Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem (Hobbs & Shelley)
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Release Date: May 23, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported to the climactic showdown between the indomitable Sherlock Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. Featuring Carlton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr. John Watson, this adaptation masterfully captures the tension and drama of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem."

The Looming Threat of Professor Moriarty

The episode opens with Dr. John Watson reflecting on the profound impact of the events that transpired two years prior, marking the enigmatic end of Sherlock Holmes's adventures. Watson narrates his disenchantment and the altered dynamics of his relationship with Holmes post-marriage, noting a significant decline in their joint investigations throughout 1890 and early 1891.

Notable Quote:
Dr. John Watson [00:55]: “I will tell you about the final problem. I recorded my feelings about it at the time, and despite all that has happened since, it remains the most profound shock I have ever endured yet an incoherent and, as I deeply feel, an entirely inadequate fashion.”

Holmes' Secret Battle Against Moriarty

Sherlock Holmes emerges from his prolonged absence, appearing pale and noticeably emaciated. He reveals the existence of Professor Moriarty, a criminal mastermind whose intellect rivals his own. Moriarty is portrayed not just as a lone villain but as the architect behind a vast criminal network in London.

Notable Quote:
Sherlock Holmes [05:07]: “He’s the organizer of half that is evil and nearly all that is undetected in this great city.”

Holmes shares Moriarty's backstory— a prodigious mathematician whose brilliance was tainted by a "criminal strain of the most diabolical kind," leading to his downfall and subsequent rise in the underworld. Holmes reveals his meticulous plan to dismantle Moriarty’s empire within three days, anticipating the capture and prosecution of Moriarty and his key accomplices.

Notable Quote:
Sherlock Holmes [05:53]: “Then in three days time the professor and all the principal members of his gang will be in the hands of the police. Then will come the greatest criminal trial of the century.”

A Desperate Escape Plan

Aware of the imminent danger posed by Moriarty, Holmes proposes an urgent escape to the European continent, crafting an intricate plan to ensure their safety and the success of his mission. He outlines precise instructions for Watson, detailing the logistics of their departure, including the use of a trusted messenger, specific rendezvous points, and the coordination of transportation to evade capture.

Notable Quote:
Sherlock Holmes [10:05]: “You will dispatch whatever luggage you intend to take by a trusted messenger unaddressed to Victoria tonight. In the morning you will send for a hansom...”

Watson, initially skeptical, agrees to assist Holmes, highlighting their deep bond and unwavering commitment to their cause.

Confrontation and Final Destinies

As they execute their escape plan, Moriarty cunningly intercepts them at the train station. A tense chase ensues, leading both Holmes and Watson towards the treacherous Reichenbach Falls. In a dramatic turn of events, a mysterious message instigates a final confrontation between the two rivals.

At the edge of the roaring chasm, the inevitable clash culminates in both Holmes and Moriarty plunging into the abyss, their fates seemingly sealed. Watson’s narration poignantly describes the aftermath, emphasizing the loss and the end of an era for Sherlock Holmes.

Notable Quote:
Dr. John Watson [23:47]: “In their reeling over into the chasm locked in each other's arms, any attempt at recovering the bodies was absolutely hopeless.”

Reflections and Legacy

The episode concludes with Dr. Watson lamenting the end of Holmes's illustrious career, underscoring the profound personal and professional void left by his friend's disappearance. He pays tribute to Holmes's unwavering dedication and the ultimate sacrifice made to rid society of its most formidable criminal.

Notable Quote:
Dr. John Watson [22:21]: “...for one instant did Holmes forget the shadow which lay across it. I could tell by his quick glancing eyes and his sharp scrutiny of every face that passes that he was well convinced that we could not walk ourselves clear of the danger which was dogging our footsteps.”

Behind the Scenes

The adaptation is penned by Michael Hardwick, who skillfully modernizes the classic tale while maintaining its original essence. Carlton Hobbs delivers a compelling performance as Sherlock Holmes, embodying the character's brilliance and vulnerability. Norman Shelley’s portrayal of Dr. John Watson adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Notable Quote:
Dr. John Watson [23:05]: “The Final Problem describes perhaps the most famous death in all the stories of Sherlock Holmes.”

Conclusion

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" serves as a fitting homage to one of literature's greatest detectives, encapsulating the intensity and drama of his final adventure. This episode not only retells a beloved story but also delves into the emotional intricacies of friendship, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As Watson hints at further explanations to come, listeners are left eagerly anticipating future episodes that continue to explore the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes.

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Stay Tuned:
For those enthralled by this final confrontation, upcoming episodes promise deeper insights into the mysteries surrounding Sherlock Holmes's disappearance and the shadowy remnants of Moriarty's empire.

Transcript

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[Dr. John Watson]

Radio shows like us on Facebook.

[DJ Patochin]

Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Dr. John Watson]

Seems a pity that I have done what I could. I know every move of your game, Holmes. You can do nothing before Monday. You hope to place me in the dock. I tell you that I will never stand in the dock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You hope to beat me?

[Dr. John Watson]

I tell you that you will never beat me. If you are clever enough to bring destruction upon me, rest assured that I shall do as much to you. So spoke Professor Moriarty, that odious name linked forever with my friend Sherlock Holmes. My name is Watson. Dr. Watson. It was my privilege to share the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and here I will tell you about the final problem. I recorded my feelings about it at the time, and despite all that has happened since, it remains the most profound shock I have ever endured yet an incoherent and, as I deeply feel, an entirely inadequate fashion. I have endeavored to give some account of my strange experiences in the company of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. It was my intention to have stopped there and to have said nothing of that event which has created a void in my life which elapsed two years, has done little to fill. My hand has been forced, however, by the recent letters in which Colonel James Moriarty defends the memory of his brother. But I alone know the absolute truth of the matter, and I am satisfied that the time has come when no good purpose is to be served by its suppression. It may be remembered that after my marriage the very intimate relations which had existed between Holmes and myself became to some extent modified. He still came to see me from time to time when he desired a companion in his investigations, but these occasions became less and less, until I find that in the year 1890 there were only three cases of which I retain any record during the winter. That year, in the early spring of 1891, I saw in the papers that he'd been engaged by the French government upon a matter of supreme importance, from which I gathered that his stay in France was likely to be a long one. It was with some surprise, therefore, that I saw him walk into my consulting room upon the evening of that 24th of April.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening, my dear Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes. Bless my soul. I'm delighted to see you. Oh, but you're. You're so pale, Holmes. You've lost so much weight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think you know me well enough, Watson, to understand that I'm by no means a nervous man. At the same time, it's stupidity rather than courage not to recognize danger when it's close upon you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course. Bless me. Holmes, your knuckles. They're bleeding.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Oh, that reminds me. I must beg you to be so unconventional as to let me leave presently by scrambling over your back garden wall.

[Dr. John Watson]

You've been fighting with some villains. They're waiting for you outside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just so. Is Mrs. Watson in?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, she's away visiting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then you're alone? Quite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that makes it the easier for me to propose that you should come away with me for a week.

[Dr. John Watson]

Away? Where?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To the continent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Whereabouts? Oh, anywhere.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's all the same to me.

[Dr. John Watson]

I've been summoned on some pretty odd errands with you in my day. But this is the first time you suggested anything in the nature of an aimless holiday. If there's something behind all this, then I think you better tell me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've never heard of Professor Moriarty.

[Dr. John Watson]

Moriarty? There.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's the genius and the wonder of the thing. This man pervades London. That's what puts him on a pinnacle in the records of cry. I tell you, Watson, if I could free society of that man, I should feel that my own career had reached its summit. I should be prepared to turn to some more placid line in life. He's the organizer of half that is evil and nearly all that is undetected in this great city.

[Dr. John Watson]

Really?

[Sherlock Holmes]

At the age of 21 he wrote a treatise on the binomial theorem which has been acclaimed all over Europe.

[Dr. John Watson]

21?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. On the strength of it, he won the mathematical chair at one of our smaller universities. To all appearance, he had a brilliant career before him. Had?

[Dr. John Watson]

What went wrong?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nature's other gift to him was a criminal strain of the most diabolical kind. Instead of his extraordinary mental powers overcoming this, they increased it, making it infinitely more dangerous. At any rate, dark rumors gathered around Moriarty and this university town. And eventually he was compelled to resign his chair. He came to London and set up as an army coach.

[Dr. John Watson]

But you say you've penetrated all his secrets now, Holmes. Well surely that's the end of him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. Well then, in three days time the professor and all the principal members of his gang will be in the hands of the police. Then will come the greatest criminal trial of the century, followed, I believe, by the rope for all of them. In three days, you say? Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

And yet you're here to suggest we go off to Europe when you don't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Care where my nerves are.

[Dr. John Watson]

Fairly proof once none better, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But I must confess to a start when this morning I saw the very man who had been so much in my thoughts standing there on the threshold of my room. Pray take a chair, Professor. I can spare you five minutes if you have anything to say. All that I have to say has.

[Dr. John Watson]

Already crossed your line.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then possibly my answer has crossed yours. You must answer absolutely no. You keep your hand from your pocket.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dear me, Mr. Holmes, I only wish to get out my memorandum book. There are some dates. Ah, yes, I see that you crossed my path on January 4th. On the 23rd you incommoded me. By the middle of February I was seriously inconvenienced by you. At the end of March I was absolutely hampered in my plans.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now at the end of April.

[Dr. John Watson]

I find myself placed in such a position through your continual persecution that I'm in positive danger of losing my liberty. The situation is becoming an impossible one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you any suggestion to make?

[Dr. John Watson]

You must drop it, Mr. Holmes, you very must.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know, I'm afraid that in the pleasure of this conversation I'm neglecting business of importance which awaits me elsewhere. Well, well, well.

[Dr. John Watson]

It seems a pity that I have done what I could. I know every move of your game, Holmes. You can do nothing before Monday. You hope to place me in the dock. I tell you that I will never stand in the dock. You hope to beat me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I tell you that you will never beat me.

[Dr. John Watson]

If you are clever enough to bring destruction upon me, rest assured that I shall do as much to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have paid me several compliments, Mr. Moriarty. Let me pay you one in return when I say that if I were assured of the former eventuality I would, in the interests of the public, cheerfully accept the letter.

[Dr. John Watson]

I can promise you the one, but not the other. Good day to you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. What sort of a man is he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Professor Moriarty is not a man who lets grass grow under his feet. I went out about midday to transact some business in Oxford Street. As I passed the corner which leads from Bentinck street onto the Welbeck street crossing. A two horse van, furiously driven, whizzed round and was on me like a flash. I sprang for the footpath and saved myself by the fraction of a second, but the van was gone in an instant. I kept to the pavement after that.

[Dr. John Watson]

I could tell you don't blame him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But as I walked down Beer Street a brick came down from the roof of one of the houses. It shattered to fragments at my feet.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, this is dreadful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I took a cab after that and reached my brother's rooms in Pall Mall where I spent the day. Now I've come around to see you and on my way here was attacked by a rough with a bludgeon. I knocked him down and the police had him in custody.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, now I know why you wanted to close the shutters and leave by the back door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Dr. John Watson]

But look here, Holmes, why not spend the night here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, my friend, I have my plans laid and all will be well. Matters have gone so far now that they can move without my help. As far as the arrest goes, though of course my presence will be necessary later for a conviction.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I really cannot do better than get away for the next few days until the police can act. Sir, it would be a great pleasure to me if you could accept my invitation to come to the Continent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, the practice is quiet and I have an accommodating neighbour. I should be glad to come with.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You, Holmes, and to start tomorrow morning if necessary.

[Dr. John Watson]

General.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then these are your instructions, my dear Watson, and I beg you to obey them to the letter. You will dispatch whatever luggage you intend to take by a trusted messenger unaddressed to Victoria tonight. In the morning you will send for a hansom instructing your man to take neither the first nor the second, which may present itself.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I follow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You will jump into this hansom and drive to the Strand end of the Lowther Arcade, handing the address to the cabbie on a piece of paper with a request that he will not throw it away.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have your fare ready and the instant your cab stops, dash through the arcade, timing yourself to reach the other end. At a quarter past nine you will find a small brougham waiting by the curb, driven by a fellow with a heavy black cloak. Tipped at the collar was red. Step in and you will reach Victoria in time for the continental expression.

[Dr. John Watson]

Where shall I meet you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

At the station. The second first class carriage from the front will be reserved for us.

[Dr. John Watson]

That carriage is our rendezvous then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. And now, my dear Watson, I will take the liberty of finding my way out of your back door and across your garden into Mortimer Street. Until tomorrow then.

[Dr. John Watson]

Tomorrow, Holmes. You may depend on me. Senor Padre. This is reserved.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Signore.

[Dr. John Watson]

Reserved? Engaged. Oh Lord. My friend and I. Mon ami.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Amici. We are friends. Grazie.

[Dr. John Watson]

Gregory. Oh, what cannon. Come. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watts, you haven't even condescended to say good morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heavens, Holmes, how you startled me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now listen Watson, every precaution is still necessary. I have reason to believe that. What is it? There he is, running along the platform. It's Moriarty himself.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, and we're going too fast now for him to jump aboard. Oh you stop running.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Capital. You see, with all our precautions we've cut it rather fine. Well at least I can now get.

[Dr. John Watson]

Out of this clerical guise.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let me give you a hand.

[Dr. John Watson]

I must say Holmes, it's a remarkable disguise.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They, they must have lost my track completely after their bludgeon man was arrested. They've evidently taken the precaution of watching you though. That's what has brought Moriarty to Victoria. You couldn't have made any slip in coming here. I did exactly what you advised.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you recognize the driver of your drone?

[Dr. John Watson]

Recognize?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was my brother Micro.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's an advantage to get about in such a case without taking a mercenary into your confidence. But now we must plan what we're to do about Moriarty.

[Dr. John Watson]

But sorry, we've shaken him off. And this is an express with an immediate connection with our boat. What can he do to us now?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What I should do.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He will engage a special train in the shortest possible time. Our train stops at Canterbury for a while, then there's always at least a quarter of an hour's delay at the boat. He will catch us there.

[Dr. John Watson]

One would think we were the criminals. It's heavy. Moresti. The moment he arrived.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That would be to ruin the work of three months. We should get the big fish but the smaller would dart right and left out of my net. Now on Monday we should have them all.

[Dr. John Watson]

What then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We shall get out at Canterbury and we must make a cross country journey to New Haven. And so over to Dieppe. Moriarty will again do what I should do. He will go on to Paris, trace our luggage there and wait two days for us at the depot. In the meantime we shall make our way at leisure into Switzerland by Luxembourg and Bar.

[Dr. John Watson]

We alighted at Canterbury only to find that we have to wait an hour before we can get a train to New heaven. We made our way to Brussels that night we moved on the third day as far as Strasbourg. On the Monday morning Holmes had telegraphed to the London police and in the evening we found a reply waiting for us at our hotel room. Holmes tore it open and then with a bitter curse hurled it into the grate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They've secured the whole gang with the exception of Moriarty. I think you better return to England, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Return to England? Whatever for?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because you'll find me a dangerous companion.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now I shall most certainly do nothing of the kind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But Watson, you must realize.

[Dr. John Watson]

Not another word Holmes. We shall leave for Geneva this evening.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As a race for a charming week.

[Dr. John Watson]

We wandered up the valley of the Own, then by way of Interlaken to my England. Enter the lovely trip. But it was clear to me that never for one instant did Holmes forget the shadow which lay across it. I could tell by his quick glancing eyes and his sharp scrutiny of every face that passes that he was well convinced that walk where we would we could not walk ourselves clear of the danger which was dogging our footsteps. Once I remember a large rock which had been dislodged from a ridge clattered down and roared into the lake behind us. Holmes said nothing but smiled at me with the air of a man who sees the fulfillment of that which he had expected.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I may go so far as to say, Watson, that I have not lived wholly in vain. If my record were closed tonight I could still survey it with equanimity in over a thousand cases. I'm not aware that I'd ever used my powers upon the wrong side. Your memoirs will draw to an end, Watson, upon the day that I crown my career by the capture or extinction of the most dangerous and capable criminal in Europe.

[Dr. John Watson]

I shall be brief and yet exact in the little which remains for me to tell. It is not a subject on which I would willingly dwell. It was on the 3rd of May that we reached the little village of Maringan where we put up at the Englisher Hof, then kept by Peter Styler the Elder. At his advice we set off next afternoon with the intention of spending the night at the hamlet of Rosen L. We had strict instructions, however, on no account to pass the falls of Renbach without making a small detour to see them. It is indeed a fearful place. The torrent, swollen by melting snow, plunges into a tremendous abyss from which the spray rolls up like smoke from a burning house. The shaft into which the river hurls itself is an immense chasm lined by glistening coal black rock and narrowing into a creaming boiling pit of incalculable Depth. We stood near the edge, peering down at the gleam of the breaking water far below us against the black rocks. The narrow path has been cut halfway around the fall to afford a complete view. But it ends abruptly and the traveler has to return as he came. We had turned to do so when a Swiss lad came running along this path calling urgently.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Herr Doktor, Herr Doktor.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's this? Holmes? Who is he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't recognize him. He seems to know you though, Herr Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

I have.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I help all the way around.

[Dr. John Watson]

Take your time, my boy, get your breath.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Herr Doctor, there is no time. The English woman, she will die.

[Dr. John Watson]

English woman? What English woman?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's the hotel, the English.

[Dr. John Watson]

We've seen no Englishwoman there, have we? Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There was a young woman sitting beside the window at luncheon. I took off her friend. Yeah, yeah, it's a young woman. She has the consumption. She starts to bleed.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's that? Sounds like a hemorrhage. I must go at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

One moment, boy. Who sent you to us? My uncle, Herr Steiner. Why did he not summon the Swiss doctor whose nameplate I saw in the village? Yeah, yeah, he has. But the lady is crying, calling in English. That she someone English must see before she will die. Holmes, you must go. Watson, it's unthinkable to refuse the request of a fellow countrywoman dying in a strange land.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I agree entirely, but will you come with me? Holmes, we managed to stick together from London and nothing has occurred to you so far I should not like to think.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, Watson, your duty is plain. I think I shall stay here a little while until your return. This lad can wait with me in your place. And if I don't see you within the hour, sir, I shall walk on slowly over the hill to Rosenlaui where we will meet again this evening.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well, Helms. You will take great care?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall take care.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'll hurry back as soon as I can. Fair Styler, fair styler.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson. Running. Where?

[Dr. John Watson]

Where is she? I trust she's no worse.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excuse me, Doctor, but I do not understand.

[Dr. John Watson]

The English woman, the one who's ill with consumption.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There is some mistake, Doctor. We have no English lady here at present.

[Dr. John Watson]

The message you sent the boy, your nephew.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have no nephew, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And a message. I sent no message to you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Great heavens, they've caught up with us after all. Doctor, has any stranger arrived here since we left?

[Sherlock Holmes]

One only an Englishman. But I think you must know him. He asked if you and he at home and were lodging with me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, say no more. Where did he go?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I believe he went to take a walk.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Steiner, there isn't a moment to lose. I beg you to accompany me to the Reichenbach Falls immediately.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Believe me, Doctor. But may I ask.

[Dr. John Watson]

I will explain as we go but we must not delay one further second. The chances are we may yet be in time. There's no. No sign of him. Pray heaven that he's gone on safely to Rosenlaui.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Doctor, these footmarks in the wet ground.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh yes, yes, I see them. But great heavens, they go right to the edge of the chasm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop. There has been fighting here. See how the ground is all disturbed and these plants crushed and broken.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh no, no, it can't be, it can't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid Doctor, there can be no other conclusion. At the one side a sheer rock wall, at the other a chasm.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, no, it's impossible. Eyes home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Home. You must keep from the edge, Doctor. There is nothing you can do.

[Dr. John Watson]

I fear you're right. He's gone. See?

[Sherlock Holmes]

But here is something.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is it? Let me see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A cigarette case placed on this boulder.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, Sears, give it me, please. Look, there's a paper. He'll have gone on to Rosenlaury after all. He's left this message for me to find. You'll see, Herr Steyler?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Does it say so, Dr. Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, just a moment, just a moment, let me read. My dear Watson, I write these new.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lines through the courtesy of Mr. Moriarty who awaits my convenience for the final discussion of those questions which lie between us. I am pleased to think that I shall be able to free society from any further effects of his presence, though I fear that it is at a cost which will give pain to my friends and especially my dear Watson, to you. I have already explained to you, however, that my career had in any case reached its crisis and that no possible conclusion to it could be more congenial to me than this. Indeed, if I may make a full confession to you. I was quite convinced that the message from Meiringham was a hoax and I allowed you to depart on that errand under the persuasion that some development of this sort would follow. Tell Inspector Patterson that the papers which he needs to convict the gang and I am pigeonhole m done up in a blue envelope and inscribed Moriarty. I made every disposition of my property before leaving England and handed it to my brother Mycroft. Pray give my greetings to Mrs. Watson and believe me to be my dear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Fellow, very sincerely yours, Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, A few words may suffice to tell the little that remains. An examination by experts leaves little doubt that a personal contest between the two may then ended as it could hardly fail to do in such a situation. In their reeling over into the chasm locked in each other's arms, any attempt at recovering the bodies was absolutely hopeless. There, deep down in that dreadful cauldron of swirling water and seething foam will lie for all time the most dangerous criminal and the foremost champion of the law of their generation. The Swiss Youth was never found again. But there can be no doubt that he was one of the numerous agents whom Moriarty kept in his employ. As to the gang, the evidence which Holmes had accumulated completely exposed their organization. But of their terrible chief, few details came out during the proceedings. And if I have now been compelled to make a clear statement of his career, it is due to those injudicious champions who have endeavoured to clear his memory by attacks upon him whom I shall ever regard as the best and the wisest man whom I've ever known. The Final Problem describes perhaps the most famous death in all the stories of Charlotte Film boy. In this, the greatest detective in literature died by a deliberate act of the writer who had created him, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In real life, my name is Norman Shelley. My friend Carlton Hobbs played Sherlock Holmes and I was Dr. Watson. Michael Hardwick wrote the script for this BBC production from London. And for the present, let's just leave it as Conan Doyle himself wished it to be left that after the Final Problem, there would be no more adventures of Sherlock Holmes. What actually happened? I'll explain next time we meet. Meet me here very.