Sherlock Holmes: The Second Generation (Rathbone & Bruce) 12/17/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Sherlock Holmes: The Second Generation

Episode Date: January 16, 2026
Original Broadcast: 12/17/1945
Starring: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Length: ~30 minutes

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Episode Overview

This episode revisits the world of Sherlock Holmes in his retirement, interweaving nostalgia, wit, and a clever caper. “The Second Generation” draws directly from Holmes's legendary encounter with Irene Adler, this time centering on her daughter, Irene Norton. What begins as a simple plea for help soon unfolds into a tangled web of deception, blackmail, and attempted burglary—where Holmes must outmatch not just new adversaries, but echoes of his own storied past.

“You’re just as alert as ever you were.”
— Dr. Watson (04:38)

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. Return to Holmes in Retirement

• Setting: Holmes has retired to his Sussex bee farm; Watson visits at Holmes's invitation.
• Theme: Reflects on aging, nostalgia for the Baker Street days, and Holmes’s restlessness in retirement.
• Memorable quote:

  Holmes: “Nowadays my greatest excitements are connected with the segregation of the queen bee and the nighttime proclivities of Charles Augustus, my tomcat.” (04:13)

2. The Visitor and the Blackmail Affair

• Incident: Irene Norton, daughter of Irene Adler, seeks Holmes's help, saying she’s being blackmailed by a neighbor, Mr. Lytton Stanley, who allegedly holds compromising letters.
• Watson’s sympathy: Highlights Watson’s ready compassion and Holmes’s willingness to help due to past connections.
• Tension: A letter from Lytton Stanley arrives, threatening Holmes over his bees—a hint at the neighbor’s abrasive character.
• Quote:

  Holmes: "You may tell Mr. Lytton Stanley that I will instruct my solicitors to reply to his message in due course." (05:34)

3. Connection to Irene Adler

• Revelation: Holmes recognizes the significance of the Norton name—Adler’s married name—making this case a “second generation” of intrigue that repeats history.
• Quote:

  Holmes: "She is the daughter of the woman." (06:57)

4. The Blackmail Plot Enunciated

• Details from Irene Norton: She’s engaged to Lord Weston's son and terrified the letters (though not criminal, but youthful and easily misconstrued) will destroy her marriage prospect.
• Holmes’s agreement: Only lightly persuaded, Holmes agrees to recover the letters.
• Notable dialogue:

  Ms. Norton: “Get the letters back for me.” (09:28)
  Holmes: “But how?” (09:29)
  Ms. Norton: “Steal them, of course.” (09:30)

5. The Heist Setup

• Plan: Ms. Norton, showing craft reminiscent of her mother, suggests Holmes break into Stanley’s house the following day, when the staff are absent. She provides details of the combination-locked drawer and filigree box.
• Musical Interlude: Ms. Norton sings (“Songs My Mother Taught Me”) as Holmes plays violin, highlighting the theme of legacy and continuity.
• Quote:

  Holmes: “With your enterprise, my dear, I’m surprised that you didn’t try and open the desk yourself.” (10:22)

6. The Break-In and Unexpected Turn

• Disguises: Holmes (as Rev. Appleby), Watson (as Dr. Hamish) impersonate charity seekers, distracting Lytton Stanley to gain access to the desk.
• Climax: They use chloroform on Stanley to open the desk, but are apprehended by Devers the butler, who holds them at gunpoint.
• Key moment:

  Devers: “I hate to seem ungracious, but I’m dreadfully afraid I shall have to kill you. To kill both of you.” (15:36, repeated in 17:05)

7. Devers’ True Motive & Holmes’s Escape

• Revelation: Devers intends to use the commotion to steal the Kitmanjar Emerald and frame Holmes and Watson for the crime, presenting himself as the hero.
• Holmes’s Trick: Holmes feigns surrender, then uses a handshake as a distraction to subdue Devers.
• Notable quote:

  Holmes: “If this is to be my swan song, at least give me the privilege of shaking the hand of the man who has at last bested me.” (18:31)

8. The Twist—The Real Reason for the Burglary

• At Holmes’s Cottage: Ms. Norton opens the filigree box, but instead of letters, finds a note by Holmes:

  “Let this be a warning, Ms. Norton. Crime does not pay. If you don't believe me, ask your mother. Sincerely, Sherlock Holmes.” (20:15)

• Holmes’s deduction: He realized Irene Norton orchestrated the whole affair to steal the Kitmanjar Emerald using Holmes as an unknowing accomplice—a “cat’s paw.”
• Moral Gesture: Holmes returned the emerald to Stanley’s desk; the box (a valuable Cellini in its own right) is allowed to remain with Ms. Norton, a symbolic keepsake.
• Holmes’s final warning:

  "I'm convinced you knew that your mother once outwitted me. And you presumed to think that you could do the same." (21:15)

9. Aftermath and Reflections

• Lytton Stanley’s Complaint: Stanley seeks Holmes’s help, having been “robbed”—but finds Holmes unwilling to emerge from retirement.
• Watson and Holmes Reflect: Admiration over the “chip off the old block”; Holmes is tempted by the thrill of the chase anew.
• Cheeky closing:

  Holmes: “It makes me wonder how long I can remain in retirement with such a worthy antagonist at large. It’s a challenge. It’s an irresistible challenge.” (25:23)

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Notable Quotes

• Holmes (nostalgia): “It’s comforting to think that now we will not be disturbed by a jangling doorbell followed shortly by some poor devil in trou.” (04:13)
• Ms. Norton: “Promise me one thing though, both of you. Don’t read the letters, will you? I’m really rather ashamed of writing them.” (10:39)
• Devers (the butler): “I’m taking advantage of a situation, sir… I hate to seem ungracious, but I’m dreadfully afraid I shall have to kill you. To kill both of you.” (17:05)
• Holmes: “My congratulations for being a fool.” (19:08)
• Holmes (to Ms. Norton): “Crime does not pay. If you don’t believe me, ask your mother.” (20:15)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:36 – Holmes and Watson settle in; reminisce about old days
• 05:44 – Arrival and content of Lytton Stanley’s antagonistic letter
• 06:14 – Watson describes Ms. Norton’s problem
• 07:17 – The introduction of Ms. Norton; She shares her troubles
• 09:28 – Ms. Norton asks Holmes to “steal” the letters back
• 10:37 – Heist planning with Ms. Norton’s inside information
• 12:01 – Holmes and Watson, in disguise, begin the burglary caper
• 14:33 – Chloroforming Lytton Stanley
• 15:13 – Confrontation with Devers the butler
• 18:31 – Holmes uses a handshake trick to disarm Devers
• 20:01 – Ms. Norton opens the filigree box; the ruse is revealed
• 21:22 – Holmes lets Ms. Norton keep the filigree box as a lesson
• 23:09 – Lytton Stanley accuses Holmes’s “gang” of burglary
• 25:23 – Holmes ponders coming out of retirement

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Memorable Moments

• The echo of Irene Adler’s cunning in her daughter, and Holmes’ old regard:

  “Irene Adler was the one woman I’ve always regarded with unbounded admiration—even though she was a criminal.” (12:41)

• The lighthearted music interlude with Holmes and Ms. Norton, a rare moment of warmth.
• Holmes’s moral compass: returning the emerald but allowing Ms. Norton the lesson and the keepsake—mirroring his complex stance on justice and sentiment.

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Summary Tone & Final Thoughts

The episode delivers a blend of intrigue, affection, and cleverness, characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio. The tone is lightly humorous, affectionate between Holmes and Watson, but with genuine suspense and a deep reverence for past legacy. The passing of the torch—from Irene Adler to her daughter Irene Norton—offers a sly nod to the enduring nature of both crime and detection.

Holmes: “It makes me wonder… how long I can remain in retirement with such a worthy antagonist at large.” (25:23)

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This is a charming “second generation” story, drawing on beloved Holmesian lore while exploring the bittersweet passage of time—and the inescapable call of a new mystery.

Transcript

[A]

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].

[B]

This episode from the Life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'd like to tell you about a wine that's just wonderful before dinner. And that wine is Petri California Sherry. You know about sherry, of course. But do you know about Petri Sherry? That Petri Sherry is the kind of wine you can really talk about. It has the look of quality, a rich, dark amber color. And it has the aroma, the bouquet, as the experts call it, of wonderful sun ripened grapes and flavor. Well, if you want your wine to taste good, Petri Sherry is the wine you want. It's really delicious. Oh, and incidentally, if you like your sherry on the dry side, you know, not sweet. Petri makes a pale, dry sherry that's out of this world. Take home a bottle of Petri sherry, serve it by itself or with hors d' oeuvres or cocktail sandwiches, but serve it proudly because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. And now for our weekly visit with the good Dr. Watson. Sure, he's expecting us.

[C]

Come in, come in, come in. There you are, Mr. Bartel.

[B]

Good evening, Doctor. Oh, no, no, don't get up. You look much too comfortable.

[C]

Take off your overcoat and come and join me.

[B]

Well, I enjoyed your story of a scandal in Bohemia last week, Doctor. And tonight you promised us a sequel.

[C]

Yes, that's right, Mr. Bartel. A sequel took place over 20 years afterwards, in 1909, to be exact. Sherlock Holmes was living on his Sussex bee farm. It was only in June, I remember, that I received a telegram from the great man asking me to come and spend a long weekend with him.

[B]

And I'm sure you needed no urging to accept the invitation.

[C]

None, Mr. Bartel, none all. I hadn't seen Holmes for some time and this fact, combined with my rather indifferent health, found me on the Eastbourne train a few hours after receiving the telegram. A dog cart was at the station to meet me and After a brisk drive across the downs, I found myself once more with my good friend. He looked somewhat older than when I'd last seen him, but as he spoke to me I realized from the keenness of his voice and the sparkle in his eye that Sherlock Holmes would never really be old. After a while our conversation lapsed into the comfortable silence that can, pardon me, exist only between friends. And then, as the sun was setting, Holmes picked up his beloved violin and began to play some haunting melody. As he lay back, eyes half closed, his long thin fingers caressing the instrument, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. I thought of the many years that we had spent together, of the exciting adventures that we had shared during the old days in Baker Street. Beautiful. Quite beautiful.

[D]

Thank you, Watson. You look uncommonly wistful yet. You thinking of the old days?

[C]

Yes, Holmes, I was.

[D]

So was I. Uh huh. Oh, well, those were exciting times. But it's comforting to think that now we will not be disturbed by a jangling doorbell followed shortly by some poor devil in trou. Nowadays, my greatest excitements are connected with the segregation of the queen bee and the nighttime proclivities of Charles Augustus, my tomcat.

[C]

I still find it hard to think of you in retirement, Holmes. Do you ever consider returning to active practice?

[D]

Oh, I consider it occasionally and then reject the idea a man should work only up to the peak of his ability. I'm past mine.

[C]

Nonsense, Holmes. You're just as alert as ever you were.

[D]

Mentally perhaps, but not physically.

[C]

Would you, would you consider handling a small problem in, in England?

[D]

If it's a personal problem that affects you, my dear chap, you know I'll do anything I can.

[C]

Well, it's not exactly my problem, Holmes, but there was a charming young girl on the train. We, we got into conversation and.

[D]

You don't age at any rate, old chap, you're just as susceptible as ever.

[C]

No, no, no, no, Holmes, let me finish. She said that you knew her mother quite well.

[D]

Her mother? Come in. Oh yes, Divas, what is it?

[E]

I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr. Holmes. Your man said I might come in. My master, Mr. Little Stanley, instructed me to deliver this note.

[D]

Oh, thank you.

[E]

He also instructed me to wait for a reply.

[D]

What confounded impudence. You tell your master that there's no answer to this letter.

[E]

But he told me I must get a reply.

[D]

You may tell Mr. Lytton Stanley that I will instruct my solicitors to reply to his message in due course.

[C]

But sir.

[D]

That's all, Divers. You may go.

[E]

Very good, sir.

[C]

What did the Note?

[D]

Say, Holmes, read it for yourself.

[C]

Keep your filthy bees where they belong. One of my guests was stung yesterday. If this happens again I'll have the police run you out of this place. Good Lord, an offensive letter.

[D]

The man himself is even more offensive. He's a retired manufacturer who thinks that his immense wealth entitles him to domineer over the local residents. Oh, but let not spoil a nice sunny afternoon by discussing him. Please continue with the story of the young lady that you met on the train.

[C]

Yes, I'd like to. Poor little thing seems in dreadful trouble. I do wish you would help her.

[D]

You say that she told you her mother knew me?

[C]

Yes.

[D]

What's her name?

[C]

Norton. Irene Norton.

[D]

Norton? I don't seem to recall. Oh, but of course. Where is the girl, Watson?

[C]

She's staying at the Red lion in the village.

[D]

Then ring her on the telephone and ask her to come over here as fast as you can.

[F]

Of course I'll help her.

[C]

I'm delighted, Holmes. But what made you change your mind.

[D]

So suddenly, your memory so short that you can't remember Irene Adler? Surely you haven't forgotten that in the case you called a scandal in Bohemia I was completely fooled by her.

[C]

Why, Jo. Yes, yes, yes, of course you always referred to as the woman. But how does Irene Norton fit into the picture?

[D]

Irene Adler married a barrister named Geoffrey Norton. Tell Ms. Norton to come at once, Watson. She is the daughter of the woman.

[G]

Mr. Holmes. I've heard so much about you from Mother. She says you're the cleverest man in England.

[D]

Your mother flatters me, my dear child. She herself was much more clever than I, in fact. Yes. Did she ever tell you about the circumstances under which we met?

[G]

No, Mr. Holmes. Though she did tell me that you were a witness when she and my father were married.

[D]

Very true, my dear, very true. The occasion was a little, well, shall we say unusual. Look here. This golden sovereign I wear on my watch chain is a memento of that day. I also have a charming photograph of your mother.

[G]

You must have known her quite well.

[C]

How about telling Mr. Holmes about your troubles? My neph.

[D]

Yes, reminiscences are charming, but they can wait until we've dealt with your problems.

[G]

Mr. Holmes. I'm being blackmailed.

[D]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear it. By whom?

[G]

By a neighbour of yours, Mr. Lytton Stanley. Do you know him?

[D]

Oh yes, yes, indeed I do.

[C]

As a matter of fact, Mr. Holmes received a most offensive note from the gentleman less than an hour ago.

[D]

What hold does Mr. Stanley have over you, my dear?

[G]

He has Some letters, some rather indiscreet letters of mine that I wrote to a friend of his last year.

[D]

How did he obtain these letters Miss Norton?

[G]

He must have stolen them. I don't know how but when I was staying at his house a few weeks ago he told me that he had them and asked £5,000 for their return.

[D]

Precious neighbor. And why should he consider your letters even indiscreet letters worth so large a sum?

[G]

I'm engaged to be married to Lord Weston's son. That awful man Lytton Stanley knows that if my fiance saw the letters the marriage would never take place.

[C]

They must be extremely compromising.

[G]

They aren't really but I was much younger when I wrote them. In fact I was only 17 and I'm afraid they could easily be misconstrued.

[C]

Have you told your mother?

[G]

Oh no, she'd never understand.

[D]

She might surprise you on that score I think. How about your father?

[G]

Daddy's a barrister. You can imagine how straight laced he'd be about the whole thing. That's why I came to you, Mr. Holmes.

[D]

I see you feel that I am not so, well should we say, straight laced.

[G]

Of course you aren't. Mother's told me about you and in any case I read Dr. Watson's stories.

[D]

Watson my dear fellow, your stories will land me in serious trouble one of these days.

[C]

What are you suggesting Mr. Holmes can do for you Ms. Norton?

[G]

Get the letters back for me.

[D]

But how?

[G]

Steal them of course.

[D]

No, my dear Watson, don't be shocked. Ms. Norton is a forthright girl like her mother before her. It's most refreshing.

[G]

Mr. Holmes. You can't say you won't help me.

[D]

No, I don't think that I can say it. In any case I have a slight personal score to settle with Mr. Lytton Stanley myself. He's rude and has no understanding of bees.

[C]

But how are you going to steal the letters?

[D]

That problem requires a little thought. Old chapter.

[G]

I can tell you how to do it Mr. Oh really?

[D]

This is delightful my dear. You explain the problem and also the way of solving it. How easy a detectives work might be if all clients were equally helpful. Tell me, what is your plan?

[G]

Tomorrow is a servant's half day off at Mr. Litton Stanley's. He will be alone there during the afternoon.

[D]

How do you know that fact?

[G]

My maid was keeping company, as they say, with Divas the butler when I was staying there a few weeks ago. She found out everything from him. My letters are kept in a filigree box in his desk.

[D]

With your enterprise, my dear I'm surprised that you didn't try and open the desk yourself.

[G]

I did, but it's very sturdy and has a combination lock. However, I'm sure that you and Dr. Watson can think of some way of getting the letters. Particularly if Mr. Lytton Stanley's alone in the house.

[D]

We shall do our best, Ms. Norton.

[G]

Promise me one thing though, both of you.

[C]

Oh, what's that?

[G]

Don't read the letters, will you? I'm really rather ashamed of writing them.

[C]

Oh, of course we won't.

[G]

My dear child, you're both so sweet to me. How can I thank you?

[D]

Thanks would be a little premature, but you could do us a favor.

[C]

Of course.

[G]

What is it?

[D]

Your mother had a beautiful voice, I recall. I. I wonder if you inherit her talent.

[G]

I do sing, though I've never done so professionally like Mother.

[D]

And I've never played the violin professionally. But perhaps between us we could give Watson a little concert.

[C]

That's a delightful idea. We can't do anything until tomorrow anyway.

[D]

What would you like to sing?

[G]

Songs my mother taught.

[D]

Really? Remarkably appropriate.

[C]

Charming. Tonight, music. And tomorrow a touch of daylight robbery.

[D]

Dear old Watson, your disguise is really excellent.

[C]

I must confess I'm a little apprehensive.

[D]

Hi, old chap. There's no need to be, I assure you. You, as Dr. Hamish, and I, as the Reverend Appleby, are calling on Mr. Lytton Stanley, ostensibly in search of a contribution for my charity hospital that you are in charge of. What could be simpler?

[C]

What made you decide on the. On the role of a clergyman?

[D]

It should simplify our entrance into the house. No, I must confess that a rare touch of sentiment prompted the choice of my disguise.

[C]

How does sentiment enter into.

[D]

Oh, surely you remember that it was in the role of a simple minded, non conformist clergyman that I once attempted to deceive Ms. Norton's mother.

[C]

That's right. I've forgotten. That woman really fascinates you.

[D]

Yeah, she does, old chap. Irene Adler was one woman I've always regarded with unbounded admiration, even though she was a criminal. But enough of this. Come on, local fellow. Are you ready?

[C]

Yes.

[D]

You have the equipment I mentioned to.

[C]

You in my pocket.

[D]

And let's be off, old chap. Let's be off. He's home. Why the devil doesn't he answer the door?

[C]

Come, come, come, my dear. Reverend Appleby, for a parson, your language is hardly appropriate.

[D]

I'm sorry, Doctor. He. Here comes someone. Yes, Ms. Turton. Stanley.

[F]

That's my name.

[D]

Mine is Appleby. And this is my friend, Dr. Hamish.

[C]

I'm proud to meet you, sir. I've heard a great deal about you.

[F]

What can I do for you?

[D]

If we could come in for a moment, I'll explain our mission. Very well.

[F]

Come into the study.

[D]

We are raising a subscription list for a charity hospital at Paddlewake, just across the Downs. You're a prominent resident here and we thought that you'd like to donate a few guineas.

[F]

I'm really not very interested. I've given as much to charity this year as I can afford.

[C]

Well, it's a fine call, sir. I'm giving my medical services three days a week. And the Reverend Appleby is donating his services too.

[F]

Who else has contributed to this fund?

[D]

All your neighbours, sir. We just came from the bee farm over the downs. The owner, Mr. Holmes, gave us a cheque for five guineas.

[F]

Holmes gave five guineas, did he?

[D]

Ay.

[C]

A very nice gentleman, Mr. Holmes. We're proposing to name a world in the hospital after him.

[F]

Is this list of subscribers going to be published in the paper?

[C]

Oh, yes.

[D]

Oh, yes, Mr. Litten.

[F]

Stanley, I'll give you ten guineas.

[C]

Ten guineas.

[D]

Thank you, sir.

[C]

Very kind of you, sir.

[F]

I'm sure I'll get my checkbook. It's in this desk.

[D]

It wasn't the platform.

[C]

Right.

[F]

Now, who do I make this check payable to?

[C]

Holmes. Hold him still.

[D]

Very neat, Watson.

[C]

Chloroform doesn't take long, does it?

[D]

Like little old fellow. He's lying over the desk. That's it.

[C]

Is the filigree box in there?

[D]

Huh? Here it is.

[C]

Splendid. Holmes, don't open it. You promised that you wouldn't.

[D]

I just wish to make sure.

[E]

Make sure?

[C]

Who was there? Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Who, then?

[E]

Oh, no.

[C]

Don't move.

[D]

I have a revolver.

[E]

And don't turn round. Place the box on the table, Mr. Holmes.

[F]

Put your hands up, gentlemen.

[D]

Both of you. That's right. I know that voice. It's Devers, the butler. Quite correct.

[C]

Well, divers, you needn't point a revolver at us. Your master isn't injured.

[E]

I'm not in the least interested in my master's health, Dr. Watson. In fact, if he were dead, I should be delighted.

[D]

And what are you up to, divers?

[E]

I'm taking advantage of a situation, sir. I've been trying to open that desk for weeks. After such kindness on your part, sir, I hate to seem ungracious, but I'm dreadfully afraid I shall have to kill you. To kill both of you.

[B]

Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a second, so I'm just going to Remind you that good food always tastes better when served with good wine. And if you like a red wine, say, with steak or meat of any kind, you love Petri, California Burgundy. If you'd rather have a white wine, say with chicken or fish, then by all means get Petri, California Sauternes. Oh, and look, if opinion is divided in your family, if some of you like a red wine and some like white, the answer's obvious. Don't buy one, buy two. Remember that, huh? Don't buy one, buy two. But do buy Petri. Then you know it's good. Doctor, that was a fine place to break off your story. With the butler pointing a gun at your backs and you and Sherlock Holmes with your hands above your heads. What happened next? I know. At least you didn't get killed or you wouldn't be sitting here in California tonight telling me the story.

[C]

Elementary, my dear Mr. Bartel. But supposing I take you back in the story to the point where I left off?

[B]

Well, all right then. Take me back, doctor. Take me back.

[C]

Very well. We stood there, Holmes and I, our hands above our heads, as Divas said.

[E]

I can't tell you how grateful I am that you opened the desk for me. After such kindness on your part, sir, I hate to seem ungracious, but I'm dreadfully afraid I'm going to have to kill you both.

[D]

Divas. I dislike to appear stupid at such a melodramatic moment. But why is it necessary to kill us?

[E]

For months I have been waiting for an opportunity to steal the Kitman Jar emerald. And now you have done it for me, sir, and presented me with a perfect alibi.

[D]

The Khitman Jar emerald.

[E]

Oh, come now, Mr. Holmes. You know the treasures in this house as well as I do. Apart from the emerald, there's a superb cellini that would fetch a fine price in the right market.

[C]

We aren't here after any valuables, my good man.

[E]

Please don't call me your good man, Dr. Watson. It's patronizing and untrue. In any case, sir, whether you were here after the valuables or not makes no difference. I've caught you both red handed. You're completely in my power, gentlemen.

[D]

You're going to steal the treasures, I suppose, and then pretend that we were responsible.

[E]

Exactly, sir. I shall kill you both, secrete what objects appeal to me. And when my master regains consciousness, I shall explain that I found three men burgling the house, that I killed two of them while the third got away with the loot. Who will be able to Doubt my word, I shall be regarded as a hero. I might even have my salary raised.

[D]

Watson. I'm afraid this is the end, old chap.

[C]

What a sordid way to die. Shot the back like a coward.

[D]

Divas. At least do us the courtesy of allowing us to face the firing squad, will you?

[E]

Very well, gentlemen, turn round, but don't try any tricks.

[D]

One last request.

[E]

What is it, sir?

[D]

I'm beaten and I admit it. I'm getting old. But in my heyday I've crossed swords with some of the greatest criminals in Europe. My life has been attempted many times, but I've always escaped. If this is to be my swan song, at least give me the privilege of shaking the hand of the man who has at last bested me.

[E]

Well, sir, I feel that I'm stepping a little out of my station, but I suppose the situation is unusual. I hope you don't object to the left handservice. I'll keep the revolver in my right.

[F]

Very well.

[D]

Divers. There you are.

[E]

Goodbye, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[D]

Goodbye, divers, and my congratulations.

[G]

Fuck.

[D]

My congratulations for being a fool.

[C]

Well done, Holmes.

[D]

Maybe getting old, Watson, but I've not lost my skill at Barrett.

[C]

Sue, he went over your shoulder in a flash. Fortunately, the bullet went wild.

[D]

Watson struck the desk as he fell.

[C]

He gashed his head. It's not serious. He'll be unconscious for a while.

[D]

Good. But I think we'll take the precaution of closing this desk drawer. I don't want him to be exposed to further temptation when he comes to, and we are.

[C]

Shouldn't we get into touch with the police, Holmes? Police?

[E]

Great Scot.

[D]

No, old fellow. After all, we are burglars and we're in disguise. Two facts that would be hard to explain satisfactorily. No, Watson, we must get back to the bee farm as soon as possible.

[C]

Yes, I Suppose you're right. Ms. Norton will be waiting for us there. And tell her what's happened. Poor girl. I'm afraid she's in for something of a shock.

[G]

Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson. I'm so glad to see you back again. Did you get the filigree box?

[D]

Yes, Ms. Norton, here it is.

[C]

But Holmes, I didn't know that you.

[D]

Watson. Why not open it, Ms. Norton?

[G]

Well, I, I.

[D]

Open it, my dear. There may not be love letters inside it, but there's a note. Oh, why don't you read it to us?

[G]

Let this be a warning, Ms. Norton. Crime does not pay. If you don't believe me, ask your mother. Sincerely, Sherlock Holmes. Mr. Holmes, you knew my Secret all the time?

[D]

Not all the time, but I realized it as soon as I'd opened the filigree box.

[C]

What on earth are you talking about?

[D]

Ms. Norton was under the impression that she could use me as a cat's paw, as a dupe to commit a burglary for her.

[C]

I still don't understand, Holmes.

[D]

You remember she asked us to promise not to open the box just.

[C]

But you did so just before the fellow held us up with a revolver. What was inside the box?

[D]

An impressive green stone which I knew to be the Kitman Jar emerald.

[G]

Where is the emerald now?

[D]

I slipped it back into Mr. Lytton Stanley's desk and locked it. Brought the box here because I wanted to see your expression, Ms. Norton, as you opened it.

[C]

Great Scott. And I thought you were a poor little thing in trouble. Shocking.

[D]

What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?

[G]

That I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Holmes, terribly sorry. It seemed like a wildly exciting idea, but I didn't really mean to steal it.

[D]

No, of course not. No, no, of course you didn't. You meant me to steal it for you. Ms. Norton, I'm convinced you knew that your mother once outwitted me. And you presume to think that you could do the same. I should turn you over to the police.

[G]

Please don't, Mr. Holmes. You can't do that.

[D]

I certainly could, but I'm not going to for two reasons. First, you're young and impressionable and this may teach you a lesson. And in the second place, I have a strange admiration for your mother. But I warn you, Ms. Norton, that you have had a narrow escape. A very narrow escape.

[G]

Mr. Holmes, before I go, there's one favor I want to ask you.

[D]

Really? What is it?

[G]

Could I keep this filigree box with your note inside it? It would be a reminder all my life of how we met.

[D]

Ah. What do you say, Watson?

[C]

Your box to give Holmes to our fellow.

[D]

That's quite true, but I fail to see how we can return it now without disclosing our own share in the attempted robbery. In any case, I don't like Mr. Lytton Stanley. We might indulge in a little petty larceny without feeling too guilty. Very well, Ms. Norton, you may keep the box.

[G]

I shall always treasure it. Thank you. Goodbye, Dr. Watson. Don't think too badly of me.

[C]

Goodbye.

[G]

Good night, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[C]

You know, Holmes, I must say you were surprisingly lenient for that girl. Do you suppose her mother put her up to the whole thing?

[D]

That possibility had occurred to me, old fellow, and Yet I have a feeling that Come in, doors open.

[C]

Were you expecting anyone?

[D]

No.

[C]

Scott, it's Lytton Stanley.

[D]

Good evening, sir. This is an unexpected honor.

[F]

Sherlock Holmes. We haven't been the best of friends, I know, but you've got to help me now. I'm in serious trouble.

[D]

No indeed, sir. Won't you sit down? This is my friend, Dr. Watson.

[F]

How do you do?

[D]

And now, sir, what is your trouble?

[F]

I've been robbed, Holmes. Robbed?

[D]

What, the stolen?

[F]

Well, my greatest treasure, the Khitminjar emerald, was removed from his case and then mysteriously returned loose in my desk afterwards. But there's a priceless Cellini missing.

[D]

Have you, have you any idea who the burglars might be?

[F]

Mortals. A gang, I'm sure of that. A couple disguised as a clergyman and a doctor came into the house on the pretext of raising money for some hospital and they overpowered me with chloroform.

[D]

Oh, dear me, dear me. How very unpleasant for you. Yes.

[F]

When I came to I found my butler Divers lying beside me in a pool of blood. The brave fellow had wrestled with the thieves but they got away and he's.

[D]

In the hospital now.

[F]

Holmes, you've got to help me.

[D]

The Kitmanjar emerald was returned, you say, but a Cellini is missing.

[F]

Yes, it's an exquisite filigree box in which I kept the emerald.

[D]

A filigree box?

[F]

Yes, it's a genuine Cellini. It's worth several thousand pounds. Holmes, you must help me solve this business.

[D]

I'm sorry, Mr. Lytton Stanley, but I'm afraid I can't help you. I've retired. Yes, and I intend to remain in retirement. Good night, sir.

[F]

Oh, but I won't pay you any fee within reason.

[D]

My decision is final, sir. Good night.

[F]

Oh, I might have known I wouldn't.

[C]

Get any help from you, Holmes, she fooled you again.

[D]

Yes, the little devil. She knew that box was a Cellini all the time.

[C]

You don't seem very angry with her.

[D]

I should be, but I'm not. What splendid audacity. What a superb nerve the child has.

[C]

But you must get the box back from her.

[D]

I shall, Watson, I shall. Or rather, I shall persuade divas to do it for me as the price of our silence.

[C]

But how can he get it back?

[D]

Remember that he walks out with Ms. Norton's maid. I'm certain that when he explains his predicament he can prevail upon her to steal the box from her mistress so that it may be returned to its rightful owner.

[C]

That's a good idea By George Holmes, Ms. Norton's a chip off the old block, all right.

[D]

Yes, Watson, she is. And it makes me wonder what about. I wonder, my dear chap, how long I can remain in retirement with such a worthy antagonist at large. It's a challenge. It's an irresistible challenge.

[B]

You know, Dr. Watson, I just can't get over the way you and Mr. Holmes let that girl. Irene. Was that her name? Pull the wool over your eyes. Why, she really twisted you around her little finger.

[C]

Mr. Bartel, I don't like to make extremely positive statements, but I'm sure that if you were in my shoes, Irene would not only have twisted you around her little finger, but she'd have had you rolling about in hoops and standing on your head.

[B]

You mean she Was that beautiful?

[C]

Mr. Bartel, she was so beautiful that she'd make you forget all about petri wine.

[B]

Dr. Watson, no girl is that beautiful.

[C]

Oh, how young you really are.

[B]

Well, maybe so, but there are lots of pretty girls in this world and only one Petri wine. That's because there's only one Petri family that's been making wine since the 1800s. And believe me, because the Petri business has always been family owned and operated, they've been able to hand on down from father to son, from father to son. The highly skilled art of making fine wine and those generations of winemaking add up to a lot of experience. The Petri family really knows how to turn luscious California grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. That's why no matter what type wine you wish, you can't go wrong looking for the label that says P E T R I Petri. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week?

[C]

Well, now, next week, Mr. Bartel, is the day before Christmas. So I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place many years ago and involved Holmes and myself in one of the most fantastic Christmas Eve situations in which we ever found ourselves. I think you like the story. I call it the Night Before Christmas.

[B]

Sounds swell, Doctor.

[C]

Oh, thank you. Oh, by the way, before I go, Mr. Bartel, that's. I'd like to remind our listeners there's no better way to spend money than to spend it on Christmas seals. Every penny spent on Christmas seals not only helps cure tuberculosis, but it also helps prevent it right in your own community. Your purchases of Christmas Seals in the past have saved thousands of lives. Keep saving lives. Buy all the Christmas seals you can afford this year. Now, won't.

[B]

Tonight Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, A Scandal in Bohemia. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn mayor and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. Basil Rathbone's new Columbia record album, Robin Hood, is now available at your music store. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.