Sherlock Holmes: The Copper Beeches (Langford & Baker)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Copper Beeches (Langford & Baker)"

Choice Classic Radio’s episode of "Sherlock Holmes: The Copper Beeches" masterfully adapts one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales into an engaging old-time radio experience. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, pivotal insights, and the thrilling conclusion that unfolds at the Copper Beeches estate.

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1. Introduction to the Case

Timestamp: 01:22

The episode opens with Dr. John Watson presenting the case titled "The Copper Beeches," adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick. Sherlock Holmes engages in a reflective conversation with Watson about the nature of his case records.

Sherlock Holmes (01:01):

"It is pleasant to me to observe, my dear Watson, that in these little records of our cases which you have been good enough to draw up, and, I'm bound to say occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence to trivial incidents..."

Holmes emphasizes the importance of logic and deduction over sensationalism, expressing mild criticism of Watson’s narrative style but acknowledging the broader appeal it has for the public.

2. Arrival of Violet Hunter

Timestamp: 03:19

The tranquility at Baker Street is interrupted by a letter from Violet Hunter, a governess seeking Holmes’s assistance. Violet arrives promptly, detailing her unusual employment situation at the Copper Beeches.

Violet Hunter (03:38):

"You will excuse my troubling you..."

She explains her predicament of being unable to find employment after her previous position ended and her desperation to secure a new governess role, leading her to accept a proposal that raises red flags.

3. The Mysterious Employment Offer

Timestamp: 05:24

Violet recounts her meeting with Mr. Jethro Rucastle at the Westaways agency. The offer seems alluring—£100 a year with an advance—but comes with peculiar conditions, such as altering her appearance and obeying arbitrary commands.

Mr. Rucastle (05:30):

"You are looking for a situation, miss?"

Violet describes the household at Copper Beeches, highlighting the stern customs and the intimidating presence of the family dog, Carlo.

4. Holmes and Watson Investigate

Timestamp: 12:01

Concerned by the unusually generous offer and restrictive conditions, Holmes deduces that something sinister lurks beneath the facade of the Copper Beeches estate. He instructs Watson to assist in the investigation, emphasizing the potential dangers.

Sherlock Holmes (11:12):

"The pay is too good. That is what makes me uneasy."

The duo prepares to journey to Winchester, the location of the Copper Beeches, to uncover the truth behind Violet's unsettling employment.

5. Observations at Copper Beeches

Timestamp: 13:00

Upon arrival, Holmes shares his unsettling perception of the picturesque countryside as camouflage for hidden crimes.

Sherlock Holmes (13:20):

"They always fill me with a certain horror. It's my belief... that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside."

This perspective sets the tone for the investigation, hinting at the deceptive tranquility of the estate.

6. Unveiling the Mystery

Timestamp: 16:00

Violet provides a detailed account of her experiences at Copper Beeches, including the mysterious behavior of Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle and the eerie atmosphere of the household.

Violet Hunter (15:31):

"This is the locked room."

She describes discovering a sealed-off wing with a locked door, which piques her curiosity and raises suspicions about the true nature of the household.

7. Confrontation and Revelation

Timestamp: 25:12

The tension escalates as Holmes and Watson, alongside Violet, investigate the locked room. A confrontation ensues when a suspect attempts to flee, leading to a dramatic altercation.

Sherlock Holmes (26:33):

"Villain, where's your daughter?"

The ensuing struggle unveils the deeper conspiracy orchestrated by Mr. Rucastle to imprison his control over his daughter's inheritance and manipulate Violet as a pawn in his scheme.

8. Resolution and Aftermath

Timestamp: 28:02

Through meticulous deduction, Holmes uncovers that Mr. Rucastle is imprisoning his daughter, Alice, to control her wealth. Violet's role was to act as a decoy to deter unwanted suitors and protect Alice's interests.

Sherlock Holmes (28:08):

"Rue Castle, I presume, took to this system of imprisonment?"

The episode concludes with the unraveling of Rucastle’s deceit, the rescue of Alice, and the restoration of order at the Copper Beeches. Holmes and Watson reflect on the case, reaffirming the triumph of logic and justice over manipulation and greed.

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Notable Quotes and Insights

• Holmes on Public Fascination:

  Sherlock Holmes (01:44):

  "Crime is common, logic is rare. Therefore, it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell."

  This highlights Holmes’s belief in the supremacy of deductive reasoning over the mere intrigue of criminal acts.

• Violet's Concern:

  Violet Hunter (10:35):

  "But you would not advise me to refuse?"

  Her trust in Holmes underscores the desperation and vulnerability governing her situation.

• Holmes’s Insight on Secluded Crimes:

  Sherlock Holmes (13:40):

  "Had this lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I should never have had a fear for her."

  This reflects Holmes’s recognition of how isolation can conceal heinous activities, a central theme in the episode.

• Final Deduction:

  Sherlock Holmes (28:14):

  "So now you see, Miss Hunter, what manner of role you have been playing."

  This moment crystallizes the unraveling of Rucastle’s elaborate plan, emphasizing Holmes’s knack for piercing through deception.

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Conclusion

The episode of "Sherlock Holmes: The Copper Beeches" delivers a compelling narrative filled with suspense, intricate plotting, and the quintessential Holmesian deduction. Through Violet Hunter’s harrowing experience and Holmes’s unwavering pursuit of the truth, listeners are treated to a timeless tale that underscores the brilliance of logical reasoning in uncovering hidden truths. The detailed dialogues and character interactions enrich the story, making it a memorable addition to the legacy of classic detective storytelling.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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].

[Dr. John Watson]

Present the copper Beeches Another Sherlock Holmes story adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is pleasant to me to observe, my dear Watson, that in these little records of our cases which you have been good enough to draw up, and, I'm bound to say occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence to trivial incidents which have given room for those faculties of deduction and logical synthesis which I have made my own special province.

[Dr. John Watson]

And yet I gather from your town homes that I cannot quite hold myself absolved from some charge of sensationalism.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have erred, perhaps, in attempting to color your statements instead of confining yourself to recording that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the really only notable feature about the thing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Seems to me I've done you full justice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I'm not being conceited. If I claim full justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing, a thing beyond myself. Crime is common, logic is rare. Therefore, it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of lectures into a series of tales.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, really, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At the same time you can hardly be charged with sensationalism. After all, a fair proportion of these cases in which you've been kind enough to interest yourself do not treat of crime at all in its legal sense. That singular problem of the man with a twisted lip, for instance, and the incident of the noble bachelor. They were both quite outside the pale of the law. But I fear that in avoiding the sensational, you may have bordered on the trivial.

[Dr. John Watson]

It may have been so, but I hold that the methods have been novel.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And full of interest. My dear Watson, what do the great unobservant public care about the finer shades of analysis and deduction? But if you are trivial, I cannot blame you. Criminal man seems to have lost all enterprise and originality. My own little practice seems to be degenerating into an agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to young ladies from boarding schools.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, come home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, it looks as though I've touched bottom at last. This note I had this morning marks my zero point, I fancy. Here, read it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dear Mr. Holmes, I am very anxious to consult you as to whether I should or not accept the situation which has been offered to me as a governess. I shall call at half past ten tomorrow if I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Violet Hunter. Do you know the young lady?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not I.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, that note was written yesterday and it's half past ten now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and I have no doubt that is her.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, let us hope so. But our doubt will very soon be solved, for here, unless I'm mistaken, is the person in question Ms. Violet Hunter.

[Violet Hunter]

You will excuse my troubling you, I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hope, Mr. Holmes, I shall be happy to do anything I can to serve you, Ms. Hunter. Pray take a seat. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson.

[Violet Hunter]

How you do, Dr. Watson? Well, Mr. Holmes, I think I should explain that I've had a very strange experience. As I have no parents or relatives of any sort for whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me what I should do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A strange experience.

[Violet Hunter]

I've been a governess for five years, but my employer recently took an appointment abroad and I found myself without a situation. I advertised and I answered advertisements, but I had no success. Then the little money I'd saved began to run short. I was at my wits end. What to do?

[Dr. John Watson]

Quite, quite.

[Violet Hunter]

There's a well known agency for governesses in the West End called Westaways. I used to call there about once a week. The manager, Ms. Stoper, sits in her own little office and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom. They're shown in one by one and Ms. Stover consults her ledgers and sees whether she has anything to suit them. Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office as usual, but I found that Ms. Stoper was not alone.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, this one will do. I couldn't ask for anything better, Miss Stoker. Capital, capital.

[Violet Hunter]

Sit down, Miss Hunter, please. This is Mr. Rucastle. Thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

You are looking for a situation, miss?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

As governess?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

And what salary do you ask?

[Violet Hunter]

In my last place with Colonel Spence Munro, I had £4amonth.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, come, come. Sweating, rank sweating. How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with such attractions and accomplishments?

[Violet Hunter]

My accomplishments are maybe less than you imagine. A little French, a little German music and drawing.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, this is all beside the question, the point is, have you the best rearing and deportment of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are not fitted for rearing of a child who may someday play a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have, why then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to accept anything under three figures? Your salary with me, madam, would commence at a hundred pounds a year. It is also my custom to advance to my young ladies and gentlemen half their salary beforehand, so they may meet any little expenses of the journey in their wardrobe.

[Violet Hunter]

May I ask where you live, sir?

[Dr. John Watson]

Hampshire. Charming rural place, the Copper Beeches, five miles on the far side of Winchester. It is the dearest old country house.

[Violet Hunter]

And my, My duty, sir?

[Dr. John Watson]

One child, one dear little romper, just 6 years old.

[Violet Hunter]

My sole duties then, are to take charge of a single child.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, not the soul, not the soul. My dear young lady, your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would suggest, to obey any little commands, provided always that they were such as a lady might with propriety obey, which I or my wife might give.

[Violet Hunter]

Oh, your wife. I should be happy to make myself useful, of course.

[Dr. John Watson]

Quite so. We are faddy people, you know. Faddy, but kind hearted in dress. Now, for example, if you were asked to wear any dress which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim?

[Violet Hunter]

Why, no, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Or to sit here or sit there, that would not be offensive to you?

[Violet Hunter]

No.

[Dr. John Watson]

Or to cut your long hair quite short before you came to us?

[Violet Hunter]

My hair? Oh, no, sir, not my hair. I'm afraid that's quite impossible.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I'm afraid it's quite essential. It is a little fancy of my wife's and ladies fancies, you know, Madam, ladies fancies must be consulted. So you won't cut your hair?

[Violet Hunter]

No, sir, I really could not.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, very well then, that quite settles the matter. It's a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very nicely. In that case, Miss Stilper, I'd best inspect a few more of your young ladies.

[Violet Hunter]

Very well, Mr. Rucastle. Ms. Hunter, do you desire your name to be kept upon our books, if you please? Really, it seems rather useless.

[Dr. John Watson]

Since you refused the most excellent offers.

[Violet Hunter]

In this fashion, you can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another opening for you. Good day, Miss Hunter. Ness. Come along now. Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found little enough in the cupboard and two or three bills on the table, I began to ask Myself whether I had not done a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads, they were at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few governesses in England are getting a hundred a year. Besides, what use was my hair to me? It had been considered artistic, but many people are actually improved by wearing it short. By the day after next I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go back to the agency when I received this letter from the gentleman himself.

[Dr. John Watson]

Miss Stover has kindly given me your address, and I write from the Copper Beeches to ask whether you have reconsidered your decision. My wife has been much attracted by my description of you, and is very anxious that you should come. We are willing to give you a hundred and twenty pounds a year so as to recompense for any little inconvenience which our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting after all, and your duties with the child are very light as regards your hair. It is no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking on its beauty during our short interview, but I'm afraid that I must remain firm upon this point. Now do try and come, and I shall meet you with the dog cart at Winchester. Yours faithfully, Jethro Rucastle.

[Violet Hunter]

That is the letter I've just received, Mr. Holmes, and my mind is made up that I will accept, but I thought that before taking a final step, I should like to submit the whole matter to your consideration.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the question.

[Violet Hunter]

But you would not advise me to refuse?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I confess it is not the situation which I should like to see a sister of mine apply for.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hey, Watson, what can it all mean, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have no data, I cannot tell. Perhaps Miss Hunter has formed some opinion.

[Violet Hunter]

Well, Mr. Rucastle seemed a kind, good natured man. Is it not possible that his wife is a lunatic and that for fear she should be taken to an asylum, he humors her fancies to prevent an.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Outbreak as matter stand, that is the most probable solution. But in any case, it does not seem a very nice household for a young lady.

[Violet Hunter]

But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The pay is too good. That is what makes me uneasy. There must be some reason, a strong reason, for offering £120 when they could have had their pick for 40.

[Violet Hunter]

I thought if I told you the circumstances you would understand afterwards, if I wanted your help, I should feel so much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you, I assure you that your little problem promises to be the most interesting that has come my way for some months. If you should find yourself in doubt or in danger.

[Violet Hunter]

Danger?

[Dr. John Watson]

What danger do you foresee, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It would cease to be a danger if we could define it.

[Violet Hunter]

Well, now that I've spoken to you, I shall write to Mr. Rucastle, sacrifice my poor hair tonight and start for Winchester tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then don't forget, at any time, day or night, a telegram would bring me down. To your health. Watson. Watson, listen to this. Please be at Black Swan Hotel, Winchester, midday tomorrow. Do come. At my wit's end, Hunter. So it's taken her just a fortnight to find she needs my help again.

[Dr. John Watson]

I look up the trains at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Will you come with me? I should wish to capitalize, and I suggest we turn in at once. We shall need to be at our best in the morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

11 o', clock, not much further to go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good.

[Dr. John Watson]

What a change from Baker street, hey, Holmes, don't you find the sight of these farmsteads something fresh and beautiful?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know, Watson, it is one of the curses of a mind with a turn like mine, and I must look at everything with reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered houses and you're impressed by their beauty. I look at them and the only thought that comes to me is a feeling of their isolation, of the impunity with which crime may be committed there.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heavens, who would ever associate crime with these? Dear old hostess.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They always fill me with a certain horror. It's my belief, Watson, founded upon experience, I may add, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.

[Dr. John Watson]

You horrify me, Hope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child doesn't beget some sympathy and indignation among the neighbours. And one word of complaint can set the whole machinery of justice going, it's quite true. But look at those lonely houses, each in its own fields. They're filled for the most part with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on year in, year out in such places, and none the wiser. Had this lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of country between that makes the difference.

[Dr. John Watson]

Still, if she can come to Winchester to meet us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She has her freedom. Quite.

[Dr. John Watson]

So. What can be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have devised seven separate explanations. Each of them would cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of them is correct can only be determined by the fresh information that we shall no doubt find waiting for us at the Black Swan. Ah. And there is the tower of the Cathedral.

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[Violet Hunter]

I have promised Mr. Rucastle to be back by three. I got his leave to come into town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pray let us have everything in its due order, Miss Hunter.

[Violet Hunter]

Well, in the first place, I must say that I have met, on the whole, no actual ill treatment from Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle, but I'm not easy in my mind about them. I can't understand them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What can you not understand?

[Violet Hunter]

Their reasons for their conduct. Oh, but you shall have it. Just as it occurred, darn Mr. Rucastle met me here and drove me in his dog cart to Copper Beeches. I was introduced that evening to his wife and child. I gather that Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle have been married about seven years. He was a widower, and his only child by his first wife was a daughter who is now in Philadelphia. As she couldn't have been less than 20, I can quite imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her father's new young wife. As for Mrs. Rucastle, I now know that there was no truth in our conjecture in your rooms at Baker Street. She is not mad. I found her to be more an entity as colorless in mind as she is in features. Her husband's kind to her in his boisterous way, but she seems to have some secret sorrow. The one unpleasant thing about the house which struck me at once was the appearance and manner of the two servants. A man and his wife, taller as he's called, is a rough, uncouth man with a perpetual smell of drink. His wife is tall and strong and very sour. But fortunately, I spend most of my time in the nursery or in my own room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And that is the entire household?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes. Oh, except for Carlo.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Carlo?

[Violet Hunter]

Mr. Rucastle introduced me to him on my first evening. There.

[Dr. John Watson]

We are, Miss Hunter, can you see him? Don't be frightened, it's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mime, but really Old Taller is the only one who can do anything with him. Down, Carlo, down, you brute, down. We defeat him once a day, and not too much then. So he's always keen as mustard toddler lets him loose every night, and heaven help the trespasser he lays his fangs into. Oh, and for goodness sake, Miss Hunter, don't you ever, on any pretext, set your foot over the threshold at night. It's as much as your life is worth if you do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A very direct warning, and no idle one, I fancy. But pray, Miss Hunter, continue your narrative.

[Violet Hunter]

For two days after my arrival, my life was very quiet. On the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after breakfast and whispered in her husband's ear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, ah, yes, to be sure. Miss Hunter, my wife reminds me to say how much we are obliged to you for falling in with our whim so far as to cut your hair.

[Violet Hunter]

And the effect is charming, my dear, it is nice of you to say so.

[Dr. John Watson]

I assure you it has not detracted in the tiniest iota from your appearance. And now we shall see how a change of dress will become you. If you will kindly go up to your room, you will find one laid out ready on your bed. It belongs to my dear daughter Alice, who's now in Philadelphia. It should fit you very well.

[Violet Hunter]

Charming, simply charming.

[Dr. John Watson]

Might have been made to measure, eh, my dear?

[Violet Hunter]

A perfect. I was surprised how well it suited me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Perfect. Now, Miss Hunter, be good enough to take the chair over there, the one with its back to the center window. Splendid. Now then, my dear, let us stay and talk with Miss Hunter for a little while, shall we?

[Violet Hunter]

And they stayed there talking for about an hour. Mr. Holmes, Mr. Rucastle told some extremely funny stories, so funny that I laughed till I was tired. The odd thing was, though, that Mrs. Rucastle never so much as smiled at them. Then her husband suddenly remarked that I might change my dress and go about my daily duties. Well, two days later, the same thing happened. When he had me laughing helplessly at his stories for a while, my employer handed me a yellow back novel, moved my chair slightly to one side, and asked me to read to him. I read for about 10 minutes, and then suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to stop and go and change my dress. I hope, Mr. Holmes, you don't find my story too protracted.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm glad of the Full details, whether they seem to you relevant or not.

[Violet Hunter]

I shall try not to miss anything of importance. Well, you can imagine how curious I became as to the meaning of this extraordinary performance. For one thing, I noticed that they were always very careful to turn my face away from the window. I became consumed with the desire to see what was going on behind my back. Then a happy thought seized me. My hand mirror had been broken, and I concealed a little of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst of the laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes and was able, with a little management, to see all that was behind me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what was that?

[Violet Hunter]

There was a man standing outside in the Southampton Road. He was small and he had a beard. There were several others, but this one appeared to be looking earnestly in my direction. However, when I lowered my handkerchief, I found Mrs. Rucastle's eyes also fixed on me. She said nothing, but I'm convinced that she knew I had a mirror in my hand. She rose at once. Jethro, my dear, there is an impertinent fellow out on the road who is staring up at Miss Hunter.

[Dr. John Watson]

Really? A friend of Miss Hunter's, no doubt.

[Violet Hunter]

I know no one in these parts, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dear me, how very impertinent. Ben, kindly turn round and wave him away. Like that?

[Violet Hunter]

Surely it would be better to take notice. No, no, we should have him loitering here always.

[Dr. John Watson]

Exactly. Kindly turn round, Miss Hunter, and motion him to go away.

[Violet Hunter]

Very well, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is that all you have to tell us, Miss hunter?

[Violet Hunter]

Almost all, Mr. Holmes. Only now I must tell you of the final experience which made my mind up. To telegraph you, I had noticed that one wing of the copper Beeches appeared to be quite uninhabited. When I mentioned this to Mr. Rucastle, he told me rather abruptly that his hobby is photography and that he keeps his dark room and things there. Well, call it curiosity or wound instinct. But from that moment I sensed that there was something about that suite of rooms that I was not to know. As a result, when I saw Tala come out of that wing yesterday and forget to take the key out of the door, I slipped in quickly. I found a little passage with three doors in a line. Two of them were open. The center one was closed and sealed with an iron bar and padlock. As I stood there, I suddenly saw a shadow pass backwards and forwards against the little slit of dim light from under the door. There was somebody inside. My nerves failed me. Suddenly, without reasoning, I turned and ran straight into the arms of Mr. Ruka.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, so it was you. Then I thought it must be when.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I saw the door open.

[Violet Hunter]

I'm so frightened.

[Dr. John Watson]

And what has frightened you, my dear young lady?

[Violet Hunter]

It's so beautifully still in here, lonely and eerie.

[Dr. John Watson]

Only that.

[Violet Hunter]

Why, what did you think?

[Dr. John Watson]

Why do you imagine I locked the door to this wing?

[Violet Hunter]

I'm sure I don't know, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's to keep people out who have no business here, do you see?

[Violet Hunter]

None, I'm sure. If I had known, I.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over that threshold again, I'll throw you to the mastiff. Remember that, Miss.

[Violet Hunter]

After that, I suppose I could have fled the house, but I must confess my curiosity remained as strong as my fears. By the time I had sent you a wire, Mr. Holmes, I felt much easier. I had no difficulty getting leave to come here this morning, but I must get back by three. Mr. And Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit early this evening, and I have to look after the child, that is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, what about Toller and his wife?

[Violet Hunter]

I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle he drunk himself into incapability. She can do nothing with him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Capital. Now, is there a cellar with a good strong lock?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, the wine cellar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You seem to have acted all through this matter like a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think you could perform one more feat?

[Violet Hunter]

I will try.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson and I will be at the copper beaches by 7 o'.

[Violet Hunter]

Clock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Rue Castles will be out by then. Yes, and Toller should still be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller. If you could send her into the cellar on some errand and then turn the key on her, you would facilitate matters immensely.

[Violet Hunter]

I will do it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I trust you have your revolver. There is only one feasible explanation for this business, and it is clear that we are dealing with a cunning man. I have it. Then, Miss Hunter, we shall meet you at the copper beeches at seven o'.

[Violet Hunter]

Clock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've managed it?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes. That's Mrs. Toller thumping to be let out. Toller is snoring on the kitchen rug. Yeah. Here are his keys.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well done. Now lead the way and we shall soon see the end of this black business.

[Violet Hunter]

This is the locked room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

None of these keys seem to fit the lock.

[Dr. John Watson]

There's no sound from inside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I trust we're not too late. Now, Watson, let's have the aid of your shoulder and we shall see.

[Dr. John Watson]

There's no one here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Beauty has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and carried his victim off.

[Dr. John Watson]

But how? Through that skylight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We shall soon see how he managed it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I can see the end of a ladder against the eaves.

[Violet Hunter]

But why should he need to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I tell you, he is a clever and dangerous man.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, someone's coming.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think, Watson, it will be as well for you to have your pistol ready.

[Violet Hunter]

Who?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, I caught you, have I?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Villain, where's your daughter?

[Dr. John Watson]

It's for me to ask you that, you thieves.

[Violet Hunter]

Thieves.

[Dr. John Watson]

Spies and thieves.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thieves?

[Dr. John Watson]

But you're in my power. I'll serve you.

[Violet Hunter]

He's gone for the blow.

[Dr. John Watson]

I have my revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We've got to get downstairs and close the door. Wait a minute.

[Dr. John Watson]

Great heaven, it's got him. Quickly, Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stay there. Miss Hunter. They're in there.

[Dr. John Watson]

Right, let me pass.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good shooting, Watson. I'll accompany Miss Hunter to bring up Mrs. Toller, while you attend to this mangled wretch here.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, he'll live at any rate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let us sit down and hear what Mrs. Toller has to tell us. It's clear to me that she knows more about this matter than anyone else.

[Violet Hunter]

I'd have done so before now if I could have got out of that cellar. Oh, Miss. Oh, it's a pity I didn't know what you was planning. I could have told you you were wasting your time. How could I, miss?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pray, Mrs. Toller, let us hear it. There are several points on which I must confess I'm still in the dark.

[Violet Hunter]

She was never happy at home. Wasn't Miss Alice after he married again?

[Dr. John Watson]

You refer to Rucastle's daughter?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, sir. She wasn't happy, but things never got real bad for her till she took up with Mr. Fowler.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Fowler?

[Violet Hunter]

A seafaring gentleman she met at a friend's house.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And Rucastle objected to the association?

[Violet Hunter]

It wasn't just that. You see, Miss Alice had a lot of money of her own by her mother's will, when there seemed to be a chance of a husband coming forward, Mr. Rudcastle wanted her to sign a paper giving him control of the money whether she married or not. When she wouldn't, he kept at her so much that she talked about running away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, then I think I can deduce all that remains. Rue Castle, I presume, took to this system of imprisonment?

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, sir. Do you mean that Alice never went to Philadelphia? That Mr. Rucastle kept her locked in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That room and had the ingenious idea of bringing you down from London to impersonate her? To give the watching Mr. Fowler the impression that she no longer wished to encourage him? The laughter on these occasions was to convey the appearance that she remained in good spirits. And was under no compulsion of restraint.

[Violet Hunter]

Yes, just it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Incredible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So now you see, Miss Hunter, what manner of role you have been playing.

[Violet Hunter]

I can scarcely believe it. But then, where is Alice now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No doubt Mrs. Toller could enlighten us again. I presume, however, that Mr. Fowler, being as persevering as a good seaman, should be succeeded by certain arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing that lady that her interests were the same as his.

[Violet Hunter]

Mr. Mr. Fowler was a very kind spoken, freehanded gentleman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. And in this way he managed that your good man should have no want of drink and that a ladder should be ready at the moment when your master had gone out.

[Violet Hunter]

That's just as it happened, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But unfortunately for himself, as it transpired, Ruchastle suspected something and came back. Like us, he was too late for his daughter. As for what happened instead, though, he.

[Violet Hunter]

Breville, bought.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here comes a lady I presume to be Mrs. Rucastle with what I take to be the country surgeon. Ah, locust. Standing now is rather a questionable one. I think we had better make our way to Winchester and say goodbye to the Copper Beeches forever.

[Violet Hunter]

Sam.

[Dr. John Watson]

That was the Copper Beechers, another dramatized Sherlock Holmes story. As Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, you heard Robert Langford and Kenneth Baker. Others in the cast were Sheila Holiday, Fiona Fraser, John Hayter and Elaine Lee, with production by Adrian Steed.