Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman (Langford & Baker)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman"

Presented by Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman (Langford & Baker)
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Release Date: June 20, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Dr. John Watson returning to his residence at 221B Baker Street to find Sherlock Holmes in a notably somber and contemplative state.

• Dr. John Watson: "While his eyelids drooped over his eyes so lazily that he might almost have been asleep, I recognized his melancholy and philosophic mood." [01:59]

Holmes introduces a troubling case involving Mr. Josiah Amberley, a retired color man who has recently faced severe personal and financial losses.

2. Meeting Mr. Josiah Amberley

Mr. Amberley presents himself as a man who seemingly had a comfortable retirement, having married a younger, attractive woman and settled into a serene life. However, within two years, his life unravelled dramatically.

• Narrator (Holmes): "Retired in 1896. Watson. Early in 1897, he married a woman 20 years younger than himself." [03:49]

Amberley's wife and his deed box containing £7,000 in securities have mysteriously disappeared, raising suspicions of foul play.

3. Presenting the Clues

During their initial discussion, several inconsistencies and suspicious behaviors emerge:

• Amberley attended a theater alone, leaving his wife's seat empty—a perceived bad omen.

• The existence of a "strong room" with an iron door painted to resemble wood, intended to safeguard his valuables, raises questions.

• Noteworthy is the unusual odor of paint in his home, which Holmes suspects is a cover for a more sinister scent.

• Dr. John Watson: "Ms. Barker." [23:31]

• Mr. Josiah Amberley: "Look. Holmes." [23:31]

4. The Investigation Journey

Holmes instructs Watson to visit Amberley's residence in Lewisham to gather firsthand information and inspect the premises. Upon arrival, Watson engages with Mr. Amberley, who reveals:

• His meticulous planning to secure his assets.

• The sudden disappearance of his wife and the ensuing financial loss.

• A suspicious individual described as tall, dark, with a heavy mustache and a Masonic tie pin was seen following him, suggesting a deeper conspiracy.

• Mr. Josiah Amberley: "He must have had a duplicate key." [09:42]

• Dr. John Watson: "I saw him nip into the next compartment as though he didn't wish to be seen." [11:15]

5. Encounter with Inspector McKinnon

Holmes and Watson's investigation leads them to Inspector McKinnon, who is initially skeptical of Holmes's unconventional methods.

• Inspector McKinnon: "Don't imagine that we hadn't formed our own views of this case..." [24:09]
• Narrator (Holmes): "There shall be no such robbery, Inspector McKinnon." [24:23]

Holmes confidently presents his findings, emphasizing the psychological profile of Mr. Amberley and the meticulous nature of the crime, which he believes points towards calculated murder rather than simple robbery.

6. The Twist and Unveiling of Holmes' True Intent

In a dramatic turn, it is revealed that Holmes has orchestrated the entire investigation to expose the true perpetrator. He introduces Mr. Barker, his friend and rival, who was unknowingly entangled in his elaborate scheme.

• Narrator (Holmes): "Quite simple, my dear Watson." [27:30]
• Mr. Josiah Amberley: "Look. Holmes." [23:31]

Holmes explains how he used deception to lure Mr. Amberley into a vulnerable position, ultimately leading to Amberley's arrest for the presumed murder of his wife and the disappearance of his financial assets.

• Narrator (Holmes): "It takes imagination, but it pays." [31:48]

Inspector McKinnon acknowledges Holmes's exceptional deductive skills, albeit with a hint of frustration over his own methods.

• Inspector McKinnon: "It seems a clear case the way you put it." [31:28]

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Holmes having successfully resolved the case by outsmarting Mr. Amberley, ensuring that justice is served without the actual need for violent confrontation. The missing money and securities are presumed recovered, and the intricate web of deception is unraveled, showcasing Holmes's unparalleled detective prowess.

• Narrator (Holmes): "There was no robbery." [31:56]
• Dr. John Watson: "Ah, well, you've met every point, Holmes." [31:49]

The story underscores themes of greed, deception, and the intricate dance between detective and suspect, ultimately celebrating the genius of Sherlock Holmes in uncovering the truth.

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Notable Cast:

• Robert Langford as Sherlock Holmes
• Kenneth Baker as Dr. John Watson
• Beth Boltler, George Karelin, Tony J. Louis Ife, and Frank Douglas in supporting roles.

Next Episode Teaser: At the end of the episode, listeners are teased with the next adventure titled "The Three Gables," ensuring continued intrigue and engagement with Holmes's enduring legacy.

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key elements, discussions, and resolutions of the episode "Sherlock Holmes: The Retired Colourman," providing listeners and fans alike with an insightful overview of the captivating mystery unravelled by the legendary detective.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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] the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Episode 2 In another series of these famous stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is called the Retired Colorman. And here as usual to tell you the story is Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. It was late one summer afternoon I returned from my club to 221B Baker street to find Sherlock Holmes's gaunt figure stretched in his deep chair, his pipe curling forth slow wreaths of acrid tobacco. While his eyelids drooped over his eyes so lazily that he might almost have been asleep, I recognized his melancholy and Philosophic mood. His alert, practical nature was subject to such reactions.

[Narrator]

Well, my dear Watson, did you see him?

[Dr. John Watson]

Who? The old fellow who's just gone out.

[Narrator]

Precisely.

[Dr. John Watson]

I met him at the door.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Yes.

[Narrator]

What did you think of him?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, pathetic, futile, broken creature.

[Narrator]

Exactly, Watson, pathetic and futile. 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, come, Holmes. Is he one of your clients?

[Narrator]

I suppose so. He's been sent on by the Yard. Just as medical men occasionally send their incurables to a quack, they argue that they can do nothing more. So whatever happens, the patient can't be worse than he is.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's the matter with him now? Who is he anyway?

[Narrator]

Mr. Josiah Amberley. Oh, he says he was junior partner of Brickful and Amberley, manufacturers of artistic materials. 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sounds a comfortable Prospect.

[Narrator]

Retired in 1896. Watson. Early in 1897, he married a woman 20 years younger than himself. 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, as you've seen, he is as broken and miserable a creature as crawls beneath the sun.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what's happened?

[Narrator]

Hands, the old story. 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

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. It had a good part of his life savings in it.

[Dr. John Watson]

That's bad.

[Narrator]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Commonplace sort of case to bother you.

[Narrator]

With her, but vital enough to poor Josiah Amberley.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

What will you do? My dear Watson, if you'll be good enough to understand me, that is. 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 is of special value.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

Capital. The old fellow was quite insistent that I should go, but I explained my difficulty. He is quite prepared to meet a representative.

[Dr. John Watson]

Excuse me, sir. I beg your pardon, sir. I'm looking for the House of Mr. Josiah Amberley de Haven. I wonder if you'd happen to.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

There it is, straight across the road.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heaven, I must have walked straight past. It often happens like that. I'm much obliged to you, sir.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

I can assure you, Mr. Ambley, that the financial question does not arise.

[Mr. 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. Oh, the black ingratitude of it all.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Ambry, I don't mean.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

But when did I ever refuse one of her requests? Was ever a woman so pampered as.

[Dr. John Watson]

That one Mr. Amberly?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Young man. He might have been my own son, had the run of my house. And see how they've treated Mr. Amberly, sir. Oh, it's a dreadful world. Dreadful. Did you say something?

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Oh dear me. You see how this business has distracted me. I'm in the middle of painting this hall. You seem surprised, Doctor. One must do something to ease an aching heart. I'd started painting the house only the day before, before they disappeared. I thought I might as well carry on.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very sensible indeed, Mr. Hamley.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

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

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, that's better.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Oh, pray take a seat and go. Good. Now then, where shall I begin my account? With my retirement and marriage perhaps?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh no, no, no, no, not necessarily at all. Mr. Holmes merely requested certain details. For example, the events of the actual evening of your wife's disappearance.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

How shall I ever forget them? To think that I prepared a special treat for the shameless creature. Eight seat, the Haymarket Theatre. Two upper Circle seats. A gay evening. I thought perhaps A little supper somewhere? No, she produced a headache and refused to go. You see here. I have it. Here. Her very ticket. Unused seat 31, row B.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then you had to go alone?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

You returned to find her gone.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Just so. But that was not all. Oh, you see this door?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

It is iron, painted to look like wood. It's my strong room. Safe as a bank, I always thought, but not where she was concerned.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, your deed box was taken, I believe.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Deed box? Cash, securities. About £7,000 worth. She must have had a duplicate keep.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see. But securities? How could they hope to dispose of these?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

My one remaining hope is that they can't. I've given the police a list in the hope they'll prove unsaleable.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very wise then. Mr. Amberley, there was no note, no message from your wife?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

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.

[Narrator]

And the seat number was 31. You say, Watson, you're quite sure?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, positive. My old school number.

[Narrator]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

I think so. Oh, did I say that? He tore up a photograph of his wife in my presence. No, I never wish to see her damned face again.

[Narrator]

He cried his money before his wife, I fancy.

[Dr. John Watson]

Without a doubt. Ah, there was one more thing, Holmes.

[Narrator]

Yes, Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, well, it doesn't concern Amberley directly, but go on. Well, I told you how I somehow missed Amberley's house at first and had to ask a fellow standing about at the other side of the road. Well, this chap, he was tall, dark, heavy moustached, rather military looking. I thought he gave me rather a curious look when I mentioned Amberley's name. But later when I drove back to Blackheath station, I saw him again getting out of a cab that had been following along behind mine. And then just as I was getting into the train, I saw him nip into the next compartment as though he didn't wish to be seen. You know, Holmes, I'm convinced the fellow was following me.

[Narrator]

Tall, did you say? Heavy moustache, tinted sunglasses?

[Dr. John Watson]

I didn't say he had sunglasses on, but now that you mention it, he had.

[Narrator]

He wore a Masonic tie pin.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, how on earth?

[Narrator]

Quite simple, my dear Watson. But let us get down to what is practical. I must admit that A case which seemed 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 on your notice give rise to serious thought.

[Dr. John Watson]

What have I missed?

[Narrator]

Don't be hurt, my dear fellow. No one else would have done better. But clearly you've missed some vital points. What do the neighbors think about Amberley and his wife? What of Dr. Ernest? Was he the gay Lotharia one would expect. Surely these are of importance.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I.

[Narrator]

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? I can picture you whispering soft nothings with the lady of the Blue Anchor and receiving hard somethings in exchange. All this you've left undone.

[Dr. John Watson]

It can still be done.

[Narrator]

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's 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well then.

[Narrator]

And it's common gossip that young Dr. Erdis played chess with Amberley and probably played the fool with his wife. It all seems plain sailing and yet.

[Dr. John Watson]

And yet, where's the difficulty?

[Narrator]

In my imagination, perhaps. Well, leave it there, Watson. Let us escape from this weary workaday world by the side door of music. Corinna sings tonight at the Albert Hall. We still have time to dress, dine and enjoy.

[Sponsor Announcer]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner, or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay, no insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail].

[Dr. John Watson]

Where have you been all day?

[Narrator]

As I told you in the note I left for you to find at breakfast, there were one or two points I wish to clear up regarding Mr. Josiah Amberly. Has he been here yet?

[Dr. John Watson]

Amberly? No.

[Narrator]

Come in. Ah, Mrs. Hudson.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

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

[Narrator]

Show him in, Mrs. Hudson.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Very good, sir. Mr. Josiah Amberley.

[Narrator]

Ah, Mr. Amberley. Pray step inside.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Thank you. Mr. Holmes. I've had a telegram. I can make nothing of it, thank you.

[Narrator]

Come at once without fail can give you information as to your recent loss. Elman, the Vicarage dispatched at 2:10 from Little Purlington. Watson, hand on my Crockford if you please. You're right. Hell, Little Purlington's in Essex, isn't it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, not far from printing.

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

But I don't understand.

[Narrator]

Will you look up a train for our friend Watson? I am doing good, fellow.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Mr. Holmes, where do you.

[Dr. John Watson]

5:20, Holmes.

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. 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.

[Narrator]

He would scarcely have telegraphed if he didn't know something. You should wire him at once that you're coming.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I don't think I shall go, Mr. Amberley.

[Narrator]

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.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

If you look at it that way, of course I shall go. On the face of it, it seems absurd to suppose that this parson knows anything.

[Narrator]

But if you think I do think. Now hurry along, sir, and Dr. Watson shall catch you up at the telegraph office at the corner.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Oh, very well then. A waste of time and money in my opinion.

[Dr. John Watson]

Pouring money down right here.

[Narrator]

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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Little Burlington isn't an easy place to reach. My remembrance of the journey isn't a pleasant one. The weather was hot, the train slow, and my companion sullen and silent. He hardly talked at all, save to make an occasional sardonic remark about the futility of our proceedings. When we at last reached the station, it was a two mile drive before we came to the vicarage where a big, solemn, rather pompous clergyman received us in his study. Our telegram lay before him.

[Narrator]

Well, gentlemen, what could I do for you?

[Dr. John Watson]

We came in answer to your wire, Mr. Ellman.

[Narrator]

My wire?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I said no wire.

[Dr. John Watson]

I mean the one you sent to Mr. Josiah Ambley about his wife and his money.

[Narrator]

If this is a joke, sir, it is a very questionable one.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, I assure you I have never.

[Narrator]

Heard of the gentleman you name and I have not sent a wire to anyone.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I knew it would be a wire goose chase.

[Dr. John Watson]

Perhaps there is some mistake. Are there two vicarages?

[Narrator]

Perhaps there is only one vicarage, sir. And only one vicar. The wire you refer to is obviously a scandalous forgery, the origin of which shall certainly be investigated by the police. Meanwhile, gentlemen, I can see no possible object in prolonging this interview.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes? Is that you, Holmes?

[Narrator]

Yes, my dear Watson. How are things proceeding?

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

Most singular, most remarkable. I very much fear, my dear Watson, that there is no return train to night. I have unwittingly condemned you to the horrors of a country inn. However, there is always nature, Watson. Nature and Josiah Amberley. You can be in close commune with both.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you very much, Holmes.

[Narrator]

Don't mention it, my dear fellow.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Good night.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good night.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Well, what did he say?

[Dr. John Watson]

He said it was a most Remarkable business.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Remarkable. I should prefer the word expensive. Our railway fare here. Why pay more? And our hotel bill. It's monstrous. Monstrous. I shall have a word to say to Mr. Sherlock Holmes tomorrow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well sir. We'll drive directly to Baker street from the station. And now we'd better make arrangements for tonight. I warned Holmes by telegram at 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. That didn't improve Amberley's temper. It 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 ties.

[Narrator]

Ah gentlemen, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Barker. Mr. Amberly, Dr. Watson you have met already.

[Dr. John Watson]

How to do?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Pleased to meet you Mr. Holes. I have a word to say. Not only have I been subjected to the greatest inconvenience and expense upon your advice but I now arrive home to find that you've invited a stranger into my house without a. Without a. By your leave I must.

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I repeat, I in my business. We have been working independently of one.

[Dr. John Watson]

Another you understand but we both have.

[Narrator]

The same question to ask you now.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Question? What question, Mr. Holmes?

[Narrator]

What did you do with the bodies?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Great heaven. Now no you shan't ask that.

[Narrator]

Get hold of him. All right.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

You shan't make me answer.

[Dr. John Watson]

You shan't. Look out. He's taking something's arms.

[Narrator]

He's holding.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

No, no, let me be. How still confound you.

[Narrator]

Well done Barker. No shortcuts Emily. Things must be done decently and in order.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I may as well take him straight to the station. Shall I tell the inspector you'll be coming along?

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Very well, I'll come back with him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now come on you go on.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

And I have your magic.

[Dr. John Watson]

And here thing. Holmes. It was a poison capsule.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Look. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ms. Barker.

[Narrator]

My hated rival upon Musari shore.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Rival?

[Narrator]

When you described him it wasn't difficult for me to complete the picture. He has several good cases to his credit. His methods are irregular like my own. We irregulars are useful sometimes you know.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

All in good time my dear Watson. The inspector will be along shortly for the same account. By your leave I'll enjoy a few minutes quiet smoke and martial effects for your delectation.

[Inspector McKinnon]

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. 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.

[Narrator]

There shall be no such robbery, Inspector McKinnon. I quite agree that with your compulsory warning about whatever he said being used against him, you could never have bluffed that rascal into what was virtually a confession. I assure you that I have faced myself from now onwards. As to Mr. Barker here, he has done nothing save what I told him.

[Dr. John Watson]

That's quite correct.

[Inspector McKinnon]

Well that's very handsome of you, Mr. Holmes. Praise or blame can't matter much to you. It's different for the police when the newspapers start asking questions.

[Narrator]

Quite so. But they're pretty sure to ask questions anyhow, so it would be as well to have the answers. What will you say, for example, when the 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 facts?

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Well, no, I.

[Inspector McKinnon]

Well we don't seem to have got any real facts yet. You say that the prisoner practically confessed that he murdered his wife and her lover by trying to commit suicide in the presence of three witnesses. What other facts have you.

[Narrator]

Have you arranged for such?

[Inspector McKinnon]

Aye, there are two constables on their way.

[Narrator]

Then you'll get the clearest fact of all. The bodies can't be far away. Try the cellars and the garden. 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.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

But how did you know there'd been murder?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Holmes, how was it done?

[Narrator]

I'll show you first how it was done, Inspector, and then I'll give you the explanation which is due to you and even more to my long suffering friend Dr. Watson, who has been invaluable throughout the. 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.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Is that so?

[Inspector McKinnon]

Please go on.

[Narrator]

Then he has, to a high degree the sort of mind one associates with the medieval Italian nature rather than with the 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. Amberley excelled at chess. One Mark Watson of a scheming mind. Really, 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 with diabolical cleverness. Have a look here. This is his so called strong room. Stinking paint. 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

I still don't understand hope.

[Narrator]

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 would suggest suspicions.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean decomposition? But there hasn't been time.

[Narrator]

No, no, no, no, nothing of the sort. Add to the suspicious matter of the smell the fact that there existed such a room as you see here, with a sealed iron door. Put the two facts together and where do they lead? I'm blessed if I know now.

[Dr. John Watson]

Me too.

[Narrator]

Well, let it pass for now. I was already certain that the case was serious because I had examined the box office charts of the Haymarket theatre, another of Dr. Watson's bullseyes. It showed that neither B30 nor 32 of the upper circle had been occupied on the night in question.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then he lied. He never went to the theater and.

[Narrator]

So his alibi fell to the ground. He made a bad slip when he let you see his wife's unused ticket, Watson. Yes. The only way I could satisfy my suspicions about the smell of paint and the existence of this sealed room was to examine the house itself. The question was how was I to achieve this?

[Dr. John Watson]

I know. Ah, now I see it.

[Narrator]

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 he couldn't possibly get back the same day and sent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Me with him to make sure he really went.

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Masterly, brilliant.

[Narrator]

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, I've little doubt as I should have reached the front rank.

[Dr. John Watson]

How, Mr. Holmes?

[Narrator]

Anyway, see what I found? You see the Gas pipe along the skirting board. Yes, very good. It rises in the angle of the wall and there's a tap in the corner. Now follow me into the strong room. You see that plaster rose in the center of the ceiling?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Narrator]

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 devices he decoyed them in there, I don't know. But once inside, they were at his mercy.

[Inspector McKinnon]

I've seen enough of that place.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Narrator]

Precisely. He claimed to have started painting that day before their disappearance, but he should have said the day after.

[Inspector McKinnon]

Well, what next?

[Narrator]

Then came an incident which I hardly expected. I was slipping out again through the pantry window at early dawn today when I felt a hand grab my collar.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

And a voice said, now you're rascal. What you doing in there?

[Narrator]

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

[Inspector McKinnon]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Well, I've been engaged by the family of Dr. Ray Earnest to make some investigations. I'd come to the conclusion there'd been foul play. Like Mr. Holmes, I've been watching this.

[Dr. John Watson]

House for several days.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I'd marked you down, Dr. Watson, as one of the most suspicious characters to visit the place.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, thank you very much. I could only detain you, but when.

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

I saw a man actually climbing out of the pantry window this morning, I couldn't restrain myself.

[Narrator]

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

[Inspector McKinnon]

Well, on behalf of the force, many thanks, Mr. Holmes. It seems a clear case the way you put it.

[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Josiah Amberley]

Yes, Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

What about the missing money and security?

[Narrator]

Oh, they'll be found in some safe place where Amberly hid them. There was no robbery.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, well, you've met every point, Holmes. There's only one last thing puzzles me. Amberley couldn't avoid notifying the police of his wife's so called disappearance. But why? Was he fool enough to go to you as well?

[Narrator]

Oh, 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.

[Inspector McKinnon]

I'll have to forgive you that. Even Sherlock Holmes? Yes, it's as bright but like a job as I can remember.

[Narrator]

There you heard Robert Langford and Kenneth Baker as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Others in the cast were Beth Boltler, George Karelin, Tony J. Louis Ife and Frank Douglas. At the same time next week you can hear another Sherlock Holmes adventure called the Three Gables.