Sherlock Holmes: The Singular Affair of the White Cockerel 12/28/1946

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode: Sherlock Holmes – The Singular Affair of the White Cockerel (12/28/1946)

Released: May 22, 2026 | Host: Choice Classic Radio
Stars (in this episode): Tom Conway (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)

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Episode Overview

This Sherlock Holmes radio drama unfolds an atmospheric and sinister tale set in Holmes’ retirement at his Sussex bee farm. Drawn back into detective work by an unusual theft, Holmes and Watson unravel a chilling conspiracy involving voodoo, a white cockerel, and mistaken identities—ultimately revealing a plot against a misunderstood foreign scholar and his daughter in rural England.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. A Quiet Sussex Morning Interrupted

[02:54–06:36]

• Holmes, enjoying semi-retirement, reviews his old case notes when Dr. Watson joins him for a holiday.
• Holmes receives an urgent note from Mr. Mandeby, a local squire, whose chickens have been stolen—a case Holmes initially scoffs at as trivial.

“Chickens? Me? But I assure you there are sinister forces at work.” — Dr. Watson reads Mandeby’s note ([05:00])

2. Visit to Mr. Mandeby: Strange Thefts and a Frightened Daughter

[06:37–13:10]

• Holmes and Watson visit Mandeby, learning the thief only stole one white cockerel, and later, Mandeby’s daughter’s hairbrush.
• Mandeby dismisses the local police and is resistant to Holmes’ methods.
• Holmes insists on interviewing the daughter, Alicia Mandeby, who is isolated and visibly terrified.

“A white cockerel and a hairbrush… Unless I’m very much mistaken, there’s devil’s work afoot.” — Sherlock Holmes ([08:45])

3. Alicia’s Nightmare and a Haunting Melody

[09:32–13:10]

• Alicia recounts a terrifying dream of being sacrificed in a foreign jungle, only to awaken and hear the same haunting melody outside her window, played by a mysterious figure on a flute.
• Holmes urges her to keep these experiences secret from her father for her own protection.

“Why, yes. It’s been haunting me ever since I awakened this morning. It goes like this…” — Alicia, about the melody ([11:51])

4. Investigation at “Larches”: The West Indian Servant and His Bone Flute

[14:12–17:02]

• Holmes’ leads them to the only nearby house with new tenants: Mr. Shapley and his servant, Harker, from Trinidad.
• Watson and Holmes overhear the exact same melody played on a bone flute—made from human leg bone—by Harker.
• Harker refuses to play tribal chants at the forthcoming village concert, warning, “Primitive chants are dangerous medicine.” ([16:46])
• Holmes quietly collects a white feather from Harker’s coat as evidence.

5. Voodoo Clues and the Disappearance

[17:52–19:17]

• Holmes researches voodooism: a white cockerel is a significant sacrifice, and personal items (like hair) provide power over a victim.
• Alicia disappears, Mandeby in distress seeks Holmes’ help.

“A human sacrifice—the sacrifice of a young girl.” — Holmes, on the ultimate voodoo rite ([18:57])

6. The Dramatic Climax: Unmasking the Villain

[21:11–26:33]

• At Alicia’s window, Holmes finds evidence that a light, agile person—likely the servant—used the trellis.
• They rush to Shapley’s stable, finding Alicia unconscious, a dead white cockerel, Shapley’s servant (seemingly playing music), and Shapley distressed.
• Holmes stops Shapley from shooting Harker, recognizing a frame-up: the real villain is the servant, who attempted to murder his employer, Mr. Shapley, for his identity and fortune.
• The “music” in the stable is revealed to be a gramophone recording, not live playing, proving the supposed “Shapley” (really Harker) was staging evidence.

“My dear Watson, you’re overlooking an important fact. It’s a case of identity. The West Indian gentleman lying on the floor is the master, Mr. Shapley. This man is the servant, Harker.” — Holmes ([23:59])

7. Resolution and Epilogue

[26:45–27:29]

• Holmes explains he deduced the ruse by the trellis test and observers’ speech/behaviors.
• Shapley explains he swapped roles with his servant to avoid local prejudice.
• Holmes kindly refuses a fee: “Surely the least I can do is see that his stay on these shores is a tolerable one.” ([26:52])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “You’re like an old war horse hearing a nearly forgotten bugle.” — Holmes to Watson ([06:23])
• “Primitive chants are dangerous medicine when their evil powers are not appreciated or understood.” — Harker ([16:46])
• “The possession of intensely personal objects, particularly human hair, is considered to give great supernatural powers over that person.” — Holmes ([18:40])
• “When we heard the music while Mr. Shapley was still lying unconscious, it was obvious the whole thing was a plot.” — Dr. Watson ([26:33])

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Important Timestamps

• [03:32] – Holmes and Watson examine old case files; get Mandeby’s letter
• [07:06] – Mandeby describes the thefts and calls police “idiots”
• [09:32] – Introduction to Alicia Mandeby and her distressing dream
• [14:35] – Holmes and Watson arrive at Larches, meet Shapley and Harker
• [16:11] – The bone flute; Harker’s warning about “dangerous medicine”
• [18:25] – Holmes explains voodoo’s dark symbolism
• [21:19] – Investigation at the Mandeby house after Alicia disappears
• [22:36] – Music and confrontation in Shapley’s stable
• [23:57] – Holmes reveals the servant’s plot; music is a gramophone
• [26:33] – The logical progression: role reversal and intent to murder

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Episode Tone & Style

True to the Golden Age of Radio, the episode is lushly atmospheric, with moments of gentle wit between Holmes and Watson, suspenseful music, and the kind of slightly florid, charming dialogue OTR fans expect. The supernatural undertones (voodoo, jungle nightmares) lend the case an unusual urgency and color.

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Summary Conclusion

Sherlock Holmes: The Singular Affair of the White Cockerel sees Holmes restore order in Sussex, rescuing an innocent girl from dangers both mystical and very real. The episode cleverly weaves rural suspicion, colonial anxieties, and Holmesian deduction into an entertaining and suspenseful hour—a classic for fans of old-time radio detectives.

Transcript

[Joseph Bell]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we

[Sherlock Holmes]

bring to you the greatest old time radio shows, like us on Facebook, subscribe

[Joseph Bell]

to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail]. Kremel hair tonic and kremel shampoo present the new adventures of sherlock holmes. Starring nigel bruce as Dr. Watson and tom conway as sherlock holmes. Well, once again, it's time to keep that weekly date with our good friend and host, Dr. Watson. Let's join him, shall we?

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, come in, Mr. Bell.

[Joseph Bell]

Good evening, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, my boy.

[Joseph Bell]

How are you feeling after your Christmas holiday?

[Dr. Watson]

Remarkably well, thank you, Mr. Bell. Considering how extremely hospitable my friends have been. Just a twinge or two of gout to remind me that an old man should treat tawny port with the respect that it deserves.

[Joseph Bell]

I know just what you mean, Dr. Watts.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, draw up your usual chair, my boy, and settle yourself down. That's it.

[Joseph Bell]

All ready with tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[Dr. Watson]

Dr. Watson. Yes, Mr. Bell. And when I was going over my notes on the case just before you arrived, I came across white feathers. It played a prominent part in tonight's adventure. A white feather.

[Joseph Bell]

That signifies cowardice, doesn't it?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it can. It can, Mr. Bell, it can. But this is a very special feather. It was plucked from a white cockerel and it helped Sherlock Holmes to foil one of the most diabolical plots that we ever encountered. But first, don't you want to have your usual word with our listeners?

[Joseph Bell]

Thank you, Dr. Watson. Men, if you want to stand out in the crowd, remember, well groomed hair means a lot to a man's appearance. And I'm sure you'll want to know why so many of America's most prosperous and successful men use Kremel hair toning. You see, Kremel contains a special combination of hair grooming ingredients which is found in no other hair tonic. This is why Kremel gives a man's hair such a natural, well groomed look. It keeps hair neatly in place. Longer too. Yet Kremel never leaves the hair looking or feeling greasy, sticky or dirty. Just make this test, men. After you apply Kremel, rub your hand over your hair. Notice how delightfully clean your hair feels. Notice how no greasy film comes off on your hand or on your hat band. Kremel always gives your hair such a handsome, clean cut appearance. At the end of the day, your hair looks just as neatly groomed as when you combed it in the morning. Buy a bottle at any drug counter. K R E M L Kremel hair tonic. Now Dr. Watson, how about the story of the white cockerel?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Mr. Bell, that adventure took place after Sherlock Holmes had given up his regular practice and retired to his bee farm on the Sussex Downs. I was staying with him there for a few weeks holiday and I remember coming down to breakfast one morning to find my old friend, his pipe clenched between his teeth, squatting on a stool, examining the contents of a large metal box at his feet. As he threw back the lid, I could see that the box was half full of papers. Papers tied up with red tape in separate packages. After sorting through them for a few moments, he turned to me and said,

[Sherlock Holmes]

a box of secrets, my dear Watson. A box of deep, deep, dark secrets.

[Dr. Watson]

Are they the records of your early cases home?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, my boy. These were all done before my biographer had come to glorify me.

[Dr. Watson]

I've often wished that I had the

[Sherlock Holmes]

notes on them so that you might transmute my little adventures into those rather florid stories of yours.

[Dr. Watson]

My stories aren't florid. Factual accounts of what happened.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, don't be hurt, my dear. Florida, it's much too early in the day. Well, Watson, perhaps someday the world will hear of these cases. They're not all successes, but there are some pretty little problems among them, I'm sure. For example, here's the record of the Tarleton murders. And here's the case of Danbury the wine merchant.

[Dr. Watson]

What happened to him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He died, Watson, under peculiarly horrible circumstances. That case was one of my failures, I'm afraid. Aha. This adventure was really a little recherche. It's a full account of Ricoletti, of the club football and his abominable wife.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes, I vaguely remember her. Dreadful woman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ghosts from the past, Watson, ghosts to remind me that my heyday's long past.

[Dr. Watson]

Rubbish. I'm quite sure that if a case were to present itself at this moment, you'd be totally unable to resist.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're wrong, old chap. Look at this note, derived just before you came downstairs. Mr. Mandaby, the local squire apparently needs my help and yet I assure you I'm not in the least 10 tempted to give it to him.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, may I say it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly, yes.

[Dr. Watson]

Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I need your help desperately. Have the goodness to call on me as soon as convenience permits. Continued theft of chickens may appear to be a small matter. Chickens? Me? But I assure you that there are sinister forces at work. Asking you to catch a chicken thief. Well really, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson, Chickens. Something of a come down, isn't It.

[Dr. Watson]

Well do you know this Mr. Mandeburgh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. But surely his handwriting gives you a clue to his character.

[Dr. Watson]

Well it's legible and regular. A man of business habits I should say, and of some force of character.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no Watson, look at his long letters. They hardly rise above the common herd. That D might be an A and the L an E. Men of character always differentiate their long letters however illegibly they may write. There's vacillation in his case and self esteem in his capital.

[Dr. Watson]

That's amazing, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's elementary, my dear Watson, and our long association together should remind you of the fact. I'm afraid you're getting rusty.

[Dr. Watson]

Perhaps you're getting rusty too, Holmes. And since the sun is shining and this letter comes from a neighbor of yours, it might be rather interesting to

[Sherlock Holmes]

call on Mr. Mandebeer.

[Dr. Watson]

Exactly. I'd like to see if your analysis of his character matches the gentleman himself. In any case Holmes, he may really be in trouble.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know Watson, you're like an old war horse hearing a nearly forgotten bugle.

[Dr. Watson]

I dare say Holmes, but even for stolen chickens it's good to be in harness with you again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When that wistful tone creeps into your voice I can't refuse you, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's stroll across the downs and investigate the mystery of Mr. Mandeby's chickens. Mr. Holmes, I'm glad you and your friend came here so promptly. It would seem to me, Mr. Mandebird, that your wisest course would have been to call in the local police. I did. The idiot scoffed at me.

[Dr. Watson]

Indeed, Mr. Mandeburg?

[Joseph Bell]

Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well they said if they had to track down all the chicken thieves in these parts they'd have no time for their more important duties. I must admit that I can follow their reasoning, sir. Well I can't since they seem to spend most of their time playing skittles in the Star and Garter. The local sergeant appears to have been selected for his complete lack of grey matter and one eyeotra of imagination. He's unable to see in what respect this differs from an ordinary chicken tap.

[Dr. Watson]

Well in what way does it differ, Mr. Bandabee?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well the chicken coops were broken into with considerable ingenuity. The thief could have taken all he could carry but he stole only one chicken, a white cockerel. A white cockerel? When did this take place? Early last evening. That was when I sent my note to you, Mr. Holmes. But in the early hours of this morning a burglar broke into the house itself.

[Dr. Watson]

And what was stolen this time?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Again, the thief took only one object. My daughter's hairbrush. Does your daughter know of these thefts? No, no, I didn't tell her. The child's full enough of peculiar fancies as it is. A white cockerel and a hairbrush. Mr. Mandeby, I came here against my better judgment, but thank heaven I did. Please let me talk to your daughter at once. Unless I'm very much mistaken, there's devil's work AF. Alicia's playing in the drawing room. I'll take you in. I think, if you don't mind, Mr. Mandaby, that we would prefer to see her alone.

[Dr. Watson]

Rubbish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What could you possibly wish to say to my daughter that you couldn't say

[Dr. Watson]

in front of me? Well, since my friend has been kind enough to help you, sir, I think you'd better let him conduct his investigation in his own manner.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, very, very, very well. All sounds unnecessarily mysterious to me. I'll be in my study.

[Dr. Watson]

Pompous fellow. You were right in your analysis of his character, Holmes. Well, let's go in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Listen to the piano, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

What a weird tune.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, an odd, primitive melody to hear in the heart of the English countryside. Very curious.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Come in. I'm sorry, Father. Oh, it isn't Father. Who are you gentlemen?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. Mandeby, permit me to introduce myself. My name is Sherlock Holmes and this is my friend, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, my dear?

[Ms. Mandeby]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes. I knew you lived in the neighborhood. Why are you here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

At your father's request.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Nothing's wrong, is it, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not sure, Ms. Mandebean. That's why we've come to talk to you.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, May we sit down, my Louis?

[Ms. Mandeby]

Oh, yes, of course. Please forgive me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Lord, you play the piano excellently, Ms. Mandeby. Have you ever thought of concert work?

[Ms. Mandeby]

Concert work? Oh, no, sir. Papa'd never allow it. He needs me here all the time.

[Dr. Watson]

You don't see many people here at the house.

[Ms. Mandeby]

No, Dr. Watson. Papa doesn't like me to cultivate any friends. He wishes me to devote all my attention to him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Extremely selfish and medieval point of view, it would seem to me.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Oh, please, Mr. Holmes, you mustn't say anything against Papa. If he knew that we were twerking about him, he'd be furious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let me confine myself to you, Ms. Mandabee. Do you know of anyone in this neighborhood who might wish you serious harm?

[Ms. Mandeby]

No, no, I don't. I. As I told you, I. I hardly know anyone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then why, my dear young lady, Are you so obviously terrified of your own shadow?

[Ms. Mandeby]

Please don't ask me that. I haven't even had the courage to tell Papa.

[Dr. Watson]

Possibly not, my dear, but Mr. Holmes is here to help you and to protect you. That's why he insisted on our seeing you alone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Ms. Mandebeer. And a trouble shared.

[Ms. Mandeby]

You know very well, Mr. Holmes. I will tell you. I've got to tell someone. Last night I had a ghastly dream. I dreamed that I was in some foreign country in the jungle. I was tied to a stone slab and a group of natives danced around me waving knives. And they were all wearing terrifying masks.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, my dear, it sounds like too much lobster for supper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quiet, Watson. Please continue, Ms. Mandebean.

[Ms. Mandeby]

All the time I could hear a strange haunting pipe playing in the background. Sounded like some sort of flute. And there was a drum beating out a slow rhythmic beat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The same rhythm that you were playing on the piano as we came in.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Why, yes. It's been haunting me ever since I awakened this morning. It goes like this. Suddenly, Mr. Holmes, I awakened from the nightmare, but I could still hear the melody continuing. I went to the window and in the moonlight I saw a tall man walking below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Could you recognize him?

[Ms. Mandeby]

No, Mr. Holmes. He was disappearing through the shrubbery and his back was turned. But his hands were raised to his mouth and I could hear the same melody being played on some kind of flute. It was awful. Awful.

[Dr. Watson]

You haven't told your father about him?

[Ms. Mandeby]

No, Dr. Watson. He wouldn't have believed me. Papa's always accusing me of being fanciful. Oh, but I'm not. Really I'm not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. Mandaby, I'm glad that you've told us this, though I suggest that you continue to keep incident a secret from your father.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Very well, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

All right, Holmes. Goodbye, my dear. And courage, Miss Mandaby. You have friends now.

[Ms. Mandeby]

Good day, gentlemen, and thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, what the devil's all this about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

When I can answer that question, Watson, the case will be solved. As it is. There's work to be done. Ah, there you are, Holmes. Yes, Mr. Mandeby, here we are. I hope you find out what's wrong with Alasia. She hasn't been herself today. A change from her normal self where you are concerned might be a benefit, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, indeed. The poor girl seems completely terrified of you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The problem of my daughter's relationship with her father is no possible concern of yours. I asked you here on a simple matter of detection. Detection? Yes, but far from simple. I warn you, you are in serious danger of the loss of a great deal more than a white cockerel and a hairbrush. Be on your guard, Mr. Mandeby. Dr. Watson and I must conduct a little investigation in the village. You may expect a call from us later in the day. Well, Watson, here we are at Larches.

[Dr. Watson]

Charming house. But I still don't see quite why we are here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because my inquiries uncovered the fact that this is the only house in the neighborhood with relatively new tenants. When something extraordinary happens in the peaceful countryside, look first for a newcomer. The owner's name is Mr. George Shapley. Let's see what information the gentleman can give us.

[Dr. Watson]

Listen to that, Holmes. Sounds like a flute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson. And the melody is the same that Ms. Mandaby played for us on the piano.

[Dr. Watson]

And this house is only a stone's

[Mr. Shapley]

throw away from hers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. Yes, gentlemen? Mr. Shapley? Yes? My name is Holmes and this is my friend, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How are you, Doctor? What can I do for you, gentlemen? I'm something of a student of music. We were walking past your house and I heard what sounded like a flute playing a strange melody.

[Dr. Watson]

It seemed to come from the direction of the stables over there. Oh, that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's my man servant, Harker. He's a West Indian. Brought him over with me from Trinidad. He's quite a musician in an amateur sort of way, you know. I wonder if I might speak to him. Of course you can, Mr. Holmes. I'll walk you over there. Thank you. We were thinking of getting up a little entertainment in the village for the church, ladies bazaar. Perhaps your man would consider contributing his services. You can ask him. He spends two or three hours a day out here practicing.

[Dr. Watson]

Harker. Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come here a minute. Yes, Mr. Hepler? These gentlemen heard you playing and wondered if you'd like to do something for some. Some village concert or other.

[Mr. Shapley]

Oh, that's flattering.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We're organizing a musical soiree for the church ladies in a few weeks.

[Dr. Watson]

Here's her man. And we'd like you to play for us.

[Mr. Shapley]

I'm only an amateur, but I'd be

[Dr. Watson]

very glad to help.

[Mr. Shapley]

Gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That instrument you were playing, it had an odd quality. Was it a flute?

[Mr. Shapley]

Yes, sir. Though I doubt if you've ever seen one like it. Look for yourself.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord. Looks as if it's made of bone.

[Mr. Shapley]

It is, sir. From a human leg bone.

[Dr. Watson]

Really?

[Mr. Shapley]

It's about 200 years old and originally came from Brazil. It's quite a collector's item.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sure it is. Tell me Hawker, since you're from the West Indies and obviously a lover of music, I presume you're familiar with some of the primitive melodies indigenous to that part of the world. Some of the tribal chants for instance.

[Mr. Shapley]

Oh yes sir. I know many of them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps you'd play some at the concert.

[Mr. Shapley]

I'd rather not sir. Primitive chants are dangerous medicine when their evil powers are not appreciated or understood.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite agree with you Harker. Well, well, I'm much obliged to you and we shall count on you for the concert. Good day to you both. Come on Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Good day Doctor. Watson. That servants our Manholm. He lives within two houses of Miss Manderby and he plays a flute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well Watson, though I don't think the pattern is remotely as clear as you think. I'll agree that suspicion would seem to focus on the servant Harker. I could even produce another clue that points to it.

[Dr. Watson]

You could.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I picked this object from his coat as he turned to you during the conversation. None of you noticed it?

[Dr. Watson]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look for yourself Watson. Here.

[Dr. Watson]

Great heavens. It's a feather from a white cockerel. Holmes, I thought you said we were going back to Mr. Mandiby's house before the day is over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We are. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Why are we back here at your bee Farm? It's 8:30 in the evening now.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We shall call on Mr. Mandeby before long. My investigations are complete. What luck did you have with me?

[Dr. Watson]

I did as you told me and made exhaustive inquiries in the village.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With what results?

[Dr. Watson]

I couldn't find out much about Mr. Shapley. Nobody knows anything about the man except that he has a foreign man servant and that he paid cash for his house and deposited a large sum of money in the local bank. What did you discover? I see that you've been up to your ears in reference books.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes Watson. Books concerning the peculiarly revolting ceremonies connected with voodooism.

[Dr. Watson]

Voodooism? That's black magic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But flourishing in our English countryside. Apparently a white cockerel is the second finest sacrifice in voodoo. Magic associated with the West Indian church.

[Dr. Watson]

That accounts for the first tip. How about this stolen hairbrush?

[Sherlock Holmes]

In all such magic the possession of intensely personal objects, particularly human hair, is considered to give great supernatural powers over that person.

[Dr. Watson]

Then it's obvious that West Indian servant is trying to get power over Ms. Mandeby. Holmes, you spoke of a white cockerel being the second finest sacrifice. What is the first?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A human sacrifice. The sacrifice of a young girl.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And tomorrow night the moon is full. I Think that tonight the girl should be safe. Though of course we'll go over there at once.

[Dr. Watson]

Look, look, look, Holmes. The lights of a carriage are coming up your drawer, your driveway.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And it's no social call. It's driving at a gallop. Come on, Watson, I have nothing.

[Dr. Watson]

That happened to Ms. Mandabe already. Before we get.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is it? What's wrong?

[Dr. Watson]

It's Robert Mandabe. What's happened? Mr. Mandabe, Ms. Here, my daughter. She's disappeared. The whole neighborhood's searching for her. For heaven's sake, both of you, come.

[Joseph Bell]

We'll find out in a moment what Sherlock Holmes decides to do now. But first, men. Why not start today and take better care of the hair you've got? Remember, one of the first requisites of handsome, healthy looking hair is a hygienic scalp. So why settle for just any hairdressing when you can enjoy the extra advantages of a highly specialized hair tonic like Kremel? Kremel contains a special combination of hair grooming ingredients which is found in no other hair tonic. This is why it keeps unruly hair neatly in place, longer, with a rich, healthy looking luster. Yet Kremel never gives hair that cheap, greasy patent leather look. It never leaves hair feeling sticky, gummy or dirty. Your hair and scalp always look and feel so clean with Kremel. And if your hair is so dry it breaks and falls when you comb it, start using Kremel at once. Let it make your hair feel softer, more pliable, and look as if it had some body to it. Cremel is also fine to lubricate a dry scalp. At the same time it removes dandrufflakes. A quick massage with Kremel helps stimulate the cutaneous circulation of the scalp. Notice how alive, how invigorated your scalp feels. So, for better groomed hair, a hygienic scalp, use Kremel daily. K R E M L Kremel Hair Tongue. Well, Dr. Watson, what happened next? You and the great Sherlock Holmes drove over to Mr. Mandaby's house, I suppose?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Bell. As fast as the pony and trap could carry us there. When we arrived, Mandaby quickly led us to the shrubbery beneath his daughter's window.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, you. You can see how the fiend got

[Dr. Watson]

into the house, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By climbing this trellis.

[Dr. Watson]

Work

[Sherlock Holmes]

footprints in the earth leading toward it, but none leaving.

[Dr. Watson]

Then the man, whoever he was, must have left the house by some other exit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An amazing deduction, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

There's no need to be sarcastic, Holmes. We should go To Chapter's house at once. It's obvious that that's where the danger lies.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before saying that anything is obvious, Watson, I'd like your help in trying an experiment.

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Course, Holmes, what is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Try climbing that trellis for me, will you, Holmes?

[Dr. Watson]

You give me all the best jobs, don't you? Lend me a hand, will you? Will it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here you are, up you go.

[Dr. Watson]

You know, Holmes, it seems to me

[Sherlock Holmes]

you're wasting valuable time. Mr. Mandeby, since you ask my help, I suggest you let me handle the case in my own way.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, I don't think this trellis is going to hold my weight. No, no. Look out, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Bravo, Watson. Your test has been invaluable.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean it's been invaluable? I think I've broken my back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sure you'll survive. Come on, old chap, get on your feet. Wilmsgrove to Mr. Shapley's house at once. I only hope we're not too late to prevent a tragedy.

[Dr. Watson]

There's a light coming from the stables, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Music too. Listen.

[Dr. Watson]

It's that West Indian playing his devilish chant again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Master Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Look, look, look. There's someone standing in the shadows by the harness room. There.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's Mr. Shapley. Good evening, sir. Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson, thank heavens you're here. What's wrong, Mr. Shapley? Look, in that empty store there you can see through the broken plank in the wall, the one where the music's coming from.

[Dr. Watson]

Good heavens. Look, Holmes, there's Ms. Mandebill lying on the floor unconscious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, with a dead white cockerel beside her and a fire smouldering in the corner. And you think that servant of mine's in there playing his filthy music?

[Dr. Watson]

I don't see him, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've got a revolver. I'm going in to get him. I think we'll come with you, Mr. Sh. No, he's my servant.

[Dr. Watson]

I'll take care of him myself. A.R.

[Sherlock Holmes]

watson, give me that removal. Give it to me, I say.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you think you're doing, Mr. Holmes? Rock the revolver right out of his hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pick it up, Watson. I have a profound dislike for seeing murder committed under my very eyes.

[Dr. Watson]

Murder? But the potential murder is harkened in the servant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed? Then why is his unconscious body lying in the corner?

[Dr. Watson]

There? Can't be the music still playing. That's his flute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and it's accompanied by a drum. A remarkable feat even for a man not lying unconscious on the floor. The music is undoubtedly to that of A gramophone. You're remarkably quiet, Mr. Harker.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, he is. He's unconscious.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, you're overlooking an important fact. It's a case of identity. The West Indian gentleman lying on the floor is the master. Mr. Shapley. This man is the servant. Parker.

[Dr. Watson]

Let me. No, you don't. Everybody. I've got him. Holmes. Let go of me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can't prove anything. I can and I will. You'll go to prison for this night's work. Watson, see what may be done to arrive at the house while I turn this man over to the police. How is Ms. Mandeby, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

She's. She's going to be all right, Holmes. I took her home to her father's and left instructions for her career. How are you feeling, Shapley?

[Mr. Shapley]

Fine, thank you, Dr. Watson. But I'm waiting for Mr. Holmes to explain this night's happenings to me.

[Dr. Watson]

So am I, as usual.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let me analyze this singular affair and its logical progression. I early concluded that you, Mr. Shapley, were the master and the other man was the servant.

[Mr. Shapley]

Right, Mr. Holmes? But I didn't know how you knew it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your speech and manner suggested nothing else. You reversed roles, I imagine, because it was an easier way to rent a house in the English countryside. That was the reason.

[Mr. Shapley]

Mr. Holmes, in my previous visits I've discerned a certain prejudice against foreigners.

[Dr. Watson]

That's a shocking thing. But I wouldn't doubt it, Mr. Shepley. You decided to live here. Your health, I suppose.

[Mr. Shapley]

No, Doctor. I came to the English countryside for peace. Peace? To conclude my studies on the origin and history of West Indian native music.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Mr. Shapley]

I've been working in close conjunction with Professor Griffiths of the Brighton College of Anthropology. It was he who concerned me to make graphophone records, my works, with a view to recording them for musical archives.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And your servant saw his advantage when you decided to change identities. He realized that if he disposed of you, he would be able to continue in his false characters the supposed Mr. Shapley. He could have taken over your large bank balance and retired under yet a third name with the proceeds.

[Dr. Watson]

Then he concocted this elaborate plot involving voodoo and native chance. Knowing that his master would be suspect.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. He drugged his master, placed him in the incriminating trap and then planned to burst in just ahead of us and shoot him.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, the white feather you found on Mr. Shapler's coat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Undoubtedly planted there.

[Mr. Shapley]

Mr. Holmes, I still don't see how you knew that my man was responsible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The first clue was the trellis it's obvious that you never claim climbed that you're heavier than Dr. Watson and it wouldn't support his weight. Your servant was a small, light man. Obviously it was he.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I see it all now. And then, of course, when we heard the music while Mr. Shapley was still lying unconscious, it was obvious that the whole thing was a plot. What a shocking business.

[Mr. Shapley]

Yes, but I can't tell you how grateful I am to you gentlemen. You saved my life, Mr. Holmes. I must insist on paying you a handsome fee.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A fee? No, Mr. Shapley, I couldn't dream of accepting one. Some people in my country have been sufficiently inhospitable to a foreigner to make him believe it advisable to change places with his own servant. Presumably this was done in order to obtain tolerance and peace. Surely the least I can do is to see that his stay on these shores is a tolerable one.

[Joseph Bell]

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[Ms. Mandeby]

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[Joseph Bell]

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[Ms. Mandeby]

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[Joseph Bell]

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[Dr. Watson]

Well, Mr. Bell, next week I think I'll tell you a story I call the Darlington Substitution Case. It's a strange story. How home saved a prominent British peer from scandal and disgrace by exercising the judgment of Solomon.

[Joseph Bell]

Tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story the Mazarin Stone. Nigel Bruce appeared by permission of California Pictures, Tom Conway, through the courtesy of Eagle Lion Pictures. This is Joseph Bell speaking for Cremel Hair Tonic and Cremel Shampoo and inviting you to be with us next week at this same time when Dr. Watson will tell us about the Darlington substitution case. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.