Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band 11/12/1945 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band 11/12/1945
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Featuring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson
Original broadcast date: November 12, 1945

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Episode Overview

This episode presents the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery “The Speckled Band” as dramatized by Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce for Old Time Radio. Dr. Watson recounts an adventure in which Holmes and he investigate the strange circumstances surrounding the death of Violet Stoner and a new threat to her sister, Helen. The story explores themes of familial danger, greed, and Holmes' signature logical deduction, set against atmospheric suspense and peril.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Atmospheric Introduction

• The episode is told in retrospect by Dr. Watson, who welcomes the audience and sets the Victorian English tone.
• Holmes has already left home on mysterious business disguised as a workman, highlighting his methods and penchant for disguise.
  • "To the British workman, old chap, all doors are open, his costume is unostentatious and his habits are sociable." – Holmes (04:01)

2. Helen Stoner's Plight

• Helen Stoner arrives seeking Holmes' help, explaining her intense fear for her life following her sister's mysterious death.
  • "I'm waiting to be murdered." – Helen Stoner (08:03)
• She details Dr. Roylott’s suspicious behavior and the occurrence of strange music at night, paralleling her late sister’s experiences.
• She notes being recently moved into the same bedroom where her sister died, under false pretenses.

3. Recollection of the Inquest and Suspicion Cast

• Watson and Holmes review the details of Violet Stoner’s death and Dr. Grimsby Roylott’s dubious history. They discuss the financial motives at play:
  • Both sisters had a trust fund administered by Roylott until they married, making their deaths convenient to him.

4. Roylott’s Threatening Confrontation

• Dr. Grimsby Roylott bursts into Holmes’ flat, menacingly warning Holmes and Watson to "keep your nose out of my affairs."
  • "You don't know my strength. Look there, your poker's bent double." – Roylott, after bending a fire poker in a show of rage (12:40)
• Holmes immediately shows his own cool strength and intelligence by straightening the twisted poker after Roylott leaves.

5. Investigation at Stoke Moran

• Holmes and Watson inspect the sinister bedroom:
  • Notice the bed is fastened to the floor, the bell-pull is a dummy, and a ventilator connects to Roylott's adjacent room.
  • "Are you aware that this bed is clamped to the floor, Ms. Stoner?" – Holmes (14:30)
• In Roylott's room, they find a large safe with a saucer of milk atop, meant for a pet cheetah or baboon—or perhaps something else.

6. Holmes' Plan

• Holmes instructs Helen to signal them from her window when Roylott returns. He and Watson will spend the night in the deadly room to solve the mystery.

7. Nighttime Stakeout and Climax

• Holmes and Watson keep vigil, observing the faint music and watching for danger.
  • "A ventilator is constructed. A bell cord is hung from it. A lady sleeps in a bed directly below the ventilator. A bed that is anchored to the floor. The lady dies." – Holmes' crucial insight (20:44)
• As the music plays and a snake slithers down the bell rope towards the bed, Holmes lashes out, driving it back through the ventilator.

8. Resolution: Roylott's Downfall

• The snake, agitated, bites Roylott instead, killing him instantly with its venom.
  • "Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another." – Holmes (25:34)
• Holmes explains the entire fiendish plot: Roylott used a trained "swamp adder," the deadliest snake, to kill for inheritance.
• Helen is offered sanctuary with Holmes and Watson in Baker Street.

9. Holmes’ Final Analysis

• Holmes admits his initial misdirection by clues about gypsies but arrived at the correct theory via logical deduction and observations within the room.
  • "When we examined the fatal room, I drew the obvious conclusions between the dummy bell rope, the ventilator, and the immovable bed." – Holmes (26:43)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Disguise:
  • "To the British workman, old chap, all doors are open..." (04:01)
• Helen’s Fear:
  • "I'm waiting to be murdered." (08:03)
• Roylott’s Threat:
  • “[bends poker] You don't know my strength. Look there, your poker’s bent double.” (12:40)
• Holmes’ Analysis:
  • “A ventilator is constructed. A bell cord is hung from it. A lady sleeps in a bed directly below the ventilator. A bed that is anchored to the floor. The lady dies.” (20:44)
• Watson's Realization:
  • “Great heavens, it's a snake slitting down the bell rope!” (24:32)
• Holmes on Justice:
  • "Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another." (25:34)

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Important Timestamps

• Introduction & Holmes’ Disguise: 02:30–04:44
• Helen Stoner's Visit and Fear: 07:07–10:00
• Dr. Roylott’s Threatening Entrance: 11:07–13:02
• Inspection of the Fatal Bedroom: 14:04–16:34
• Holmes’ Plan & The Signal Arranged: 16:46–17:26
• Holmes and Watson’s Stakeout: 18:22–21:05
• Deadly Attack – The Snake Appears: 23:56–24:58
• Roylott’s Death and Holmes’ Explanation: 25:03–27:16
• Holmes’ Final Reflection: 26:30–27:46

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Tone & Style

The dialogue is characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio, with a blend of suspense, wit, and formality. Holmes is sardonic and logical; Watson is supportive and empathetic. Helen’s terror is palpable, while Roylott’s menace is delivered with theatrical intensity.

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For New Listeners

This episode offers a faithful, atmospheric adaptation of one of Conan Doyle’s most iconic Holmes stories. It captures the essence of the great detective’s methodical reasoning, the Victorian gothic tone, and an intricate plot culminating in poetic justice.

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Next Week’s Teaser

Dr. Watson promises a new story, "The Adventure of the Double Zero,” set in a gambling casino in the South of France—offering more mystery and intrigue for classic detective fans. (29:03)

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For best enjoyment, listen to the original radio drama for its immersive sound design and charming vintage performances!

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] this episode from the Life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And if you don't mind, I'd like to suggest something that you might share with your friends. And that something is a glass of sherry before dinner, naturally. A glass of Petri California sherry. I say Petri sherry because it's the perfect before dinner wine. You couldn't think of a better way to begin a meal. That Petri sherry has a beautiful inviting color like. Like dark amber. And for flavor, well, you've heard sherry described many times as having a rich nut like flavor. But if you want to learn for the first time what those words rich and nut like really mean, you just taste Petri sherry. It's wonderful. Serve Petri sherry by itself or serve it with hors d' oeuvres or those little cocktail sandwiches. And incidentally, if you prefer your sherry dry, you know, not sweet, just ask your wine merchant for Petri pale dry sherry. Well, the important thing to remember is if you want sherry, you want Petri sherry, because that means good sherry. And now let's look in on our genial friend and good host, Dr. Watson.

[B]

Good evening, Doctor.

[C]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel. Punctual to the minute as usual.

[A]

Never keep a doctor waiting, I always say. Particularly Dr. Watson.

[C]

Draw up a chair, my boy.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

That's it. That's it. That's it.

[A]

All ready to tell us the Sherlock Holmes adventure of the speckled band, Doc?

[C]

Yes, I'm all ready, Mr. Bartell.

[A]

Say, Doctor, just what does the speckled band mean?

[C]

You wait until I've told you the story, young fellow. My lady. You find out for yourself.

[A]

I'm sorry. The floor is all yours, Doctor.

[C]

The adventure of the speckled bairn began on a rainy April morning in 1883. An urgent call from one of my patients had kept me up most of the night before, and in consequence, I came down to my breakfast rather later than usual to find that Holmes had already left our house some hours earlier. As I Sat there reading the morning paper and consuming my two lightly boiled eggs. There's a knock at the door. It opened to disclose a typical example of the British working man, a bag of tools in one hand and a grimy cap in the other as he spoke to me from the doorway.

[B]

You sent for me, Mr. Holmes?

[C]

I'm not Mr. Holmes.

[B]

Oh, beg your pardon, governor, but I've come to him in the guest bracket over the mantelpiece.

[C]

Oh, what's wrong with it?

[B]

I caught a leak in it.

[C]

Oh, leak? Get along with your work.

[B]

Yes, sir. Hope I won't be disturbing yourself.

[C]

No, no, that's all right, my man. Don't mind me, don't mind me.

[B]

Oh dear. Very untidy man. Mr. Holmes, sir.

[C]

What do you mean by that?

[B]

Well, you can't help noticing the mess this room's in. I've heard say he was as tidy as anyone he started, but he learned bad habits from a bloke what lived with him. Dr. Watson, I think his name is.

[C]

You impertinent fellow. How dare you talk to me like that. I've got a good. Oh, lady does he go to Here, you come out of there. That's Mr. Holmes room.

[B]

Don't be angry with me, Watson.

[C]

What?

[B]

Slipping out of these grimy rags into a dressing gown.

[C]

Good gracious me. So it was you, Holmes. Bono. I'd never recognized you. But why the disguise?

[B]

A case, my dear Watson, a case. One of those small problems which a trusting public occasionally confides to my investigation. Aha. To the British workman, old chap. All doors are open, his costume is unostentatious and his habits are sociable. Tool bag is an excellent passport and a tawny moustache will secure the cooperation of the maids.

[C]

But what's the case, Holmes?

[B]

A modest little drama of life in the kitchen. One of those seemingly inconsequential affairs. And yet, Watson, the honor of a duchess is at stake.

[C]

Duchess?

[B]

Mad world, my masters, a mad world. Ah, now I feel a little more comfortable. Let's return to the sitting room, shall we? A strong cup of tea would be most acceptable.

[C]

I wish you'd tell me about the duchess. Life in the kitchen. Home.

[B]

Some other time, old fellow, some other time. At the moment, suppose you tell me what you know about Ms. Helen Stoner. I received a letter from her this morning in which she informed me that she would be calling here at 11 and also that she was a friend of yours.

[C]

Helen Stoner. Oh yes, yes, charming girl indeed.

[B]

Pour me a cup of tea, Watson, and tell me about Her?

[C]

Well, I befriended her at the time of the tragic death of her sister two years ago. I told you about the case. Don't you remember? The sudden death of Violet Stoner at an old house in Stoke Moran?

[B]

Oh yes, yes, yes, it all comes back to me now. There was a, there was an inquest, wasn't there? With a string of stupid, ineffective witnesses.

[C]

I was one of them.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry, old fellow. Then you were the exception, of course. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Let me see. I docketed the evidence on the case. Where is it? My scrapbook. Ah, here we are, here we are. Let me see. S S Salisbury, Hatchet murder, Lords and Simon. Here we are, here we are. Stoke Moran. Yes, I remember the affair well now the villain of the piece was Dr. Grimsby Roylott, wasn't he?

[C]

Yes, a dreadful fella. He's the stepfather of the two girls. Violet, the one that died so mysteriously, and Helen, the one who's coming here to see you.

[B]

Dr. Roylott has a pretty record. 55 years of age. Killed his kit maga in India once in an insane asylum. Married money, wife died. Distinguished surgeon. Well, Watson, I wonder what the distinguished surgeon has been up to now.

[C]

Some deviltry I fear.

[B]

Why do you say that?

[C]

You remember that Miss Violet Stoner's death followed close upon the announcement of her engagement?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Well, I met Ms. Helen Stoner on the streets a few weeks ago. She told me that she'd just become engaged to a young fellow in the army who was leaving for the Far East. She was very upset at the thought of being alone with her stepfather at Stoke Moran.

[B]

How naturally she was. Hmm. Dr. Roylott stands to lose a considerable sum of money in the event of his stepdaughter's marriage.

[C]

Yes, they both had a trust fund which he administered only as long as the girls were unmarried. That fact was brought out at the coroner's inquest two years ago. But if Roylott did poison the other stepdaughter, and I'm pretty convinced that he did, it seems unlikely that he'd try it again. Two sudden deaths of the same household could hardly pass the coroner.

[B]

Oh no, my dear Watson, you're making the mistake of putting your normal brain into Roliot's abnormal beam.

[C]

Oh, that, that must be Miss Stoner now.

[B]

Yes, let me see. It's precisely 11 o'. Clock. Well, let's see what we can do for her.

[C]

Well, I hope you can help her, Holmes. She's an extremely nice girl.

[B]

Come in.

[D]

Yes, Mrs. Hudson, there's a Ms. Helen Stoner to see you, sir. She says she has an appointment.

[B]

Show her in, please, Mrs. Hudson.

[D]

Aye, sir. Come in, my dear. Thank you.

[C]

Ms. Stoner. I'm so glad to see you again.

[D]

How do you do, Dr. Watson? And this must be your friend.

[B]

Yes. Ms. Stoner. I'm Sherlock Holmes. Sit down by the fire, won't you?

[C]

Yes, yes, please do, my dear. Hello. You're. You're trembling with cold.

[D]

It's not cold that makes me shiver. Tell me, Mr. Holmes, has my stepfather, Dr. Grimsby Roylott, been here?

[B]

No, he hasn't.

[D]

He saw me in the street. I dashed by him in a handsome cab, but he saw me. Our eyes met and he waved me to stop. But I came here as fast as I could.

[B]

Very sensible move. Dr. Watson has already given me several hints as to your problem, as well as having refreshed my memory as to the circumstances of your sister's death.

[D]

My problem is a simple enough one, Mr. Holmes. I'm. I'm waiting to be murdered.

[B]

More explicit, Mr.

[D]

Very well, Mr. Holmes. My fiance is leaving for the Far east today. When he leaves, I shall be alone with my stepfather at Stoke Moran. He plans to murder me just as he murdered my sister.

[B]

What makes you say that, Miss Dona?

[D]

Many strange things have happened recently. For instance, he's just moved me into the bedroom in which my sister died.

[C]

What reason did he give for changing your room?

[D]

That my old one needed repainting. It didn't need it. But Dr. Roylott did need to move me into that horrible room. And other things have happened. I. I've heard the music again.

[B]

Music? What music?

[D]

My sister first heard it a few days before she died. I heard it myself on that dreadful night she breathed her last. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I'm terrified.

[B]

Don't worry, my dear. Please don't worry anymore. You have friends to help you now. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

[D]

No, of course not.

[B]

Now, this music. Does it seem to come from inside the house or outside?

[D]

Well, it. It's hard to say. It. It sounds so faint.

[B]

What's it like?

[D]

A sort of soft droning sound.

[B]

Like a flute or a pipe?

[D]

Yes. It reminds me of native music I heard during my childhood in India.

[C]

India? Yeah.

[D]

There's one other thing that puzzles me, Mr. Holmes.

[B]

What's that?

[D]

My sister's dying words. As she lay in my arms, she gasped out two words.

[B]

What were they?

[D]

Banned and speckled. You remember that evidence from the inquest, don't you, Dr. Watson?

[C]

Yes, yes, yes, I do. I couldn't make head of tail of it.

[B]

Ban speckled Indian music. Ms. Stoner, do you sleep with your door and windows fastened?

[D]

Yes, Mr. Holmes, but so did poor Violet. It didn't save her though.

[B]

What did you gather from your sister's dying allusion to the band, the Speckled Band?

[D]

Well, sometimes I thought it was merely the wild talk of delirium and sometimes that it referred to a band of people. Oh yes, I remember that there were some gypsies encamped quite near us at the time of Violet's death.

[B]

Gypsies, eh?

[D]

Yes, and it occurred to me that these spotted gaily colored kerchiefs which so many of them wear over their heads, might have suggested the unusual adjective which my sister used.

[C]

Ms. Stella, how long is it since you heard this strange music that you've told us about?

[D]

I heard it last night.

[B]

Your fiance lives to leaves today, you say?

[D]

Yes, Mr. Holmes.

[B]

Well, Miss Turner, I shall do everything I can to help you. If we were to come to Stoke Moran today, would it be possible to see over your rooms without the knowledge of your stepfather?

[D]

Why, I think so. He told me this morning that he intended to take a late train home tonight.

[B]

Ah, that's splendid, Watson. Out with the timetable old fellow, and look up the trains to Stoke Moran.

[C]

Right you are, Holmes.

[D]

That's my stepfather. I know it is. Oh yes, yes, there he is on the doorstep. Oh, Mr. Holmes, he's followed me. What shall I do if he finds me here?

[B]

Don't worry, Ms. Stoner, please don't worry. There's a private exit through that room there. Watson, show the way, will you?

[C]

Come along with me, my dear young lady.

[D]

And, and you will come down today, Mr. Holmes?

[B]

Certainly, my dear. Ms. Stoner, I'll telegraph you the entire time of our arrival. Goodbye and courage, my dear.

[D]

Goodbye, Mr. Holmes, and thank you.

[C]

Come along, Mr. Quick.

[B]

Come in. Yes, Mrs. Hudson?

[D]

It's a gentleman, sir. I told him you wouldn't see anyone without an appointment but he.

[C]

Out of the way, woman.

[D]

Dinner. Push me like that. I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes.

[B]

That's all right, Mrs. Hudson, you can leave us.

[D]

What kind of gentleman does he call himself pushing an old lady?

[B]

So you're Sherlock Holmes. You have the advantage of me, sir. Your name is? My name, sir, is Roylott, Dr. Grimsby. Roylott of Stoke Moran? Oh yes, yes, of course. A charming place I hear, and obviously good for the lungs. You won't trifle with me if you. What's good for you, Watson? There you are. And how was the, the experiment Very successful, Holmes.

[C]

Good day to you, Dr. Roylott. I haven't seen you since I gave evidence at your stepdaughter's inquest.

[B]

Yes, yes, I remember you, Dr. Watson. Now listen to me you two. My stepdaughter's been here. I've faced her. What's she been saying to you? A little cold for this time of the year, isn't it?

[C]

You answer me.

[B]

I hear that the crocuses promise. Well, do you dare to try and put me off, do you? I know you, you scoundrel. You're Holmes the meddler. Am I? Holmes the busybody. I believe that a man should occupy his time. Holmes the Scotland Yard jack in office. When you go out, close the door, won't you? There's a draft. I'll go when I've had my say. Keep your nose out of my affairs, you hear? Oh yes, my hearing is excellent, thank you, and your diction and delivery most forceful. But time flies, my dear doctor, time flies and life has its duties as well as its pleasures. Good bye. Insolent rascal.

[C]

Here, see this poker.

[B]

Oh, the fire doesn't need poking. Thank you, Doctor, but I. I should be obliged if you'd put some more coal on for me. You laugh at me. You don't know my strength. Look there, your poker's bent double.

[C]

That's what I'll do to both of you if you don't keep out of my affairs.

[B]

I had a presentiment that he'd slam the door.

[C]

Phew.

[B]

He's an ugly customer, literally as well as figuratively. Watson, I'd be much obliged if you get your revolver. It may prove to be an excellent argument with a gentleman who twists iron pokers into knots.

[C]

The fellow's amazingly strong, just look at it.

[B]

I don't want to appear flamboyant, but there we are.

[C]

Great Scott, Holmes, you straightened the poker out again.

[B]

Yes, it was utterly useless in its former shape. And now, watching the timetable, we'll catch the next fast train to Stoke Moran.

[D]

Oh, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson, I'm so relieved that you've come, but don't you think my stepfather might have followed you down here?

[B]

We have to take that chance, Ms. Stoner. A few hours delay might mean the difference between your life and death. It was imperative that we examine this bedroom of yours before Dr. Roylett returns.

[C]

Anyway, my dear, you mustn't worry anymore. We're here in your house and we're going to take good care of you no matter what harm befalls you.

[D]

Thank you, Dr. Watson.

[B]

This is the room in which your sister died? Is it as much as I pictured it.

[C]

And Dr. Roylott's room adjoins this one, you say, Ms. Stella?

[D]

Yes, doctor. On that side, the room which adjoins it, on the other side is my regular bedroom.

[B]

The one that's being so conveniently painted, eh? Yes. Well, let's examine this room. No trap doors or sliding panels, I suppose.

[C]

It sounds solid enough, Holmes.

[B]

Yes, I think it is. Hello, what's this? Are you aware that this bed is clamped to the floor, Ms. Stoner?

[D]

Why no, no, Mr. Holmes, I didn't know that.

[C]

What an extraordinary thing.

[B]

Was the bed in your other room anchored also?

[D]

I know. I don't think it was very illuminating.

[B]

And this bell pull hanging against the wall above your bed?

[D]

Oh, that. It doesn't work.

[C]

Doesn't work?

[D]

If you want a ring, there's another one on the other wall over there.

[B]

Now, why this one?

[D]

Well, I don't know. My stepfather made a number of changes after we came here.

[B]

Yes, quite a burst of activity apparently, and it took some strange shapes.

[C]

Why are you standing on the bed, Holmes?

[B]

I'm curious, my dear fellow. Aha. It may interest you to know that this bell rope is fastened to a brass hook with no wire attachment. A dummy.

[C]

A dummy?

[B]

Why, there's a small screen above it. It's a ventilator, I suppose. Yes, Mr. Holmes, yes, a ventilator leading into your stepfather's room. Curious. I notice there's no means of opening the ventilator on this side. Can only be operated from your stepfather's room next door. I wonder if you'd mind taking us in there.

[D]

Of course, Mr. Holmes. Follow me.

[C]

What do you make of it, Holmes?

[B]

There's devil's work a foot old chap.

[D]

Here we are, Mr. Holmes.

[C]

It's much the same as the other room. A bit bigger perhaps.

[B]

That large safe against the wall seems to be an unusual piece of bedroom furniture. What is it, Ms. Dolan?

[D]

My stepfather's business papers.

[C]

You've seen inside it then?

[D]

Only once, some years ago. I remember that. It was full of documents.

[B]

What's this saucer of milk doing on top of it? Does Dr. Roller keep a cat?

[D]

No, but he does have a cheetah and a baboon as pets. He brought them with him from India.

[C]

Well, Holmes, a cheetah is just a big cat.

[B]

True, but I doubt if a saucer of milk would go very far in satisfying the appetite of a cheater. Well, I think I've seen enough. This matter is too serious for Hesitation. Your life may depend upon your following my instructions, Ms. Homer.

[D]

I'll do anything you say, Mr. Holmes. Anything.

[B]

Is that village inn I see through the trees from this window?

[D]

Yes, the Queen's Arms.

[B]

Your bedroom windows would be visible from there?

[D]

Yes, Mr. Holmes.

[A]

Very well then.

[B]

Watson and I will go there now and obtain accommodations. When your stepfather returns, you must confine yourself to your room on the pretence of a headache. You follow me?

[D]

Perfectly.

[B]

When Dr. Roylott returns for the night, you must open your bedroom window and put your lamp on the sill as a signal to us at the inn. Then withdraw quietly to your usual bedroom, the one that's being painted. I'm sure that you could manage there for one night.

[D]

Of course.

[B]

But what will you do when we get your signal? Signal? Dr. Watson and I will come here and spend the night in your dead sister's room. We are going to solve this mystery of the dummy bell rope and the unusual ventilator and the strange music in the night.

[A]

You'll hear the remainder of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. So I'm just going to point out that at any really important dinner, you know, like when diplomats get together, you'll find wine on the table. Because for years it's been a known fact that good wine makes good food taste better. Prove that to yourself tomorrow night by having your dinner together with a glass of Petri wine. If you prefer a red wine for any meat or meat dish, try a Petri California Burgundy. That rich, hearty red Petri Burgundy is really out of this world. Now, if you'd rather have a subtle, intriguing white wine, let's say, to go with chicken or fish, then try Petri California Sauternes, but Sauterne or Burgundy to make sure it's good. Make sure it's Petri, won't you? Well, Doctor, it's a rattling good story so far. What happened next? You went to the local inn, I guess, and waited for that lantern to appear in the bedroom window at Dr. Roylott's house.

[C]

That's right, Mr. Bartell. We had an early dinner at the Queen's Arms and then retired to our upstairs bedroom and sat there side by side, puffing away at our pipes, our eyes straining through the darkness for that tell tale lantern to give us a signal that there was dangerous work ahead for us. As we sat there discussing the various aspects of the case, I remember that Holmes was very concerned about my own safety.

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

What about that poor girl alone in the house? That fiend Roylot?

[B]

I can handle the case by myself, old chap.

[C]

I'm coming with you. Holmes, you speak of danger. You haven't seen more in those rooms than was visible to me.

[B]

No, but possibly I've deduced a little more. I imagine you saw all that.

[C]

I did. I saw nothing remarkable except the bell rope. And what purpose that could answer, I confess, is more than I can imagine.

[B]

I saw the ventilator, too.

[C]

Yes, but I don't think it's such an unusual thing to have an opening between two rooms so small that a mouse could hardly pass through it.

[B]

True, but at least you will admit there was a curious sequence of coincidences. A ventilator is constructed. A bell cord is hung from it. A lady sleeps in a bed directly below the ventilator. A bed that is anchored to the floor. The lady dies.

[C]

I begin to see what you're driving at, Holmes. Look, look, look, look. There's a lantern in Ms. Turner's window.

[B]

That's our Signal. All right. Come on, Watson. Our night's vigil begins.

[C]

What a foul night.

[B]

Foul night for foul business. Watson. Come on through these laurel bushes. It's only another 50 yards to the house.

[C]

Lantern's still burning away in the bedroom window.

[B]

Yes, all the other lights are out.

[C]

Including the one in Dr. Royet's room.

[B]

He must have gone to sleep the bed. Possibly, Watson, but not, I think, to sleep.

[C]

Great heavens, Holmes, look at that frightful creature leaping about in the moonlight. It looks like some hideous child.

[B]

That's Dr. Roylott's pet baboon.

[C]

It looks positively human.

[B]

Yes, probably a great deal more so than its master. They're directly below the window. Now this ivy provides a most convenient ladder. I'll go up first.

[C]

Careful, Holmes, careful.

[B]

Wait a minute.

[C]

I hope the things strong enough to. To hold us both. We look pretty stupid right on our backs in the mud. Give me a hand, will you, Holmes? I can't quite get my leg up over this window ledge. Here you are. Thanks, old boy. Oh, say phew.

[B]

Now to close the window shutters.

[C]

This room looks exactly like the same as it did this afternoon.

[B]

The sound would be fatal to our plans. Keep the lamp covered so that if the ventilator is open from Dr. Roylott's room, no light will show from in there. That's it. Why are you carrying that stick home? Prepared for a visitor that I expect before the night is over. A visitor who will herald his entrance with faint music from an Indian pipe.

[C]

You mean the music is a signal?

[B]

Exactly, old fellow. The signal to an accomplice who can enter a room with locked doors. An accomplice who kills and leaves no trace. You mean Sh. No, we're talking, Watson. I'll sit on the edge of the bed here. You sit on that chair. Have your revolver ready in case you should need it.

[C]

Right.

[B]

You are home. Have the lantern ready too, and I shout. Now turn the light on the top of the bell rope. You understand? Yes, perfectly.

[C]

Good.

[B]

Now we must wait, perhaps for some time. Don't go to sleep, Watson. To go to sleep your very life may depend on it. Watson?

[C]

Yes?

[B]

You're not smoking, are you? No, Holmes, I smell tobacco smoke. Must be drifting through the ventilator. Exactly. Dr. Roylott is up. Look, look, look, look. There's a tiny shot of light showing up in the ventilation.

[C]

Shh.

[B]

Listen.

[C]

There's the music.

[B]

Yes, heralding the messenger of death. Have your lantern ready, Watson.

[D]

Now, Watson, now.

[C]

Great heavens, it's a snake slitting down the bell rope. You can't kill it without stick. Holmes. Out of the way. Let me get a shot at it. I'm trying to drive it back the way it came. Get out there. It goes back through the ventilator. Oh, what a fiendish plan. Great Scott, what's that?

[B]

I think the devil has turned on its master. Come on, Watson, into Dr. Roylott's room. Dr. Roylott.

[C]

Dr. Roylott. Doctor. Doctor. Good lord, Holmes, look at him sprawled on the bed. Look at his eyes.

[B]

Yes, and see what is coiled around his forehead?

[C]

It's the snake.

[B]

Yes, the band, the speckled band.

[C]

He's dead, Holmes.

[B]

Yes, he's been bitten by the deadliest snake in the world, the Indian swamp adder. His deadly fangs produce death within ten seconds. Well, Watson, violence does, in truth recoil upon the violent and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another.

[C]

What should we do now, Holmes?

[B]

We must remove the macabre headgear from the dead doctor and return the snake to its den. Ah, and I suggest that we tell Ms. Stoner that there's no more danger under this roof. After that we can turn the matter over to the local police. Our work is done.

[D]

Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson, I can't tell you how grateful I am that you brought me back into Baker Street.

[B]

Jonah, it would have been inhuman to leave you in that house of horror and death. We have a spare bedroom and Mrs. Hudson is a motherly and understanding woman. And I can assure you that Dr. Watson and I will be delighted to have you stay with us here until you've decided on your future plan.

[C]

Yes, of course we will, my dear. As a matter of fact, it would be rather refreshing to have a touch of youth about the place.

[D]

You're both so kind. Mr. Holmes, I think it's wonderful how you foiled my stepmother's devilish plans.

[C]

Yes, wasn't it a remarkable example of logical deduction?

[B]

No, it wasn't, Oldello. At first your mention of the gypsies, Ms. Stoner, the use of the word ban put me on an entirely wrong scent. However, when we examined the fatal room, I drew the obvious conclusions.

[C]

Between the dummy bell rope, the ventilator and the immovable bed.

[B]

Yes, old fellow. It instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was there as a bridge for something coming through the ventilator and traveling to the bed. I once thought of a snake. When I saw the saucer of milk on top of the safe, my suspicions crystallized into certainties.

[D]

It was a fiendish blush.

[C]

Yes, and an extremely clever one. Too.

[B]

Exactly.

[D]

My stepfather must have trained the snake to return to him when he played the music.

[B]

Yes, he put it through the ventilator with a certainty that it would crawl down the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the occupant. Perhaps she might escape every night for a week. But sooner or later, she must fall a victim.

[D]

Thank heaven I came to you, Mr. Holmes.

[B]

Amen to that, Mr. Holmes.

[C]

If you hadn't lashed at the snake with your stick I bet it wouldn't have turned back on its master.

[B]

True, old chap. In that way, I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Grimsby Rollet's death. But I. I can't say it's a fact that's likely to weigh too heavily on my conscience.

[A]

Doctor, that was quite a fascinating story. You know something? I'm not exactly a coward. But no kidding, my toes really curl when I get mixed up with snakes.

[C]

Not alone in that respect, Mr. Bartel. I must admit that I like to have a revolver. And at least 20ft between me and any snake that wants to cross my path.

[A]

Well, if you want a revolver in 20ft, I'll take a cannon in 20 miles.

[C]

It's fortunate that you're a wine expert, Mr. Bartel, not a detective. I'm afraid you wouldn't, shall we say, find detecting to your liking.

[A]

We certainly shall say it. Incidentally, I'm not a wine expert, doctor. All I know about wine is that it either tastes good or it doesn't. And I also know that Petri wine always tastes good. The Petri family sees to that. The name Petri on the label is the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. And they know how to make it good because they've been making fine wine for generations. Handing down from father to son, from father to son every secret, every skill of the winemaker's art. Yes, the Petri family took time to bring you good wine. That's why no matter what type of wine you wish, you can't go wrong with a petri wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story are you planning to tell us next week?

[C]

Oh, now, let me see now. Next week. Mr. Bartell, I'm. I think I'll tell you an adventure that took place at a gambling casino in the south of France. It's a strange story of sudden tragedy and death. I call it the Adventure of the double zero.

[A]

Sounds swell. We'll all be listening.

[C]

Good night, Mr. Bartell. Before I go, I want to say that every one of our friends bought war bonds to help our boys win the war. Now let's all buy Victory Bonds to help bring our boys back home again. Yes, and let's buy Victory Bonds to make sure that the men who were wounded will get the finest possible care. Those same Victory bonds will help make the GI Bill of Rights a success, too. And they'll help provide for the families of those men who gave everything, including their lives. The men of our armed forces finished their job. Now let's finish ours. Buy Victory Bonds.

[A]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is an adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Adventure of the Speckled Band. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[B]

Foreign.

[E]

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