Sherlock Holmes: The Guileless Gypsy 02/11/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes: The Guileless Gypsy"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: The Guileless Gypsy 02/11/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)
Release Date: February 20, 2026

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode presents a suspenseful Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson adventure set amid a gypsy encampment in the Norfolk Fen District. Against a backdrop of music, intrigue, and local hostility, Holmes investigates a sinister threat to the Treadgold heir and unravels a case involving deception, class tensions, and sacrifice. The story explores themes of prejudice, loyalty, and the misunderstood Romani culture, with a dramatic climax involving betrayal, fatal consequences, and bittersweet memories.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Norfolk Fen District & Gypsy Fair

• Holmes convinces Watson to visit Bragstone on the Marsh for what appears to be a holiday, but soon reveals he is searching for a young gypsy, Pyramus Hearn, who can help bring down the Moriarty gang.
  • Dr. Watson: “You’re not here purely for a holiday. You’re on the trail of some criminal.” (03:42)
  • Holmes: “I’m on the trail of a clue. A clue, if I find it, may lead to the confounding of the Moriarty gang.” (03:48)

Gypsy Culture and Initial Tensions

• At the fair, Holmes and Watson observe a vibrant gypsy camp, meeting fortune teller Lydia Pentelengro, Jasper Hearn (the chief), and the aristocratic Treadgolds.
• The Treadgolds, local gentry, express deep animosity towards the gypsies, blaming them for thefts and menacing their home.
  • Olive Treadgold: “The insolence of these gypsies is intolerable... they’d be run out of the county.” (06:07)
  • Major Treadgold: “I have a very good reason for humoring them...I’ve always been afraid they may carry this feud so far that they’ll even hurt the baby.” (07:54)

The Threat and Shooting Incident

• Major Treadgold confides to Holmes about a kidnapping threat note directed at his nephew, the Treadgold heir, believed to be written by a gypsy ("Romany rye").
  • Note text: “A Romany rye won't take your insults forever...Watch out for the Treadgold heir. The Bragstone quagmire would make a nice finishing school for him.” (08:38)
• Suddenly, a shot is fired at the group—raising the stakes and cementing Holmes's decision to take the case privately.

Holmes in the Gypsy Camp

• Seeking Jasper Hearn, Holmes forms a bond with Lydia Pentelengro, who reads palms and plays violin. She ominously foretells violence and brief fates, both for the Treadgolds and Holmes.
  • Lydia: “I refused to pen the duckerin because I saw blood and violent death in his hand.” (12:44)
  • Lydia: “A long lifeline. And yet I see sudden death and violence surrounding you now... Our paths are destined to cross but once.” (15:11)

The Kidnapping

• News arrives: the Treadgold child has been kidnapped. Holmes remains serenely at the camp, to Watson's confusion, playing violin with Lydia.
  • Watson: “Have you forgotten that you accepted the job of guarding the Treadgold heir and that the child was kidnapped?” (18:55)
  • Holmes: “No, I’m fully aware of fact.” (19:06)

Holmes’s Revelations

• Holmes reveals to Watson he orchestrated the "kidnapping" to protect the child:
  • The threatening note's language was forged—"Romany rye" would not be used by a true gypsy.
  • Holmes suspects the Treadgolds themselves, motivated by inheritance and dissatisfaction, attempted to frame the gypsies.
  • Holmes: “No gypsy threatened the child… who else had a motive?... Major Treadgold, because he stood to inherit the estate.” (19:55)
  • Holmes: “I promised that I would protect the Treadgold heir and so I arranged with Jasper Hearn to have the boy kidnapped for his own safety.” (21:02)

The Final Trap and Tragic Twist

• A second forged note lures Holmes to the Bragstone Quagmire at dawn. Lydia, reading the note first and donning Holmes’s coat and deer stalker hat, is mistaken for Holmes and shot by the culprit—Major Treadgold.
  • Lydia (dying): “I was wrong. We do meet again. Your hand lied to me.” (23:29)
  • Lydia: “It was the man whose fortune I told today. The man with the noisy wife.” (23:54)
• The gypsies enact their own justice, driving Treadgold into the deadly quagmire.
  • Jasper: “The gypsies knew it too. That is why you were single handed, Doctor, in your attempts to save the murderer. No Romany child would raise a finger to help him.” (25:26)

Resolution: Farewells and Gifts

• Holmes is deeply moved by Lydia’s sacrifice, accepting her violin in remembrance.
  • Lydia: “It brought us together. I should like you to have it, brother. Lydia, do not be sad. It is good. My life for yours.” (24:31)
• Holmes receives Pyramus Hearn’s address, having cleared the gypsies’ names and protected the child.
  • Jasper: “You have saved my tribe from a devilish plot that would have blackened their names. What can I do in return?” (25:48)
• The episode closes on a somber, reflective note, with Holmes playing Lydia’s violin, reminiscent of her lost spirit and the night’s melodies.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes Defines the Threat (08:38): “A Romany rye. A Romany rye won’t take your insults forever. Major and Mrs. High and Mighty. Watch out for the Treadgold heir. The Bragstone quagmire would make a nice finishing school for him.”
• Holmes’s Calm Amid Crisis (19:06):
  Dr. Watson: “Have you forgotten that you accepted the job of guarding the Treadgold heir and that the child was kidnapped?”
  Sherlock Holmes: “No, I’m fully aware of fact.”
• Lydia’s Prophecy (15:11): "A strange hand and a beautiful one. A long lifeline. And yet I see sudden death and violence surrounding you now..."
• Lydia’s Last Words (23:29, 24:31):
  Lydia: “I was wrong. We do meet again. Your hand lied to me... There is one thing of mine that I wish you to have. It will remind you of me... My violin. It brought us together.”
• Jasper on Gypsy Justice (25:26): “No Romany child would raise a finger to help him.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:14: Holmes and Watson arrive at the gypsy fair in Bragstone.
• 03:40–04:15: Holmes explains his real motive in Norfolk: tracking Pyramus Hearn.
• 05:03–06:07: Introduction of Lydia Pentelengro at the fortune-teller's tent; social tensions with the Treadgolds established.
• 08:36–08:56: Major Treadgold shows Holmes the threatening letter regarding his nephew.
• 09:07: A shot is fired at the party, heightening the danger.
• 12:44–13:09: Lydia refuses to tell Treadgold’s fortune, warning of "violent death."
• 15:11: Lydia reads Holmes's palm, sees violence and their destinies diverging.
• 16:02: Watson reports the child’s kidnapping.
• 18:52–19:11: Holmes and Watson's confrontation over Holmes's seemingly strange behavior.
• 19:30–21:07: Holmes reveals his deduction; he secretly arranged the child’s abduction for protection.
• 22:03–23:07: Lydia dons Holmes’s coat and hat, approaches the quagmire, is fatally shot.
• 23:29–24:31: Lydia's dying words; bequeaths her violin to Holmes.
• 25:11–25:48: The fate of Major Treadgold, the gypsies’ retribution.
• 26:01–27:02: Holmes asks for Pyramus’s address; receives Lydia’s violin as a memento.

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The Episode’s Legacy and Reflection

This episode weaves rich atmosphere and moral ambiguity, blending the legendary logic of Holmes with the passion and customs of Romani culture. It stands out for its emotional resonance, authentic musical interludes, and the poignant relationship between Holmes and Lydia, capped by her selfless sacrifice and the poetic gift of her violin.

The story emphasizes not only deduction and justice but also empathy, loss, and the hidden nobility within misunderstood communities.

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Listeners looking for an atmospheric, emotionally complex Holmes tale will find much to savor in “The Guileless Gypsy”—from evocative storytelling to the haunting echoes of violin music and the timeless interplay of friendship, prejudice, and heroism.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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] Petri wine brings you

[Jasper Hearn]

Basil

[Harry Bartell]

Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes. And say, while you lend an ear to the good doctor, you'll get a lot of pleasure out of a glass of rich, ruby red Petri California port. Just sit back and sip that Petri port leisurely. There's a wine that's just perfect after dinner. A wine that really goes with storytelling and conversation. Petri port is as rich in flavor as it is in color and water. Flavor Full, hearty and delicious. I can't think of a better way to express your hospitality than to offer your friends a glass of good Petri port. Serve that Petri port alone. Or serve it with fruit or nuts, or with cake or sandwiches. No matter how you serve it, you can serve that pet report proudly because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. Well, here we are once again keeping our weekly date with Dr. Watson. Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartell. Come in and join me. As you see, the puppies have been keeping your chair warm for you. Here, Shove them off.

[Harry Bartell]

No, Doctor, I don't want to disturb them. They look much too comfortable. I'll sit over here. Thanks.

[Dr. Watson]

There's tobacco in the jar beside you, cigarettes in the box and some excellent port on the sideboard. So make yourself at home.

[Harry Bartell]

Thanks, Doctor. Are you all ready with the night's new Sherlock holmes adventure?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Bartell. Though I'm afraid after all these years, it's going to be a little hard for me to recapture for you the spirit of the story.

[Harry Bartell]

Last week you told us that a band of gypsies played a prominent part in the adventure.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I did indeed. And it was amid that colorful atmosphere that my story begins. It was in the autumn of 1890. My old friend Sherlock Holmes had persuaded me to leave the comforts of my domestic fireside for a few days and to accompany him to the tiny village of Bragstone on the marsh in the heart of the Norfolk Fen District.

[Harry Bartell]

What took Sherlock Holmes up there, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

I'm afraid that at the time we left London, Mr. Bartell, he concealed his true purpose from me, saying only that he wanted friendly companionship and a strong right arm. Not until later did I learn that he was then on the track of one of the last clues that led to the confining of the Moriarty gang. But to get on with my story we arrived at Bragstone on the marsh and settled ourselves in the village inn. And after an early dinner we strolled across the fields to the gypsy fair that was in camp nearby. It was a colorful sight, Mr. Bartel. Naphtha flares lighted a group of tents and caravans dotted round the edge of the marsh. And as gold earring gypsy girls told fortunes and danced, swarthy gypsy men played on their violins the haunting melodies of their ancestors. We watched the side shows for a few moments and then strolled towards the center of the gypsy encampment. It seems Only like yesterday, Mr. Bartel, as Holmes turned to me and said.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Far cry from Baker street, isn't it, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, indeed. Just the same, Holmes, I'm convinced that you're not here purely for a holiday. You're on the trail of some criminal.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, chap, I'm on the trail of a clue. A clue, if I find it, may lead to the confounding of the Moriarty gang.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, can't you be a little more explicit? After all, I left my wife and my practice without asking any questions. Surely now we're up here you could let me know what's afoot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, Opala. I'm searching for a young gypsy by the name of Pyramus Hearn. He disappeared recently from London and it's vital that I find him. I know that he can give me some essential information on our old enemy, Professor Moriarty.

[Dr. Watson]

And you're expecting to find the gypsy here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope to get news of him at least. His father. Jasper. Jasper Hearn is head of this particular encampment.

[Dr. Watson]

Why don't you ask if you can see him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just what I'm about to do. My dear fellow, here comes it.

[Dr. Watson]

Just an hour, ask him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All right. Oh, excuse me.

[Harry Bartell]

You speak to me, Gordo.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Can you tell me where I may find Mr. Jasper Hearn?

[Harry Bartell]

What you want with Jasper Hearn?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have a message for his son, Pyramus.

[Harry Bartell]

That is different. Jasper Hearn stands in the booth yonder. Here's the timberland, Groveland grove.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here's the gentleman engaged in an interesting exhibition of skill involving three thimbles and a pea. What our American cousins refer to, I understand, as the old shell game. Let's stroll over there, shall we?

[Harry Bartell]

You would wish to talk to Jasper? It would be Better to wait until he is finished. A Timberlingron needs all his wits about.

[Dr. Watson]

Look at that stunning girl in the tent over there. Who's she?

[Harry Bartell]

Her that is Penning Teri Stuckering. That is Lydia. Lydia Pentelengro. Excuse me, I shall tell Jasper to expect you later.

[Dr. Watson]

I can't understand a word they say. Home petting. The what? At last.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, you can appreciate how I have felt at times but at least their words are clear even not even if the sense is not to someone who is unfamiliar with the Romani language.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't know why you keep hinting that I'm hard to understand. No one else ever complains of it. In any case, what does Penning the femibob mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, if I remember rightly, Penning duckering is telling fortunes. And from the sound of things Lydia Pentelangro is not greatly pleased with the Ducker and she penned no more.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Lydia can tell no more fortune.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on Watson, let's see what the trouble is.

[Olive Treadgold]

What do you mean? You must finish it.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

But Olive, my dear, if the young lady doesn't want to tell my fortune.

[Olive Treadgold]

Rubbish. You cross her palm with silver. She's taking money under false pretences.

[Fortune Teller]

Here, I give you your silver back.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Lydia has never taken money under false pretenses. Nor has she told the future when she does not wish to. Goodbye to you.

[Olive Treadgold]

The insolence of these gypsies is intolerable. If I had my way they'd be run out of the county.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Now my dear, don't get so excited. The poor girl's problem.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening. Major Tredgold, isn't it?

[Dr. Watson]

Huh?

[Harry Bartell]

I don't think I have the pleasure of your.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Oh, dear me. It's Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, sir.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Well, bless my soul, haven't seen you since that last meeting of the Geographical Society. I'd like you to meet my wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, Mrs. Treadgold.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

How do you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And this is my friend Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

And what brings you up to this part of England, Holmes? Are you hot on the trail of some desperate criminal?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear me, no. Dr. Watson and I are taking a little holiday. And you and your wife?

[Olive Treadgold]

We live here in the manor house.

[Dr. Watson]

Well you're very lucky. It's a beautiful part of the country, Mrs. Tregone.

[Olive Treadgold]

I hate it. I was born and brought up in London. I'm never really happy outside the city.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Yes, Oliver's not one for the peace of the countryside, I'm afraid.

[Harry Bartell]

Well, well, perhaps we'll get back there.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

It's a Little difficult these days, you know. We've got the boy to consider.

[Dr. Watson]

Boy? Your son, sir?

[Harry Bartell]

My dead brother's son, Doctor, we have no children.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

My little nephew's only four years old, you see, and I'm his guardian as well as being executor of his estates up here. So you can understand it would be difficult for us to get back to London.

[Olive Treadgold]

It's only difficult because you put the child's happiness before mine, Arthur.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Oh, now, now, Olive. You know I have to watch his interest up here. After all, when he comes of age, he'll be one of the richest young men in Norfolk.

[Olive Treadgold]

Yes, and with money that should have come to us. In any case, Arthur, if we do have to live up here, I'd find it more tolerable if you'd keep this gypsy scum off the estates.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You seem to have taken a violent dislike to the gyps, Mrs. Petgold. May I ask why?

[Olive Treadgold]

They persecute us, they steal our sheep, they break our windows, and just the other day they wantonly led our prize pick into the Bragstone quagmire and let the beast perish.

[Dr. Watson]

Why should they single you out for persecution like this, do you suppose?

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

I can't imagine. I've always tried to be nice to them.

[Olive Treadgold]

Too nice, Arthur. That's your trouble.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

I have a very good reason for humoring them, my dear. You see, Holmes, I've always been afraid they may carry this feud so far that they'll even hurt the baby. Olive, my dear, I wonder if you'd go ahead and wait for me in the carriage. It's getting rather chilly. I'll join you in a moment.

[Olive Treadgold]

Very well, Arthur, but don't keep me waiting long. Good evening.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening.

[Dr. Watson]

Good night, Mr. Jones.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Let's stroll away from the camp, shall we? I've got something very important to tell you, something I didn't like to say in front of Olive. The gypsies have threatened to kidnap our boy Scott.

[Dr. Watson]

How shocking.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What form did their threat take, sir?

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

This letter. I found it pinned on the frame of my dressing room mirror when I went up after dinner tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let me see it, will you, please?

[Dr. Watson]

What does it say, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A Romany rye. A Romany rye won't take your insults forever. Major and Mrs. High and Mighty. Watch out for the tread gold air. The Bragstone quagmire would make a nice finishing school for him.

[Dr. Watson]

Romney rye. What's that mean?

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Well, it's their own term meaning gypsy. Mr. Holmes. What shall I do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Major Treadgold.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

Great heavens, that shot just missed.

[Jasper Hearn]

Me?

[Dr. Watson]

Where'd the blazes come from? I can't see a soul.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Easily have come from behind any one of those caravans ahead of us.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

If you wanted direct evidence, gentlemen, this is it. That is the first open attempt on my life. Holmes. What extraordinary luck for me that you're in a neighbourhood. I'll pay you any fee you name to handle this business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It seems to me that this is a job for the police.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

I don't want to go to them.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, why not, sir?

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

I'm afraid that these attacks may stem from some injustice to the gypsies committed

[Dr. Watson]

by my late brother.

[Major Arthur Treadgold]

If that were so, I wouldn't wish to expose the fact. I want this kept private. What do you say, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, sir. I'll accept the case. It shall be kept private. And I promise to do everything in my power to protect the safety of the Treadgold heir. We are staying at the Rose and Crown in the village. Please get in touch with me if there should be any further developments.

[Dr. Watson]

The fair seems to be closed down for the night now, Holmes. They're turning up the Napster flare.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, let's stroll over to Jasper Hearn's caravan, shall we? He should be free now.

[Dr. Watson]

If he's head of this tribe, he ought to be able to tell you about this Tread Gold business, yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. I shall first ask him about his son, Pyramus, the man I'm looking for. I think the fact that I know his son will inspire confidence. Here we are. This is the caravan.

[Dr. Watson]

That girl, Lydia Petrolenga sitting outside. One that was telling fortune. Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Who are you and what do you want?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wish to speak to Jasper Hearn.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

He is not here. He has gone to the marsh.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When will he be back?

[Fortune Teller]

I do not know.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

You bring trouble to justice.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, no, my dear. This is a personal visit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We are not after him for being a simple ingrow or for penning duckerin for a gorgeo.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

You speak our omni well, brother. Oh, you are a true lavengro, master of words.

[Fortune Teller]

Where did you learn it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

From Jasper's son, Pyramus.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Ah, you know Pyramus there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A fine boy.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

I'll sit down on the grass, my friend. You may wait here for Jasper. He will be back soon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

Is that your violin lying on the steps, young lady?

[Lydia Pentelengro]

No, that is Jasper's Bochon.

[Dr. Watson]

Jasper's person. What now?

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Said that is the Romani word for violin. You play, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, but my friend does.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

So then take it, brother.

[Fortune Teller]

The stars are bright, the night is warm. Music will Be sweet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Romany chai. I'm afraid my violin playing will sound rather poor stuff.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Play on, brother. Stop, brother. You play well. But Sarasati Segorne Weissen is not the true gypsy music. I have heard it in London and in Budapest they call it gypsy. But what can a gorge show know of the true heart of Romany? Wait here. I will get my own violin.

[Dr. Watson]

Charming girl. Charming. Why'd she keep on talking about Gorgias? Is that more of their confounded gibberish?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gorgio chap is the term they use for anyone who is not a true gypsy.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Now I will play for you the real gypsy airs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I appreciate it very much. But before you begin, I wonder if I might ask you a question.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

A friend of Pyramus may ask me any question.

[Fortune Teller]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I observed you telling fortunes earlier on tonight. You refused to tell a certain gentleman's hand and gave the money back. Did you know who the gentleman was?

[Lydia Pentelengro]

No, brother. Nor the noisy woman with him. I refused to pen the doctor in because I saw blood and violent death in his hand.

[Fortune Teller]

Violent death which is soon to come.

[Dr. Watson]

Violent death? Good Lord.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, old fellow, I want you to do me a favor.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, of course I will. What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I must remain here until Jasper Hearn comes back. I should like you to return to the inn. It's more than possible that we may have news from our. Our client before the night is out. I'll be back later.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, it's nice of you to give me the best job. Good night, miss.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Good night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now, please play for me a true Romaniere.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Very well, my friend.

[Fortune Teller]

List.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Now you must play, brother. I shall make a true bongo of you. Come, see if you can follow me.

[Dr. Watson]

Ram.

[Jasper Hearn]

Lydia, you have taught him well. You have made a true bushoming girl of him.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

He is in that pupil, Jasper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, with such a teacher, it's hard to be otherwise, Mr. Hearn. That is, if one has a spark of music in one's soul.

[Jasper Hearn]

Call me Jasper, brother. You have spoken well, my son. You have talked wisely to me of things that I have not understood.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come.

[Jasper Hearn]

We shall drink wine together underneath the stars. I shall get vases and a flagon.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Jasper has taken a great fancy to you, brother.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I to him. He's a fine man.

[Fortune Teller]

Tui la combe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Lydia.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

May I read your hand, brother?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why, yes, of course.

[Fortune Teller]

A strange hand and a beautiful one. A long lifeline. And yet I see sudden death and violence surrounding you now, at this moment and in the future. I see a Journey for you across the seas within a year. Beware of water that runs in the mountains near. Death will befall you there. More travels, more dangers. Oh, you must be careful, brother.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, what is it?

[Fortune Teller]

Our paths are destined to cross but once. We shall not meet after this night. Death makes me sad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, but we shall meet again. I shall be here for some days yet.

[Fortune Teller]

No.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

It says in your hand that we

[Fortune Teller]

shall not meet again. And a hand cannot lie.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Who is this that comes towards us through the moonlight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's my friend, Dr. Watson, I think.

[Harry Bartell]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello, Watson. What's wrong?

[Dr. Watson]

Wrong, wrong, everything's wrong. Mrs. Treadgold's waiting in the carriage. She wants you to come at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed? Why?

[Dr. Watson]

The child has been kidnapped. Major Treadgold has gone for the police. And Mrs. Treadgold is threatening to rouse the local inhabitants and come out here and burn this camp to the ground if you don't find the child.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I tell Mrs. Treadgold to return home. She can do no good here but home, sir. Tell the old chap that I have the case well in hand.

[Dr. Watson]

But how can you have? You've been out here all the time playing your violin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have faith in me please, old fellow, will you? And deliver the message. Then come back here and join me and I'll explain everything to you.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well. I suppose you know what you're up to.

[Lydia Pentelengro]

Violence and trouble, brother.

[Fortune Teller]

It is all there in your hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, what must be shall be. And I wouldn't have it otherwise. But for the moment, the sky is starlit, the air is still, and the melody you played haunts me. Let's play it together again, shall we?

[Fortune Teller]

I should like that. I should like that very much.

[Harry Bartell]

Doctor Watson will continue his story in just a few seconds. During which time I'd like to talk specifically to the ladies, if I may, and tell you about Petri California Muscatel. Just as Petri California port has long been known as the wine of gentlemen, Petri Muscatel has been known as the favorite of the ladies. That's because Petri Muscatel is a golden colored wine that looks like captured sunshine and tastes as well. Did you ever taste big plump Muscat grapes picked when they're still misty and dew covered? If you have, you know what to expect when you taste Petri Muscatel. The flavor of Petri Muscatel comes right from the very heart of luscious hand picked Muscat grapes. You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Muscatel. Petri muscatel. Well, Dr. Watson, I must say this is A strange story you're telling us. You mean to say that the heir to the Treadgold Estates had been kidnapped and yet Sherlock Holmes paid no attention?

[Dr. Watson]

That's what it seemed like, Mr. Bartel. I couldn't understand him. I'd never known him to be so indifferent to a case. There he sat until the early hours of the morning as he and that girl scraped away at their violins and never said a word about the kidnapped baby. Finally, as we walked home across the fields a few hours before dawn, his mind seemed to return to the matter at hand. He spoke quietly, and yet there was a note of suppressed excitement in his voice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson. My dear fellow, you're angry with me, aren't you?

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, Holmes, I must say. But I'm confused. That girl seems to have bewitched you. Have you forgotten that you accepted the job of guarding the dread gold heir and that the child was kidnapped tonight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I'm fully aware of fact.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, for heaven's sake, stop being so infernally matter of fact, what's come over with it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, possibly it's the mood of this mild autumn night. It is indeed a St. Martin's summer. So much so that I've. I've left my coat and deer stalker cap behind me at the encampment. Let's go back, shall we? And incidentally, when we get there, I can set your mind at rest by showing you the kidnapped child.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean you know where it is?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly. It's in the camp.

[Dr. Watson]

Then the gypsums did steal it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, my dear fellow, I did.

[Dr. Watson]

What? This is one of those occasions when you absolutely infuriate me, Holmes. If you must keep me up half the night while you have a fit in contact with a gypsy girl, least of all you can do is tell me what's going on. You say you stole the child yourself. In heaven's name, why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because the threatening note to me to tread girl was so obviously a fraud.

[Dr. Watson]

Why do you say that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You will remember that the letter began. A Romany rye will not take your insults forever. Now, a Romany rye, despite what Major Treadgold said, does not mean a gypsy. But a man who knows about gypsy law. It is a term no true gypsy would apply to himself. He would use the expression Romany child, though it was obvious from the beginning that no gypsy threatened the child. Now, who else had a motive for harming it?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Major Treadgold, because he stood to inherit the estate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, or his wife. It's quite obvious she has no liking for our present life. And the child is an obstacle To a new one. With the child kidnapped and later made away with. Obviously they both stood to gain a great many of the things they wanted.

[Dr. Watson]

Joe, you're right. And whoever the culprit is took the precaution of pinning the blame in advance on the unfortunate gypsies by writing the false kidnapping note.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wait a minute.

[Dr. Watson]

But how about the shot that was fired at us tonight as we walked with Major Treadgold?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Probably fired by an accomplice to the plot in order to give authenticity to the supposed danger.

[Dr. Watson]

Then the child is now in the gypsy encampment?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I, I promised that I would protect the Treadgold heir and so I arranged with Jasper Hearn to have the boy kidnapped for his own safety.

[Dr. Watson]

But if anyone should find the child, they'll say the gypsies deliberately stole him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I'm quite certain that before that occasion arises, old chap, the criminal will have shown his or her hand. Come on, old fellow, put your best foot forward. It's a long way back to the camp yet and it's nearly dawn.

[Jasper Hearn]

You have come back, Butter. You wish to spend the remainder of the night in the encampment?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No thank you, Jasper. I just came back with my cap and coat. It was so warm tonight and I forgot about them and I started to walk home without them.

[Jasper Hearn]

I will find them for you. Oh, we found this message for you soon after you had left. It was pinned to the door of the caravan. I do not know how it got there. I will search for your coat and cap.

[Dr. Watson]

Another message. What does it say, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Never trust a Romany rye. Uh huh. The same mistake again, Watson. Your plans have been betrayed. For proof meet me at the Bragstone Quagmire at dawn.

[Dr. Watson]

It's a trap, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Obviously we must spring it with caution.

[Jasper Hearn]

I cannot find your coat or your caprotter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It has vanished. Vanished? May I speak to Lydia?

[Jasper Hearn]

That is strange thing too. Lydia has gone also.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She's gone. Tell me, Jasper, did she read this note?

[Jasper Hearn]

Yes she did.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She could not help reading it. Then she too realized it was a trap. She went out in my coat and deer stalking hat to keep the appointment for me.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Who's come after her? Jasper?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Call out the Romilly Childs. There's a devil waiting to be caught in the Braxton Quagmire.

[Dr. Watson]

How much further to the quagmire?

[Jasper Hearn]

I suppose 200 yards, no more.

[Dr. Watson]

There's Lydia. There she is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And she's dressed in my deer stalking hat and coat, walking into the trap

[Dr. Watson]

that was set for me. Lydia. Lydia. They got her. Look look, she's stumbled. She's fallen. I'll go to her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson. Jasper. Get that devil who staged this fiendish plot. I have a score to settle with him.

[Dr. Watson]

Do not worry, brother.

[Jasper Hearn]

The score will be settled.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Follow me, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you. I'm right behind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lydia. Lydia.

[Fortune Teller]

Sheila Combs. I was wrong. We do meet again. Your hand lied to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Lydia, you're wounded. What can I do for you?

[Fortune Teller]

There is nothing you can do, brother. No one can help me now. There is little pain. There is little time. Please, hold my hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There. Tell me, Lydia, did you see who fired the shot?

[Fortune Teller]

Yes. It was the man whose fortune I told today. The man with the noisy wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Major Treadgold.

[Fortune Teller]

Jasper and the men will take care of him. There is one thing I wish to tell you, brother.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes?

[Fortune Teller]

Our short meeting has brought me happiness. I should like to think I can leave you something so that you will not forget me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall always remember you, Lydia.

[Dr. Watson]

Always.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You gave your life for mine.

[Fortune Teller]

There is one thing of mine that I wish you to have. It will remind you of me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What is it?

[Fortune Teller]

My violin. It brought us together. I should like you to have it, brother. Lydia, do not be sad. It is good. My life for yours. You will give help to many people. It is in your hand. Goodbye. Osha Mangrove.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. It was dreadful. Dreadful. The gypsies surrounded Major Treadgold. They forced him back into the Bragstone quagmire. I tried to pull him out, but I couldn't do it single handed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not sorry, Watson. Jasper, you know that Lydia is dead.

[Jasper Hearn]

Yes, I know it. The gypsies knew it too. That is why you were single handed, Doctor, in your attempts to save the murderer. No Romany child would raise a finger to help him.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I can understand that. But great Scott, man, if you'd seen his face as the quaking mud sucked him under.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lydia's death was less dramatic. But equally moving, I assure you.

[Jasper Hearn]

Sherlock Holmes. I met you less than five hours ago. You have saved my tribe from a devilish plot that would have blackened their names. A plot that would have driven them from the countryside. What can I do in return?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Two things. First, tell me where I may reach your son, Pyramus.

[Jasper Hearn]

His address is in a sealed envelope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Brata. Thank you.

[Jasper Hearn]

What else may I do for you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As Lydia died, she willed me one gift for remembrance. And what was that gift, Arthur? A violin, of course. Here. Here it is. She told me I might become a true bossamingro. Let's see if I can recapture the melody once more,

[Harry Bartell]

Doctor. That Was a very strange story. Very fascinating one. Tell me, do you really believe that gypsies can tell your fortune by reading the palm of your hand?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, frankly, I don't know, Mr. Bartel. Perhaps they can. Perhaps it's coincidence. And then again, maybe some gypsy women have a heightened sense of intuition. You know, a woman's intuition can be an extraordinary thing.

[Harry Bartell]

Yeah, so my wife keeps telling me. Of course, I have a kind of intuition myself.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, really?

[Fortune Teller]

Mm.

[Harry Bartell]

Every time I see a bottle of wine with the name Petri on the label, my intuition tells me I'm gonna like it. And I always do too.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Bartell, if ever I saw a man with a one track mind. You're wet, man.

[Harry Bartell]

Thank you, doctor. As long as my one track is Petri, I can't mess. Because nobody can mess with Petri wine. What other wine has such tradition, such a story behind it? Petri wine is made by a family, the Petrie family. They've owned and operated their own business ever since its inception back in the 1800s. The Petrie family has been making good wine for generations. And they've been handing on down in the family, from father to son, from father to son, the fine art of turning luscious sun ripened grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. That sure adds up to a lot of experience. You can just bet your last dollar that no matter what kind of wine you want, when you ask for a Petri wine, you're asking for good wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you of a strange adventure that Sherlock Holmes and I had in the East End of London. Concerns five nephews, an eccentric will and a dead man's watch that gave us the clue to murder.

[Harry Bartell]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Adventure of the Red Circle. Music is by Dean Fostler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwood mayor and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures. They are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family

[Sherlock Holmes]

for a solid

[Harry Bartell]

hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.