Sherlock Holmes: The Second Stain (Hobbs & Shelley)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes: The Second Stain (Hobbs & Shelley)
Hosted by: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: May 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a thrilling adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story, "The Second Stain." Featuring Carlton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr. John Watson, the production skillfully weaves a tale of political intrigue, espionage, and mystery. Produced by Martin C. Webster for the BBC, the episode promises an engaging narrative filled with suspense and intellectual puzzles.

Case Presentation

The episode opens at the iconic 221B Baker Street, where Dr. Watson introduces the latest adventure to the chronicle of Sherlock Holmes' cases.

Dr. John Watson (01:33):
"Have not here to included the adventure of the second stain in these chronicles of the cases of Mr. Sherlock Holmes lies in the nature of the affair itself." (01:58)

Holmes welcomes Mr. Trelawney Hope, who arrives with a delicate matter: a missing letter of significant political importance.

Mr. Trelawney Hope (02:45):
"I discovered my loss at 8 o' clock this morning. I at once informed the Prime Minister and it was at his suggestion that we have both come straight to you." (02:45)

Investigation Begins

Holmes and Watson delve into the details of the missing letter, emphasizing the need for utmost confidentiality to prevent any public alarm or political fallout.

Sherlock Holmes (05:07):
"You think, sir, that unless this letter is recovered, there will be war? I think it is very probable. Then, sir, prepare for war." (06:31)

Holmes deduces that the letter was likely taken by someone within the household, possibly under the influence of a foreign agent.

Key Developments

As Holmes proceeds with his investigation, a startling news report catches his attention:

Dr. John Watson (14:21):
"A report has been received from the Parisian police that a woman known as Madame Henri Forney had suddenly become insane only a few days after returning from a visit to London." (14:21)

This revelation connects to Eduardo Lucas, a suspect in the case who is subsequently found murdered in his home, heightening the mystery.

Dr. John Watson (08:31):
"A crime of a mysterious character was committed last night at 16 Godolphin Street, Westminster, the home of Mr. Eduardo Lucas." (08:31)

Climactic Unfolding

Holmes links Lucas's murder to the missing letter, suggesting that Lucas's death is not an isolated incident but part of a larger conspiracy. He instructs Watson to scrutinize the crime scene meticulously.

Sherlock Holmes (19:37):
"A cavity in the floorboards. There has to be one. Watson." (20:15)

Upon discovering a hidden cavity beneath the rug, Holmes confronts constable McPherson, revealing critical evidence that points to the true perpetrator.

Sherlock Holmes (28:31):
"I have known such things happen." (27:59)
Dr. John Watson (28:25):
"Good heavens, what is it?" (28:25)

Resolution

The tension crescendos when Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope arrives, confessing her coerced involvement in the theft of the letter. Her emotional revelation clarifies the motives behind the crimes, leading Holmes to reclaim the missing document.

Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope (24:29):
"I could never, never have done what I did if I had not been forced." (24:29)

Holmes skillfully orchestrates the return of the letter without alerting the Prime Minister, thereby averting a potential diplomatic crisis.

Sherlock Holmes (23:50):
"There. Capital. Oh, good. Plenty of papers now. We'll trust this one well amongst them." (23:50)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Holmes reflecting on the intricate web of deceit unraveled through keen observation and deductive reasoning. The seamless collaboration between Holmes and Watson underscores the essence of their legendary partnership.

Sherlock Holmes (29:02):
"Sir. There's more in this than meets the eye, Prime Minister." (28:47)

Radio Host (29:48):
"Sherlock Holmes was played by Carlton Hobbs and Dr. Watson by Norman Shelley. Production for the BBC was by Martin C. Webster." (29:02)

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mr. Trelawney Hope (02:45):
  "I discovered my loss at 8 o' clock this morning... to you."

• Sherlock Holmes (05:07):
  "You think, sir, that unless this letter is recovered, there will be war? I think it is very probable."

• Dr. John Watson (08:31):
  "A crime of a mysterious character was committed last night... of Mr. Eduardo Lucas."

• Sherlock Holmes (19:37):
  "A cavity in the floorboards. There has to be one. Watson."

• Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope (24:29):
  "I could never, never have done what I did if I had not been forced."

• Sherlock Holmes (23:50):
  "There. Capital. Oh, good. Plenty of papers now. We'll trust this one well amongst them."

• Sherlock Holmes (28:47):
  "Sir. There's more in this than meets the eye, Prime Minister."

Final Thoughts

Sherlock Holmes: The Second Stain masterfully blends suspense with intellectual intrigue, staying true to the spirit of Conan Doyle's original work. The episode not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into the complexities of political espionage and personal sacrifice. For fans of classic detective stories and newcomers alike, this episode is a must-listen that exemplifies the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes.

Transcript

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[Radio Host]

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].

[Dr. John Watson]

Capital.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, let us return to our humble abode.

[Dr. John Watson]

221B Baker Street. Please come in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

From London we present the Second Stain, a play for radio by Michael Hardwick, based on the short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. THE SECOND Stain the reason why I.

[Dr. John Watson]

Have not here to included the adventure of the second stain in these chronicles of the cases of Mr. Sherlock Holmes lies in the nature of the affair itself. In fact, it was only upon my representing to him that I promised my public that it should someday hear the account that he recently gave his consent. But he stipulates that my narrative must be a carefully guarded one. And if in presenting it, I seem to be somewhat vague in certain details, then pray be assured that there is an excellent reason for my reticence.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They come in, gentlemen. Thank you. May I present my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. Your servant, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you will sit here, Lord Bellinger, and you hear Mr. Hope.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Thank you, Mr. Holmes. I shall come straight to the point, if you please. I discovered my loss at 8 o' clock this morning. I at once informed the Prime Minister and it was at his suggestion that we have both come straight to you.

[Dr. John Watson]

In the strictest confidence that we make it plain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Rest assured. Prime Minister, may I ask if the police have been informed?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, sir. Nor shall they be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed, to inform the police must, in.

[Dr. John Watson]

The long run mean to inform the public.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I understand. Now, Mr. Hope, you speak of this as your loss. I should be much obliged if you would tell me exactly what has occurred.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

I can do that in very few words. The letter was from a foreign potentate. It was received six days ago and was of such importance that I have never left it in my office safe, but have taken it each evening across to my house in Whitehall Terrace. But I have kept it hidden in my bedroom. In a locked dispatch box?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

It was there last night, of that I am certain. This morning it was gone. I am a light sleeper and so is my wife. We are both prepared to swear that no one could have entered our room during the night. And yet, I repeat, the paper is gone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Was the dispatch box unguarded at any time during the evening?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

For several hours between my arriving home and going to bed. Oh, but I was in the house all the time my wife was at the theater. No one could have had access to the room except our servants. They are both completely trustworthy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

In any case, they could have had no inkling that the box contained anything of undue importance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did your wife know about it?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Certainly not.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, but could she have guessed?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

No, she could not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you lost any documents before?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Never.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, you've told me. Who in England knows of this letter's existence now? Who could know of it abroad?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

No one, save the man who wrote it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No one.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

We understand that he did not employ the usual official channels, even to the exclusion of his ministers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Then next I must ask you more particularly what this document is.

[Dr. John Watson]

That is a state secret of the utmost importance. I fear that we cannot tell you more, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You are two of the most busy men in the country and in my own small way I also have a good many calls upon me. I regret exceedingly that I cannot help you in the matter.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Holmes, sir, I'm not accustomed to being treated in this way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sorry, sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

I suppose we must accept your terms. It is unreasonable to expect you to act unless we give you our entire confidence.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just so, Lord Bellinger.

[Dr. John Watson]

The letter then is from a foreign potentate who has been ruffled by certain colonial developments of this country. It has been written hurriedly and entirely upon his own responsibility. It is couched in so unfortunate a manner with certain phrases of so provocative a character. His publication would undoubtedly lead to a ferment of feeling in this country.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really?

[Dr. John Watson]

I do not hesitate to say that within a week of his publication we should be impelled into war. Need I say more than that, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, sir. Have you informed the sender of it?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Lost by cipher, telegram. We believe that already he regrets having written it and is just as concerned that it should never be Published as we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This being so, in whose interest is it that the letter should come out? Who would wish to steal and publish it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, there, Mr. Holmes, you take me into regions of high international politics.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then we can assume that at this very moment the letter is probably speeding on its way to one of the chancelleries of Europe as fast as steam can take it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Precisely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, no, my dear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hope no one can blame you. Now, Mr. Holmes, what course do you recommend?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You think, sir, that unless this letter is recovered, there will be war? I think it is very probable. Then, sir, prepare for war. What? That is grave counsel, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Are there no inquiries you can make?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There are a few, Lord Bellinger.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then come along. Hope you let us know of any development during the day, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall, sir. Good day, gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Allow me, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Good day. Good day.

[Dr. John Watson]

By Jove, Holmes, I don't like the sound of this. On the brink of war.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The situation is desperate, Watson, but not hopeless.

[Dr. John Watson]

Have you an idea, then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I believe the letter was taken by someone in the house.

[Dr. John Watson]

But how?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Acting on behalf of some foreign agent who by some means had come to know of its existence. Oh, a spy. Exactly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, even if you're right, it isn't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Going to help you much.

[Dr. John Watson]

As you said, the letter would have been passed on straight away. How could you hope to get it back?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unless I'm mistaken, the man behind this will prove to be one of that handful of international agents in London who, whose names are tolerably familiar to me. I will begin by going round and finding if each of them is still here. If one is missing, especially if he has disappeared since last night, we will have some indication as to where the document has gone.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what can you hope to do then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If it's on the market, I'll buy it, even if it means another penny on the income tax. With these fellows it's money that counts. I have the British treasury behind me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, let me see. Yes, yes, there are only three secret agents capable of playing so bold a game as this. Oberstein, Laroffier and Eduardo Lucas.

[Dr. John Watson]

Just a minute, Holmes. Eduardo Lucas?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, do you know them?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I didn't until I read my paper this morning. Yeah, you, you, you'd better listen to this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, where.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, here we are. A crime of a mysterious character was committed last night at 16 Godolphin Street, Westminster, the home of Mr. Eduardo Lucas, well known in society circles and regarded as one of the country's best amateur tenors.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, go on, Watson, go on.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, sorry, At a quarter to midnight, police constable Barrett, observing that the front door was a jar, knocked, but could gain no reply. Entering the house, he found a state of wild disorder with furniture and objects scattered and overturned. In the middle of the floor lay Mr. Eduardo Lucas.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

He had been stabbed to the heart and must have died instantly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By my soul, Watson, is there any more?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, only to say the robbery didn't seem to be the motive. Amazing coincidence, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A coincidence? Here is one of three men whom we had named as possible actors in this drama and he meets a violent death during the very hours when we know that drama was being enacted. No, my dear Watson, the odds against coincidence are too enormous for figures to express.

[Dr. John Watson]

You think the events are connected?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. And it's for us to find the connection.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what hope is there of secrecy now that the police are involved?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The police know about Godolphin Street. They know and shall know nothing of Whitehall Terrace. We must be on our guard, Watson. That is all. Ah, Mrs. Hudson, there's a lady asking to see you. Mr. Holmes, I have no appointments this morning. I'm sorry, I cannot see the lady.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Here's our card.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All the same, I. Bless my soul. Ask her to come in, please.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Very good, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You soon changed your mind, Holmes. A visit from Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope must have a bearing on our present inquiries. What? Hope's wife? Yes.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Lady Trelawney Hope, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good morning, madam.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Good morning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

May I present my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Charmed, madam, charmed.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

How do you do, Mr. Holmes? Has my husband been here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He has, madam. Will you sit here?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

No, here will do very well. Mr. Holmes, if you should meet my husband again, I implore you not to tell him I have called.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I fear I can make no unconditional promise.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I implore you also to tell me exactly what is happening and what it might lead to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your husband has not told you?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I know that a paper has been stolen from our house and because my husband will not discuss it with me, I know it is a political document.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why do you come to me?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Because I can tell from my husband's state that the loss has struck him a grievous personal blow. I wish to know, and is it no use my asking him whether his political career is in danger?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I can answer without betraying any confidence that if this matter is not set right quickly, it may certainly have a very unfortunate effect.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, madam.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I'm quite all right, Dr. Possum, thank you. Very good, Mr. Holmes, I want you to tell me all about this matter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Madam, what you ask me is really impossible. But why, if your husband keeps you in the dark about it, is it for me who have only learned the true fact under a pledge of professional secrecy to enlighten you?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

No, no, of course, forgive me. I will take up no more of your time. But once more I beg you will say nothing of my visit. Good morning, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good morning, madam. I say.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, what a beauty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As an expert upon the fair sex, Watson, what did she really want?

[Dr. John Watson]

Sorry, she made herself perfectly clear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Her anxiety is very natural, highly gallant. But think of her appearance. Note her manner, her suppressed excitement, her restlessness. Well, remember that she comes of a cast who do not like to show emotion.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, she was certainly much moved.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you also observe that she maneuvered to have the light at her back?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, yes, yes, she chose her chair very carefully.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You remember the woman at Margaret who made me suspicious for that same reason. No powder on her nose, that was all it proved to be in her case with Lady Hope. I fancy it was a desire not to let us read her expression. Expression? Too plainly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, now really, Hope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The motives of women are so inscrutable. Their most trivial action may mean volumes, or their most extraordinary conduct may depend upon a hairpin or a pair of curling tongs. How can you build on such a quicksand? Good morning, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Your orphan.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I shall file away. The morning at Godolphin street with Eduardo Lucas lies the solution of our problem. Now you stay on guard and receive any fresh visitors. I'll join you at lunch if I may.

[Dr. John Watson]

For the next three days Holmes remained in a taciturn mood. He ran out and ran in, smoked incessantly, played snatches on his violin, sank into reveries, devoured sandwiches at irregular hours and hardly answered the casual questions I put to him. He would say nothing about the case and it was from the newspapers that I learned that Eduardo Lucas's valet had been suspected of his murder. However, a sensational occurrence led to his release. I managed to secure sufficient of Holmes attention to read him the newspaper account.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, well, let me hear it, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

A report has been received from the Parisian police that a woman known as Madame Henri Forney had suddenly become insane only a few days after returning from a visit to London. Inquiries in London disclosed that a woman of the same description had attracted attention at Charing Cross Station by the wildness of her appearance and manner. It now transpires that she had recently discovered that her husband maintained a bachelor establishment in London in Godolphin Street, Westminster, under the name of Eduardo Lucas. A Few hours after Madame Fournay's hasty return to Paris, her husband's murdered body was discovered in his London rooms. French doctors hold out no hopes being able to restore the woman's reason, and it is generally thought that she may have committed the murder in the grip of jealous frenzy. Well there, Holmes, what do you think of that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lucas's death is a mere incident, a trivial episode compared with our real task, which is to trace this document and save a European catastrophe about which you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Haven'T seen fit to utter a blessed word to me these three days.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, you are the most long suffering of fellows, but the only important thing that has happened is that nothing has happened. The letter disappeared three days ago, and yet nowhere in Europe is there the least sign of repercussions. Hasn't it reached its destination then? If not, why not? Who has it? And why is it held back? Well, yes, yes, I see what you mean.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then what will you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We, my dear Watson, will pay a visit to the scene of the murder.

[Dr. John Watson]

But you said that Lucas death was.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A mere incident compared with our real task. But it may have something for us. But. And in any case, I have a note from our old friend Lestrade who is handling the case.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, is he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He thinks he's made a discovery and wishes to consult me about it. We're scarcely in a position to overlook any possibility.

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[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. There's only one possible explanation and that's the one they've come up with in paper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Paris.

[Dr. John Watson]

Lucas was leading a double life. His wife found out, came over from France and traced his establishment here. One thing led to another and she finished that by stabbing him. Then when she realized what she'd done, it proved too much for her mind. I got help feeling sorry for the woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You seem to have it all very clear, Lestrade. Then why send for me?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, well, it's a mere detail, I admit, and can't have anything to do with anything. But I thought it was one of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Those odd little things that appeal to your fancy. You intrigued me.

[Dr. John Watson]

I thought so. Well now, this is the room where Lucas was murdered, right?

[Sherlock Holmes]

So you inform us.

[Dr. John Watson]

Therefore, ever since the discovery of the crime there's been one of my men on duty in here night and day and nothing's been allowed to be touched or moved. Now you see this loose rug here? Not fastened down anywhere. Yes, Inspector. I was having a final hunt round this morning and I had occasion to lift it. Yes, like this, but heavily. Blood stained on top. And you can see how the blood soaked right through.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No blood stains on the floorboards underneath.

[Dr. John Watson]

Exactly. But if I lift the other side of the rug here, there's your blood stained floorboard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A second stain.

[Dr. John Watson]

Meaning that the rug has been turned round at some time. Yes, but I mean to say it's not all that large. It could easily have been lifted by accident and not put back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Not by any of my men.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson, the spade.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That constable in the passage, has he been in charge of the place all the time?

[Dr. John Watson]

McPherson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, he has. Then question him carefully. Don't do it in front of us. Speak to him outside while we wait here. You'll be more likely to get a confession out of him alone.

[Dr. John Watson]

Confession? But what about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ask him how he dared to admit unauthorized people and leave them alone in this room. Don't ask him if he's done it. Take it for granted. Press him, do you understand?

[Dr. John Watson]

If anything like that's happened, I'll have it out of him. Constable McPherson, I want a few words with you. You better mind how you answer me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, Watson. Now pull back that blood.

[Dr. John Watson]

Right, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There must be. Yes, but. But where?

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you looking for?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A cavity in the. In these floorboards. There has to be one. Watson. Confounded. Where's my knife?

[Dr. John Watson]

Got it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, there may not be time To. Ah, here we are.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I knew it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't. What's.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's in it? Isn't it easier to let. Oh, cursed. It's empty, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And quick, Watson, quick. Get everything back in place before the straight comes in. There may still be hope.

[Dr. John Watson]

Right, that's it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good.

[Dr. John Watson]

Just in time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can hear him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Come in here, big person. I want these two gentlemen to witness what you've just told me before I put it into my report.

[Constable McPherson]

She wanted to see where the crime was done. She'd read about it in the papers. She was a very respectable young woman, sir. I saw no harm in letting her have a peep. But when she saw that mark on the rug, she fell down in a faint.

[Dr. John Watson]

One of the oldest tricks in the business.

[Constable McPherson]

Well, I ran round the corner to the ivy plant to get some brandy for her. I wasn't gone about five minutes and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Believe it or not, Mr. Holmes, when.

[Dr. John Watson]

He got back, she recovered and gone.

[Constable McPherson]

Oh, I'm very sorry, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Constable, this young woman, can you describe her for us?

[Constable McPherson]

Well, she was pretty, sir. Yes, well, rather. I mean, handsome, sir. Tall and real genteel, like I thought.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How was she dressed? Quiet like, sir. And what time was it?

[Constable McPherson]

Just growing dusk, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Well, Lestrade, we must be going. We have a call to make. Come along, Walton.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Mr. Holmes, this is most unfair and ungenerous of you. After I had made it quite clear that I wish to keep my visit to you a secret. By coming here now you have compromised that secrecy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Unfortunately, madam, I had no possible alternative. I have been commissioned to recover this immensely important document, so I must ask you to be kind enough to place it in my hand.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

You insult me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come, come, madam, it is useless. Give up the letter. No. Do not ring for your butler. If you do, then all my efforts to avoid a scandal will be frustrated. If you will give up the letter and work with me, all will be set right. If you work against me, I must expose you.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

You are trying to frighten me. It is not a very manly thing to come here and browbeat a woman.

[Dr. John Watson]

Pray sit down, madam.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I give you five minutes. Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come, lady Hilda. I have no desire to bring trouble to you. My duty ends when I have returned the lost letter to your husband.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I tell you again, you are under some absurd delusion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am sorry for you, madam. I have done my best for you. Come, Watson, we must go at once to Mr. Trelawney Hope's office.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Very well, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Madam, I beg you, please don't tell him.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I love him so it would break his heart.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am relieved to hear you say that, madam. Where is the letter?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Here it is, in the town. Oh, to heaven. I have never seen it. Please be careful. He will be home at any moment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The question is, how can we return it to him without his knowing? Quick, Watson, think. Where's the dispatch box from which it was taken?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Over here.

[Dr. John Watson]

It'll be locked home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did you open it before, madam? You have a duplicate key? Yes, of course. You have open it.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Yes, yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There. Capital. Oh, good. Plenty of papers now. We'll trust this one well amongst them. So. And there. Please hide the key again. Good. Now, Lady Hilda, I'm going far to shield you. In return, you will spend the time until your husband arrives in telling me frankly the meaning of this extraordinary affair.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I will, I will. But you must believe me, please, that there is no woman in London who loves her husband as I do. I could never, never have done what I did if I had not been forced.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quickly, madam.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

It all springs from an indiscreet letter I wrote before my marriage. Somehow it passed into the hands of this man Lucas. He lost no time in informing me and convincing me how it could be used to destroy my husband's confidence and trust in me.

[Dr. John Watson]

He blackmailed you with it?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

He said that he would return my letter if I would procure for him a certain letter which some informant in my husband's office had told him would be contained in that despatch box. He assured me that no harm could come to my husband as a result of its loss. Put yourself in my position, Mr. Holmes. What was I to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Take your husband into your confidence?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Oh, it is easy to say that, but Lucas convinced me that the consequence of the letter's disappearance would be small, whereas I knew too well how great the consequences of a confession to my husband might be.

[Dr. John Watson]

He is not a forgiving man.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

His own standard of honor is so high that he cannot forget or pardon any lapse by another.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did you obtain a duplicate key of this dispatch box?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I took an impression of his key. This man Lucas furnished a duplicate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So you took the letter as arranged. What then?

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I carried it to Lucas at Godolphin Street. Our business was soon over. I gave him the letter, he gave me back mine. I was about to leave when there came a thunderous knocking at his door and I heard a woman's voice cry out. He threw back the rug before his desk, prized up aboard and dropped the letter into a cavity there. Then he opened the door.

[Dr. John Watson]

Pray, pray, calm yourself, madam.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

Like some beautiful Breeze. I was swept aside by a woman who rushed in. She was screaming in French. I could understand a little of it. She said something like, I knew there was another woman. At last I have found you with her. My waiting has not been in vain. I saw a knife in her hand. Lucas was trying to push her away. I fled. There is my husband now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, you have my promise.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

When I read of Lucas's death, I was glad, until I saw my husband's anguished fate. I knew then that the letter must have been of very great importance. My one concern was to get it back. I watched his house for two days, wondering how I could get in. Then I grew desperate and I tricked a young constable into admitting no mornal.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson. They told me you were here. Does this mean there is news?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have some hopes, sir.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

You have? Oh, thank heaven the Prime Minister is with me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, here he is.

[Dr. John Watson]

He exclaimed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Can this mean.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Hilda, my dear, this is a political matter. We will join you in a few minutes in the drawing room.

[Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope]

I understand, my dear. Good morning, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good morning, ma' am. Now, Mr. Holmes. I'm quite sure, Prime Minister, that there is no danger to be here.

[Dr. John Watson]

No danger?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then have you the letter? I have not.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then you cannot possibly reassure me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have been thinking the matter over very closely. I am not convinced that anyone took the letter at all. I believe it is still in this house.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

This is not a time for joking, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am not joking. Am I, Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, no.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Hope, have you examined your dispatch box since the day the letter was missed?

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

No, it has not been necessary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I believe you may have overlooked it.

[Dr. John Watson]

Impossible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have known such things happen.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

No, no, I had everything out.

[Dr. John Watson]

Open it and show him.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Very well, sir. This is the box. I promise you that letter is not amongst these papers. Letter from Lord Merrill, report from Sir Charles Hardy, memorandum from Belgrade. Letter.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heavens, what is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Great Scott.

[Dr. John Watson]

The letter.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

What a careless fool I must have been. Prime Minister, I. Oh, but what a.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Weight from my mind.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

Mr. Holmes, you are a wizard, a sorcerer.

[Dr. John Watson]

How did you know it was there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because I knew it was nowhere else.

[Mr. Trelawney Hope]

I can't believe my eyes. I must tell my wife that all is well.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hilda.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Poor fellow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Holmes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sir. There's more in this than meets the eye, Prime Minister. We also have our diplomatic secrets. Hey, Watson. That was the second stain 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 Martin C. Webster.

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