Sherlock Holmes: The Lion's Mane (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Lion's Mane (Hobbs & Shelley)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Lion's Mane (Hobbs & Shelley)
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Release Date: June 6, 2025

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Overview

"The Lion's Mane" is a gripping episode from Choice Classic Radio Detectives, featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his steadfast companion Dr. John Watson. Adapted by Michael Hardwick and performed by Carlton Hobbs (Holmes) and Norman Shelley (Watson), this episode delves into a mysterious death intertwined with an enigmatic phenomenon—the lion's mane.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Dr. Watson reflecting on his departure from the iconic 221B Baker Street:

"In the late summer of 1902, I left number 221B Baker Street for the last time and that autumn married my dear second wife" [01:03].

Watson's marriage marks a significant change, leading to Holmes relocating to a secluded residence by the Downs near Brighton, minimizing their interactions. Despite the distance, their bond remains strong, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.

Discovery of Fitzroy McPherson

On a serene morning in July 1907, Holmes and Watson enjoy a peaceful stroll along the cliff path. Their tranquility is shattered when they encounter a distressed man, Paul McCaffrey, who collapses on the beach:

"He muttered two or three words, then weighed himself on the ground. Some sort of convulsion, it appeared, and then collapsed." [03:15]

McCaffrey's sudden collapse and cryptic utterances pique Holmes' interest, prompting a thorough examination of the deceased.

Clues Unveiled

Holmes inspects McCaffrey's body, noting alarming marks:

"See the wheels all over it?" [04:45] – indicating unusual trauma on McPherson's back.

Among McPherson's personal effects, Holmes discovers a handkerchief without markings, a large folding knife, and a card case containing a mysterious note:

"I will be there, you may be sure. Maudie." [07:35]

These findings suggest a connection to a woman named Maudie, leading Holmes and Watson to investigate McPherson's personal relationships.

Interaction with the Bellamy Family

Holmes and Watson visit the Bellamy household to question Ms. Maud Bellamy, the daughter of local businessman Tom Bellamy, who owns boats and bathing huts in the area. Initially, Ms. Bellamy denies any intimate relationship with McPherson:

"That Max person's attentions to my Maud were nothing less than an insult." [12:21]

However, under Holmes' keen interrogation, subtle inconsistencies surface, hinting at concealed depths in their relationship. The presence of letters in McPherson's home reveals an intimate liaison between him and Ms. Bellamy, further complicating the investigation.

Holmes' Analytical Mind

Holmes reflects on the psychological dynamics surrounding the case:

"I knew Mr. McPherson well enough. He was a brave and strong man. No single person could have done this thing to him." [13:25]

This statement underscores Holmes' belief in the complexity of the murderer's motive, dismissing the notion of a spontaneous act of violence against a resilient individual like McPherson.

Breakthrough and Resolution

A pivotal revelation occurs when Holmes recalls a description from a book by J. Wood about a creature resembling the "lion's mane":

"If the bather should see a loose roundish mass of tawny membranes and fibers, something like very large handfuls of lion's mane and silver paper. Let him beware, for this is the fearful stinger." [21:40]

Realizing the connection, Holmes and Watson revisit the beach, where they discover remains matching the description of the lion's mane. This evidence solidifies the link between the creature and McPherson's death.

Confronting Murdoch, an employee with motives rooted in jealousy over Ms. Bellamy, Holmes unravels the truth behind the mysterious death. Murdoch's envy and concealed relationship with Ms. Bellamy provide the necessary motive for the murder.

Conclusion

"The Lion's Mane" epitomizes Sherlock Holmes' unparalleled deductive prowess and the enduring partnership with Dr. Watson. Through atmospheric narration and meticulous storytelling, the episode delivers a complex mystery that captivates listeners from beginning to end.

Holmes concludes the case with a profound observation:

"It does not belong to these parts. Just as well for Sussex." [24:15]

This statement not only signifies the resolution of the case but also emphasizes the protection of the community from the malevolent force represented by the lion's mane.

Notable Quotes

• "In the late summer of 1902, I left number 221B Baker Street for the last time and that autumn married my dear second wife." – Dr. Watson [01:03]

• "He muttered two or three words, then weighed himself on the ground. Some sort of convulsion, it appeared, and then collapsed." – Dr. Watson [03:15]

• "See the wheels all over it?" – Dr. Watson on examining McPherson [04:45]

• "I will be there, you may be sure. Maudie." – Note found on McPherson's card [07:35]

• "I knew Mr. McPherson well enough. He was a brave and strong man. No single person could have done this thing to him." – Sherlock Holmes [13:25]

• "If the bather should see a loose roundish mass of tawny membranes and fibers, something like very large handfuls of lion's mane and silver paper." – Sherlock Holmes [21:40]

• "It does not belong to these parts. Just as well for Sussex." – Sherlock Holmes [24:15]

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This structured and detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions. It includes notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps, ensuring clarity and engagement for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Transcript

[Will]

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[Podcast Host]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.

[Dr. Watson]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] and now here is Dr. Watson to introduce the case of the Lion's Man. Thank you, sir. In the late summer of 1902, I left number 221B Basis street for the last time and that autumn married my dear second wife. I subsequently heard that Sherlock Holmes remarked, the good Watson has deserted me for a wife. The only selfish action which I can record in our association. Far be it for me to suggest that the loss of his chronicler precipitated his own retirement. But the following year he persuaded our faithful landlady and housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, to dispose of the Baser street rooms and set up a new home for him in service on that part of the Downs which stretches from Brighton to Eastbourne. An occasional brief visit was the most that I ever saw this. It was during one of these, in July 1907, that there chanced to arrive. The problem is abstruse and unusual as anything I'd recorded at any stage of Holmes's surreal. There had been a severe channel gale the night before, but this morning the wind had abated and all nature was newly washed and fresh. Before breakfast, Holmes and I were strolling along the cliff path, enjoying the exquisite air. Splendid, my dear Watson. Friendly, no doubt about it. Home you Chose your place well. All these miles of beach and cliffs. Not a soul to disturb you. Peace and quiet to pursue my studies and farm my bees with the anticipation of the next visit from my friend and former colleague. Your colleague still, I hope. What more could I desire? You're not troubled by triplets from full whistle? Not at all. And this school, what's the man's name? No, no. The Gables is nearly a place for special coaching or climbers. No more than a couple of dozen young fellows preparing for various professions. A handful of tutors. Why look. There goes Stackhurst himself. Good Morning, Stackhurst. Morning, Mr. Holmes. Thought I'd see you about on such a day. Going for a swim, I see. Ha ha. At your old tricks again. Yes, but Sphersoon started early. I expect I'll find him down there. There'll be excellent swimming today. These storms leave lagoons after the tide turns. Is Maxassin a member of Staghurst staff? The science master. A fine upstanding young fellow. Unfortunately crippled by heart trouble after rheumatic fever. But he excels in any exercise that doesn't trail him too far. Summer and winter he takes his swim and I. What was that? Sacklers. Come. Office. This part. Holmes. Holmes, are you there? Yes, Jackers. Coming. Stackers. Quickly, Watson. I'm with you. Helms. Along here. It's Paul McCaffrey, my train product. Thank goodness. Was he running? No, no, no. He was hurrying up the beach towards the park Just as I caught sight of him. He began to stagger. His legs just buckled and he gave a dreadful cry. Yes, he heard it. He collapsed as I knelt beside him. He muttered two or three words, then weighed himself on the ground. Some sort of convulsion, it appeared, and then collapsed. There's nothing I can do, I'm afraid. He's dead. Dead? Well, I feared as much. Dead hurt you say? He spoke a few words. What were they? Well, they were blurred and indistinct and yet, absurd as it may seem, I'd swear he said the lion's mane. Oh, sis, come here. Look at this. What have you found? Look at his back. See the wheels all over it? The devil has been flung, locked, deflated, cured. With all respect, docket into your seltzer. Some kind of thin wild scourge in my opinion. See where the strokes have curved around his shoulders and ribs? This coupled with the signs of agony in the features. What's the trouble, Mr. Sackhurst? Ah, Murdoch. There's been a tragedy. What? Who? Oh, MacPherson? I'm afraid so. He's Dead. Oh, poor fellow. Poor fellow. What can I do? How can I help, Mr. Murdoch? You weren't with McPherson then? No, I was late this morning. I wasn't on the beach at all. I'd just come down from the school. I saw you all here and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good Lord.

[Dr. Watson]

Those marks. What. What theme did that to him? Mr. Murder? If you'll be so kind. Anything. Go straight to the police station at Polwarth, report the matter and tell them I shall remain here. Of course. But why? Now, Watson, I observe that in your commendable haste to examine the body, you rearranged the clothing somewhat. Will you please tell me exactly how Ms. Hudson is dressed? Yes, sir. So. Pretty strange there. Just that overcoat, his trousers and canvas shoes unlaced, I noticed. Dreadful business. But those marks on him, I. I don't understand. If I'm not mistaken, Stackhurst, wasn't there some trouble in the past between macpherson and murder? There was an incident. I considered it closed. Concerning MacPherson's dog, I believe. Well, it irritated Murdoch in some way and he heard it through a window. He has these ferocious outbursts. They're by no means connected. Only with poor McPherson. I prefer to overlook them. He's a very valuable man. Quite. No bathing costume, Holmes. He wasn't wearing one either. Well, it's quite secluded here, Doctor. No spectators. Yet instead of swimming, he threw on his clothes and shoes in some haste. You mean to say that someone had come down to the water's edge and flogged him? There's signs of a struggle in the phantom. No, but this lagoon is almost entirely surrounded by rock and shingle. Now let me examine his coat pocket, see if there's anything in them. Ah, yes, a handkerchief, no markings. Large folding knife and. And a card case from which. From which this slip of paper is projecting. Bearing, writing in the scrawling feminine hand reading. I will be there, you may be sure. Maudie. Does this lady's name convey anything to you? Cecil? No. And yet I shouldn't like to say. Very well then. I suppose that as soon as Murdoch returns with the police, we go up to the school and with your permission, examine the contents of the curtains. Rule by all means. If there has been one letter, there may have been more. Let us hope that they may provide at least one clue to this quite singular problem. Those are all the letters I can find home. And quite sufficient to establish that poor McPherson was carrying on quite an intimate relationship. As Ms. Maud Bellamy, I. I thought it might be her, but it was none of my business. Ms. Maud Bellamy, a member of your staff, Mr. President. Oh, the greatest. No, no, she's the daughter of old Tom Bellamy, who owns all the boats and bathing huts at forward. Oh, she's of duty, Watson. He'd draw attention anywhere. Her father is quite a man of substance, isn't he, Satcher? Oh, indeed. He used to be a fisherman, but he's clever for long range. I see. Shall you begin to see Ms. Bellamy, Holmes, Watson is a rare connoisseur of beauty. Stircast, I fancy. It would be a form of cruelty not to do as he suggests Now, Holmes. Yes, my dear Watson, we shall go immediately to see the ladies. It may be that we shall find nothing to connect today's horrible affair with their relationship. But one thing is certain. Poor macpherson did not inflict those injuries on himself. His circle of acquaintances in this lonely place was surely limited. So let us follow it up in every possible direction. And we can hardly fail to come upon the motive which in turn should lead us to the criminal. Here's Dellamisley. Ah, not bad, is it? For the man who started with nothing but by Jove.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Murdoch.

[Dr. Watson]

Coming out. Murdoch. No second not confounded. What were you doing in there, Murdoch? I beg your pardon? You heard me very well. I demand to know what you are up to. I am your subordinate under your roof. Sir, I am not aware that I owe you any account of my private actions. That is pure impertinence, Mr. Murdoch. Your question might come under that same heading. This is not the first time I've had to suffer your insubordinate ways. It will certainly be the last. You will kindly make fresh arrangements for your future as speedily as you can. I had intended to do so. I have lost today the only person who made the place habitable. I shall not trouble you further with my presence. See, Holmes, it seem not an impossible is intolerable man. Yet his connection with that and now with the Bellamy household could prove of vital importance. St. When we've done here, you must return at once to your establishment and persuade Murdoch, by threat or apology, to remain in your employment. At least until this inquiry is completed. I'm. I'm sorry, Holmes, I didn't realize. Never mind, my dear fellow. I realize you were under great poverty. Patience, doctor. But please, please, no further outbursts. Whatever we're about to hear, we cannot afford to sacrifice the most slender hope of recluse. Of course. I am sorry, Holmes. Who is you? Mr. Shadow? Yes, Mr. Bellamy. I have come. We've come. This is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Mr. Bellamy, we come on the favorites and some distressing news concerning your daughter. Oh, I know all about that. Your Mr. Murdoch has just been here. He told you? Mr. Bellamy, it's quite understandable that Mr. Murdoch should have felt moved to break the news to you. But it was hardly tactful without a full knowledge of the particulars. Mr. Stackhurst has brought us here so that we may answer any questions Ms. Bellamy may wish to ask. We've got no questions, no particulars. To my mind this Max person's attentions to my Maud were nothing less than an insult. Insult? Yes sir. The word marriage was never mentioned between them. Would you call that then? All these letters and meetings and goings on and her with no mother and only a father to try to protect her. Father, please disrupt the Ptolemy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Father, how can you stand discussing things like this practically in the street? Please gentlemen, will you come inside?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, let's come in. Thank you. Let's take a seat. I'm sorry, Mr. Satisfut, you know my feelings. Now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear Father, gentlemen, I know that Fitzroy and that person is dead. Do not be afraid to tell me the particular.

[Dr. Watson]

May I ask what Mr. Murdoch has already told you, Ms. Bellamy?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only that. That he was found on the beach and that it was as if. As if he'd been flogged to death.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm afraid, Ms. Bellamy, that there's every appearance of a crime having been committed as to who might have been responsible. That's one of the reasons why they Hasten to you, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If I can help to show who did it, it is the least I can do.

[Dr. Watson]

Now Morris, I've already warned you not to get bought into it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is my business, Father. Kindly let me manage it in my own way. Bring them to justice, Mr. Holmes, whoever they may be.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you. I value a woman's instinct in such matters. You use the word they. You think that more than one is concerned.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I knew Mr. McPherson well enough. He was a brave and strong man. No single person could have done this thing to him.

[Dr. Watson]

Quite right, Ms. Bellamy. I quite agree. Ms. Bellamy, might I have a word with you alone? I tell you Maud, don't get mixed up in this. Mr. Bellamy. The whole world will know the facts presently so there can be no harm if I discuss them here. I should have preferred privacy, but if you will not allow it you must share the deliberation. I'm sorry, Ms. Bellamy, this. This note is bound to be produced at the inquest. May I ask you to throw any light upon it that you can?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What note's that I wrote it agreeing to meet Mr. McPherson.

[Dr. Watson]

Why you didn't go?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see no reason for mystery now he's dead. We were engaged to be married.

[Dr. Watson]

You like an egg girl, so I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Would bother if you'd ever shown sympathy. But you had to keep it secret too because Fitzroy's uncle might have cut him off if he'd married against his wish.

[Dr. Watson]

I understand. When was your appointment to meet Mr. McPherson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tonight. The note you found on him for me was an answer to this one of his dearest. The old place on the beach, just after sunset on Tuesday. It is the only time I can get away.

[Dr. Watson]

This never came through the post. How did you get it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I would rather not answer that, Mr. Holmes. It has nothing to do with this.

[Dr. Watson]

Your investigation, Ms. Bellamy. These people who might have done this thing, had Mr. McPherson any enemies?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not that I know yet.

[Dr. Watson]

But you yourself Ms. Bellamy, had you any other particular admirers? Oh now look here, hear, sir, I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have had Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

So I can imagine. May I ask if Mr. Ian Murdoch is one of them?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There. There was a time when I thought he was, but that was all changed when he. When he understood the relations between Fitzroy and me.

[Dr. Watson]

I see. Thank you Ms. Bellamy, for your frankness. We have a tangled sweet gain in our hands, but this visit may have given me a glimpse of one free end of it. Come Watson, we must proceed with our further inquiries without. It's all very well Holmes, that these aren't our Baker seat days anymore. You kept me here over a week now, away from my practice, my wife. Oh, my humble abode's not comfortable enough for you, Pat? Oh, not at all too comfortable. Go on, do help yourself to some more brandy. And sir, well perhaps I'll. My dear Watson, you'd never forgive me were I to let you go now. Depend on it. In all your chronicles your readers will find no case which brought me so completely to the limit of my powers. You gave me the impression it was as good as sold. After that talk with Ms. Bellamy I'd hoped as much. But a dead man on a deserted beach, apparently trashed to death, yet with no evidence to be found of any adversary. No Watson, even my imagination can conceive of no solution. Well my so called readers wouldn't credit us as trying very hard if they could still crawl here in front of the fire with this delicious aroma of dinner wafting all around us. Oh, here's the good lady responsible. I was just about to say, Mrs. Hudson, if that dinner tastes one half as good as it smells, you may.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Judge that for yourself in Dustin. Fifteen minutes time, sir. If I may Lay the table.

[Dr. Watson]

Not like Baker street there, Mrs. Hudson. Meals at all hours. Never forget that time Mr. Holmes told you he'd be back for dinner at.

[Sherlock Holmes]

7:30 the day after tomorrow.

[Dr. Watson]

During the Mazarin Stone fair, wasn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think it was, sir. Oh, I remember that case very well. Quite amusing, I thought. Not at all like this sad matter. And now this business about Ms. Macpherson's dog.

[Dr. Watson]

You mean the time that man Murdock strode through a window?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh no, sir. I need a Dane.

[Dr. Watson]

What is this, Hudson? What about McPherson's dog?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why, dead, sir. Died of grief for its master.

[Dr. Watson]

Who told you this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, everyone's talking of it, sir. I thought you'd have heard. Evidently it took on terribly after its master died. Wouldn't mean to bite all week then today two young gentlemen from Mr. Flathurst Place found it dead down on the beach, sir, at the very place where its master met his end.

[Dr. Watson]

At the very place?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes.

[Dr. Watson]

That the dog should have died of grief is consistent with the beautiful faithful nature of dog. But at the very pace. Could it be possible that. You're surely not suggesting that someone delivers? Something's building in my mind. I must catch it before it disintegrates again. Get your coat. Oh, Mr. Holmes, we're going out now to sack her. To see this poor animal for ourselves. If it's there, then to the beach. But it'll soon be dark. And don't do that fixed in there before the one key we've had escaped us. Oh, very well. I'm going.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just as you'd said, Doctor, that it wasn't like Face of Sleep anymore.

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[Dr. Watson]

What you hope to find, Holmes? I'm blessed if I can think. Yes, here and here. The marks made by that faithful little dog searching round the spot where his master had laid. See? Even down to where he'd been about to take that last day. What does it tell you? I don't know, Watson, I don't know. Do you remember the agony of McFirsty's death? Remember the agony? We saw a written pain on the features of that faithful little creature just now. You see a connection? I see similarities which suggest a connection. What this might be. Come along, we must be getting home. Ah, I'm sure Mrs. Hudson won't have left that dinner. Right. Dinner. Perhaps, Watson, Later. But first, first. How often have I likened my mind to a box room clouded with packets of out of the way knowledge without scientific system, but very available for the needs of my work. Oh, very often. Well, you'll be delighted to hear that I've just opened one of those packets. It has proved to contain a vague memory which I trust will guide us through a labyrinth of books to a fact for which I've been unconsciously grasping all this week. We must test it to the full. Oh, Holmes. Holmes, you'll never change. Holmes. Wait for me. It's no use watching. It isn't here. It strikes me as just about every other blessed book that's ever been published is. I was compelled to discard a portion of my library when I left Baker Street. I hesitated at the time. This has brought my folly home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Me.

[Dr. Watson]

All information is likely to be useful at some time. Well, it just can't be helped, Holmes. Now I really think. I know. St has a splendid library. If we're in luck, he'll have the very worst. Some. Watson. Oh, Holmes. You realize what time it is? What? No, it's nearly 11. Sackhurst establishment will be in peace and darkness by now. You realize that poor woman, Mrs. Hunton, is sitting out there in her kitchen waiting for the word to serve the remains of what promised to be a splendid dinner. Oh, dear me, Watson, I had no idea. Fortunately, Holmes, there are others who care for your welfare, even if you don't yourself. Must I remind you yet again that the eccentric habits of your youth are not pity to a man of your years? Or for that matter, mine? But what. Whether you're hungry and tired or not. I am, Mrs. Hodson. We're going to dine and then enjoy our night sleep. Home. St Library can perfectly well wait until the morning. If the scent cools, Watson, yours will be the blame. Oh, very well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You called, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mrs. Hudson, I did. Only one kind of scent interests me just now. Home. And I fancy it'll lead to rewarding result. Mrs. Hutton, kindly serve our dinner. Mr. Holmes and I apologize for the inconvenience we have caused you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Just two minutes. My dear Watson. I must say, Holmes, I hope you're so near the right track. This book, perhaps. Thank you, no, no. If only the author's name hadn't escaped me. It. It had a chocolate colored binding at you, sir? Well, I did as you requested. I'm persuaded Murdoch to stay on here. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't. I feel sure the police are on the point of arresting him. He won't do much for this establishment so far as reputation goes. You know, my dear Tackert, I assure you, no one is more alive to your position than I. Hence this early visit and our untimely breakfast, eh? What? Your revenge, Holmes. And I hope you're satisfied. Yes, but think status. Not even the local police would arrest Murdoch on the evidence they have. They have your testimony that when you discovered macpherson in agony, that beach was quite empty. They have the word of Watson and myself as well as yours, that Murdoch approached us along the beach from a direction he couldn't possibly have come if he'd attacked McPherson only moments before. Besides which, we're surely agreed as to the impossibility of his having inflicted the outfit single handed, even on a man who was partly crippled. Me. Murdoch.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Brandy.

[Dr. Watson]

Come on. Get him on. Get him on. Very carefully now. I have him. Get that done.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An oil.

[Dr. Watson]

Oil. Anything to the pain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oil?

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean? Bring in more brandy. Piece. Texas. Yes, at once. Watson, the memory I've been keeping is returned to me. Get this man's jacket off. All right. Another flogging. I noticed those clothes were all awry. Just as my first. Yes. Good Lord. Now think. This man, he made oil to soothe his wounds. Now, Watson, attend to him. I can see we shall learn that he suffered this in exactly the same part of the beach as McPherson. And if this man's heart had been weak as MacPherson was, he wouldn't be home now. The beach. Well, yes, of course. I saw him setting off for a swim a little while ago. Precisely. Now give him plenty of brandy. If my memory serves me, as I think it does, at last it's a prime remedy. He'll be all right, Captain. We'll pay another visit to the beach ourselves, where we shall see if I can't deliver our murderer into your hands. Task the murderer and we'll take with us, assuming that you possess it, the book which we've been so haphazardly seeking. I remember this, James. It's out of Doors by J. Wood. Oh, yes, I have that. Excellent. And now let's do what we can to ease this poor fellow's pain. Here we are. Now, gentlemen, could anything be more deceptively innocent than this crystal lagoon? It certainly looks innocuous to me. What are we supposed to be looking for? Him? I can't see anything. Except. Except what? I too can see. Status. What? Where? On that rocky shelf. Watson. Yes? Can't you see a somewhat hairy looking feature lying there under the water? The sort of tangled mass and yellow hair, streaks of silver amongst it. Like a lion's mane perhaps. By Jove. Home pulsating. Oh, revolting looking thing. And one which has done mischief enough. I fancy we're justified in ending it murderous career with this stone. Now this. Oh, well aimed home fair and square. So our mystery is solved. What was the thing? I'm a native of the Sussex coast, but I never saw such a thing before. It doesn't belong to these parts. Just as well for Sussex. It may have been the southwest gaol that brought it up the night before macpherson died. Now, where's this book? Now the author writes of an encounter with such a creature while swimming once off the coast of Kent. Ah, here's the very section. Now listen to this. If the bather should see a loose roundish mass of tawny membranes and fibers, something like very large handfuls of lion's mane and silver paper. Let him beware, for this is the fearful stinger. S Never heard of it. Wood goes on to describe how it radiates almost invisible filaments to a distance of some 50ft. Even at that distance the effect when they touched him is almost fatal. He says the multitudinous threads cause life. Scarlet lines upon the skin charged as it were with red hot needles, making their way through to the nerve and leaving the appearance of a fogging. Precisely. He says that had he not had immediate access to brandy, by the by, he came to have gulped down a whole bottle full. He's certain he would have expired so great was the pain and its effect on his heart. Quite ugly. Remarkable. But tell me, Holmes, how did you chance to associate associate that with these events? Here. Well, that phrase the lion's mane haunted my mind above all the other features of this case. I knew that I'd seen it somewhere in an unexpected context. You've seen how accurately it describes the creature. Indeed. I've no doubt that McPherson saw it floating on the water after it had stung him. The phrase he used was the only one by which he could convey to us the cause of his death. Well, thank heaven it's so. And he clears Murdoch. But what about his jealousy of McPherson over Ms. Bellamy? As a lifelong expert upon the psychology of love and romance botany, wouldn't you think that once Murdoch realized that the woman he desired had come to prefer his best friend, his only wish was to serve her happiness? No doubt as go between and message carrier in their concealed relationship? Well, perhaps so. Holmes would dear me. Yet I fancy I'm not far from the truth. Well, we must get Murdoch's mind at rest. And Ms. Bellamy? You know, had the body been found in the water, I could hardly have missed the truth. I allowed myself to be misled by a dry towel. The poor fellow had not paused to dry himself. And I assumed that he'd never been in the water. That was where I went sadly astray. No, gentlemen, I wrote and shout the official police in my time for lack of imagination. But the lion's mane Siena, capillator, very nearly avenged Scotland Yard. The Lion's mane by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was adapted for radio by my Michael Hardwick. The part of Sherlock Holmes was played by Carlton Hobbs and Dr. Watson by Norman Shelley Stackhurst, Garrod Green Murdoch, Henry Davis Delaney, Humphrey Morton, Lord bellamy. Tap present Mrs. Hudson Janet Morrison. The production was by Graham gold on Radio 2 at 8:15 on Thursday. You can hear his last bow. Sherlock Holmes. We present the.

[Podcast Host]

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