Sherlock Holmes: The Dying Detective (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Dying Detective (Hobbs & Shelley)
Release Date: May 9, 2025

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Overview

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are immersed in a tense and intricate tale featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his steadfast companion, Dr. John Watson. Titled The Dying Detective, the story unfolds with Holmes appearing to be on his deathbed, setting the stage for a dramatic unraveling of deceit, vengeance, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Characters Introduced

• Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant and enigmatic detective whose apparent illness masks a deeper strategy.
• Dr. John Watson: Holmes's loyal friend and confidant, determined to uncover the truth behind Holmes's condition.
• Mrs. Hudson: The caring landlady of 221 Baker Street, deeply concerned for Holmes's well-being.
• Culverton Smith: The antagonist, a planter with expertise in Eastern diseases, harboring a vendetta against Holmes.
• Inspector Morton: The astute police inspector who plays a pivotal role in the resolution of the mystery.

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Plot Summary

1. The Illness of Sherlock Holmes

The episode commences with a distressing scene where Mrs. Hudson informs Dr. Watson about Holmes's declining health. "Sir, he's dying," she exclaims at [02:36]. Holmes adamantly refuses to see a doctor, stating, "No doctor," repeatedly, highlighting his unusual behavior ([01:09], [04:39]).

Dr. Watson arrives at Baker Street to find Holmes weak and unresponsive. The tension escalates as Holmes reveals to Watson that he has contracted a rare and deadly "coolie disease from Sumatra" ([05:31]). Despite Holmes's attempts to discourage Watson from intervening, Watson's medical instincts compel him to take action ([06:57]).

2. The Search for a Specialist

Realizing the gravity of Holmes's condition, Watson seeks the expertise of Culverton Smith, a specialist in Eastern diseases. Holmes, though dismissive of Watson's qualifications, urges him to secure Smith's assistance ([06:13]-[07:35]). Watson faces the challenge of persuading Smith, who harbors a grudge against Holmes, to help his friend.

At [13:11], Culverton Smith arrives at Baker Street, and Holmes engages him in a conversation that gradually reveals Smith's animosity. Through their dialogue, it becomes evident that Smith blames Holmes for the death of his nephew, Victor Savage ([16:04]).

3. The Confrontation and Revelation

As the interaction intensifies, Holmes cleverly maneuvers the conversation to implicate Smith in Victor's death. Smith, in a moment of rage, confesses to causing Victor's demise, revealing his motive rooted in revenge ([16:34]-[17:20]).

Holmes's apparent deterioration serves as a ruse to extract the truth from Smith. The climax unfolds with Inspector Morton's timely arrival, orchestrated as part of Holmes's elaborate plan to expose Smith's guilt ([20:07]-[22:07]).

4. The Resolution

Inspector Morton confronts Culverton Smith, arresting him for the murder of Victor Savage and the attempted murder of Sherlock Holmes ([21:27]-[21:32]). The meticulous execution of Holmes's plan showcases his unparalleled detective skills and strategic thinking.

Watson reflects on the ordeal, recognizing the depth of Holmes's deception and the lengths he went to ensure justice was served ([23:11]-[25:18]). The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of Holmes and Watson's enduring partnership, setting the stage for future adventures.

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Holmes's Deniability of Illness

   • Sherlock Holmes: "No doctor." ([01:09], [04:39], [05:30])

2. Watson's Determination

   • Dr. John Watson: "Even if I weren't a doctor, do you think it would stop me doing my duty to an old friend?" ([05:46])

3. Culverton Smith's Arrival

   • Culverton Smith: "He's a very methodical man and I asked you not to go before six because I knew you wouldn't find him in his study." ([11:28])

4. Holmes Confronts Smith

   • Sherlock Holmes: "I knew you caused Victor Savage's death." ([17:17])
   • Culverton Smith: "Do as you like. I don't see you in any witness box, Holmes." ([17:36])

5. Inspector Morton's Intervention

   • Inspector Morton: "Culver and Smith, I arrest you on the charge of the murder of one Victor Saddle." ([21:12])

6. Holmes's Strategy Revealed

   • Inspector Morton: "I owe you a thousand apologies. To think that I should have overlooked you." ([22:07])

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Conclusion

Sherlock Holmes: The Dying Detective masterfully blends suspense, character development, and intricate plotting to deliver a memorable installment in the Sherlock Holmes saga. The episode not only showcases Holmes's genius but also delves into themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the pursuit of justice. Through compelling dialogue and strategic storytelling, listeners are treated to a narrative that honors the timeless appeal of the detective genre.

For fans of old-time radio and detective stories, this episode stands out as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes and the ever-reliable companionship of Dr. John Watson.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Radio Host]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Mrs. Hudson]

Hi, Mr. Holland.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Hudson.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, whatever's wrong, sir? You're hurt. Not hurt, ill Billy, Ill get you to your bed and then I'll go straight round for a doctor. No, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No doctor.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Mr. Foley.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You hear me, Mrs. Hudson? No doctor.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Pretend that there's Dr. Watson, sir. Surely I can fetch him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not Watson, not anyone. No doctors, Mrs. Hudson. No doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Only delirium could make Holmes turn on me. Dr. Watson, who had so often shared the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. And still I could not bring myself to think that I was standing by his deathbed. I knew his great strength. But I will tell you about the dying detective Sherlock Holmes, landlady at 221 Lee Baker St. Mrs. Hudson was a long suffering woman. She had the very worst tenant in London. Incredible untidiness, Undesirable characters visiting at all hours. Indoor revolver practice, weird and malodorous scientific experiments. All these and the atmosphere of violence and danger which hung around him. But his payments for a first floor set of rooms were princely and Mrs. Hudson never interfered. In fact, I think she was quite fond of him. Certainly when she hurried into my consulting room, her anxious face told me more than words that something serious must be amiss from my old friend Dr. Watson.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Sir, he's dying.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dying?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not Mr. Holmes.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I don't think he'll last the day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is the first I've heard.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, you must come at once, sir, or it may be too late. I've kept my cab waiting. Absolutely.

[Dr. John Watson]

But of course, an easy day. Just let me get my bag and as we drive I hope you'll tell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Me what on earth happened.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Good little I can tell you, Dr. Watson. He's been sinking steadily for three days.

[Culverton Smith]

Three days?

[Dr. John Watson]

And you've only just come through.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I couldn't, sir. I wasn't allowed.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here, Mrs. Hudson. I think I better have your account calmly and from the beginning if you please. Yes sir.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Well, Mr. Holmes has been working on some case down near the river at Rotherhithe just lately.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see.

[Mrs. Hudson]

What a use for coming in at all hours. I was just taking my lamp to go through to my bed on Wednesday night when I heard a faint knocking at the street door. I went to see who could bring. Morning Mr. Holmes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Missy. Mrs. Hun.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, whatever's wrong sir? You are hurt. Not hurt, ill, very ill. Get you to your bed and then I'll go straight round for a doctor. No sir, no doctor Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You hear me, Mrs. Hudson, no doctor.

[Mrs. Hudson]

But there's Dr. Watson, sir. Surely I can fetch him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not Watson, not anyone. No doctors, Mrs. Hudson, no doctors.

[Dr. John Watson]

I never heard anything so incredible in my life.

[Mrs. Hudson]

But I've tried to insist. But you know how masterful Mr. Holmes can be.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, but three days without a bite.

[Mrs. Hudson]

To eat, all a drop to drink.

[Dr. John Watson]

What? Oh.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh I've tried so hard, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'm sure you haven't touched Mossy.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Whenever I mentioned a doctor, even you sir, he made me promise again I'd do nothing. Although only this afternoon when I saw his face I knew that he's not long for this. I told him I was fetching you.

[Dr. John Watson]

At once and he allowed it.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Well I thought he didn't hear, he was so weak and listless. But when I told him again he whispered. Let it be Watson. Then.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well that's something to be thankful for. I only hope we're in time. Thank you Mrs. Hudson.

[Culverton Smith]

I call if I need you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good, sir. Who, who's there?

[Dr. John Watson]

It's me, Holmes. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well Watson, we. We seem to have fallen on evil.

[Dr. John Watson]

Days, my dear fellow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, keep back. Stand right back. Don't come here. Now.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's for your sake. Watson. I've contracted a coolie disease from Sumatra. Very little known except that it's absolutely deadly and horribly contagious. So must keep away.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heavens, do you suppose such a consideration weighs with me? Even if I weren't a doctor, do you think it would stop me doing my duty to an old friend? Now let's have a good look at you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, stand back.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now see here Holmes, if you stay.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where you are I'll talk to you. If you will not, you can get out. Holmes, if you will stay away.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, you aren't yourself. You're sick and helpless as a child. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to examine you and treat you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If I'm to be Forced to have a doctor.

[Inspector Morton]

At least let me have someone in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whom I have confidence.

[Dr. John Watson]

You have none in me then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

In your friendship certainly. But facts are facts. As a medical man you're a mere general practitioner of limited experience, mediocre qualifications. Well, well really it's painful to say such things but you leave me no choice.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. Such a remark is unworthy of you Holmes. It shows me very clearly the state of your nerves. Still I will not intrude my services. But what I shall do is to summon sir just Monique or Penrose Fisher or any of the other best men in London. I can collect.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mean well Watson but what do you or they know of Tapanuli fever?

[Dr. John Watson]

Tapanuli?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What do you know of the black Formosa corruption?

[Dr. John Watson]

Never heard of either of them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nor have your colleagues. There are many problems of disease many strange pathological possibilities peculiar to the East. So I've learned during some of my recent researches. It was in the course of one of them that I contracted this complaint I assure you. What's you can do? Nothing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh can't I? I happen to know Holmes that the greatest living authority on Tropical Disease Dr. Amestree is in London just now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You shall have your way Gord. Only give me time to collect my strength. It's four o' clock now at six. You can go.

[Dr. John Watson]

This is insanity.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now I must sleep. I feel exhausted.

[Dr. John Watson]

I stood for a few minutes looking at the silent figure on the bed and then unable to think of sitting down I paced up and down the room. Finally in this aimless perambulation I came to the mantelpiece littered with pipes, tobacco pouches, syringes, pen knives, revolver cartridges, almost everything you could think of. In the midst of all this was a small black and white ivory box with a sliding lid. It was a neat little thing and I was just stretching out my hand to examine it more closely when.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No Watson, now what? Put it down.

[Culverton Smith]

Down this instant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do as I say.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here Holmes, I really think.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have my things touched. You know that I hate home. You fidget me beyond endurance. You a doctor you're enough to drive a patient into an asylum. Sit down man, let me have my rest.

[Dr. John Watson]

This incident left a most unpleasant impression on my mind. Of all ruins I reflected that of a noble mind is the most deplorable. I sat in silent dejection until the stipulated time had passed. He seemed in his sleep to have been watching the clock as well for it was hardly six before he began to talk with the same feverish animation as before.

[Narrator]

Time Is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You will now light the gas, Watson, please. But you will be very careful that not for one instant shall it be more than half.

[Dr. John Watson]

As you wish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I implore you to be careful. Right.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, thank you.

[Narrator]

Excellent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now you, you needn't draw the blind. Now have the kindness to place some of that litter from the mantelpiece on this table next to me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, you'll see some sugar tongs there. Yes, use them to lift that little ivory box. Carefully, carefully now.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, there we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now bring it here and place it amongst these other things. So Gordy, you may now go and fetch a specialist.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well thank him for that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

His name is Mr. Culverton Smith of 13 Lower Berkshire C. Smith?

[Culverton Smith]

I've never even heard the name.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly not. It may surprise you to know that the one man who knows everything about this disease, he's not a medical man, he's a planter. An outbreak of this disease upon his plantation caused him to study intensely. He's a very methodical man and I asked you not to go before six because I knew you wouldn't find him in his study.

[Dr. John Watson]

Until then I never heard of a foolish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You would tell him exactly how you've left me. A dying man. A dying man. My life depends on him, Watson. But you will have to plead with him. There's no good feeling between us. He has a grudge. I rely on you to soften him. Beg him, Watson, pray him, but get him here by any means he can save me, only he.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well, I'll bring him in a cab even if I have to carry him down.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You do nothing of the sort.

[Dr. John Watson]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You will persuade him to come and then you will return before him. Why make any excuse so as not to come with him? Now don't forget that, boss. No, no, of course you, you won't fail me.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'm going, Holmes. Say no more. I'm going.

[Culverton Smith]

Now, my dear sir, kindly take a chair.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you, Holmes.

[Culverton Smith]

Ills you say? Desperately. I only know Mr. Holmes through some business dealings we've had. But I have every respect for his talents and character. He is an amateur of crime as I am of disease. For him the villain, for me the microbe. There are my prisons, Doctor, Those jars on the table there. I see amongst those gelatine cultivations some of the very worst offenders in the world are now doing time.

[Dr. John Watson]

It is on account of your special knowledge that Mr. Holmes wishes to see you, Mr. Smith.

[Culverton Smith]

See me?

[Dr. John Watson]

He has a very high opinion of you. He thought you were the one man in London who could help him.

[Culverton Smith]

And why should Mr. Holmes think I can help him?

[Dr. John Watson]

Your knowledge of Eastern diseases.

[Culverton Smith]

But why should he think that this disease which he has contracted is Eastern?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, it seems likely he's been working amongst Chinese sailors down in the docks.

[Culverton Smith]

How long has he been ill?

[Dr. John Watson]

About three days.

[Culverton Smith]

Is he delirious?

[Inspector Morton]

Occasionally.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, this sounds serious, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

It is indeed.

[Culverton Smith]

It would be inhuman not to answer his call. I very much resent any interruption to my work but on this occasion I will come with you at once.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you, but I have another appointment.

[Culverton Smith]

Oh, very well then I will go alone. Number 221B Baker street, isn't it?

[Dr. John Watson]

That's correct.

[Culverton Smith]

Then you can rely on my being there within half an hour.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you see him, Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

He'd be here soon. Took me some minutes to find a cab.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But did he ask what they meant?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes sir, I told him about the Chinese down at the docks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. Well Watson, you've done all a good friend could. You may now disappear from the scene.

[Dr. John Watson]

Disappear? I want to hear what he says. I want to hear every word of this medical expert's opinion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, yes, of course, of course. I think you will just find room behind the head of my bed. What?

[Culverton Smith]

Hide.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have reasons to suppose that his opinion will be much more frank and valuable if he imagines he's alone with me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Listen. That's probably him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now get behind the bed, Watson, and don't budge. Whatever happens, whatever happens to you here. All right, just listen, don't speak, don't move, just listen with all your ears.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, very well, as you wish.

[Culverton Smith]

So Holmes, it's come to this then who?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smith. Smith, is that you?

[Culverton Smith]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hardly dared hope you would come.

[Culverton Smith]

I should imagine not. And yet you see I'm here. Coals of fire, Holmes, coals of fire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Noble Foggios.

[Culverton Smith]

Yes, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I appreciate your special knowledge.

[Culverton Smith]

Then you're the only man in London who does. Do you know what is the matter with you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Same as young Victor, your nephew.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, then you recognize the symptoms?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Culverton Smith]

Well then it's a bad lookout for you. Poor Victor was a strong, hearty young fellow. But a dead man on the fourth day. As you said at the time, it was rather surprising that he should contract an out of the way Asiatic disease in the heart of London. A disease of which I have made such a very special study. And now you, Holmes. Singular coincidence. Or are you going to start making accusations once again about cause and effect and so on?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I knew you caused Victor Savage's death.

[Culverton Smith]

Did you? Well, proving it is a different matter, Holmes. But what do you think of yourself? Spreading lying reports about me one moment, then crawling to me for help the next.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only cure me and I promise to forget.

[Culverton Smith]

Forget what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

About Victor Savage's death. Well, you as good as admitted just now that you had done it. I swear I will forget it.

[Culverton Smith]

Forget it, remember it, do as you like. I don't see you in any witness box, Holmes. Quite another shaped box, I assure you. But first, how did you get this disease?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Working amongst Chinese sailors down at the docks.

[Culverton Smith]

Cloud of your brains, aren't you? Think yourself smart. Well, you've met a smarter one this time. Getting painful is takes you as a cramp, I fancy.

[Mrs. Hudson]

This is crap.

[Culverton Smith]

Well, you can still hear me now. Can you remember any unusual incident just about the time your symptoms began? I can't think.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My mind is gone.

[Culverton Smith]

Did anything come to you through the post, for instance?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By post? A little box perhaps?

[Culverton Smith]

Listen, Holmes, you shall hear me. Don't you remember A box, A little ivory box. It came on Wednesday. You opened it, do you remember?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, I opened it. There was something sharp inside. I pricked my finger. Some sort of joke.

[Culverton Smith]

It was no joke, Holmes. You fool. Who asked you to cross my path? If you'd only left me alone, I would never have hurt you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The box. Yes, this one here on the table.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, by George, so it is. Well, it leaves this room in my pocket. And there's your last shred of evidence gone. But you have the truth now, Holmes. You can die knowing that I've killed you. You knew too much about what happened to Victor Savage, so you must share his fate. Yes, Holmes. Ah, you're very near your end now. I'll sit here and watch you die.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's getting so dark I can't see. Smith. Smith, are you there?

[Inspector Morton]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The gas. For pity's sake, turn up the gas.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, the shadows begin to fall, do they, Holmes? Yes, I'll turn up the gas for you. I can watch your face more plainly then. There now, is there any further service I can render you if you please.

[Inspector Morton]

A cigarette and a mask.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Culverton Smith]

What's the meaning of this?

[Inspector Morton]

The best way of successfully acting a part is to be.

[Dr. John Watson]

What?

[Inspector Morton]

I give you my word that for three days I have neither tasted food nor drink.

[Culverton Smith]

No, you mean you, you.

[Inspector Morton]

But it was the lack of tobacco. I found mustaches and Ah, here are some cigarettes.

[Culverton Smith]

Ah, and some match.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's.

[Culverton Smith]

You devil. You absolute devil.

[Inspector Morton]

Hello, Hello. Do I hear the step of a friend?

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Holmes.

[Inspector Morton]

Inspector Morton. All is in order and this is your man.

[Culverton Smith]

What is the meaning of this?

[Inspector Morton]

Culver and Smith, I arrest you on the charge of the murder of one Victor Saddle. And I must warn you that anything you say.

[Dr. John Watson]

You've got nothing on me.

[Culverton Smith]

It's all a tricky attack of life.

[Dr. John Watson]

Get yourself a duck.

[Inspector Morton]

By the way, Inspector, you might add the attempted murder of one Sherlock Holmes to that child.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't listen to him.

[Inspector Morton]

And you'll find a small box in the right hand pocket of your prisoner's coat. They leave it on the table here. Handle it gingerly though it may play its part at his trial.

[Culverton Smith]

Child, you'll be the one in the dock. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Inspector.

[Culverton Smith]

He asked me to come here to cure him. He was ill and I was sorry for him so I came. Now he'll pretend I've said anything he cares to invent that will corroborate his influence. Insane suspicions. Well you can lie as you like, Holmes. My words as good as yours.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good heavens, I'd completely forgotten him.

[Inspector Morton]

Forgotten who, sir? Watson, my dear fellow, do come out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What the devil are you doing?

[Inspector Morton]

I owe you a thousand apologies. To think that I should have overlooked you.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's all right, Holmes.

[Culverton Smith]

Just a bit cramped, that's all. What is all this?

[Inspector Morton]

I need not introduce you to Mr. Culverton Smith since I understand you met somewhat earlier in the.

[Culverton Smith]

You. You mean you had all this plan?

[Inspector Morton]

Of course, to the last detail. I think I may say it worked.

[Culverton Smith]

Very well with your assistance, Smith, of course. Mine?

[Inspector Morton]

You saved an invalid trouble by giving my signal to Inspector Morton waiting outside.

[Culverton Smith]

What?

[Inspector Morton]

You turned up the gas?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Take him along now, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'll see you down at the yard presently perhaps.

[Inspector Morton]

Very well, Inspector, and many thanks.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, Holmes?

[Inspector Morton]

Well what? Sir, There's a bottle of carrot on the chest of drawers over there. It's uncorked. And some biscuits and a tin if you'll be so kind. I'm badly in need of both.

[Dr. John Watson]

Certainly. You know, Holmes. Oh, it seems a pretty elaborate way to go about catching that fellow. I mean, taking in Mrs. Hudson and me like that. Scaring Us after death.

[Inspector Morton]

Well, it was very essential that I should make Mrs. Hudson believe in my condition she was to convey to you and you to him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, but all the same, don't be.

[Inspector Morton]

Offended, my good Watson. You must admit that among your many talents, dissimulation scarcely finds a place. If you'd shared my secret, you'd never have been able to impress Smith with the urgent necessity of coming to me.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, I suppose not.

[Inspector Morton]

You see, it was the vital point of the whole scheme. I knew his vindictive nature and I was certain he'd come to gloat over his handiwork.

[Dr. John Watson]

But your appearance, Holmes, your face, you. You really do look garter.

[Inspector Morton]

Three days of absolute fast does not improve one's beauty, Watson. For the rest, there's nothing that the sponge won't cure. Vaseline to produce the glistening follid belladonna in the eyes, rouge over the cheekbones and crusts of beeswax around one's lips.

[Dr. John Watson]

And why wouldn't you let me near you? There was no risk of infection.

[Inspector Morton]

Oh, can you ask me, my dear one?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I can.

[Inspector Morton]

Would you imagine that I have really no respect for your medical talents? Or that your astute judgment would be deceived by a dying man with no rise of pulse or temper at 4 yards distance? I could deceive you.

[Dr. John Watson]

This box.

[Inspector Morton]

No, Watson, I wouldn't touch it. You can just see if you look at the side where the sharp blade.

[Culverton Smith]

Emerges as you open it.

[Inspector Morton]

I dare say it was by some such device that poor young savage was done to death. He stood between that monster and an inheritance, you know.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then it's true, Holmes, you, you. You might have been killed too.

[Inspector Morton]

As you know, my correspondence is a varied one. I'm somewhat on my guard against the knit packages which reached me. But I saw that by pretending that he'd succeeded in his design, I might be enabled to surprise a confession out of it. That pretence I think I may claim.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To have carried out with the thoroughness.

[Inspector Morton]

Of a true artist.

[Dr. John Watson]

You certainly did, Holmes. Some more biscuits?

[Inspector Morton]

No, thank you, Watson. Let us preserve our appetite. When we finished at the police station, I think something nutritious at Paganis would not be out of place.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, let's start with a couple of dozen oysters.

[Dr. John Watson]

The Dying Detective was another story of Sherlock Holmes from the inspired pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In real life I'm an actor and my name is Norman Shelley. My old friend Carlton Hobbs played the part of Sherlock Holmes and I was Dr. Watson. Production was by the British Broadcasting Corporation from London script by Michael Hardwick. I hope I may look forward to the pleasure of your company again before very long for more of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.