharaja’s coronation, followed by the Maharaja’s own violent death in an uprising.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Exotic Royalty:
  “This is a country of paradoxes, gracious me, where opulence beyond the dreams of Midas rub shoulders with the direst poverty.” (07:58, D: Holmes)

• On the Core of the Mystery:
  “Elephants don’t just disappear.” (14:26, B: Watson)
  “We heard the animal trumpeting here less than half an hour ago. How can an elephant be spirited away in that amount of time?” (14:42, B: Watson)

• Holmes Deduces the Scheme:
  “The elephant did not vanish today. The beast must have died a natural death months ago... the elephant horn was blown at suitable intervals to indicate that the sacred animal was still alive.” (21:19, 21:44, D: Holmes)

• Ultimate Irony & Justice:
  “...the new white elephant... died the day after the new maharajah’s enthronement. And that scoundrel was himself killed in an uprising that occurred just a few days later.” (27:16, B: Watson)

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Important Timestamps

• Indian Legend Explained: (03:40–06:01)
• Meeting the Maharaja: (09:56–12:29)
• Elephant House—Discovery: (13:32–14:24)
• Maharaja’s Death: (15:53–16:31)
• Keeper’s Murder & Trumpeting Device: (19:30–20:46)
• Holmes’ Solution: (21:07–24:17)
• Moral Closure & Final Justice: (26:30–27:16)

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Tone & Style

The episode embodies the adventurous and exotic flair of mid-20th-century radio detective serials, with Watson’s genial asides and Holmes’ incisive, cool logic. Dialogue is formal yet conversational, peppered with imperial intrigue and a sense of wonder at the foreign setting. The interplay between Holmes and Watson—Holmes’ clarity and Watson’s relatable perplexity—remains a highlight.

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Conclusion

In "The Case of the Vanishing Elephant," Sherlock Holmes confronts not just a baffling disappearance but the weight of legend and royal intrigue—ultimately exposing murder, deception, and political ambition. The story’s resolution, marked by both Holmes’ scientific reasoning and the inexorable logic of prophecy and vengeance, gives listeners a thrilling blend of crime-solving and exotic mystery straight from the Golden Age of Radio.

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Transcript

[A]

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 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. Pet Rewind brings you.

[B]

Basil Rathbone and.

[A]

Nigel Bruce in 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 about an exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I've got something to talk about, too. Now that the poultry shortage is over and you can get chicken again, you ought to treat yourself to the best meal in the world. Fried chicken, Southern style, accompanied by a chill glass of Petri California Sauterne.

[C]

Me?

[A]

Oh, my. Is that something you know? Petri Sauterne is a wonderful mealtime wine. It's a white wine the color of pale, pale gold. And Petri Sauternes is delicate in flavor, sort of subtle and kind of intriguing. Well, just wait till you taste it. You'll really love it with that fried chicken. Oh, and I'll tell you something else. It's wonderful with fish. If you haven't tried fish or any kind of seafood, together with Petri Sauternes. Well, I hate to say this, but you don't know folks. You just don't know. So how about finding out? Just pick up a bottle of Petri Sauternes on your way home tomorrow. It's a Petri wine, so you know it's good. And now let's see if our old friend Dr. Watson's expecting us. Perhaps he's out on the patio. Dr. Watson?

[B]

Here I am, Mr. Bardot. I thought you'd sit out here this evening, my boy.

[A]

Oh, swell idea, doctor. It certainly is a beautiful night.

[B]

It certainly is. Draw up a chair and make yourself comfortable. That's it. You care for some of my tobacco?

[A]

I think I'll stick to a cigarette, thanks. Well, doctor, all ready for tonight's adventure?

[B]

Yes, Mr. Bartell, I'm all ready. And a strange story it was. A very strange story.

[A]

How did it begin? Stormy December night in 1900 with the rain pelting against the Baker street windows. Or perhaps with you and the great Sherlock Holmes rattling along in a cab beside the foggy waterfront chasing some desperate cross.

[B]

You make quite a good storyteller yourself, Mr. Bartel. No, no, no. The adventure. I'm going to tell you took place many, many thousands of miles afield from our Baker street headquarters, to be exact, in the Indian city of Par Bouti Pur, about 200 miles north of Calcutta.

[A]

Say, it must have been a mighty important case that made you both travel that far.

[B]

Certainly was, my boy. Yes, it was. In answer, in the. In the summer of 1894, I remember, that Holmes received an urgent summons from the Maharajah of Parbutypur. After five weeks at sea, we reached Calcutta and a few days later found ourselves on the veranda of our hotel in Parbudipur. As we sat there talking to the Maharaja's brother, Rabat Singh, we could hear the faint throb of native drums and the haunting wail of an Indian loop coming from the bazaar below us.

[C]

And so, gentlemen, I thought that before I took you over to my brother's palace, I would tell you something of the problems that beset him.

[D]

An Excellent idea, Mr. Singh.

[B]

Yes, indeed, sir. Particularly as you've just told us that your brother, the Maharaja, is not in the best of health.

[C]

Just so Dr. Watson interviews Tire him. And in any case, his command of the English language is not so extensive as mine.

[D]

And now, sir, the problem, if you please.

[C]

As to the exact problem, Mr. Holmes, I am not completely informed. My dear brother has not seen fit to confide his entire troubles, even to me. In fact, until your arrival yesterday, I did not even know that you had been sent for. But I can tell you that his worries are centered on the safety of the white elephant of Parbhutipur.

[B]

White elephant?

[C]

But possibly you are not aware that white elephants actually do exist.

[D]

Oh, yes. Though I understand that they're extremely rare.

[C]

Oh, extremely.

[D]

Am I right in thinking that in the East a white elephant is considered sacred?

[C]

Quite right.

[D]

Pray continue, Sir.

[C]

Well, in 1750, the first white elephant was presented to my great great grandfather. And with it came a legend. The legend that the Maharaja's rule would be happy, healthy and successful only as long as the elephant flourished. If the animal were to die, then the reign would come to an end and the Maharaja was doomed to a sudden death.

[D]

Mr. Singh, who was responsible for the origin of this legend?

[C]

Oh, a good and wise man who traveled from the mountains beyond Nepal. He it was who brought the first elephant to my great great grandfather.

[B]

And how is the legend worked out? In actual practice, sir?

[C]

Its prophecies have come frighteningly true, Dr. Watson. The first elephant was killed by his mahout, his own keeper, after my illustrious ancestor had dismissed the man for incompetence. A week later, My great, great grandfather was himself killed in a native uprising. And so it has gone on, gentlemen, since then.

[B]

Amazing, Amazing.

[C]

When the elephants have died and they have always died. The Maharaja of Vaputipur has died a violent death soon after. And as each new maharaja has succeeded to the title, the wise man from the beyond the mountains has appeared. And with him a new sacred white elephant. He last appeared four years ago when my brother inherited the title.

[B]

But it can't still be the same man, sir.

[C]

Why not, Doctor?

[B]

I mean to say that'd make him a couple of hundred years old.

[C]

A trifle less, I fancy.

[A]

Doctor.

[B]

Really, my dear sir, seems to me your story is the wrong way round. Men don't live to such an age. Whereas elephants are noted for their length of life.

[D]

That's true, Watson. But apparently not the sacred white ones of Parma de Poor. Mr. Singh, in the event that your brother's death, who would become the maharajah? I should, Mr. Holmes.

[C]

Oh, I can see what you are thinking, sir. The next in line to succeed to the title would have an excellent motive for wishing animal dead.

[D]

Well, the logic is inescapable. The thought had no personal implications, I assure you.

[B]

I'm very anxious to see this fabulous animal.

[C]

This sacred white elephant is never seen except at the yearly festival that celebrates another anniversary of the Maharaja's rule.

[D]

So the animal is only seen once a year, eh?

[C]

Yes, Mr. Holmes.

[D]

And when is the next anniversary, may I ask?

[C]

In two weeks time.

[B]

Oh, Our arrival seems to have coincided very nicely with the ceremony.

[D]

Yes, Watson, a fact that I, I'm sure is not coincidental. Well, Mr. Singh, I'm very glad that you told us the legend of the sacred white elephant. And now I suggest that you take us to the palace. I'm most anxious to make the Maharaja's acquaintance.

[C]

This is the council chamber, gentlemen. If you will wait here a moment, I will go and see if my brother is well enough to.

[D]

Very well, sir.

[B]

My soul, Holmes. I'm not easily impressed, but this palace is absolutely staggering in its magnificence.

[D]

Yes, it does rather take one's breath away, doesn't it? This floor is of the finest marble. And unless I'm much mistaken, that magnificent rug is the genuine Bacara. Yes, by Jove, it is.

[B]

I can swear that the staircase we mounted a moment ago had railings of solid gold.

[D]

You did, old Japp.

[B]

It did.

[D]

This is a country of paradoxes, gracious me, where opulence beyond the dreams of Midas rub shoulders with the direst poverty.

[B]

Yet, looking at a palace like this. It's not hard to see why India is called the brightest jewel in the diadem of the British Empire. Good Lord. What's that?

[D]

That is an elephant trumpeting.

[B]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. Do you suppose it's the sacred white one?

[D]

Undoubtedly. You will recall the Maharaja's brother, Tildas. It's the only one of the palace shoes.

[B]

Is an odd sound.

[D]

Yes, a very comforting one. The animal seems to be in the best of health.

[E]

Who waits in the Maharaja's council?

[B]

Good gracious me. You gave me a starter. I didn't hear you come in.

[D]

My friend and I are waiting for an audience with His Highness.

[E]

No one can hold audience with a maharaja. Please to leave.

[B]

Now, look here, my good fellow. Please to le.

[D]

We've traveled 12,000 miles to see the Maharaja, sir, at his request. In any case, his brother is with him now, arranging an audience.

[E]

I am Madha, the Maharaja's physician and chief counselor. And I tell you, you cannot hold audience today.

[D]

And I tell you that I haven't the slightest intention of leaving the palace without seeing him.

[E]

You defy authority of Madha? Sailor sahib. Loki, lay down.

[C]

Now.

[D]

I warn you that if I have any.

[B]

Oh, I'm GLAD you're back, Mr. Singh. This fellow told us that we couldn't see your brother.

[D]

And furthermore, he seems to labor under the misapprehension that he and have us thrown bodily out of the palace.

[C]

Mother, you do not understand. These are the gentlemen my brother wishes to see from England. He has sent for them.

[E]

It was against my counsel they were summoned. No good will come of this.

[C]

Follow me, gentlemen. My brother, the Maharaja will see you now. But please do not stay with him too long. He is far from well.

[F]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Watson. I'm so happy you have arrived here safely. It was great imposition to ask you to travel so far.

[D]

Not at all, sir. I only hope we can prove of material assistance to you.

[C]

Ranji.

[F]

Yes, Robert?

[C]

I wish you would permit Dr. Watson to examine you.

[B]

No. Just was I about to suggest myself, sir. In fact, I. I brought my medical bag along just in case.

[F]

Mada would not approve. Mada not believe in occidental medicine.

[C]

I do not trust Nada. I do not think he wishes you to get well. Please, Ranji, let the doctor examine you.

[F]

Very well. But you not tell. Now, Mada.

[B]

And now, what seems to be the trouble? Your Highness, My.

[F]

My eyes. They torture me. Night and day, they torture me.

[B]

Yes, I notice they seem very inflamed. Now, let me take a look at them. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Now open them a little wider please, sir.

[F]

I throb burn night and day. Night, day burn.

[B]

The color is distinctly reddened. However, this isn't anything very, very serious, sir. What you're suffering from is a case of what we call conjunctivitis.

[F]

What you do relieve pain, Doctor.

[B]

Some eye drops will give you relief in no time, sir. I have some here in my bag.

[F]

Thank you. Thank you. Perhaps medicine will help.

[B]

Yes, I'm sure it will, sir. Here you are. This small bottle and an eyedropper. This is an eyedropper. Just put a few drops in the corner of each eye and I'm sure that you'll get some relief in no time at all.

[F]

Thank you. Dr. Watson.

[C]

You think there is nothing seriously wrong? Dr. Muda gave it as his opinion that my brother's eyesight was in serious danger.

[B]

Oh youh pardon my saying so, I think it more likely that my medical knowledge exceeds his. I can assure you there's nothing seriously the matter with your brother's eyes.

[F]

I'm happy you say so. Now you will please excuse me while I take medication and rest a little. We discuss my problems later. Quarters already prepared for you in palace. You do not mind, Mr. Holmes?

[D]

Not at all, sir. Though in the interim I should like to employ my time to the full by inspecting your sacred white elephant.

[F]

No, no, that I cannot allow. I must talk to you first.

[D]

I think, sir, you will do well to give me permission to see the animal. I already have my suspicions as to your reason for bringing me here. And it will be best if I am completely informed when we have our discussion. Very well.

[F]

Can do no harm. Here. Take Ring. Show Ring to Sucrose. He's Keeper of Animal. Sucro will let you into Elephant House when he see ring.

[D]

Thank you, sir. And please rest comfortably. I'm sure that your worries are nearly at an end. Come on, Watson.

[B]

Well, well. They told us this was the Elephant House. Why in thunder doesn't the keeper open the door?

[D]

I imagine because his mind is preoccupied with music. Knock again, O fellow Will. Uh huh. He heard us that time.

[B]

About time. He must have been knocking here for five or six minutes.

[E]

Salaam, sir. Sadhati techniko asti tum decni ne secta sector.

[D]

Maharaja sahib Kumko asti matik.

[B]

Say, Holmes, the Maharaja's ring certainly seemed to do the trick. He didn't want to let us in until you showed it to him, did he?

[D]

Good and faithful servant, our pensukro Chirakutai.

[B]

What's happened, Holmes?

[D]

A white elephant has disappeared, Watson.

[B]

Disappeared? That's ridiculous. Elephants don't just disappear. Where's he going?

[D]

I told him to go to the Maharajah and give him the news. But to tell him that he was to tell it to no one else.

[B]

But Holmes, this is ridiculous. We heard the animal trumpeting here less than half an hour ago. How can an elephant be spirited away in that amount of time?

[D]

That's what we have to find out. My dear fellow, I've often heard of the Indian rope trick. Now we have a first hand opportunity of solving a new mystery. The problem of the disappearing elephant.

[B]

Holmes, this is Faro. We spent half an hour searching this elephant house. After all, an elephant isn't exactly insignificant. I doubt if you're going to find it under those boards in the corner over there.

[D]

True, Watson, but nonetheless there are interesting clues to be observed.

[B]

Clues? What clues?

[D]

Come over here, old chap.

[B]

Blood stains. Great Scott. You're not suggesting that's elephant's blood?

[D]

It's hard to say. Though I would venture the opinion that it would require the blood of several human corpses to produce an equivalent equivalent amount of blood. In any case, you will notice that the stains are dried and old.

[B]

Hello. That must be the elephant keeper back from the palace.

[D]

Dr. Watson, his mother, the Maharajah's physician.

[E]

Dr. Holmes, Dr. Watson, at once. You must come back to the palace.

[D]

What's wrong, sir?

[E]

This is the Maharaja. Death has come to him.

[B]

Death? Great heavens.

[D]

Exactly what happened?

[E]

Sukro, keeper of the elephant, came to the Maharaja. He said he had the most important message to deliver.

[A]

He had.

[D]

I told him to deliver it. Then what happened?

[E]

A few moments later I heard cries. I went to the Maharaja's room and found him in delirium. He was saying about the elephant having disappeared. His brother and I tried to give comfort to him, but we could do nothing. His breathing became more and more labored. Finally it stopped altogether.

[D]

So the doom of Pambodipur is fulfilled once again. The elephant is gone and the Maharajah's reign has ended. Come on, we must go to the palace.

[B]

Yes, I must examine the body at once.

[D]

You are certain it was a natural death, Mr. Mudder?

[E]

Positive, mister.

[D]

No symptoms of poisoning, for example.

[E]

Mr. Holmes, I have read some of your sensational stories in which obscure deaths are attributed to a subtle Oriental poison unknown to Western science. I can assure you that if the Maharaja has been poisoned, it has been caused by no poison known to me.

[B]

When did he last eat?

[E]

Over eight hours ago.

[B]

It's possible he died of shock. Home shock and Hysteria. When you knew that the elephant had vanished.

[D]

Yes, it's possible. But it's murder just the same.

[A]

Murder?

[E]

Why do you say that, Mr. Holmes?

[D]

Because whoever caused the elephant to disappear did it with the deliberate intention of ending the Maharashtra's reign. A diabolical plot. And one that I intend to overcome before this day is out.

[A]

Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a second. So all I'm going to say is if you like a swell red wine with your dinner, well then you should know about Petri California Burgundy. Petri Burgundy is a rich, hearty red wine. It's just wonderful. With hamburger and beef stew and pot roast and chops and just about any meat or meat dish you can think of. And of course, if you can get hold of a steak or a prime rib, well then you've just got to serve that with Petre Burgundy. Petri Burgundy is a swell mealtime wine. The best friend a good meal ever had.

[C]

No kidding.

[A]

And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure, the Case of the Vanishing Elephant. Tell me, Doctor, did you examine the Maharaja's body?

[B]

Yes, of course I did, Mr. Bartel. Holmes was convinced that the Maharaja had been murdered, but. But I could find no trace of foul play. After my examination, I joined Holmes in our quarters. But I gave him my opinion.

[D]

Watson, you found out anything?

[B]

Looks like natural death to me, Holmes.

[D]

No traces of poison?

[B]

None that I could see. Of course, it's hard to be certain without an autopsy.

[D]

Did you suggest one?

[B]

Yes, but the new Maharaja won't hear of it. It's against their religion, apparently.

[D]

Yes, I was afraid of that. Meantime, I've been conducting a cross examination of some of the palace servants.

[B]

What do you find out?

[D]

Principally that all of them heard the elephant trumpeting this morning.

[B]

Did any of them suggest how the animal might have been smuggled out to the palace ground?

[D]

They insisted that such a feat would be impossible without their knowledge.

[B]

Well, what's our next move, Holmes?

[D]

To interrogate the one person who I'm sure can give us the true story of the elephant's disappearance. Its keeper. Remember, we haven't seen him since he took the message to the palace. I suggest we return to the elephant house and have a persuasive talk with him.

[B]

This must be the house. It's the only one that's near the elephant pen. Ramshackle looking place, isn't it?

[D]

Extremely.

[B]

Sucro.

[D]

Sucro.

[B]

Don't tell me that he's vanished too. Business is beginning to get on my nose.

[D]

Sucrose, I think under the circumstances, we'll take the liberty of entering.

[B]

Sucro. Look Holmes. Look on the floor.

[D]

We're too late.

[B]

Good Lord, what a horrible sight. His throat's been cut.

[D]

Obviously another murder. He knew the secret of the vanishing elephant. Let's have a look around. Uh huh. Supra was quite a musician. Look at this weird assortment of instruments. Native lute.

[B]

We heard him playing that today as we approached the elephant house.

[D]

What's this?

[B]

It looks like a sort of giant megaphone.

[D]

A musical instrument of some kind. Observe the mouthpiece here. Let's see what kind of noise it makes.

[B]

Great Scott. The instrument sounds exactly like. Like an elephant trumpeting.

[D]

Of course. Carl, why didn't I think of this before? Come on, Watson, back to the palace as fast as your legs can carry you. The mystery is solved.

[C]

You say you have solved the problem of the missing elephant, Mr. Holmes.

[D]

And also the cause of your brother's death and sucrose murder.

[C]

Indeed. That is very important news. Won't you both sit down, please?

[B]

Thank you, sir.

[C]

Please proceed, Mr. Holmes.

[D]

Thank you. First, the elephant did not vanish today. The beast must have died a natural death months ago. All that happened today was that I discovered its absence.

[C]

Are you suggesting that my brother knew the beast was dead?

[D]

I am, sir, but he was afraid to publish the news. He knew that his rule would fall into a state of chaos if the fact were known. You yourself sir, have told us how strong is the native belief in this legend?

[B]

How did he dispose of the elephant?

[D]

Unobtrusively over a period of time. The blood stains in the elephant house would indicate that the animal had been cut up into disposable fragments which could be removed by the faithful Sucro without attracting suspicion. All this time though, the elephant horn was blown at suitable intervals to indicate that the sacred animal was still alive.

[B]

But if the Maharaja knew the beast was dead, why did he die of shock when he received the news?

[C]

I think the answer to that question, Dr. Watson, would be that my brother died of shame when he knew that his imposture had been discovered.

[D]

Little far fetched, sir, if you don't mind my saying so. Now I'm certain the reason your brother brought me to your country was to reveal that imposture to me knew the day was coming soon when he must show the elephant to his people. The festival would have been held in two weeks time. I think you told us, sir. I imagine that he wanted me to devise a method of smuggling a new white elephant into the palace grounds before that time.

[C]

Tell me, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, why did my brother die today?

[D]

Because he was murdered. Lester Sucro was murdered later.

[B]

Murdered?

[A]

How?

[B]

Huh?

[D]

Oh, very ingeniously, by poison. But not, as you might expect, by any subtle Eastern poison. No, one of the most recent of Western poisons was used. A poison unknown to Oriental science. Delirium followed by a strangulated breathing is highly typical of the newly discovered poison, hyocyamine.

[B]

But he hadn't eaten for eight hours.

[D]

True, Watson, but you see, this hyocyamine was administered to. Good night, robber.

[B]

Good heavens.

[D]

The poison penetrates with unusual ease through the membranes of the eyes, if you will recall.

[B]

Yes, you're right, by Joe, it does. It must have been that physician fellow, Marmoda, whatever his name is.

[D]

No, my dear chap, this has been a case of confusions. Let's do a little clear thinking now, shall we? You see, we were deceived by the apparent sequence of events. We discovered the elephant missing and thought that fact had caused the Maharajah's death.

[B]

Whereas his murder was quite a separate matter. The poison must have been placed in the eye drops while we were in the elephant house.

[D]

Precisely, dear chap. And when the murderer saw how the problem of the missing elephant confused us he killed its unfortunate keeper to prevent us from learning the truth. Yes. You're strangely silent, Mr. Sing. Am I, Mr. Holmes?

[C]

I am fascinated by your flow of unassailable logic.

[D]

Of course, sir.

[C]

You realize that I am now the maharaja, the king of kings, an absolute ruler with all power, including that of the police. Do you? Do you care to denounce the murderer to me?

[D]

Come, come, sir, I think it's time the buttons came off our foils. I'm well aware that you studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh have the motive, the opportunity and the knowledge to kill your brother. The murder of Sucro was probably performed by an underling.

[B]

Great Scott, what a shock.

[C]

You are a clever man, Mr. Holmes, a very clever man.

[D]

Clever enough to realize an absolute ruler, a ruler with all powers, including that of the police, is not apt to denounce himself again.

[C]

Your logic is unassailable. Goodbye, gentlemen. I trust your voyage home will be a pleasant.

[D]

I warn you, sir, that I shall make a full report of my findings in this case to the British Commissioner for this state.

[C]

Why should he prove more effectual than the great shallow. Goodbye, gentlemen. And the bon voyage.

[B]

Filthy murderer. Makes my blood boil to think that he can't be brought to justice.

[D]

He can and he will be. If the civilized laws of the Occident cannot be enforced Here. Then we must fight him with his own weapons.

[B]

What do you mean, Holmes?

[D]

That we have a farewell talk with Mr. Madhur, the dead maharaja's physician, friend and counselor.

[E]

But this is a terrible story you have told me, Mr. Holmes. My beloved ruler murdered by his own brother and yet he cannot be made to account for his crimes.

[B]

He can be, sir, if you will help, Mr. Holmes.

[E]

Of course I will. What can I do?

[D]

Try and obtain the eye drops before they're destroyed, will you? Have them analyzed by a Western scientist and forward the reports to me in London. I'll take the necessary action.

[E]

I will try to do that, Mr. Holmes. But if I fail, there is one other way I can avenge my master's death. In a few weeks, the new maharaja will be enthroned.

[D]

I understand you, sir. The wise men from beyond the mountains of Nepal will bring a new white elephant. Perhaps a elephants that will not live very long.

[E]

You understand me perfectly, Mr. Holmes. I can promise you that the elephant will die in a very short time. And with it, the new maharaja, my master, shall be avenged.

[A]

That was quite a story, doctor. Quite a story. And tell me, what did happen to the next white elephant of poverty, poor?

[B]

By an extraordinary coincidence, it died the day after the new maharajah's enthronement. And that scoundrel was himself killed in an uprising that occurred just a few days later.

[A]

You know something? I think I could be very happy as an Indian maharaja.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Mm. Beautiful palace, beautiful women, beautiful jewels. And every year on my birthday, the natives would give me my weight in gold. You know, I could learn to like that. That is, if I tried.

[B]

Yes, and every week you'd speak to your subjects over the radio and tell them all about Petri wine.

[A]

Oh, now, now, wait a minute, doctor. I don't always talk about Petri wine.

[B]

That's right, you. You don't always talk about Petri wine. You gotta sleep sometime.

[A]

All right, go on, kid me about it. But Petri wine is worth talking about. After all, what other wine has the tradition behind it that Petri wine has? Don't forget, the Petri family has been making Petri wine for generations. Since way back before there were electric lights and telephones and things like that. They've been making Petri wine since the 1800s and handing down from father to son, from father to son every bit of valuable knowledge and experience. There's no doubt about it. The Petrie family really knows how to turn luscious grapes into wonderful wine. That's why you can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Doctor, how's about giving us a clue to next week's story?

[B]

Next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you an adventure in which I'm afraid I. Well, I didn't exactly cover myself with glory, shall we say. But I think you'll find the story an exciting one, my boy, because it's composed of equal parts of romance, of international intrigue and of sudden death.

[A]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the engineer's thumb. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn mayor 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. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[B]

It.