Sherlock Holmes: The Submarine Caves 03/04/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

Sherlock Holmes: The Submarine Caves (03/04/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Main Cast: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)
Episode Theme:
This episode features Dr. Watson recounting a tense and atmospheric mystery set on the remote Channel Island of Garth. Holmes and Watson are summoned ostensibly to collect a ceremonial pound of butter on behalf of the British Crown, but quickly become entangled in a sinister plot involving murder, international intrigue, and the strategic importance of a submarine-accessible sea cave.

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Episode Overview

The story is set in 1896 on the fictional island of Garth in the Channel Islands, a geopolitically vital location boasting natural caves suitable for harboring submarines. Holmes and Watson are sent by the Crown under the pretense of accepting a ceremonial tribute, but soon find themselves investigating the suspicious death of the island's matriarch and uncovering a treacherous scheme with international ramifications.

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Key Discussion Points, Plot Breakdown & Insights

1. Invitation to Garth and Underlying Tensions

• Location & Ceremony Introduction
  • [02:25] Dr. Watson describes Garth as a small, dairy-farming island ruled by the independent Horn family, whose head presents a ceremonial pound of butter to a representative of the British Crown.
• The Real Mission Revealed
  • [04:24] Holmes hints to Watson that the trip is not as innocuous as it seems, alluding to the strategic naval importance of the island and the recent theft of submarine plans.
  • (Quote: "Dear old Watson, you don't really think our mission is so innocuous, do you?" — Sherlock Holmes [04:35])

2. Arrival and Immediate Suspicion

• Challenging Access
  • [06:11] Holmes notes that while surface ships can't approach, the island's underwater caves make it ideal for submarines.
  • (Quote: “But a surface vessel, no. But we were speaking of submarines. Garth...boasts a magnificent interior cavern accessible only through underwater channels.” — Sherlock Holmes [06:11])
• Meeting the Players & the Death of Mrs. Horn
  • [07:09] Holmes and Watson are greeted by Dr. Oberwald (a German doctor) and Mrs. Reeves (housekeeper).
  • [08:12] Mrs. Reeves announces the matriarch, Mrs. Horn, has died of “heart failure.”
  • [08:47] Holmes is immediately skeptical, noting most of his clients did not die of natural causes.

3. Suspicious Circumstances and Island Politics

• Christopher Horn’s Testimony
  • [11:49] Christopher, the new Seigneur, describes odd symptoms: "Her body was all hunched up like a croquet hoop...a silly grin on the old dear's face," which Holmes and Watson recognize as signs of poisoning (likely strychnine).
• Mrs. Reeves’ Dominance
  • [12:30] Mrs. Reeves reveals her authority and attempts to manipulate Christopher, undermining Holmes and Watson’s credibility.
  • (Quote: "These men are trying to influence you against me, against Tareevy, who has looked after you ever since you were born..." — Mrs. Reeves [12:34])

4. Holmes’ Trap & The Deadly Excursion

• Plot Thickens
  • [15:28] Holmes anticipates danger and warns Watson to follow instructions if slipped a note.
  • [16:21] Holmes requests to tour the submarine caves just before the crucial time for his medical test on Mrs. Horn’s body, prompting Mrs. Reeves and Dr. Oberwald to accompany them.
  • (Quote: “It’s most important that I return here by 3 o’ clock.” — Sherlock Holmes [17:02])
• The Caves as a Trap
  • [19:20] As the tide rises, Mrs. Reeves (with Oberwald's help) ensure Holmes is cut off, and Holmes quickly grows drowsy, realizing he has been drugged.
  • (Quote: “You drugged the brandy and kept me a prisoner.” — Sherlock Holmes [22:09])

5. Holmes Outsmarts the Conspirators

• Watson to the Rescue
  • [20:53] Watson receives Holmes' note instructing him to conduct the medical test, then has a tense confrontation with Oberwald, using his walking stick as a weapon to escape.
• Showdown and Confession
  • [23:28] Back at the castle, Holmes reveals to Mrs. Reeves and Christopher that her plans have failed.
  • The test on Mrs. Horn’s body confirms poisoning, and Holmes reveals the 24-hour testing “limit” was fabricated to bait Mrs. Reeves.
  • (Quote: "I had to deceive you. I'm glad my performance was sufficiently convincing. By the way, Mrs. Reeves, the drugged brandy was dreadfully clumsy." — Sherlock Holmes [25:52])

6. Resolution

• Justice and Tragic End
  • [26:16] Holmes announces Mrs. Reeves and Dr. Oberwald will be taken to the mainland for trial.
  • [26:27] Mrs. Reeves, declaring her loyalty to Germany and her hate for England, leaps to her death from the balcony.
  • (Quote: "One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fool. Goodbye." — Mrs. Reeves [26:27])
• Aftermath
  • [27:14] Christopher confirms the island will remain loyal to the British Crown.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Unnatural Deaths:
  "In almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients, actual or potential, who died natural deaths." — Sherlock Holmes [08:47]

• The Villain’s Dramatic Exit:
  "One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fool. Goodbye." — Mrs. Reeves [26:27]

• Holmes on Outwitting the Villains:
  "You thought you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you." — Sherlock Holmes [25:48]

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Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:25] — Watson describes Garth and the butter tribute
• [04:24] — Holmes reveals the real reason for the visit
• [07:09] — Arrival at Garth and introduction to island residents
• [08:12] — Death of Mrs. Horn announced
• [11:49] — Christopher describes Mrs. Horn’s suspicious death
• [16:21] — Holmes requests cave tour; Mrs. Reeves plots against him
• [19:20] — Holmes and Mrs. Reeves trapped by tide in the caves
• [20:53] — Watson confronts Oberwald, escapes to perform test
• [22:09] — Holmes confronts Mrs. Reeves, reveals her plan
• [25:02] — Holmes and Watson present proof; Mrs. Reeves is accused
• [26:27] — Mrs. Reeves’ suicide
• [27:14] — Resolution and loyalty of Garth

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Episode Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

The episode brims with characteristic wit, banter, and deductive brilliance—Holmes remains calm and unflappable while Watson is sturdy and determined. The atmosphere is tense, the castle setting and coastal caves lending a gothic, isolated feel; the plot is tight and suspenseful, laden with intrigue and quick-turning revelations.

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Essential Takeaways

• The British government's apparently trivial concern for a pound of butter conceals a serious strategic motive tied to naval defense and espionage on the eve of the submarine era.
• Mrs. Reeves, driven by ambition and pro-German sympathies, engineers the death of Mrs. Horn and nearly traps Holmes permanently to hide her crime.
• Holmes' clever ruse and Watson’s bravery ensure that justice is served and the strategic island remains under British control.
• The case concludes with both satisfaction and melancholy, the villains defeated but at great personal cost.

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This episode of "Choice Classic Radio Detectives" delivers a classic Holmes adventure, brimming with period intrigue, nuanced characterization, and a sharp reminder of the ever-present interplay between tradition and geopolitics. It’s essential listening for fans of detective fiction and those drawn to the enduring duel between intellect and villainy.

Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

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] Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine. Invite you to spend the next half hour listening to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I'd like to tell you about something you ought to share with your family before dinner. And that's Petri California sherry. Because Petri sherry can make that time before dinner a high spot in your day at Petri Sherry is a truly fine wine. Its color is a deep amber, rich and inviting. And the wine is wonderfully smooth and full body flavor just swell. Honestly, I mean it when I say the best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri sherry. Oh, and look, if some of your family like their sherry dry, you know, not sweet, they'll really like Petri pale dry sherry. So to be sure you please everyone, don't buy one, buy two. Buy the regular Petri sherry and Petri pale dry sherry. And be sure you look for those letters, P, E, T, R, I because they spell the proudest name in the history of American wines, Petri. And now I know our good friend Dr. Watson's expecting us. Let's go in and join him.

[Dr. Watson]

Come in, come in, come in.

[Harry Bartel]

Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartow.

[Harry Bartel]

Say, how are you feeling, Doctor? All over that attack of flu you had?

[Dr. Watson]

I'm feeling very much better, thank you, my boy. I'm still a little weak. We old fossils take much longer to get over that sort of thing than you young fellows.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, you take good care of yourself, doctor. We've got a lot of friends, you know.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I'm very glad to hear that. Thank you, Mr. Bartell. And now settle yourself down and I'll get on with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[Harry Bartel]

Where did it take place?

[Dr. Watson]

You may not be familiar with the names of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, but those are the four principal islands that make up the group known as the Channel Island.

[Harry Bartel]

Oh, yes, Doctor, I have heard of them. Somewhere in the English Channel. Aren't they between the southern coast of England and the northern coast of France?

[Dr. Watson]

That's quite right, my boy. Though I very much doubt if you ever heard of the tiny island on which this story happened. It was the island of Garth, A minute but self contained spot with a population of just under a thousand inhabitants subsisting, and from what I saw of the island in those days, subsisting very well on its dairy products.

[Harry Bartel]

Was it under the rule of the British government, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

No, Mr. Bartel, not exactly. You see, the island belonged to a family by the name of Horn. The head of the family who was known as the Seigneur of Garth was an independent ruler owing nominal allegiance to the King of England. That allegiance was expressed by one of those traditional ceremonies in which the senior annually presented one pound of freshly churned butter to a representative of the British Crown.

[Harry Bartel]

Times haven't changed much, have they, Doctor? Pound of butter is still worth a king's ransom. But tell me, what were you and the great Sherlock Holmes doing on the island of Garth?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, just coming to that, my boy. Give me a minute. It was in the summer of 1896 when to my utter amazement, Holmes informed me that we were going to the island of Garth as the official representatives of the British Crown to accept the annual presentation of butter. At the time, I must confess I couldn't see why Holmes wanted to accept such a ridiculous mission. It was only as we approached the island in a small fishing boat that he told me a great deal more was at stake than a pound of butter. Unfortunately, Mr. Buckell, I'm not much of a sailor and as the wind was blowing hard and the sea racing, I'm afraid I wasn't a very intelligent companion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shut up, Watson. We'll soon be there.

[Dr. Watson]

I hope so. I feel wretched. Home. I must say the whole trip seems utterly ridiculous to me. Plunging and bobbing about in a little boat in a raging torrent just because somebody wants to give somebody else a pound of butter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear old Watson, you don't really think our mission is so innocuous, do you?

[Dr. Watson]

Then why are we going to the I island of Garth?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We're going to the island of Garth if the express wish of its present ruler, Martha Horn.

[Dr. Watson]

Martha Horn? I never heard of her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She's an extremely spirited old lady and the only woman who dared tell a certain resident of Windsor Castle that she looked devilishly dowdy for an empress.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scotch. You mean that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I mean, Watson, that Martha Horn's behests are not lightly disregarded. Obviously she wishes to see me urgently. Also, my brother Mycroft put pressure on me. He reminded me that a visit to Garth might be closely allied to this emerald type in I wear. Of course you recall the origin of this pen.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, naturally, that lady at Windsor Castle Gave it to you after our little trouble last year over those stolen plans for the Bruce Partington submarine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly, my dear fellow. But remember that the spy Oberstein had put those plans up for auction in all the naval centers of Europe. Some hint of their nature must have leaked out. It's even possible that other powers may be able by now to duplicate the pride of our submarine fleet. And whoever controls the channel, Watson, controls England.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, they're dropping anchor and yet we're still a quarter mile out from the island. Why do you think they're doing that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here comes the skipper. He'll tell us. Here is as close to the island as we may approach.

[Harry Bartel]

Monsieur, we have already sent signals.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A smaller boat is putting out for you. It will be here in a little while. Thank you.

[Dr. Watson]

A smaller boat? Good Lord, Holmes, you were hinting at the naval significance of the island of Garth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, hotel I was.

[Dr. Watson]

What good would it be as a port if even a small boat like this can only come within half a mile of it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

But a surface vessel, no. But we were speaking of submarines. Garth, I learned from the encyclopedia, boasts a magnificent interior cavern accessible only through underwater channels.

[Dr. Watson]

Great scotch. An ideal natural harbor and dry dock for a submarine fleet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. And on the control of the island of Garth, Watson may well rest the fate of the British Isles. Now, old chap, perhaps you see why Mycroft was so anxious for us to collect a pound of butter.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, doesn't it seem wonderful to to be on land again? First a fishing smack and then that wretched little rowing boat. Then the bucket swinging us up the face of the cliff. Now at last I can stretch the legs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Steady, old trap. Steady, steady. Let me give you a hand. You'll soon get your land legs back again.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you. I'm a bit shaky, I must confess.

[Harry Bartel]

Hello.

[Dr. Watson]

Who's that couple walking towards us?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Our welcoming committee, no doubt.

[Harry Bartel]

How do you do, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Permit me to present myself. I am Dr. Hugo Oberwal.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, Doctor?

[Harry Bartel]

And this is Mrs. Reeves, the housekeeper at Horn Castle where you will be staying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do?

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, Mrs. Reeves?

[Mrs. Reeves]

Welcome to the island of Garth, gentlemen.

[Harry Bartel]

We were deputed to come and greet you and take you back to the castle. We can walk there across the cliff tops. It isn't very far.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, splendid. I think my friend will appreciate traveling on Terra Perma once again.

[Harry Bartel]

Dear me, Herr daughter, you are not a good sailor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps?

[Dr. Watson]

No perhaps about it, sir. I had a miserable crossing.

[Harry Bartel]

I am sorry to hear it. I trust your short stay at the castle will be some recompense for the journey.

[Mrs. Reeves]

The formal presentation of the butter will take place tonight. There will be no reason why you gentlemen cannot return to the mainland tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Reeves, but it's more than likely that we shall stay on for a few days.

[Mrs. Reeves]

It will be quite unnecessary.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid that is a matter for Mrs. Horn and ourselves to decide.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I'm afraid that Mrs. Horn is incapable of making any further decisions.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean, madam?

[Harry Bartel]

Obviously you have not heard, but the news is slow in reaching the mainland. Mrs. Horn died yesterday.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Died?

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord. Natural death, I suppose.

[Harry Bartel]

But of course I attended her myself. A simple case of heart failure.

[Mrs. Reeves]

The poor lady died in her sleep.

[Harry Bartel]

Shall we begin our walk to the

[Dr. Watson]

castle by Joe Holmes. This changes things. You suppose it was a natural death?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose nothing, old fellow. But in almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients, actual or potential, who died natural deaths. Come on, let's follow them.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, this is Mr. Christopher Horn, grandson of Mrs. Horn and the new ruler of G. How do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello. So nice of you fellows to come over here. Too bad you had to arrive just

[Harry Bartel]

as the poor old gal kicked the bucket.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Though Allow me to offer my condolences on your grandmother's death, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes indeed, Mr. Hall.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. It was a ghastly business I found her, Christopher. Frightful sight. There was an awful. An awful silly grin on the old ears face.

[Mrs. Reeves]

And don't you think it would be more to the point if you were to explain the ceremony in connection with tonight's presentation?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're right. Reeve Reeb is a terrible tyrant.

[Dr. Watson]

But she is efficient.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't know what I'd do without her. Always ran everything for poor old granny. Why, when the old girl was ill.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Christopher, I gave you a schedule of the ceremonies this morning. What did you do with it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dasha Gravy?

[Dr. Watson]

I don't know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Must have lost it.

[Mrs. Reeves]

And I have my own copy in the study.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I swear I don't know what I'd do without you.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Excuse us a moment, gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll be back in a jacket.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. What in thunder's going on here? That boy's completely under the thumb of Mrs. Reeves. He was trying to tell us something, but that frightful woman kept changing the subject.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He spoke of an awful silly grin on the dead woman's face. Didn't that suggest something to you?

[Dr. Watson]

I. Jo, that's one of the characteristic symptoms of stricting poisoning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly, old fellow. And perhaps it is going on to mention the equally characteristic arching of the body. We've got to get Mr. Horn to ourselves for a little while. And you've got to examine the body of the dead woman and it's going to be difficult. Another balcony outside the window? Yes, it is. Come along, let's see what it leads to.

[Dr. Watson]

The balcony seems to lead right around this particular wing in the castle. Must have served as a lookout in the olden days. I wish the balcony were a little wider. Must be a sheer drop of a couple of hundred feet down to the rocks below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah.

[Dr. Watson]

Hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

These must be the windows of the room adjoining the one we just came out of. Let's go a little closer, shall we? We may be able to find out something.

[Dr. Watson]

Can you see anything?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, they're in there. Mrs. Reeves and the boy. She's leaving the room. Now's our opportunity. I'll tap on the window. You see this? He's coming to open it.

[Dr. Watson]

What are you two doing out there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Admiring the view.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, my boy, it's quite beautiful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Horne?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was a great admirer of your grandmother. I was interested in what you were telling me of her death. She had a grin on her face, you said. Yes, it was awful. Her body was all hunched up like. Like a croquet hoop. Of course, Dr. Oberwald said it was perfectly all right, but I must say it seemed dashed on to me.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it was far from all right, I assure you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And you started to say something else. What was it? Let me see, you said when she was ill. Oh, yes, that was a silly business. When she was ill, she thought she was in danger from poisoning, so she. She made Mrs. Reeves taste all her food and drink. Did she really? Where is your grandmother's body now? In the west wing. The funeral's to be tomorrow morning. I see. Where did Mrs. Reeves go?

[Mrs. Reeves]

I'm here on the balcony behind you gentlemen, listening to your convers conversation with the greatest interest. Christopher, let me warn you. These men are the emissaries of the British government. They would stop at nothing to take the island over. These men are trying to influence you against me, against Tareevy, who has looked after you ever since you were born and who tries to protect you now that your grandmother has gone and you are alone.

[Harry Bartel]

Yes, I know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Really, but after all, it is your

[Mrs. Reeves]

pride as the head of the Horn family, the senior of Garth, I, the Garth, that I am trying to say for you. This man is completely unscrupulous. He was about to accuse me of murder. Weren't you, Mr. Sherlock?

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The thought had occurred to me, Mrs. Reeves.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Of course it had, because you wish to poison Christopher's mind against me. Well, Mr. Holmes, we have no police on the island of Garth. Our only law is the word of the seigneur and Christopher now holds that title. Senior, what do you say? Will you allow an Englishman to blind you by accusing me of being a murderess?

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson, I shall meet you at the ceremony tonight. Beyond that I. I don't care to speak to you again. Good day.

[Mrs. Reeves]

A shame to spoil your plans, isn't it, Mr. Holmes?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, pardon me. So.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Magnificent, Watson, magnificent. A murderess who seeks to defeat me by accusing herself.

[Dr. Watson]

Superb.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a new game, my dear fellow, and one that must be played to a finish.

[Harry Bartel]

We'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a second. So I'm just going to remind you that right now is one time you'd really enjoy a glass of Petri California port. You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine. Pet Report, with its deep rich red color and its heart of the grape flavor, is one of America's all time favorite wines. Petri port is wonderful after dinner and perfect to serve when company comes. Try it. But just remember that when you want the kind of port I'm talking about, you've got to make sure it's Petri port. Because all Petri wines are good wines. Dr. Watson, this is certainly an unusual story you're telling us tonight. What happened after Mrs. Reeves left you and Sherlock Holmes standing on the balcony?

[Dr. Watson]

We retired to our rooms and had a quiet and lonely lunch. Though the great man said little, I could see that he was deeply excited and that his keen brain was evolving some plan that would enable us to solve the mystery of Mrs. Horn's death. After lunch he started to descend the stairs leading to the main hall of Garth Castle. As we did so, Holmes said,

[Sherlock Holmes]

we're in no danger ourselves. Mrs. Reeves knows that we are here as emissaries of a British government.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, and if we didn't return with a butter within a few days there'd be a British dreadnought here looking for us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

However, I am in danger of one of my worst defeats. My professional pride is piqued. If only I could. Ah, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If at any time today I slip your note, don't read it at once. The Here comes Mrs. Reeves. Precisely, Watson. I entirely agree. If I do not make the test on Mrs. Horn's body within 24 hours of her death, it will be useless. I must make it by three o'

[Mrs. Reeves]

clock this afternoon, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, oh yes, Mrs. Reeves.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I want to apologize for my behavior before lunch. I was intolerably rude.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, please not.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Whatever my quarrels may be with British politics, I at least owe to both of you the duties of hospitality.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's very gracious of you, Mrs. Reeves. I wonder, would your hospitality also include a personally conducted tour of the subterranean caverns for which this island has become internationally famous?

[Mrs. Reeves]

Would they really interest me?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I'm afraid that my friend and I won't have the time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yeah, not at all, not at all. We have plenty of time. As long as we're back here by 3 o'.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Clock. I'm sure Dr. Overwald would be delighted to join us. He has made quite a study of the unique rock formation.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, that's splendid. And it should prove a most interesting excursion.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, why do we want to go stomping around a lot of damp and smelly cake?

[Sherlock Holmes]

All the exercise would have us, good old fellow. Will you lead the way, Mrs. Reeves? And please remember that it's most important that I return here.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Remember, Mr. Holmes, you must be back here by 3 o'. Clock. A little further, Mr. Holmes, and we shall reach the giant cavern.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, most interesting. Watson and Dr. Oberwald seem to have lagged behind us somewhat.

[Mrs. Reeves]

They will be here in a moment. There. This is the giant cabin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, magnificent. Truly a miracle of nature. It's a natural submarine dry dock hewn out of the rocks.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. And in the olden days only the smugglers who inhabited this island knew the entrance that leads to to this cave. The first senior of g found a cache of untold well hidden here. Silks, jewels. There are still the remains of some of the finest Calvados brandy stored upon these boxes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An incomparable drink.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Would you care for some? It is our custom, whenever visitors honor us with their presence, to offer them a glass.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should be delighted.

[Mrs. Reeves]

There is a natural shelf here in the rock. Perfect hiding place. There you are, Mr. Holmes. And here is a glass.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is a rare privilege. I imagine that very few people have been offered it.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Only our most distinguished visitors. I assure you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This cabin is completely inaccessible from the outer sea, I presume?

[Mrs. Reeves]

Completely. Unless, of course, ships could swim under the sea.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Which as you know as well as I, they can, Mrs. Reeves, even outside the imaginings of Jules Verne.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Indeed. Would you care to explore a little deeper? The others will be with us soon,

[Dr. Watson]

Doctor Overvolt. The others seem to be somewhere ahead of us.

[Harry Bartel]

Yes, they do, don't they Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Holmes, where are you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear me.

[Harry Bartel]

I'm afraid we cannot follow them.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean?

[Harry Bartel]

The next cavern is already cut off by the rising tide.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott, you mean that they're cut off?

[Harry Bartel]

I am afraid so. But do not worry here doctor. In a few hours the tide will recede. They are in no danger. Just, shall I say temporarily more.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I can't understand it. I'm getting confounded as sleepy.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I'm so sorry. I'm afraid that we stayed here longer than I intended. I fear that we are cut off by the tides.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Cut off by the tides?

[Mrs. Reeves]

We're in no danger. In a few hours we shall be able to return. But I'm afraid I cannot get you back at 3 o', clock, which was the time I promised.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But it's vital, absolutely, absolutely vital that I could get back. I'm so sleepy. But please keep talking. I must keep awake.

[Dr. Watson]

Doctor.

[Harry Bartel]

Go.

[Dr. Watson]

I must get to Sherlock Holmes at once.

[Harry Bartel]

I am sorry here Doctor, but we are not able to control the forces of nature. We cannot force the water to recede. Your friend is in no danger.

[Dr. Watson]

Nobody's got a most important test that he must make by 3 o'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clock.

[Harry Bartel]

I am afraid that will be impossible.

[Dr. Watson]

I've got to do something. Should have come to these blasted caves the first place on earth I ought to do. Thank you. That note that Holmes gave me, he told me to open it if where did I put it? Ah, here it is.

[Harry Bartel]

A note for Mr. Sherlock Holmes, eh?

[Dr. Watson]

Vital that you make medical test. Great scotch overall. It's absolutely necessary for me to return to the castle at once.

[Harry Bartel]

Indeed. A note for Mr. Sherlock Holmes. And now it is most important that you return to the castle. No, my fine English friend, I am afraid I cannot allow you to.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't know how you propose to stop me, sir.

[Harry Bartel]

You see this for a while, bro?

[Dr. Watson]

And do you see this stick?

[Harry Bartel]

I warn you here Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh no you don't. I'm sorry you can't hear me Dr. Overville, but when Sherlock Holmes gives me orders I carry him out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, Mrs. Reeves, are we still trapped by the tide? What time is it?

[Dr. Watson]

By the.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Sir, I'm afraid that you'll be a trifle late for your important appointment. What a pity.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You deliberately trapped me here. You drugged the brandy and kept me a prisoner.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Did I? Now why should I do that, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because you're greedy for power, that's obvious in your domination of that person to weak young man who is now senor of gas. I'm sure your beliefs would find support in certain ideologies now arising in Germany. Your choice of a German doctor as an accomplice in your plans would support that theory.

[Mrs. Reeves]

And what might my plans be?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should say that you're determined to give Garth as a submarine base to Germany. With this island in their power they could control the channel.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Very interesting. And I suppose as well as being a spy, I am responsible for Mrs. Horn's murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You and Dr. Overwald. Between you she was too strong for you. I had to get her out of the way. You probably made subtle attempts on her life at first, the origin of which you did not realize but which caused her eventually to send for me. My arrival forced your hand and so you and Dr. Uberwald resorted to the quite unsubtle expedient of poisoning her.

[Mrs. Reeves]

All pure supposition, Mr. Holmes. The only law on this island is Christopher Horne. Do you suppose he'll believe you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I suppose he won't. You've outwitted me, Mrs. Reeves. I walked into your trap just as you intended me to.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Then in that case you may collect your pound of butter tonight and return to the mainland tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mrs. Reeves. Sir? How much longer do we have to wait for the tide before we can make our way back to the castle?

[Mrs. Reeves]

We can leave now. We could have left at any time. There's another secret entrance that is above the tide level. I merely had to make you overstay the hour of your test. I could not risk Christopher's seeing definite proof. Come now, I shall lead you back. You fool.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Holmes. Where have you been all this time?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My bad, Watson. Did you open the note?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Followed my instructions?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it was as you suspected.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank heaven old chap. Then now we can hoist her with her own petach. Here she comes.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I am glad to see, gentlemen, that you have assembled here in the senior's room. The ceremony of presenting the butter traditionally takes place here. As soon as Christopher arrives we will explain our customs. In this matter. Dr. Watson, I trust that Herr Oberwald proved an interesting companion on your excursion this afternoon.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it is indeed most interesting. We had a discussion of the relative merits of the walking stick versus the revolver. I think I was able to make my argument fairly convincing.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Where is Dr. Oberwalt now?

[Dr. Watson]

I imagine he's lying down. He had all the symptoms of impending headache when I saw him last.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Why are you smiling, Mr. Holmes? What's been going on?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid, Mrs. Reeves, that your plans have misfired rather badly. As soon as Mr. Horne arrives, I expect you will Be under arrest for murder and high treason.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Christopher would never believe you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wouldn't I, Mrs. Reeves? You poisoned my grandmother.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Christopher, what lies have these men been telling you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're the one that's been telling me lies. I believed you when you said you'd been tasting the old lady's food. When Dr. Watson showed me the results of his test this afternoon it was as clear as daylight.

[Mrs. Reeves]

But the tests could prove nothing after 24 hours had passed. You said so yourself, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A deliberate lie, Mrs. Reeves. I'm afraid that I invented that mythical 24 hour test. I knew that as soon as I mentioned you would attempt to prevent my carrying it out. So I was delighted when you fell into my trap. You thought that you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you. My job is to prove your guilt to the senor. With your dominant presence away from the household it was easy for Dr. Watson to make his test. You devil.

[Mrs. Reeves]

You knew all the time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course I did, but I had to deceive you. I'm glad my performance was sufficiently convincing. By the way, Mrs. Reeves, the drugged brandy was dreadfully clumsy.

[Dr. Watson]

You didn't drink at home?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why of course I didn't. But it was very unflattering to me that Mrs. Reeves thought I might. Mrs. Reeves, you realize what this means, don't you? I'm going to ask these gentlemen to take you and Dr. Oberfeldt back to the mainland with them tomorrow and stand

[Mrs. Reeves]

trial in a British court. Never. I was born on the island of Garth. I have lived here all my life and I shall die breeding.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What are you up to?

[Dr. Watson]

Stop her. She's going out on the balcony.

[Mrs. Reeves]

One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fool. Goodbye.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scotch is gone. It must be a couple of hundred feet in the rocks below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What a dreadful thing. I still can't believe she was a murderous and and a traitor. Now shocked. A shabby finish to a shabby business. Mr. Horn, I suggest that we make sure Dr. Oberbau does not escape justice and that we then perform the ritual presentation of the butter. Yes, Mr. Holmes. The island of Garth will still pay tribute to England and I think it always will.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, Doctor, that was some story. So Germany didn't get the island of Garth after all.

[Dr. Watson]

No, Mr. Bartel. In fact, in after years the island proved to be an invaluable submarine base for England.

[Harry Bartel]

Say, what about the pound of butter? Did Holmes get it?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh yes, yes. But why are you so interested? In the butter? Are you kidding?

[Harry Bartel]

In our house, butter is our second most favorite topic of conversation.

[Dr. Watson]

Your second most favorite? Well, what's your favorite topic of conversation?

[Harry Bartel]

Remember you asked me Petri wine.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, as if I didn't know, doctor,

[Harry Bartel]

that Petri wine is something to really talk about. You know, the Petri family has been making wine for generations. Why? The art of making fine wine is their heritage handed down from father to son. From father to son? Believe me, when it comes to turning luscious, sunripened California grapes into fragrant, delicious wine, the Petrie family really knows how. And they're proud of their wine, too. That's why the name Petri on a bottle of wine really means something. It's the personal assurance of the Petrie family that every drop of that wine is good wine. It ought to be, because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes adventure do you have lined up for us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a story that took place on the Sussex Downs many, many years ago. It concerns a young girl, a painter in watercolors and a very wise old lady. I call it the Adventure of the Living Dol.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in these Arthur Conan Doyle story the Adventure of the Bruce Partington Plans. 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, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family

[Sherlock Holmes]

for a solid

[Harry Bartel]

hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.