Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman (Hobbs & Shelly)

Summary

Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman

Episode: The Retired Colourman (Hobbs & Shelly)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio to witness the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they unravel the mysterious case of Josiah Amberley, a retired colour man. Adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story and brought to life by Carlton Hobbs (Sherlock Holmes) and Norman Shelley (Dr. Watson), this episode masterfully blends suspense, wit, and intricate detective work.

Main Characters

• Sherlock Holmes (Carlton Hobbs): The iconic detective known for his keen observation and deductive reasoning.
• Dr. John Watson (Norman Shelley): Holmes's loyal friend and chronicler, providing grounded insights into their adventures.
• Josiah Amberley: A retired junior partner of a manufacturers firm, grappling with personal and financial turmoil.
• Mrs. Amberley: Josiah's young wife, whose sudden disappearance sets the plot in motion.
• Mr. Barker: A stern character with questionable motives, later revealed to have ulterior motives.
• Inspector MacKinnon: The diligent police inspector involved in the investigation.

Plot Summary

The Case Unfolds

The episode begins with Dr. Watson recounting his return to 221B Baker Street to find Sherlock Holmes in a state of gloom (02:01). Their conversation reveals that Josiah Amberley, a seemingly respectable retired colour man, has fallen into despair following personal tragedies, including a failed marriage and financial losses. Amberley's wife disappears under mysterious circumstances, taking with her a deed box containing significant savings.

Notable Quote:
"Well, pathetic, futile, broken creature." — Sherlock Holmes (02:31)

Initial Investigation

Dr. Watson seeks Holmes's assistance in solving Amberley's predicament, but Holmes is preoccupied with another case involving two Coptic patriarchs. Watson, determined to help, agrees to take on the investigation. He provides Holmes with essential details about Amberley's background, including his retirement, marriage to a much younger woman, and his obsessive hobby of chess, which is a crucial clue (03:02).

Notable Quote:
"It's a dreadful world. Dreadful. Dreadful." — Josiah Amberley (06:11)

Unraveling the Mystery

Watson delves deeper into Amberley's life, uncovering that Amberley was too trusting, leading to his vulnerability. He learns about Amberley's wife’s alleged headache as a pretext to avoid their planned evening outing, which turns out to be an ill omen as she subsequently disappears (07:22).

When Holmes finally joins the investigation, they discover inconsistencies in Amberley's alibi and the theater's attendance records, pointing to his guilt. Holmes and Watson confront Amberley, leading to a tense exchange where Amberley reveals his distrust and eventual confrontation with Holmes (14:15).

Notable Quote:
"What question, Mr. Holmes?" — Josiah Amberley (19:23)

The Twist and Revelation

As the investigation progresses, Holmes introduces Mr. Barker, an enigmatic figure who complicates the case. Tensions rise when Barker attempts to subvert the investigation, leading to a dramatic confrontation that almost results in Holmes's downfall via a poison capsule (19:55).

However, Watson's ingenuity shines as he reveals his strategic plan to entrap Amberley. By examining the scent of paint in Amberley's home and the sealed strong room, Watson deduces that Amberley orchestrated his wife's disappearance to cover up his nefarious activities. The duo sets a trap, leading to Amberley's exposure and the recovery of the missing money and his wife.

Notable Quote:
"You will get results, Inspector, by always putting yourself in the other fellow's place and thinking what you would do yourself." — Dr. John Watson (28:33)

Key Investigations and Clues

1. Behavioral Analysis: Holmes's initial assessment of Amberley as a "pathetic, futile, broken creature" highlights his understanding of human psychology (02:31).
2. Inconsistencies in Alibi: The unused theater ticket and Amberley's torn photograph reveal discrepancies in his account (07:29).
3. Sensory Clues: The overpowering smell of paint in Amberley's home suggests an attempt to mask other odors, indicating potential foul play (23:47).
4. Architectural Insights: The sealed iron door and gas pipes within the strong room point towards a meticulously planned deceit to trap or harm someone (24:32).
5. Interrogation Techniques: The interaction with Inspector MacKinnon showcases Holmes's adeptness at leadership and managing law enforcement collaboration (21:03).

Conclusion

Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman serves as a stellar example of classic detective storytelling, blending meticulous detective work with compelling character development. The episode underscores the brilliance of Holmes and Watson's partnership, their ability to read human emotions, and their unwavering commitment to unraveling the truth. Through a series of clever deductions and strategic maneuvers, they bring justice to Josiah Amberley, restoring order and exposing deceit.

Final Notable Quote:
"Even Sherlock Holmes. Yes, it's as workmanlike a job as I can remember." — Dr. John Watson (29:27)

This episode not only entertains but also offers timeless lessons in critical thinking, the importance of details, and the complexities of human nature, making it a must-listen for fans of old-time radio and detective narratives.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

From London we present the.

[Dr. John Watson]

Retired Color Man, a play for radio based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Retired Color man.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was late one summer afternoon I returned from my Club to 221B Baker street to find Sherlock Holmes, gaunt figure stretched in his deep chair. I recognize his melancholy and philosophic mood. His alert, practical nature was subject to such reactions.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, my dear Watson, did you see him? Who?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, the old fellow who's just gone out.

[Dr. John Watson]

Precisely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I met him at the door.

[Dr. John Watson]

What did you think of him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, pathetic, futile, broken creature.

[Dr. John Watson]

Exactly, Watson. Pathetic and futile, poor chap. But is not all life pathetic and futile? Isn't his story a microcosm of the whole? We reach, we grasp, and what is left in our hands at the end? A shadow. Or worse than the shadow, Misery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, come, Holmes, is he one of your class?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I suppose I may call him so?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, who is he anyway?

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Josiah Amberley. He says he was junior partner of Brickfall and Amberley, manufacturers of artists materials. You'll see their names upon paint boxes. He made his little pile, retired at the age of 61, bought a house at Lewisham and settled down to rest after a life of ceaseless grind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sounds a comfortable prospect.

[Dr. John Watson]

He retired in 1896. Early in 1897 he married a woman 20 years younger than himself. Aha, yes, good looking too, if her photograph doesn't flatter. A competence, a wife. Leisure. It looked like a straight road before him, yet within two years he's reduced to the broken and miserable creature you've just seen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's happened, Holmes?

[Dr. John Watson]

The old story, Watson, a treacherous friend and a fickle wife. It seems that Amberley has one hobby in his life, chess. Not far from him at Lewisham there lives a young doctor, Dr. Ray Ernest, who is also a chess player. Ernest was frequently in Amberley's house and an intimacy between him and Amberley's wife was the result.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That doesn't surprise me. Your car doesn't look like a paragon of the Graces.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, the couple went off together last week. Destination so far untraced. What's more, the woman carried off the old man's deed box by way of personal luggage. He had a good part of his life savings in it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well that's bad.

[Dr. John Watson]

So Watson, can we find the lady? Can we save the money?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's a commonplace sort of case to bother you with, Helms and it, but.

[Dr. John Watson]

Vital enough for poor Josiah Amberly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that's so. What will you do then?

[Dr. John Watson]

What will you do, my dear Watson, eh? If you would be good enough to understudy me, that is. Oh, you know how preoccupied I am with this case of the two Coptic patriarchs. It should come to a head today. No, I really haven't time to go out to Lewisham. And yet evidence taken on the spot has a special value.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, by all means, Holmes. I confess I don't see that I can be of much service, but I'm willing to do my best.

[Dr. John Watson]

Capital. Oh, by the way, the name of his house is the Haven. The old fellow was quite insistent that I should go, but I explained my difficulty. He's quite prepared to meet a representative.

[Josiah Amberley]

I hardly expect that so humble an individual as myself would merit the the complete attention of so famous a man as Mr. Sherlock Holmes, especially after my heavy financial loss.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can assure you, Mr. Amberly, the financial question does not.

[Josiah Amberley]

No, of course, it's art for art's sake with him. I understand. Still, even on the artistic side of crime, he might have found something here to study. And human nature, Dr. Watson. Ah, the black ingratitude of it all. Tell me, when did I ever refuse one of her requests? Was ever a woman so pampered? Mr. Ambler and that young man he might have been my own son. Had to run of my house and see how they've treated me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Amber.

[Josiah Amberley]

It's a dreadful world. Dreadful. Dreadful. Did you say something?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was merely going to point out that if you continue to wave your paintbrush about like that, it wouldn't be long before you did your clothing a mischief. But I'm afraid the damage is done.

[Josiah Amberley]

Oh. Oh dear me. You see how this business has distracted me. I'm in the middle of painting this hall. You seem surprised, Doctor.

[Podbean Announcer]

What?

[Josiah Amberley]

Must do something to ease an aching heart. I'd started painting the house only the day before they disappeared. I thought I might as well carry on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, very sensible indeed, Mr. Amberley.

[Josiah Amberley]

But pray step into my sanctum, away from this paint smell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Ah, that's better.

[Josiah Amberley]

Yes, yes. Pray take a seat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, sir.

[Josiah Amberley]

Good. Now then, where shall I begin my account? With my retirement or marriage perhaps?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, not necessary at all. Mr. Holmes merely requested certain details. For example, the events of the actual evening of your wife's disappearance.

[Josiah Amberley]

Oh, how shall I ever forget them. To think that I'd prepared a special treat for the shameless creature.

[Podbean Announcer]

Treat?

[Josiah Amberley]

The Haymarket Theatre. The two upper circle seats. A gay evening. I thought perhaps a little supper somewhere. But no, she complained of a headache and refused to go. See here. I have it here. Theatre ticket, unused seat 31, row B.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And then you had to go alone?

[Josiah Amberley]

I did. There I sat all through the performance, her empty seat beside me. And little did I realize what an ill omen it was.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You returned to find her gone.

[Josiah Amberley]

Yeah, just so. But that was not all. You see this door? It's iron, painted to look like wood. It's my strong room. Safe as a bank I always thought, but not where she was concerned.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, yes. Your deed box was taken, I believe.

[Josiah Amberley]

Deed box? Cash securities. About £7,000 worth. She must have had a duplicate key prepared. I see. I've heard no word from or about her since I left to go to the theatre that fateful evening. Leaving her alone here with her headache. Not one single word. Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

And her seat number at the Haymarket Theatre was 31, you say, Watson, you're quite sure?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Positive. My old school number.

[Dr. John Watson]

Excellent. Then his own seat was either 30 or 32 Roe v. Yes. Well, Watson, have you told me all?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think so. Oh, did I mention that he tore up a photograph of his wife in my presence?

[Dr. John Watson]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I never wish to see her damn face again.

[Dr. John Watson]

He cried, no doubt. Still, I fancy the loss of his money took precedence over the loss of his wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Without a doubt.

[Dr. John Watson]

But let us get down to what is practical. I must admit that a case which seems to be so absurdly simple as to be hardly worth my notice is rapidly assuming a very different aspect. It's true that in your mission you've missed everything of importance. Yet even those things which have obtruded themselves upon your notice give rise to serious thought.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What have I missed?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, don't be hurt, my dear fellow. No one else would have done better. But clearly you have missed some vital points. What do the neighbors think about Amberley and his wife? What of Dr. Ernest? Was he the gay lothario one would expect? Surely these are of importance. And with your natural advantages, Watson. Every lady is your helper and accomplice. What about the girl at the post office? Or the greengrocer's wife? Or even the lady at the Blue Anchor?

[Sherlock Holmes]

All this you've left undone, it can still be done.

[Dr. John Watson]

It has been done. Thanks to the telephone and the help of Scotland Yard, I can usually get my essentials without leaving this room. As a matter of fact, my information confirms Amberley's own story. He has the local reputation of being a miser as well as a harsh and exacting husband. It's also certain that he had a large sum of money in that strong room. Well, and it's common gossip that young Dr. Ernest played chess with Amberley and probably played the fool with his wife. It all seems plain sailing and yet. And yet, where's the difficulty? Oh, in my imagination, perhaps. Well, leave it there, Watson. Let us escape from this weary workaday world by the side door of music. Karina sings tonight at the Albert Hall. We still have time to dress, dine and enjoy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The next morning I was up early but found a note from Holmes on the breakfast table telling me that he'd gone to Lewisham to see Amberly and that he hoped to be back by 3:00.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, Holmes, there you are. Control of the minutes. Well, what news?

[Dr. John Watson]

Has Amberley been here yet?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Amberly?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, I'm expecting him. Oh, come in. Yes, Mrs. Hudson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's a Mr. Amberley to see you, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, show him in, Mrs. Hudson. Very good, sir.

[Josiah Amberley]

In here, if you please, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Josiah Amberley.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, please step inside, sir. Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

[Josiah Amberley]

Very good, sir. Mr. Holmes, I've had a telegram. I. I could make nothing of it, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

May I see it? Thank you. Come at once. Without fail can give you information as to your recent loss. Elman. The Vicarage dispatched at 12:10 from Little Purlington. Oh, Watson, hand down my Crockford's directory, if you please.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Right.

[Dr. John Watson]

Little Purlington's in Essex, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's not far from Frinton. Ah, here you are.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, thank you. Now then, E E L L Elman. Yes, here we have him. J.C. elman. M.A. living of Mossmore. Come, little Purlington. Well, Mr. Amberley, you must start at once.

[Josiah Amberley]

Look, I don't vanish.

[Dr. John Watson]

Will you look up a train for our friend Watson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I am doing good, fellow.

[Josiah Amberley]

Mr. Holmes, will you kindly tell me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Liverpool Street, 5:20. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Excellent. You'd best go with Mr. Amberley, Watson. He may need help or advice. It's clear we've Come to a crisis in this affair.

[Josiah Amberley]

But it's perfectly absurd, Mr. Holmes. What can this country vicar possibly know of what's occurred? It's a waste of time and money.

[Dr. John Watson]

He wouldn't have telegraphed you if he didn't know something. You should wire him at once that you're coming. I don't think I shall go, Mr. Amberley. It would make the worst possible impression both on the police and upon myself if you should refuse to follow up so obvious a clue. We should feel that you were not really in earnest in this investigation. I?

[Josiah Amberley]

Well of course I go if you look at it that way. On the face of it it seems absurd to suppose that this parcel knows anything. But if you think.

[Dr. John Watson]

I do think. Oh now hurry along sir, and Dr. Watson will catch you up at the telegraph office at the corner.

[Josiah Amberley]

Oh very well then. A waste of time and money in my opinion. Pouring money down the drain.

[Dr. John Watson]

Watson, whatever you do, see that he really does go. If he breaks away from you or decides to return, get to the nearest telegraph office and send the single word bolted. I'll arrange here that it shall reach me wherever I am.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The weather was hot, the train slow and my companion sullen and silent. When we at last reached Little Pallington station it was a two mile drive before we came to the vicarage where a big, solemn, rather pompous clergyman received us up in his study. Our telegram lay before him. Well gentlemen, what can I do for you? We came in answer to your wire, Mr. Omen. My wire? I sent no telegraphic communication. I mean the one you sent to Mr. Josiah Amberley about his wife and his money. If this is a joke, sir, it is a very questionable one. I have never heard of the gentleman you name and I have not sent a telegram to anyone, sir.

[Josiah Amberley]

I knew it would be a fool's errand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well there must be some mistake. Are there two vicarages perhaps? There is only one vicarage, sir, and only one vicar. The telegram you refer to is obviously a scandalous forgery, the origin of which will certainly be investigated by the police. Meanwhile gentlemen, I can see no possible object in prolonging this interview.

[Podbean Announcer]

Hello?

[Dr. John Watson]

Hello?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh Holmes. Is that you Holmes?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Watson. Ah, how are things proceeding?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well they aren't, Holmes. The vicar never sent any such wire. He was very annoyed. Holmes asked, are you there?

[Podbean Announcer]

Most singular.

[Dr. John Watson]

Huh, Most remarkable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

I very much fear, my dear Watson, that there is no return train tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

I have unwittingly condemned you to the horrors of a country inn.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh dear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh. However there's always Nature Watson. What nature and Josiah, Emily. Oh you can be in close commune with both.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you very much.

[Dr. John Watson]

Don't mention it my dear fellow. Good night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good night.

[Josiah Amberley]

Well what did he say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He said it was a most remarkable business.

[Josiah Amberley]

Remarkable? I should prefer the word expensive. Our railway fare, third class. Why pay more? And now a hotel bill. It's monstrous.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Monstrous.

[Josiah Amberley]

I shall have a word to say to Mr. Sherlock Holmes tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh very well sir. We'll drive directly to Baker street from the station tomorrow. And now we better make arrangements for tonight. I warned Holmes by telegram of the time of our arrival at Baker street next day but when we got there we found a message to say that he was at Lewisham and would expect us there. This was a surprise to me but an even greater one was to find that Holmes was not alone at Amberley's house. In the sitting room a stern looking, well built man sat beside him. A dark, heavily moustached man wearing tinted sunglasses and sporting a large masonic pin in his tie.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah gentlemen, allow me to introduce my friend Mr. Barker. Mr. Amberley, Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? Please meet you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Barker has been interesting himself in your business too, Mr. Amberley.

[Podbean Announcer]

We've been working independently of one another.

[Dr. John Watson]

You understand but we both have the same question to ask you. Question?

[Josiah Amberley]

What question, Mr. Holmes?

[Dr. John Watson]

What did you do with the bodies?

[Josiah Amberley]

No, no you shan't ask that.

[Dr. John Watson]

Get hold of him Watson. Barker.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No you shan't make me answer you shan't. He's trying to swallow something.

[Dr. John Watson]

Stop him.

[Podbean Announcer]

Right.

[Dr. John Watson]

Get hold of him.

[Josiah Amberley]

Oh let me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well done Baka. No shortcuts Emberley. Things must be done decently and in order.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have a cab at the door. I may as well take him straight.

[Podbean Announcer]

To the police station.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shall I tell the inspector that you'll be coming along?

[Dr. John Watson]

He'll want to examine this house sooner or later. I fancy you won't object to meeting me here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, I'll come back with him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now come on. You and any more nonsense and I'll.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have your arm out of it.

[Podbean Announcer]

Suck it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well that was a near thing Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

It was a poison capsule.

[Josiah Amberley]

Look.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah Holmes, this Barker, my hated rival upon the Surrey shore. Ah, his methods are irregular, like my own. We irregulars are useful sometimes you know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well Holmes, let's hear what it's all about, eh?

[Dr. John Watson]

All in good time my dear Watson. The inspector will be along shortly for the same account. In the meantime I shall enjoy a few minutes quiet. Smoke?

[Podbean Announcer]

I just want to make this clear before you begin Mr. Holmes. Don't imagine that we hadn't formed our own views of this case and that we wouldn't have laid our hands on the man. So you'll excuse us for feeling sore when you jump in with methods which we can't use and so rob us of the credit.

[Dr. John Watson]

There shall be no such robbery, Inspector MacKinnon. No, I assure you that I efface myself from now on. As to Mr. Barker here, he has done nothing save what I told him. That's quite right.

[Podbean Announcer]

Well that's very handsome of you Mr. Holmes. Praise or blame can matter little to you. But it's different for the police when the newspapers start asking questions.

[Dr. John Watson]

Quite so. But when an intelligent and enterprising reporter asks you what the exact points were which aroused your suspicion and finally gave you a certain conviction as to the real threat.

[Podbean Announcer]

Well? Well we don't seem to have got any real facts yet.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, what facts have you? Have you arranged for a search?

[Podbean Announcer]

There are two constables on their way.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then you'll soon get the clearest fact of all. The bodies cannot be far away. Try the cellars and the gardens. It shouldn't take long to dig up the likely places. This house is older than its water pipes so there must be a disused well somewhere. Try your luck there.

[Podbean Announcer]

But, but how did you know there'd been murder?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes Holmes, how was it done? Well I'll show you first how it was done Inspector, and then I'll give the explanation which is due to you and even more to my long suffering friend Dr. Watson who has been invaluable throughout. Oh I say Helms. But first I'd like you to consider this man Amberley's mentality. It's a very unusual one, so much so that I think his destination is more likely to be Broadmoor than the scaffold.

[Podbean Announcer]

Is that so? Go on then.

[Dr. John Watson]

He has to a high degree the sort of mind one associates with the medieval Italian nature rather than with a modern Britain. He was a miserable miser who made his wife so wretched by his niggardly ways that she was already prey for any adventurer. Such a one came upon the scene in the person of this chess playing. Dr. Amberly excelled the chess. One indication Watson of a scheming mind. Like all misers he was a jealous man and his jealousy became a frantic mania. Rightly or wrongly he suspected an intrigue. He determined to have his revenge and he planned it for diabolical cleverness. Have a look here. This is his so called strong room.

[Podbean Announcer]

Paul. What an awful smell of paint.

[Dr. John Watson]

That was our first Clue. You can thank Dr. Watson's observation for that. Though he failed to draw the inference it set my foot on the trail.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I still don't understand him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, ask yourself, Watson, why should this man at such a time be filling his house with strong odors? Obviously to cover some other smell which he wished to conceal. Some guilty smell which might excite suspicions and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mean decomposition? There hasn't been.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, no, no, nothing of that sort. Then came the idea of a room such as you see here with a sealed iron door. Put the two facts together and where do they lead?

[Podbean Announcer]

Well, blessed if I know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, me too.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, well, let it pass for now. I was already certain that the case was serious because I had examined the box office chart of the Haymarket theatre. Another of Dr. Watson's bull's eyes. It showed that neither of the two seats B30 nor 32 of the upper circle had been occupied on the night in question.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he lied. I mean, he never went to the.

[Dr. John Watson]

Theatre and so his alibi fell to the ground. He made a bad slip when he showed you his wife's unused ticket, Watson.

[Josiah Amberley]

Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

The only way I could satisfy my suspicions about the smell of paint and the existence of the sealed room was to examine the house myself. The question was how was I to achieve this? I know. Now I see it. Yes, Watson. I sent an agent to the most impossibly remote village I could think of and summoned Amberley to go there at such an hour that that he couldn't possibly get back the same day and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sent me with him to make sure he really went.

[Dr. John Watson]

The good vicar's name I simply got out of my Crockford's directory.

[Podbean Announcer]

Masterly brilliant.

[Dr. John Watson]

There being no fear of interruption, I proceeded to burgle the house. Burglary has always been an alternative profession if I'd cared to adopt it. And I little doubt that I should have reached the front rank, Mr. Holmes. Anyway, see what I found. Now then, you see this gas pipe along the skirting board here? Yes, very good. It rises in the angle of the wall and there's a cap in the corner. Now follow me into the strong room. You see that plaster rose in the center of the ceiling? Well, the pipe finishes there with an open end. At any moment by turning the outside tap, this room could be flooded with gas. With its door closed and the tap full on, I wouldn't give two minutes of consciousness to anyone shut in here by what devilish device he decoyed them in here? I don't. No, but once inside they were at his mercy.

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, I think I've seen enough of this place.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, let's get out of here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So he started painting the house to cover up any smell of gas afterwards.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes? Precisely. He claims to have started painting the day before there disappears, but he should have said that the day after.

[Podbean Announcer]

Ah, well, what happened then?

[Dr. John Watson]

Then came an incident which I hardly expected. I was slipping out again through the pantry window in the early dawn today and I felt a hand grab my collar and a voice said, now you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Rascal, what have you been doing in there?

[Dr. John Watson]

When I could twist my head round, I recognized my friend and rival, Mr. Barton.

[Podbean Announcer]

So just where do you come into this, Mr. Barker?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I see I'd. I've been engaged by the family of Dr. Ray Earnest to make some investigation.

[Podbean Announcer]

I come to the conclusion there'd be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Foul play like Mr. Holmes, I've been watching this house for several days. I'd marked you down, Dr. Watson, as.

[Podbean Announcer]

One of the most suspicious characters to visit the place.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you very much, sir. Still, I could hardly detain you.

[Dr. John Watson]

But when I saw a man actually.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Climbing out of the pantry window this.

[Podbean Announcer]

Morning, I couldn't restrain myself.

[Dr. John Watson]

And there you are, Inspector, you have all the particulars. I hand them over to you and step right out of the case.

[Podbean Announcer]

Well, in the name of the force, I thank you, Mr. Holmes. It seems a clear case the way you put it.

[Dr. John Watson]

You will get results, Inspector, by always putting yourself in the other fellow's place and thinking what you would do yourself. It takes some imagination, but it pays.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes. What about the missing money and the security?

[Dr. John Watson]

All the'll be found in some safe place where Amberley hid them. There was no robbery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, well, you've met every point, Holmes. There's only one last thing puzzles me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Amberly couldn't avoid notifying the police of his wife's so called disappointment disappearance. But why was he fool enough to go to you as well?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, pure swank. He felt so clever and so sure of himself that he imagined no one could touch him. He could say to any suspicious neighbor, look at the steps I've taken. I've consulted not only the police, but even Sherlock Holmes.

[Podbean Announcer]

Well, I'll have to forgive you that. Even Sherlock Holmes. Yes, it's as workmanlike a job as I can remember.

[Dr. John Watson]

That was the retired Color man by Michael Hardwick, based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes was played by Carlton Hobbs and Dr. Watson by Norman Shelley. Production for the BBC was by Graham Gould.