Sherlock Holmes: Thor Bridge (Langford & Baker)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes: Thor Bridge (Langford & Baker)"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: August 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the enthralling tale, “Sherlock Holmes: Thor Bridge,” featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his steadfast companion, Dr. John Watson. Narrated by Choice Classic Radio, this episode masterfully adapts the classic Holmesian mystery, weaving intricate plotlines and rich character interactions that engage both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A Change in Atmosphere

The episode opens on a crisp October morning at 221B Baker Street. Dr. John Watson observes the last leaves falling from the solitary plane tree, anticipating Sherlock Holmes's usually gloomy demeanor. Contrary to Watson's expectation, Holmes exudes a “sinister cheerfulness” ([00:40]), hinting at an underlying case that has captured his interest.

Dr. John Watson: “I was dressing and noticed the last leaves twirled from the plane tree. I expected Holmes to be in depressed spirits, but he was in a mood of sinister cheerfulness.” ([00:40])

Holmes quickly confirms that his unusual mood is indeed due to a new case involving a letter that caught his attention.

The Mysterious Letter

Holmes reveals a letter from J. Neil Gibson, an influential American senator and gold mining magnate residing in Hampshire. The letter is a plea for Holmes's assistance in proving the innocence of Ms. Grace Dunbar, who has been wrongfully accused of murder.

Sherlock Holmes: “There is an exception then.” ([01:31])

J. Neil Gibson’s Letter: “I can't see the best woman God ever made go to her death. I know beyond all doubt that Ms. Dunbar is innocent. I shall come at 11 tomorrow...” ([01:57])

Holmes and Watson discuss the details of the case, noting that despite the coroner’s jury and police court viewing the evidence as clear-cut, Holmes remains skeptical and sees potential for unraveling the truth.

Meeting the Client

At 05:30, J. Neil Gibson arrives at Baker Street, seeking Holmes’s expertise to exonerate Grace Dunbar. Holmes introduces Watson, who immediately engages with Gibson, probing into the depths of the case.

Neil Gibson: “Money is nothing to me in this case. You can burn it if it’ll light the way to the truth...” ([05:43])

Holmes maintains his professional demeanor, stating his preference for anonymity and his commitment to uncovering the facts without swaying influences.

Sherlock Holmes: “I prefer to work anonymously. Let us get down to the facts.” ([06:16])

Gibson outlines his relationship with Grace Dunbar, highlighting his waning marriage and his inappropriate feelings towards his governess, which he believes may have led to the tragic events.

Investigating Thor Bridge

Holmes and Watson accompany Gibson to the crime scene at Thor Bridge. They meet Sergeant Helms, who provides a preliminary report of the murder. The victim, Gibson's wife, was found with a revolver bullet through her brain, and a note in her hand indicating a meeting at the bridge.

Sergeant Helms: “She was waiting there for me. She was like a mad woman...” ([20:46])

Holmes meticulously examines the evidence, questioning the plausibility of the alibi and the presence of the revolver in Ms. Dunbar’s wardrobe. He deduces inconsistencies in the governess’s statements and the placement of the weapon, suspecting a deeper deception.

Sherlock Holmes: “The finding of the revolver in her wardrobe... I think I should like to sit quietly for a few minutes and figure out.” ([14:42])

The Revolver Test

To test his theory, Holmes orchestrates an ingenious experiment involving Watson’s revolver, a stone, and a piece of string. The demonstration is designed to reveal the mechanics of the murder and the likelihood of Grace Dunbar’s innocence.

Sherlock Holmes: “We must perform a test. If it comes off, all will be clear. If it doesn't...” ([23:19])

During the test, Holmes simulates the murder scenario, illustrating how the revolver could have been manipulated to create the appearance of Grace Dunbar’s involvement while absolving her of direct responsibility.

Sherlock Holmes: “This is the spot for Thor Bridge, eh? That's it Doctor...” ([13:08])

The successful test leads Holmes to firmly believe in Grace Dunbar’s innocence, cementing his resolve to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Confronting the Truth

Back at Baker Street, Holmes shares his revelations with Watson, revealing that the letter found in Grace Dunbar’s hand was a cleverly planted clue intended to frame her. The real perpetrator orchestrated the scene to divert suspicion away from themselves, using the pair of revolvers to facilitate the deception.

Sherlock Holmes: “A note was extracted cleverly from Ms. Dunbar which would make it appear that she had chosen the time and place for the crime.” ([25:21])

Holmes concludes that the murderer must have planted the revolver to incriminate Grace, solidifying his theory that Ms. Dunbar is innocent and that the true culprit is someone else with the means and motive to commit the crime.

Sherlock Holmes: “Her first resolution was to end her own life. Her second was to involve the victim of her hatred.” ([26:34])

Conclusion

In a brilliant display of deductive reasoning, Sherlock Holmes unravels the complexities of the Thor Bridge case, exonerating Grace Dunbar and exposing the intricate plot devised to conceal the true murderer. The episode underscores Holmes’s unparalleled ability to perceive hidden truths and his unwavering dedication to justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sherlock Holmes: “There isn't much to share. Okay, though suppose you were to read the letter out for us both.” ([01:52])

• J. Neil Gibson: “I can assure you Mr. Holmes that our relations were entirely and always those of an employer towards a young lady...” ([06:35])

• Sergeant Helms: “Ms. Dunbar denies it completely.” ([10:53])

• Sherlock Holmes: “Then we must suspect deception where consistency is lacking.” ([17:04])

• Dr. John Watson: “Holmes, my revolver.” ([24:53])

• Sherlock Holmes: “I don't think in all our adventures we've come across a stranger example of the working of a crazed mind.” ([26:34])

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Final Thoughts

“Sherlock Holmes: Thor Bridge” is a sterling example of old-time radio detective storytelling, blending suspense, intelligent dialogue, and classic Holmesian deduction. Choice Classic Radio successfully captures the essence of Sherlock Holmes, delivering an episode that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of one of literature’s greatest detectives.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Dr. John Watson]

It was a wild October morning and I noticed as I was dressing how the last remaining leaves were being twirled from the solitary plane tree in the yard behind 221B Baker Street. I went down expecting to find Sherlock Holmes in depressed spirits. Like all great artists, he was easily impressed by his surroundings. On the contrary, he was in that mood of sinister cheerfulness which came over him in lighter moods. There it goes, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I beg your pardon, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

The last leaf of our plane tree.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah well, October's entitled to its sacrifices.

[Dr. John Watson]

You know, Holmes, you're not down to your usual October dumps. I know how the weather affects you. Down you go with the barometer every time. Except.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Aha. There is an exception then.

[Dr. John Watson]

I was going to say, except when you've got a case on. From the look of you on a beastly morning like this, I'd say that letter beside you there has more than a bit to do with it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Brilliant. My dear Watson, the. The faculty of deduction must be contagious. You probed out my secret.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good. Then what about sharing it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There isn't much to share. Okay, though suppose you were to read the letter out for us both.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very well, Holmes, pass it over here. Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I can't see the best woman God ever made go to her death. I can't even try to explain things, but I know beyond all doubt that Ms. Dunbar is innocent. I shall come at 11 tomorrow and see if you can get some ray of light in the dark. Maybe I have a clue and don't know it. Yours faithfully, J. Neil Gibson. Neil Gibson. Holmes, the American senator.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he was once senator for some western state. He's better known as the biggest gold mining magnate in the world.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah yes, that's right, I've read about him. Lives in England now, doesn't he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, he bought a considerable estate in Hampshire about five years ago. Surely though, Watson, you read all this lately about his wife's death.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, that's why the name's familiar. Yes. I don't recall the details though it's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A sensational enough case. But from what I've read there didn't seem to be any problem to it. The coroner's jury found the evidence quite clear. So did the police court people.

[Dr. John Watson]

The case is up for Winchester Assizes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's right. Oh I'm afraid it's a thankless business. I can discover facts Watson, but I cannot change them. Unless something entirely new and unexpected comes to light I don't see what my client can hope for.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say it's 11 now. Got time to post me up before he gets here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose I'd better. If you're to take an intellectual interest in the proceedings. In a nutshell then this man's the greatest financial power in the world. I understand he's also a man of the most powerful character. I know nothing of his wife except that she was past her prime. Unfortunately there was an extremely attractive governess superintending their two young children. Exactly. The wife was found late one night in the grounds of their Hampshire estate nearly half a mile from the manor itself. There was a revolver bullet through her brain. I say there was no local clue to the murder. The body was found by a gamekeeper and it was examined by the police and a doctor before being carried up to the house. Is this too condensed for you?

[Dr. John Watson]

Not at all. I remember reading some of it. Now isn't it? The governess who suspected on very direct.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Evidence a revolver with one discharged chamber and a caliber corresponding with a fatal bullet was found in her wardrobe. Yes. In her wardrobe. Well yes, well both juries thought that was pretty damning. Who wouldn't? The dead woman also had a note signed by the governess making an appointment to meet her at that very place. Finally, as a motive Gibson is an attractive fellow. If his wife died who more likely to succeed her than the young lady who had already by all accounts been receiving his attentions? Love, fortune, power, all depending upon one middle aged life. Ugly Watson, very ugly.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did the Dunbar woman put up an alibi? Home?

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the contrary, she admitted she was down near Sawbridge. That's the scene of the tragedy at that time. Yes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well that seems to settle it completely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And yet Watson. And yet. Come in.

[Grace Dunbar]

Mr. Neil Gibson. Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Mrs. Hudson.

[Neil Gibson]

On time I think. Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely. This is my friend and colleague Dr. Watson.

[Neil Gibson]

Delighted sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do? This chair.

[Neil Gibson]

Why thank you Mr. Holmes. Let me say right away money is nothing to me in this case. You can burn it if It'll light the way to the truth. Name your figure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My professional charges are on a fixed scale. I do not vary them save when I remit them altogether.

[Neil Gibson]

Well if dollars make no difference to you perhaps the publicity will. You pull this up and every paper in England and America will thank you Mr. Gibson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But it may surprise you to know that I prefer to work anonymously. It's the problem itself which affects me. Let us get down to the facts.

[Neil Gibson]

The facts are that Ms. Dunbar is innocent and has got to be cleared. I look to you to do it. Now the rest of it you know already from the papers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have nothing to add?

[Neil Gibson]

Not that I know of.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well there is just one point. What were the exact relations between you and Ms. Dunbar?

[Neil Gibson]

Do you mean to ask me if. If I do do I understand your doing your duty in asking me a question like that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let us agree to suppose so.

[Neil Gibson]

Very well then. I can assure you Mr. Holmes that our relations were entirely and always those of an employer towards a young lady we never even saw or spoke with except when the children were around.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Gibson, I'm a rather busy man. I've neither the time nor the taste for aimless conversation. I wish you good morning. Why you.

[Neil Gibson]

Are you telling me you're dismissing my case?

[Sherlock Holmes]

At least I dismiss you.

[Neil Gibson]

Meaning that I'm a liar?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was trying to express it as delicately as I could but if you insist on the word I won't contradict.

[Neil Gibson]

Now listen here gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Gentlemen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you Watson. Even the smallest argument is unsettling so soon after breakfast.

[Neil Gibson]

Mr. Holmes I've broken stronger men than you. Before today no man ever crossed me and finished up the better for it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So many have said that to me Mr. Gibson and yet here I am still.

[Neil Gibson]

Well all right then. The stakes are down and the reserves open. What do you want to know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The truth.

[Neil Gibson]

Very well then. I can give it to you in very few words. There are some things that are painful as well as difficult to say. I met my wife when I was gold hunting in Brazil. She was Brazilian. Maria Pinto, the daughter of a government official. She was beautiful. I was young and impulsive. So we were married.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go on please.

[Neil Gibson]

The romance of it lasted for years before it went.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then.

[Neil Gibson]

Well after that I saw we'd got not one thing left in common. If she could have seen it that way it would have been easier for us both. I tried to convince her. I tried to show her a harsh side of me make her see I wasn't the man for her any longer. She just stayed as devoted as ever well then Ms. Grace Dunbar hamstered our advertisement for a governess for the children. Now I make no pretence to be more moral than my neighbours, you understand? No sir. I'll admit before you gentlemen that I couldn't. I couldn't live under the same roof with a young woman like Ms. Dunbar without falling for her. But do you blame me Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should blame you if you expressed it. The young woman was in a sense under your protection.

[Neil Gibson]

Well maybe so. I guess all my life I've been a man who's reached out and taken whatever he's wanted. And I never wanted anything more than I wanted her. I told her so.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh you did, did you?

[Neil Gibson]

I said money was no object. I'd make her happy and comfortable if she'd let me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When will some of you rich men learn that all the world can't be bought with bribes?

[Neil Gibson]

That's how I feel about it now and I give thanks. It didn't work out as I wanted. She told me she'd leave my house at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But you didn't.

[Neil Gibson]

There were others in the house but me. They depended on her. I promised her she'd never be molested again and she agreed to stay. There was another reason though.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What was that?

[Neil Gibson]

She knew something of my affairs. They're large Mr. Holmes. I have the power to make or break. I guess she could see past the Dallas to something, well something more lasting. She wanted me to use my power to do some good for the world. So she stayed. Then all this came along.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. And all this as you call it, how do you explain it then?

[Neil Gibson]

Oh it's black against her. I don't deny that women lead an inward life. They can do things that are beyond the judgment of a man. No, there's only one explanation that comes into my head for what it's worth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes?

[Neil Gibson]

Well Mr. Holmes there's no doubt that my wife was jealous, bitterly jealous. You know there's a kind of soul jealousy as well as a bodily jealousy.

[Dr. John Watson]

She might.

[Neil Gibson]

Well she might have planned to murder Ms. Dunbar or just threaten her with a gun maybe. And then maybe there was a scuffle and the gun went off and well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That possibility had occurred to me. It is the only alternative to deliberate murder.

[Neil Gibson]

Yeah, but Grace, Ms. Dunbar denies it. Denies it completely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well that isn't final, is it? She might have carried the gun back to the house in a daze and thrown it down in her wardrobe when she realized later all explanation had become impossible. But what is against the theory that she tried to lie her way out of it by a flat denial.

[Neil Gibson]

I'll tell you what's against it. The fact that she's innocent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well at any rate I may be of more use to you when I've seen this young lady herself. I've no doubt we can reach Winchester by the evening train. You game Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes of course Holmes. Well that's fine.

[Neil Gibson]

I've got some business in town so you'll have to excuse me from joining you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well Mr. Gibson, we'll meet later. But remember I don't promise that my conclusions will be the kind you are hoping for. Now come along Watson. It'll take us long enough to get a pass to interview Ms. Dunbar. Meanwhile perhaps we can hear some of the details from the local constabulary.

[Sergeant]

Well Mr. Holmes, I'd rather have you here than Scotland Yard. I can tell you once they get into a case it's Bangos. All the credit for the local man but all the blame if anything goes wrong.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If I can clear it up I don't ask to have my name mentioned.

[Sergeant]

Well that's very handsome of you sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And my friend Dr. Watson is the soul of discretion Sergeant.

[Dr. John Watson]

His?

[Sergeant]

I'm sure he is sir. Now sir I'd like to ask you this Mr. Holmes and it's a thing I wouldn't breathe to another soul. Do you reckon there's a case against Mr. Gibson himself?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've been considering it.

[Sergeant]

You've not seen Ms. Dunbar yet or. She's a wonderful fine woman in every way. You know he may well have wanted his wife out of the way. It was his pistol you know sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh was that clearly made out?

[Sergeant]

Oh yes sir. One of a pair he had.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where does the other then?

[Sergeant]

Well sir, he has a lot of firearms about the place. One kind and another. We never quite matched it up but the box was made for two.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see.

[Sergeant]

We've got them all laid out at the house sir if you'd like to see them later. Well here we are gentlemen. This is the spot for bridge, eh? That's it Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was the body this side of it?

[Sergeant]

Right here. I mark the place with this stone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I understand. And you got here before it was moved Sergeant?

[Sergeant]

Yes sir. They sent for me at once.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who did?

[Sergeant]

Mr. Gibson sir. He told them all that nothing was to be touched till the police arrived.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was sensible. Now I gathered from the newspaper that the shot had been fired at close quarters.

[Sergeant]

Yes sir, very close.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Near the right temple?

[Sergeant]

Just behind it sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did the body lie?

[Sergeant]

On the back. No traces of struggle, no marks. There was a note from Ms. Dunbar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clutched in the left hand. Clutched, you say?

[Sergeant]

Well sir, we could hardly open the fingers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Significant, hey, Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It excludes the idea that anyone could have placed the note there after death as a false clue, as you were about to observe, of course.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh yes, yes, yes. Exactly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What was it the note said, Sergeant?

[Sergeant]

It said, I will be at Thor Bridge at 9 o'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Clock.

[Sergeant]

G. Dunbar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was all, sir. Very short. Ah, yes. Did Ms. Dunbar admit writing it?

[Sergeant]

Oh yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then what was her explanation?

[Sergeant]

Well sir, her defense was reserved for the assizes. She didn't say anything.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear me, I find the point of the letter singularly obscure, Sir.

[Dr. John Watson]

I was thinking it was one of the clearest points in the whole business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no. Granting that the letter was genuine, it must have been received an hour or two before. Well then why was this lady still clasping it in her left hand? She wouldn't have needed to refer to it at the interview.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, yes, yes, I see what you mean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I should like to sit quietly for a few minutes and figure out.

[Sergeant]

Very good, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello.

[Dr. John Watson]

What is it, Helms?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come and look here. Look. Look at this new chip in the stone.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see it. No bigger than a six foot.

[Sergeant]

Yes sir, we noticed that someone knocked it passing by.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I expect it took some violence to do that. Stand back a moment please, while I try my cane. There not a mark. There's a metal tip on this cane.

[Dr. John Watson]

It certainly took a hard blow to make that chip.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a point worth noting. There were no footprints.

[Sergeant]

I take it the ground was iron. Hard, sir. Not a trice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I think we have nothing more to learn here. We'll go up to the house and see those firearms. Now then we must go on to Winchester. I'd like to see Ms. Dunbar before we move any further.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, well, Watson, I can see no evidence at all to suggest that our millionaire was out of doors when his wife was murdered.

[Dr. John Watson]

But the governess was out. She admits making the appointment to meet Mrs. Gibson at the bridge. Yes, it looks pretty black against her to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But for one thing.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's that then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The finding of the revolver in her wardrobe.

[Dr. John Watson]

Great heavens Holmes, that seemed to me to cap the whole thing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not so my dear Watson. It struck me as strange when I first read about it and now that I'm in close touch with the case it's become my only firm ground for hope.

[Dr. John Watson]

How?

[Sherlock Holmes]

We must look for consistency. Where it's lacking we must suspect deception.

[Dr. John Watson]

Blessed if I can follow you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well now Watson, suppose for a moment you are a woman who is about to get rid of her rival. You've planned it. A note has been written. The victim has come to the rendezvous, you have your weapon, the crime is committed, workmanlike and complete.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do you mean to tell me that you'd now ruin your reputation as a criminal by forgetting to fling your weapon away in those handy re beds? Would you carry it carefully home and put it in your own wardrobe? Your best friends would hardly call you a schema Watson but I couldn't picture you doing anything so crude as that.

[Dr. John Watson]

In the excitement of the moment I might.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no Watson. Where a crime is coolly premeditated the means of covering up are coolly premeditated too.

[Dr. John Watson]

Be that as it may Holmes, there's more to be explained away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let us explain it. You see Watson, when once your viewpoint is changed the very thing that was so damning becomes a clue to the truth.

[Dr. John Watson]

For example, the revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Again Ms. Dunbar disclaims all knowledge of it. If she is speaking the truth then it was placed in her wardrobe. Who placed it there? Someone who wanted to incriminate her. And that person must surely have been the murderer as well. Well we must leave this fruitful line of inquiry for the time being. Here is Winchester. We will see Ms. Dunbar first and see her eyes again. Now that I've Talked to you Ms. Bamba I'm prepared to accept Mr. Gibson's statement. Boast of your good influence over him and the innocence of your relationship. But you must have no illusions about this. The cards are stacked against us and I must have all your help if we're to win.

[Grace Dunbar]

I promise you Mr. Holmes, I'll tell you nothing but the truth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. Then please tell us what were your relations with Mr. Gibson's wife?

[Grace Dunbar]

She hated me. She misunderstood my relations with him. I, I don't doubt she had this, this tropical quality about her if you know what I mean. She loved him so vividly in the the physical sense that it must have been beyond her to understand that the mental, the spiritual tie that came to join her husband and me. I can see Now, I was wrong to have stayed on in their house, but I know that even if I'd left, their unhappiness would have remained with them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I understand. Now, please tell us exactly what occurred that evening.

[Grace Dunbar]

There's so much I can't explain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you will find the facts, perhaps others may find the explanations.

[Grace Dunbar]

Yes, I see. Well, that morning I'd found a note waiting for me on the table in the children's schoolroom. It was from Mrs. Gibson. It implored me to meet her at Thorbridge after dinner. She had something to say to me. I was to leave an answer on the sun dial in the garden. And no one was to know of our meeting? Well, this secrecy seemed rather far fetched to me, but I did as she wished. I burnt her note in the schoolroom grate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You were asked to do that in the note? Yes. Yet she kept your reply very carefully.

[Grace Dunbar]

Yes. I was surprised to hear about it being found in her hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, what happened then?

[Grace Dunbar]

I went to the bridge after dinner as I promised. She was waiting there for me. I'd never realized until that moment just how that poor creature hated me. She was like a mad woman. I think she was mad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What did she say?

[Grace Dunbar]

She poured out all her fury on me in the most horrible words I'd ever heard uttered. I put my hands to my ears and ran away. She stood there in the mouth of the bridge, shrieking these things after me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You heard nothing else after you left? No shot?

[Grace Dunbar]

Nothing. Nothing but that terrible voice. I ran all the way back to the piece of my room and shut myself in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you leave your room again before.

[Grace Dunbar]

Next morning when the alarm was raised that they'd found her dead? I ran out to join the others. That was soon after 11.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So we come to the all important point. This pistol that was found in your wardrobe, had you ever seen it before?

[Grace Dunbar]

Never.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When was it found exactly?

[Grace Dunbar]

Next morning when the police made their search.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How long could it have been there?

[Grace Dunbar]

Definitely not the morning before.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you know?

[Grace Dunbar]

Because I tidied up the wardrobe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When could anyone have come into your room and placed it there?

[Grace Dunbar]

Well, only at a meal time or when I was in the schoolroom with the children.

[Sherlock Holmes]

As you were when you got the note?

[Grace Dunbar]

Yes. I suppose it could have been any time from then onward. That whole morning. But the murder hadn't even been committed then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I see. Ms. Dunbar, on the stonework of the bridge, some feet from where the body lay, I observed a mark of some violence. A fresh chip in the stone. Could you suggest any explanation for that?

[Grace Dunbar]

Why, no, I can't. I don't understand, Mr. Holmes, but suddenly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I do. Come along, Watson, at once.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Holmes? Where to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To Thaw Bridge.

[Grace Dunbar]

What is it, Mr. Holmes? Please tell me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not now, my dear lady. You will hear soon enough. In the meantime, fear no more. I have every hope that the clouds are lifting for you at last and the light of truth is breaking through.

[Dr. John Watson]

I can see the Sergeant waiting for us on the bridge, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Capital. I hope he carried out my little errand on the way.

[Dr. John Watson]

And what was that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just a small purchase from a village shop. Now, Watson, I'll have that revolver of yours, if you please.

[Dr. John Watson]

All right. Here you are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is a nice specimen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Candid little devil. Wouldn't be without it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Deceptively heavy.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, it's a solid bit of work.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Safe to catch on. Good. Do you know, Watson, I believe your revolver is going to have a very intimate connection with this mystery we're investigating. How? As a test we must perform. If it comes off, all will be clear. If it doesn't. Well, good day, gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good day to you, Sergeant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, good day, Sergeant. And did you manage to get me what I wanted?

[Sergeant]

Oh, the ball of twine, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here she is. Splendid. Now we'll waste no time. Be so good as to find me a heavy stone.

[Sergeant]

A stone, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That one over there will do perfectly, I think.

[Sergeant]

Very good, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now Watson, hold the revolver please, while I tie this end of the string onto the butt. Like this.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, what are you.

[Sergeant]

Here you are, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There, that's secure enough. Now the other end goes around that stone tight. Really? Well now we don't want it to slip out. That's right. Like that.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dash it, Holmes, I do wish you tell us what all this is about.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In a moment, Watson, I'll show you. All secure, Sergeant.

[Sergeant]

That won't slip, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Capital. Now I want you to put the stone over the edge of the parapet there and let it down as far as it'll go on the string.

[Sergeant]

Right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You take the strain on the line, Watson, or it'll go with a jerk. I'll hold on to the gun.

[Dr. John Watson]

Right. I've got it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And lure away as gently as you can.

[Sergeant]

There, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She's down just a foot clear of the border. Now stand clear both of you, and watch closely. I raise the revolver to my head. I won't fire it if you don't mind. I loosen my grip and.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, my revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A fresh chip in the parapet where the weight of the stone flung the gun before it pulled it over. Our test has Worked Watson you mean?

[Sergeant]

That's how it was done sir. She shot herself?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely.

[Sergeant]

Well I'm blessed if you'll oblige with.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A grappling hook as soon as you can Sergeant. I think my friend here will soon have his little weapon back none the worse for wear. And if I'm not mistaken you'll find another revolver, stone and string in much the same place.

[Sergeant]

Well I see exactly what you're getting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At Mr. Holmes but I'm waxen the Sergeant isn't quite convinced.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well if he's like me he's just trying to work out how it all fits in with that revolver in the.

[Sergeant]

Wardrobe and the note in the dead woman's hand sir. What could she have meant by that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, they show a remarkable subtlety of mind. A note was extracted cleverly from Ms. Dunbar which would make it appear that she had chosen the time and place for the crime. Mrs. Gibson was so anxious this false clue should be discovered that she overdid it by holding it in her hand to the last. Alone should have excited my suspicion earlier than it did.

[Dr. John Watson]

Again in the wardrobe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Simple. We've been told that it was one of a pair. The other hasn't been found because Mrs. Gibson took it for her own use and it's now down there in the water alongside yours. She could easily have taken its mate down to the woods earlier in the day and discharged one barrel without anyone hearing. Then she took it back to the house and concealed it in the wardrobe while Ms. Dunbar was in the schoolroom.

[Dr. John Watson]

I don't doubt you're right as usual Holmes but it's a pretty horrible picture you painted.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't think in all our adventures we've come across a stranger example of the working of a crazed mind. Her first resolution was to end her own life. Her second was to involve the victim of her hatred. But oh Watson, that chip in the stonework. I have been sluggish in mind and wanting in that mixture of imagination and reality which is the basis of my art. No, you had better not think of adding the problem of Sawbridge to your annals. I fear it will not improve my reputation at all.