Sherlock Holmes - The Solitary Cyclist (Hobbs & Shelly)

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Sherlock Holmes - The Solitary Cyclist (Hobbs & Shelly)

Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Description: Old-time radio fans! Choice Classic Radio brings to you old-time radio’s greatest detectives! Each day we feature a program chosen from the most popular shows of the period. So sit back and enjoy the best detectives The Golden Age of Radio has to offer!

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the late 19th century to follow the famed detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson, as they unravel the mysterious case of The Solitary Cyclist. The narrative unfolds with Miss Violet Smith seeking Holmes's expertise to protect herself from a persistent and sinister suitor.

The Case Presentation

Miss Violet Smith's Distress At [01:50], Miss Violet Smith arrives at 221B Baker Street, exuding an air of desperation. She outlines her plight: after the death of her father, she and her mother are left impoverished, relying solely on an uncle who disappeared 25 years prior. A recent advertisement in The Times leads them to a lawyer, introducing Miss Smith to two men—Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Woodley—who claim to be associates of her late uncle.

Holmes's Initial Assessment Upon meeting Miss Smith, Holmes quickly deduces her occupation as a musician rather than a typist, saying at [03:35], “There’s a spirituality about the face which the typewriter does not generate.” His keen observation highlights the subtle clues that often escape others.

Investigation and Developments

Suspicious Behavior and Proposal Miss Smith recounts her experience with Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Woodley, noting their lack of communication and sudden appearance in their lives. At [05:35], Holmes proposes that Miss Smith take a position as a governess for his daughter, hoping to provide her with protection and a stable income.

The Mysterious Cyclist The plot thickens as Miss Smith describes encountering a mysterious cyclist who begins to shadow her every Saturday and Monday morning on her route from Chiltern Grange to Farnham station ([07:09]). Holmes’s interest is piqued, recognizing the potential danger in such unnerving persistence.

Setting a Trap Determined to uncover the cyclist's identity, Miss Smith lays a trap by speeding around a sharp turn near Charlington Hall and then halting abruptly, hoping to catch the suspect in the act ([09:26]). Her strategic maneuver reveals that the cyclist is no ordinary follower but someone with a vested interest in her safety—or lack thereof.

The Confrontation and Resolution

Holmes's Deduction and Stakeout Holmes and Watson collaborate to surveil Charlington Hall, leading to the discovery of Mr. Williamson, an elderly tenant with dubious connections. At [13:09], they engage in a conversation at a local pub, unearthing Mr. Williamson’s frequent visits and his association with Mr. Woodley.

The Climax: Rescue and Revelation The tension reaches its peak when Holmes and Watson intercept a staged abduction attempt at Charlington Hall. Miss Smith is found bound and gagged, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Carruthers and Woodley’s true intentions are exposed. Holmes’s strategic detainment of the culprits culminates in their downfall, as he states at [16:49], “I will represent the official police until they can be summoned.”

Unveiling the Scheme Through meticulous investigation, Holmes reveals that Carruthers and Woodley conspired to marry Miss Smith for her inheritance, leveraging the guise of respectable gentlemen. Their plan was thwarted by Holmes’s intervention, ensuring Miss Smith’s safety and securing justice for her.

Character Insights

Holmes's Analytical Brilliance Throughout the episode, Holmes showcases his unparalleled ability to observe and deduce, turning subtle details into pivotal evidence. His interaction at [03:15], where he identifies Miss Smith's occupation from minor shoe wear patterns, exemplifies his detective prowess.

Miss Smith's Courage and Vulnerability Miss Smith's narrative conveys both her resilience in seeking help and her vulnerability in the face of relentless harassment. Her collaboration with Holmes reflects her determination to reclaim her autonomy and secure a safe future.

Creepy Antagonists: Carruthers and Woodley Carruthers and Woodley embody the archetypal antagonists—charming on the surface but harboring malicious intents. Their manipulation and deceit are expertly unraveled by Holmes, highlighting the dangers of trust misplaced.

Notable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes on Miss Smith’s Energy:
  “[05:03] Sherman Holmes: ‘My little darling shows every musical promise they tell me.’”

• Holmes’s Strategy:
  “[09:14] Sherlock Holmes: ‘What next?’”

• Holmes on Love vs. Selfishness:
  “[26:36] Sherlock Holmes: ‘Do you call that love, Mr. Carruthers? I should call it selfishness.’”

Conclusion

The Solitary Cyclist masterfully blends suspense, character development, and intricate plotting, offering listeners a compelling narrative that underscores Sherlock Holmes's timeless appeal. From Miss Smith's initial plea for help to the climactic exposure of the villains, the episode encapsulates the essence of classic detective storytelling. Holmes's unwavering commitment to justice and his extraordinary analytical skills shine through, reaffirming why he remains an enduring figure in the annals of mystery and detective fiction.

Listeners are left with a sense of satisfaction as order is restored, and Miss Smith's future secured, thanks to Holmes and Watson's relentless pursuit of truth. This episode stands as a testament to the genius of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation, brought to life once more by Choice Classic Radio.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

It'S no use, Holmes. We'll never do it. No, I'm afraid not. Fool that I was not too allowed for the earlier trade. Well, it'll probably be all right. Nothing's happened to her. The trap hasn't been soft with me. It's not quite true, but. Watson. Huh? Look. The trap's empty. Watch. It's driverless. She's been abducted. Murdered. Heaven knows what. When his advice led others into danger, my friend Sherlock Holmes was always the first to suffer. For regardless of the true cause, he always blamed himself. My name is Watson. Dr. Watson. And and it was my privilege to share the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I will tell you what happened in the case of the solitary cyclist. The details are in my notebooks, if I may refer to them. A moment. On referring to my notebook for the year 1895, I find that it was on Saturday, April 23rd, that Sherlock Holmes and I first heard of Miss Violet Smith, the solitary cyclist of Charlington. The young and beautiful woman who presented herself at 221B Baker street late that evening and implored his assistance and advice. At least it can't be your health that is troubling you, Miss Smith. So ardent a bicyclist must be full of energy.

[Dr. Watson]

Bicyclist? How do you know that, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A slight roughening of the soles of your shoes at the sides, the friction of the edge of the pedal.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, well, yes, I do. Bicycle. Oh.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Mr. Holmes, you will excuse me, I'm sure, Ms. Smith, I took your hand out of curiosity.

[Dr. Watson]

Curiosity?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's my business. I nearly fell into the error, supposing that you were typewriting. But it's obvious, of course, that it's music. You see, Watson, observe the spatula finger end. It's common to both professions. Yes, yes, but there's a spirituality about the face which the typewriter does not generate. No. This lady is a musician.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Holmes, I teach music.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In the country, I presume from your complexion?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, sir. Near Farnham, on the borders of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sally, what has happened to you? Near Farnham, on the borders of Surrey.

[Dr. Watson]

My father is dead, Mr. Holmes. My mother and I were left without a relation in the world, except for Uncle Ralph. Ralph Smith? He went to South Africa 25 years ago and we've never had a word from him since. When father died, we were left very poor. But one day about four months ago, we were told that there was an advertisement in the Times inquiring for our whereabouts. Well, you can imagine how excited we were as we hurried off to the lawyer whose name was given in the paper in his office. He introduced us to two other gentlemen, a Mr. Carruthers and a Mr. Woodley, and then withdrew, leaving us alone with them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, ma'am, I'll explain right away that Mr. Woodley here and I are home on a visit from South Africa.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, yes, Mr. Carrasmas, yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So we were old friends there of a relative of yours, Mr. Ralph Smith.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I regret to say that Mr. Smith died some little while ago. Ma.

[Dr. Watson]

I see we have had heard nothing. Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He died in comedy, ma'am. Oh, Woodley and I visited Ralph Smith at his deathbed. He asked us almost with his last breath to look up his relations here in the old country and see that they were in no want. You'll excuse the question, ma'am, but how exactly are you placed? I don't know why you're asking, gentlemen.

[Dr. Watson]

But if you want the truth, we've barely two pennies to rub together.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have a. A proposition to put to you. A proposition for us, Mrs. Smith. I have a daughter aged 10, down near Farnham in Surrey. I am a widower and the child needs a woman's care and attention. I don't know whether Ms. Smith has ever considered the position of governess.

[Dr. Watson]

I am a music teacher, sir. I am trained.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and out of a position. What's more, a music teacher. But that couldn't be better. My little darling shows every musical promise they tell me. I never dreamed that. Miss Me, do come down the Surrey and teach, my pet.

[Dr. Watson]

You said you're a widower, Mr. Carruthers?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Alas, yes, but my household is managed by my housekeeper, Mrs. Dixon.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A lady of the highest respectability.

[Dr. Watson]

Violet, I shouldn't like to leave my mother alone in London. Oh, don't worry about me, Violet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There'd be no question of it, ma'am. Miss Smith could come home to you every weekend and with a good wage in her box, oh, say £100 a year. 100?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, please, dear, say you'll go. Oh, Violet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, very well then. It shall be as you wish, Mr. Car.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And so you went down to Farnum, Miss Smith. What then?

[Dr. Watson]

It was much better than I'd imagined, Mr. Holmes. The first flaw in my happiness came when Mr. Woodley arrived to visit for a week.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What happened?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, he. He made odious love to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The devil he did.

[Dr. Watson]

He boasted of his wealth and said that if I married him I should have the finest diamonds in London. Why, it made no difference when I told him about Cyril.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Cyril?

[Dr. Watson]

Cyril Norton. He's an electrical engineer in Coventry. We hope to be married at the end of the summer. But, oh, this didn't stop Mr. Woodley. He seized me in his arms and swore that he wouldn't let me go until I'd kissed him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Bounder.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, luckily Mr. Carruthers came in and tore Woodley from me. Mr. Carruthers apologized to me the next day and I've never seen Mr. Woodley since.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very distressing for you, Miss Smith, but such incidents are not unknown. What special thing has caused you to seek my advice?

[Dr. Watson]

It is this. Every Saturday morning I ride my bicycle to Farnham station to get the 1222 to town. Yes, the road from Chiltern Grange is lonely and it's quite rare to meet so much of a cart along one stretch of it. Where Charlington Heath lies on one side and the woods around Charlington hall on the other.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, two weeks ago I was passing this place when I chanced to look back over my shoulder and about 200 yards behind me I saw a man also on a bicycle. I looked back before I reached Farnham, but man's gone. So I thought no more about it. But imagine my surprise, Mr. Holmes, when on my return on Monday I saw the same man on the same stretch of road. Well, even more astonishing, the incident occurred again exactly as before, on the following Saturday and Monday.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Can you describe this man?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, as far as I could see he was middle aged and, and he had a short dark beard, but he always kept his distance from me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you mention him to Mr. Carruthers?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, he seemed very interested and told me he had ordered a horse and trap so that in future I shouldn't have to pass over that lonely road without a companion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very considerate I've been. What next?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, the horse and trap were to have come this week but for some reason they were not delivered and again I had to cycle to the station. That was this morning?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, sure enough there was the man following me. However, today I wasn't alarmed but filled with curiosity and I was determined to find out who he was and what he wanted.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What on earth did you do?

[Dr. Watson]

I laid a trap for him. The road turns sharply just past the entrance to Charlington Hall. I pedaled very quickly around it and then I stopped and waited. I expected him to shoot round and pass me before he could stop, but he never appeared. I went back and looked round the corner. I could see a mile of road, but he wasn't on it and there was no side road that he could have gone down.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. Smith?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you any admirers other than Mr. Cyril Morton, I mean?

[Dr. Watson]

It may be my fancy, but it seems sometimes that my employer, Mr. Carruthers, is quite interested in me. We're thrown rather together. I play his accompaniments in the evening. Oh, he's never said anything. He's a perfect gentleman but, well, the girl always knows.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Well, Ms. Smith, I'm very busy just now but I'll find time to make some inquiries into your.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And meanwhile, take no step without letting me know.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I promise you, Mr. Holmes. Good morning, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello. Meanwhile, good morning. Thank you. Good day, Miss Smith. Good day.

[Dr. Watson]

Good day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Charming little thing, Holmes, absolutely charming. It's part of the settled order of nature that such a girl should have followers. Yes, but not for choice on bicycles in lonely country roads. And why should he appear only at that one point exactly, our first effort must be to find who are the tenants of Charlington Hall. Right. Then again, how about the connection between Carruthers and Woodley? They seem to be totally different types, yet they were both keen on looking up Ralph Smith's relations. And what sort of a menage is it which pays double the market price for a governess but doesn't keep a horse and clap of its own, although six miles from the station. Odd, Watson, very odd. Are you going down now? No, my dear fellow, you will go down on Monday. You will arrive early at Farnham. You will conceal yourself near Charlington Hall. You will observe these facts for yourself, inquire as to the occupants of the hall and then come back to me in report. Oh, well. Very well, Helm, very well. And there he was, following behind her just as she told us, Holmes. Here, if she tried slowing down and stopping that he did the same. But then she suddenly whisked her wheel around and dashed straight at him. Really? With what result? But he simply turned his machine and darted off in desperate fright. I see. When she turned again to carry on the way she'd been going, he turned too and they both passed me in their respective stations. However, I stayed where I was, behind a gorse bush on the heath. And it was just as well that I did. After a while the man reappeared around the corner, cycling slowly. He turned in at the hall gate, as you thought. Ah, and then I lost sight of him. Oh, you did. However, it seemed to me that I'd done a fairly good morning's work. So I walked back into Farnham and called at the house agents by making out that I wanted to know if Charlington hall was on the market for a summer let. I found out that it had been let about a month ago to an elderly gentleman named Williamson. They wouldn't say anymore. There are, Holmes. How's that? You really have done remarkably badly. Oh, Holmes, I protest. And then you go to a house agent to find out who he is. Where should I have gone? To the nearest public house? That's the center of country gossip. They'd have told you every name from the master to the scullery maid. Well, I got his name. Williamson. Come in the post. Oh, just put it down over there, Mrs. Hudson. Oh no, wait, sir, there might possibly be. Yes, there is. Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes, what is it, Helm? I rather thought I might receive some account of this latest episode from Ms. Smith herself. Is it? Yes. I am sure that you will respect my confidence, Mr. Holmes, when I tell you that my place here has proclaimed become difficult owing to the fact that my employer has proposed marriage to me. I am convinced that his feelings are most deep and most honorable at the same time. My promise is of course given. He took my refusal very seriously, but also very gently. You can understand, however, that the situation is a little strained. Our young friend seems to be getting into deep waters. Watson. I should be none the worse for a quiet peaceful day in the country. I'm inclined to run down this afternoon and test one or two theories I formed then. The best of good luck to you, Holmes. That's all I can say. Good afternoon, landlord. Art. Noon, sir. What'll be your pleasure? Well, let me see now. Beer I think. Yes, beer will do nicely. You won't find a better drop anywhere in England, sir. I'm sure I, sir. How's that, sir? Ah, capital. Will you join me? Well, thank you, sir. Your best elf, sir. And yours, landlord. Oh, by the bye. I came down on the off chance of seeing an old friend who told me he was taking Charlington hall for the summer. Oh, Mr. Williamson, would that be? Yes, he's in residence. He's there all right, sir, I should know. Ah, he finds his way in here quite often, you know, Mr. Williamson, sir, what with all those weekend visitors of his. A warm lot that, sir. I can see he hasn't changed here. You've known him long, sir? Oh, quite some time. Is it true then? Is what true? Siddy used to be a clergyman, you know, unfrocked lodge. Well, to tell the truth, landlord, I have heard some such tale myself. I'm afraid our acquaintance doesn't go far enough back for me to verify. Oh, pity. You'll agree, Diz, there's something about his manner. Oh, quite, quite. Though mind some of his behavior when he gets in here. Well, uneccclesiastical. You, sir, you hit it, sir. Especially when he's on the whiskey with Mr. Woodley. Mr. Woodley? One of his weekend guests. Oh, always down at the old Mr. Woodley. I fancy I may have heard of him. Perhaps you can refresh my memory of Mr. Woodley, landlord. Refresh what memory? Never met you in my life, sir. Mr. Woodley, sir. Who are you? What do you want asking this old busybody questions about me? I beg your pardon, sir, I'm fairly mistaken. That's right, Mr. Woodley. This gentle friend of mine, Mr. Williamson. Ah, I told you that, did he? Now look here, don't you look here me. No sniveling yard of Pump water talks that way to Roaring Jack. Woodley, Pull them up. Now, now, Mr. Woodley, there's one to start. Mr. Woodley, come on. Well, if you insist. Good gracious, Holmes, your face.

[Dr. Watson]

You.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your lip. My dear fella, sit down quickly and tell me what's happened. A vicious backhander from the odious Mr. Wood. Woodley. Watson, I have to confess that however enjoyable my country trip, it was scarcely more profitable than your home. Never mind that. Oh, there's Another letter from Ms. Smith. It came a while ago. Then be good enough to post me up immediately. Yes, well, she says you will not be surprised to hear that on Saturday I shall come up to town and will not return to Farnum. Mr. Carruthers has got a trap. And so the dangers of the lonely road, if there ever were any dangers, are now over. As to the special cause of my leaving, it is not merely my strange situation with Mr. Carruthers, but the reappearance of that vile Woodley who must be staying in the neighbourhood. He had a long talk with Mr. Carruthers, who seemed much excited afterwards. I loathe and fear Woodley more than I can say. How can Mr. Carruthers endure such a creature for a moment? However, all my troubles will be over on Saturday. I think we must spare time to run down together on Saturday morning and make sure that this curious investigation has no untoward ending.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, the music of the birds and a fresh breath of the spring. What better way to occupy ourselves? Yes, it's all very well for you, Holmes. You know where you get all your energy from. Anyway, we've come far enough, surely. Look, here's the hall in those trees. We can see the whole stretch of road from here. No, we must be close into the hall so as to see this man clearly before he turns off into the grounds I. Watson, what is it? That vehicle moving along the road. It looks like a trap. If that's her trap, she must be making for the earlier train. Well then she'll be past Char before we can reach it. Exactly. And if she's in any danger, that's where it's going to strike. Come on. It's no use Holmes, we'll never do it. No, I'm afraid not. Oh, fool that I was not to allow for the early trade. Well it'll probably be all right. Nothing's happened to her. The trap hasn't been stopped. Really? Quite true. But Watson. Huh? Look, the trap's empty. What? It's driverless. She's been abducted, murdered, heaven knows what. Try to stop the horse. Well done, well done. Jump in, we must drive back. Just a minute, Holmes, here comes our man on his cycle. Stop. Stop. I don't understand, Holmes. I fancy an explanation is approaching at high speed. You there. Where did you get that horse and trap? You're the man we want to see. Where is Ms. Violet? That's what I'm asking you. That's her trap. You know where she is. We met the trap on the road empty. We were about to drive back to help the young lady. Then by heaven, it means they've got us. Quickly, we must drive down to Charlien hall as fast as we can go. Yes, we leave the trap here or they'll be ready for us. We can make our way through the shrubbery. All right, lead on. Oh great heavens. What is it? You see, she's a girl. No, no, it's Peter the groom. They must have clubbed him and dragged him in here. Let me see his head. No, no, not serious anyway. Yes, he'll come round soon then. Come on gentlemen, we may still be in time to save her, but hurry. This way, this way. There they are and back east. Woodley, what's happening? There's a clergyman talking to her, don't you see? Great heavens, she's bound and gagged. Quickly Watson, stop that. Well done Williamson, just in time. Well, well, Bob Carruthers in his false beard. Woodley, you can take it off. Bob, you and your pals have just come in time to be introduced to Mrs. Woodley. Woodley, I told you what I'd do if you molested this woman. Even if I had to swing for it. Too late, she's my wife. Oh, she's your widow. Look out, Holmes. And Martin, he's on too. Enough of it. William can drop that revolver Watson, take it from him while I keep him here. Take the blast keep, please. Cut. Cut, Williamson. Clergyman shouldn't swear. Now, Mr. Carruthers, I'll have your revolver too, if you please. Not on your life. Who are you anyway? My name is Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes? Oh, good Lord. Hand it over, please. Here. Here you are, Watson, See what you can do for Woodley and then release Miss Smith. Now all of you listen to me. I will represent the official police until they can be summoned. I detain you all under my personal custody. Woodley'll live, Holmes. And now I'll see to Miss Smith. What? Are you killing me? That girl, that angel is to be tied to Roaring Jack Woodley for life. You needn't concern yourself about that, Mr. Carrada. We are very safe in questioning Mr. Williamson's right to solemnize any marriage. In any case, a forced marriage is no marriage at all. It's a very serious felony, as you'll discover. Don't shoot yourself. You'll have time to think the point over during the next 10 years or so. I. As for you, Carruthers, you'd have done better to have kept your pistol in your pocket. Yes, I begin to think so. But I loved her, Mr. Holmes. It's the only time I've ever known what love was. You'd hardly credit it, but ever since she's been in my employment, I've never let her go past this house once without following her on my bicycle to see that she came to no harm from that brute. Oh, so that was why. Well, Miss Smith's all right, Holmes. I told her to sit down and rest. Splendid, Watson. Carruthers, why did you not simply tell Miss Smith of the danger? Because she might have left my house for good. Do you call that love, Mr. Carruthers? I should call it selfishness. Maybe those two things go together. Anyway, I couldn't bear to let her go. Then when the cable came, I knew they were bound to act immediately. What cable, Carruthers? You can bleach about the girls of your heart's content, but if you squeal I am not. Your Reverence need not be so excited. The case is clear enough against you. He's bluffing, Carruthers. I'll do the talking, Williamson, and then you will see how far you have a chance of holding back your secrets. Gah. In the first place, the three of you came together from South Africa on this game. You, Williamson, you, Carruthers and Woodley. There lie number one. I never saw either of them until a couple of months Ago. So put that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Busybody. Holmes. So His Reverence is our own homemade article. But you, Carruthers and Woodley came over from South Africa. You'd known Ralph Smith there. You had reason to believe he wouldn't live long. You found out that his niece would inherit his fortune. If it's true your plan was that one of you should marry and the other should share the funder. For some reason Woodley was chosen for the husband. Now why was it we played cards for her on the voyage over? He won. Well, really, I see. You got the young lady into your service and Woodley came to court her. She saw what a drunken brute he was and would have nothing to do with him. Meanwhile your arrangement was rather up, upset by your having fallen in love with her yourself. You could no longer bear the idea of that ruffian owning her. No, by George, I couldn't. You quarrel. He left you in a rage and began to make his own plans independently with Williamson. You see Williamson, he knows it all without my telling him. Yes, Mr. Holmes. That was when he picked up with this so called padre. They set up out here and as I told you I was fearful they might waylay Ms. Smith as she cycled past. So I kept following her as far as these grounds. And then two days ago Woodley brought a cable to show me telling you that Ralph Smith was dead at last and reminding you to keep your part in the bargain. Just that you refuse? Of course. So he asked me to marry the girl myself and give him a share of her money. I, I said I'd do that willingly but that she wouldn't have me. He said let's get her married first and after a week or two she may see things a bit different. Mr. Carruthers, you had a share in an evil plot. I am aware of that, sir. However, I think you've done what you could to make amends. If my evidence can be of help to you in your trial, it shall be at your disposal. Thank you, Mr. Holmes, but there she is. Violet. Ms. Smith.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Caravin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In the first place I wronged you deeply. I hope you will find it possible to forgive me.

[Dr. Watson]

I have done so, sir. You did all you could to rescue me from these, these things. I forgive you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now Ms. Smith, if you are sufficiently recovered, my friend Dr. Watson will be happy to escort you back to Cark. I'll do that with joy. And if in your medical opinion Ms. Smith should seem not quite convalescent, my dear Watson, might I suggest that a telegram to a certain young electrician in the Midlands would probably complete the kill. The Case of the Solitary Sacrist was one of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. My name. My. My real name is Norman Shelley. My friend Carlton Hobbes played Sherlock Holmes and I was Dr. Watson. Michael Hardwick wrote our script for this BBC production from London. I look forward to the pleasure of your company again soon for more of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.