Sherlock Holmes - The Red-Headed League

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio: Sherlock Holmes – The Red-Headed League

Date: August 1, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Drama Adaptation: Based on the original by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Featuring: Sir Ralph Richardson (Dr. Watson), Sir John Gielgud (Sherlock Holmes)

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Episode Overview

This episode dramatizes “The Red-Headed League,” one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most memorable Sherlock Holmes stories. Holmes and Watson are approached by Jabez Wilson, a pawnbroker with strikingly red hair, who has experienced a strange sequence of events after answering a curious advertisement. Holmes investigates, unraveling a peculiar scheme involving the creation of a fake benefactor’s league, a mysterious assistant, and a plot to rob a bank. This brisk, lively production brings the Golden Age of radio storytelling to life, filled with period charm, sharp wit, and the legendary deductive skills of Sherlock Holmes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Curious Case of the Red-Headed League

• First Encounter (01:36–04:17)
  • Dr. Watson reminisces about this being one of his favorite cases.
  • Introduction of Jabez Wilson, whose “blazing red hair” is a focal point.
  • Holmes demonstrates his observational prowess, deducing details of Wilson’s life by examining his hands, cuffs, and tattoos.
    • Quote: “Your right hand is quite a subject, larger than your left... and the fish tattoo, that trick of staining the scales a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China.” – Holmes (02:59–03:57)
• The Advertisement (04:34–05:04)
  • Wilson presents the original newspaper ad for the Red-Headed League—an opening for red-haired men offering “four pounds a week.”
  • Quote: "'To the Red-Headed League... All red headed men who are sound in body and mind are eligible. Apply in person...'" – Dr. Watson (04:39)

2. Mr. Wilson’s Strange Employment

• Background and Application (05:13–09:56)
  • Wilson recounts how his assistant, Vincent Spaulding (later revealed as John Clay), encouraged him to apply.
  • The scene of hundreds of red-haired men crowding Pope’s Court is relayed humorously.
  • Interview with the suspiciously enthusiastic Duncan Ross, who tugs Wilson’s hair to ensure it’s genuine.
    • Quote: “We’ve been tricked twice by wigs, Mr. Wilson, and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax that would disgust you with human nature.” – Duncan Ross (08:06)
  • The “work” consists of copying out the Encyclopedia Britannica—purely as a ruse to occupy Wilson’s time.

3. Dissolution and Investigation

• League Disbands (11:12–11:49)
  • Wilson returns one morning to find a sign: “The Red-Headed League is hereby dissolved. October 1890.”
  • No one in the building recognizes the League or Ross, deepening the mystery.
  • Holmes comments, “Graver issues hang from this singular episode... than appear at first sight.” (12:11)
• Detective Work Begins (12:38–14:13)
  • Holmes and Watson visit Coburg Square, meeting Spaulding en route.
  • Holmes’s subtle explorations (knocking with his stick, examining trouser knees) suggest underground activity.
    • Quote: “We are spies in an enemy country. Now then, let me see.” – Holmes (14:24)

4. Laying the Trap

• Gathering the Allies (15:36–16:33)
  • Holmes enlists the help of Scotland Yard’s Athelney Jones and bank director Mr. Merriweather.
  • The target: French gold bullion held in the City and Suburban Bank’s vaults, worth £30,000.
    • Quote: “Tonight’s stake is of some £30,000 at the least. And... the man you’ve been longing to lay your hands on... John Clay, murderer and thief.” – Holmes (15:56)

5. The Robbery Foiled

• Ambush in the Vault (17:02–18:28)
  • The group wait in the dark, Holmes controlling the scene with tension and humor.
  • As Clay and Ross emerge from a tunnel (having burrowed from Wilson’s shop), Holmes and Watson leap to capture them.
    • Memorable Moment: “Got you. Clay!” – Holmes, as the criminals are apprehended (18:28)
• Clay’s Defiant Surrender (18:52–19:43)
  • John Clay maintains his dignity, joking about his royal blood as he’s arrested.
    • Quote: “I beg you’ll know, Mr. Jones, you may not be aware of it, but I have royal blood in my veins. Well, it was a decent fight and I lost. I’ll go quietly, thank you.” – John Clay (19:39)

6. Holmes’ Explanation

• Unmasking the Plot (20:09–22:02)
  • Holmes summarizes: Clay took a job as Wilson’s assistant to gain access to the cellar, orchestrated Wilson’s absence via the League, and tunneled towards the gold.
  • Holmes reveals key clues: Spaulding’s interest in photography (as a cover for time spent in the cellar), worn knees, and the timing of the League’s dissolution.
    • Quote: “That business of disappearing to the cellar for so long at a time... I was checking on the hollowness of the tunnel between Wilson’s place and the bank.” – Holmes (21:24–21:37)
  • Watson praises Holmes’s reasoning; Holmes responds with humility and wit.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Observation: “Words, Mr. Wilson, are the least communicative of all things.” (03:22)
• Holmes on the League: “It must have been heartbreaking” (10:08), gently mocking Wilson’s heartbreak at the end of his easy employment.
• Duncan Ross ensuring no tricks: “We’ve been tricked twice by wigs... I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax that would disgust you with human nature.” (08:06)
• Holmes on John Clay: “For skill, Watson, he’s probably the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring... perhaps the third.” (13:51)
• Clay’s dignified surrender: “Well, your servant, Mr. Holmes.” (19:58)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:36 – Watson's narration begins; introduction to Wilson
• 03:16 – Holmes deduces Wilson's background
• 04:34 – Wilson shares the League advertisement
• 05:49 – The “photography assistant” Spaulding introduced (Clay)
• 07:07 – Wilson describes the mob of red-heads at the office
• 09:18 – The “job”: copying the Encyclopedia
• 11:49 – Discovery of the League's dissolution
• 13:29 – Holmes meets Spaulding (Clay)
• 14:36 – Holmes’s outdoor observations at Coburg Square
• 15:56 – Athelney Jones and Mr. Merriweather recruited; bank plot revealed
• 17:30 – The cellar and gold bullion explained
• 18:28 – The criminals are caught in the act
• 20:09 – Holmes explains the case and deductions

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Conclusion

This lively radio adaptation of “The Red-Headed League” delivers all the intrigue and wit fans expect from Sherlock Holmes. The cast’s performances are charmingly theatrical, bringing vivid color to the eccentricities of Holmes, Watson, and their adversaries. The case itself remains as whimsical and inventive as ever, highlighting Conan Doyle’s mastery of the detective genre and the timeless appeal of radio drama storytelling.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes the original and immortal stories of Sir Arthur Conan

[John Clay / Spalding]

Doyle dramatized anew when with Sir Ralph

[Sherlock Holmes]

Richardson as Dr. Watson and Sir John

[John Clay / Spalding]

Gielgud in the role of Sherlock Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

I suppose that the Affair of the Red Headed League was always one of my favorites among Sherlock Holmes triumphs. When I was writing these memoirs of his adventures that always amused and exasperated him so much I set it among the earliest. Yet the adventure itself didn't occur until until rather late in our relationship. Then one day in the autumn, I went back to the dear old haunting Baker street for a visit. There he was. And sitting with him was a very stout and florid faced old gentleman with the fieriest red hair I'd ever seen

[Sherlock Holmes]

in all my life. Watson. My dear Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I'm sorry, Holmes, I'm afraid you're engaged.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So I am, so I am. It's exactly what I meant. Mr. Wilson, permit me to introduce my good friend, Dr. Watson.

[Narrator]

Glad to meet you, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Delighted, Mr. Wilson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Jabez Wilson. Watson, who has this moment appeared with what promises to be as strange a case as we've ever encountered.

[Dr. Watson]

I suppose it's another example of your theory that for the strangest things we must go to ordinary life itself, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But of course.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, but if he'll forgive me, Mr. Wilson here hardly seems the kind of gentleman to whom startling adventures are likely to occur.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, you're right, of course, Watson. Apart from his blazing red hair, there might appear to be nothing Indeed unusual about Mr. Wilson. Beyond of course, the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labor, that he's been to China, and that he's done a considerable amount of writing lately.

[Narrator]

Upon my soul, Mr. Holmes, how did you know all that? I haven't mentioned a single word.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Words, Mr. Wilson, are the least communicative of all things. Yes, but your right hand is quite a subject. Larger than your left, for instance, with the muscles more developed.

[Narrator]

Well, it's as true as gospel. I began as a ship's carpenter.

[Dr. Watson]

But how? You'll have to forgive him, Mr. Wilson. It's a Habit of his all the same. Holmes, you mentioned writing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well what else do you fancy would explain that shiny right cuff of his, Watson? And the left one with a smooth patch near the elbow where you rested on the desk.

[Dr. Watson]

All right then, all right. But China Holmes, it's the simplest of all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The fish there tattooed on Mr. Wilson's right wrist. Well I've made a small study of tattoo marks. That trick of staining the fish scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar

[Narrator]

to China upon my solon. And I thought at first you'd done something clever Mr. Holmes. There was nothing in it after all.

[Dr. Watson]

Omneg notum pro magnifico. Holmes. Your reputation will suffer shipwreck if you're always so candid.

[Sherlock Holmes]

However, the problem Mr. Wilson, the problem you were showing me the advertisement. Here it is Watson. You better look at it for yourself.

[Narrator]

It's from the Morning Chronicle last April. You see that was the start of it all.

[Dr. Watson]

To the Red Headed League. On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins there is now another vacancy open. All red headed men who are sound in body and mind are eligible. Apply in person on Monday at 11 o' clock to Duncan Ross at the offices of the League, 7 Pope's Court, Fleet Street.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Quite splendid. Isn't it Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, but what does it mean in all the world?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pray do you go on Mr. Wilson?

[Narrator]

Well as I was just going to explain to Mr. Holmes, Doctor, I've got a small pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square. Oh yes, that's near the city isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite a lucrative line of business I'd fancy.

[Narrator]

No, no, he doesn't do much more than give me a living. Oh I'd hardly have enough to cover the wages except that my young assistant's willing to come for half pay so as to learn the business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what is the name of this obliging youth?

[Narrator]

Spalding. Vincent Spalding. Oh he's first rate. Couldn't wish for better except there never was such a fellow for photography.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Yes, he's snapping away with his camera every minute he is. And then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit to develop his pictures.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Into the cellar. He's still with you I take it?

[Narrator]

Oh yes, yes. As a matter of fact it was young Spaulding who drew my attention to this advert. Doctor, he came into the office one day with that very paper in his hand.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Now I'll tell you what Mr. Wilson. I just wish to the Lord that I was a red headed man the same way you Are just look famous. Red Headed League, there's another vacancy.

[Narrator]

Red Headed League?

[John Clay / Spalding]

Yes, you heard of it of course.

[Narrator]

Not a word. What is it?

[John Clay / Spalding]

Well, as far as I can reckon the League was founded by one of them American millionaires, sir, and Ezekiah Hopkins, same as it says there. And he was mighty queer in his ways they say. He was a redhead himself, you see. And when he died they found he'd left his fortune to providing jobs for men that was county air like he was.

[Narrator]

There'll be millions a plain. It's hardly worth worthwhile me trying.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Oh go on and have a shot, sir. I would, honest. You might put yourself in the way of something good, Mr. Wilson. You know I noted a try

[Dr. Watson]

and

[Narrator]

so that was the whole way of it, Mr. Holmes. Well I went along that Monday and I've never seen such a sight in all my life. There wasn't a man in all London with a red hair in his head that hadn't turned up at Pope's Court.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I dare say. The whole entrance from Fleet street must have looked like a costermonger's orange barrow. Most entertaining, Mr. Wilson. Pray go on, Mr. Wilson.

[Narrator]

Well anyway, I got in at last to the office where Mr. Duncan Ross was sitting. Very plain it was, with a deal table and a couple of chairs. And this Mr. Ross was a little quick kind of man and he had a head that was even redder than mine if you believe it. And the minute he saw me he was up like a shot. Mr. Wilson. HE CRIES Mr. Wilson.

[Duncan Ross]

Heaven bless you, Mr. Wilson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's marvellous.

[Duncan Ross]

What a head, what a shade.

[Narrator]

Well how can't enlarge it, Mr. Ross.

[Duncan Ross]

One moment though. You'll excuse me, will you, Mr. Wilson? Ah, thank you, thank you. I just had to give it that one small tug to, to see that you were genuine. We've been tricked twice by wigs, Mr. Wilson, and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax that would disgust you with human nature. You're married of course?

[Narrator]

No, sir.

[Duncan Ross]

What? Oh, a pity, a pity. The fund was for the propagation of redheads too, of course, besides their maintenance. Ay, Still, I think we could stretch a point for such a remarkable crop as yours. When could you take up your duties? Well, the job's yours of course. With such a shade?

[Narrator]

Well, almost any time I suppose. My assistant's very reliable in my shop business.

[Duncan Ross]

Ten to two every day, Mr. Wilson. In this office the pay £4 a week.

[Narrator]

And the work, Mr. Ross?

[Duncan Ross]

Purely nominal. The only condition is that you've to be in the office the whole time. If you leave it for even a minute, you forfeit your whole position forever. And the will's very clear on that point.

[Narrator]

Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, Mr. Rossi. Oh, it's only four hours a day, after all. What is it that I have to do, though?

[Duncan Ross]

To copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica.

[Narrator]

What?

[Duncan Ross]

Every word of it, from beginning to end, sir. There's the first volume on the table and you must find your own pens and ink. We provide the table and chair, of course. You'll be ready to start tomorrow then?

[Narrator]

Well, if it's so very urgent.

[Duncan Ross]

It is, it is. The work mustn't flag for a moment. I'll be here myself to start you off, but afterwards you simply carry on by yourself. Except that I'll look in every Friday to pay you. Goodbye, Mr. Wilson. And let me congratulate you from my heart on the important position you've been lucky enough to obtain.

[Narrator]

And I can tell you that I'll never forget the groaner disappointment that came up from those other copper knobs waiting out in Pope's court when they heard the job was filled. Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It must have been heartbreaking. Well. Well, what next?

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[Sherlock Holmes]

You turned up, Mr. Wilson, to the dot.

[Narrator]

And there I sit, Mr. Holmes. Day after day I wrote about abbots and archery and armor and architecture. I thought I might get even to the bees before I expired. And you were paid on the nail, sir. I will say that for them every Friday. But then suddenly, just suddenly, the old thing came to an end.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, before the bees after all, Mr. Wilson.

[Narrator]

This very morning Doctor, there was this square of white cardboard nailed to the office door. Look.

[Dr. Watson]

The Red Headed League is hereby dissolved. October 1890.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, well, well, well indeed my dear Watson. You made inquiries? Of course, Mr. Wilson, everywhere.

[Narrator]

Not a single soul in the old building had ever heard of Mr. Duncan Ross or even of the League itself.

[Dr. Watson]

What an extraordinary thing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

From what I've heard I think it's very possible that graver issues hang from the singular episode of the Red Headed League than appear at first sight. Watson, the door for Mr. Wilson then? Yes, Mrs. Hudson will show him the street.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good day again Mr. Wilson, and my thanks for bringing me a problem that is quite worthy of me.

[Narrator]

Thank you Mr. Elizabeth.

[Dr. Watson]

We went out at last to the city as it suggested. We traveled by the new fashioned underground as far as Aldersgate and a short walk took us to Coburg Square which was a pokey, shabby, genteel little place. And halfway along three gilt balls and a brown board with Jabez Wilson on it announced the place where our red headed clients had carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stops in front of us and to my surprise.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid Watson, splendid. Now the door my dear fellow, if you'd be good enough.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, certainly Holmes, certainly does seem a more orthodox manner of attracting attention than knocking on the pavement as you've just done. I must say I'd like to know why you.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Well, what do you want?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, thank you my good man. I only wish to ask you how you go to the Strand from here.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Third right, fourth left. Good day.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Admirable. Come Watson, let us walk. A smart fellow that the good Spaulding himself no less.

[Athelney Jones]

Of course.

[Dr. Watson]

So I gathered from the white scar on his forehead that you mentioned.

[Sherlock Holmes]

For skill, Watson, he's probably the fourth smartest man in London and for daring. I'm not sure he hasn't even a claim to be the third. Yes, I've known something of him before you gather.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, evidently Mr. Wilson's assistance seems to count very largely in this business of the redheads. I take it that you only asked him your way for the sake of seeing him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not him, Watson. The knees of his trousers and he.

[Dr. Watson]

And what did you see?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What I expected to see, huh, I dare say, but.

[Narrator]

But what?

[Dr. Watson]

And why did you knock on the pavement with your stick so heartily?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear good fellow, this is surely a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy country. Now then, let me see. I'd just like you Watson, to observe the order of the Houses at the corner here.

[Dr. Watson]

Well there's Mortimer's the tobacconist and the little newspaper shop over there. And there's the Coburg Square branch of the City and Suburban bank, the vegetarian restaurant, McFarlane Farlands, the carriage building depot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent. Exactly. Well we've done our work for this afternoon Doctor and now we are free until 10 o' clock tonight. Till 10, 10 precisely. I've some little business myself in the interval but attend tonight Watson. If you love me meet me there by MacFarlane's depot. I'll come by handsome and I may have some companions with me. Oh and Watson, at the your army revolver 10.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah Watson, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson I think you'll remember our old colleague from Scotland Yard, Mr. Athelney Jones.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh of course, that old adventure of the silent four.

[Narrator]

How did you do Jones?

[Athelney Jones]

Happy to see you again Dr. Watson. Like old times isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And this Watson is Mr. Merriweather who is to be our other companion in tonight's adventures.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson will you lead the way? For you Mr. Merriweather, I may say tonight's stake is of some £30,000 at the least. And for you Jones, the man you've been longing to lay your hands on

[Athelney Jones]

for many a year, John Clay, murderer and thief. If you're right Holmes, upon my soul a remarkable man. John Clay, Dr. Watson. His grandfather was a royal duke they say and he's been to Eton and Oxford and yet there isn't a dirty trick on the calendar he hasn't been up to. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week and be raising money to build an imaginary orphanage in Cornwall the next.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This time it's bullion in Coburg Square. Jones? Yes Mr. Meriwether? Watson is a director of the City and Suburban Bank. I made a contact with him and Jones after I left you this afternoon. He is about to lead us by a very private door to the vaults of the bank itself.

[Dr. Watson]

The vaults?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The vaults, Watson. Lead on my dear Mr. Merriwe. Splendid, splendid. Watson, you brought the gun as I asked you?

[Dr. Watson]

Well of course Holmes, but it only will permit me to inquire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Man, we've something better to do. Sit down Watson, on that big packing case and keep your pistol ready. And will you be seated also Mr. Merriweather? You too Mr. Jones. We may have some little time to wait still. Mr. Merriweather will no doubt explain to you Watson, why it is that one of the most daring criminals in London seems to be taking a considerable interest in this cellar in which we are all Sitting now. Well, do you see?

[Dr. Watson]

It's our French gold, Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In heaven's name man, Quiet, quiet. They may be here at any moment.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, French gold, Dr. Watson, French gold.

[Sherlock Holmes]

We'd occasion to borrow some to strengthen our resources. That crate you're sitting on contains 2,000

[Narrator]

Napoleons packed in lead foil.

[John Clay / Spalding]

2,000?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The one Mr. Jones is sitting on contains 4,000. Oh, by the way Jones, you've got the other entrance covered I take?

[Athelney Jones]

Yes, Becta, two officers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. Now how goes the time? Ah, Watson, pray darken the lantern and keep your eyes glued to the floor there, about six feet in front of us I'd guess. And the moment we wait.

[Athelney Jones]

Wait.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They're earlier than I thought after all.

[Dr. Watson]

Quiet now. Holmes. The floor there opening. I can see an edge of life.

[Duncan Ross]

Wyatt.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Watson.

[Narrator]

So.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Got you. Clay.

[John Clay / Spalding]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Be quick, Watson. I warn you where I'm. Clay.

[Narrator]

I've got him.

[Dr. Watson]

Hold.

[Narrator]

I've got him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Old hard.

[Dr. Watson]

You scoundrel. I'll shoot.

[Duncan Ross]

Clay. John Clay caught in the very act.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's another room there along the underground tunnel.

[Narrator]

Run for it Russ, run, run.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So use Clay. The other entrance is covered too. Your friend said he's run. They'll get him at the other end.

[John Clay / Spalding]

Confound. It's a fair cop then. So you got us after all, whoever you are.

[Athelney Jones]

Scotland Yard. Clay.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sherlock Holmes at your service.

[John Clay / Spalding]

What? Oh, it would be. Well, I've never met your Sherlock Holmes, but. Well, well I guess I, I guess I've heard about you. And if I had to be taken by anybody at the very point of a fortune, I reckon it's you that I choose.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you. May I say in return that your red headed idea was one of the most effective I've ever encountered. Jones, he's yours. Mr. Merriweather. Your French bullionist, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank heaven for it.

[Athelney Jones]

Hold out your hands, Clay, alias Spalding.

[John Clay / Spalding]

I beg you'll know Mr. Jones, you

[Sherlock Holmes]

may not be aware of it, but

[John Clay / Spalding]

I have royal blood in my veins. Well, it was a decent fight and I lost. I'll go quietly, thank you.

[Athelney Jones]

Well, will you please march upstairs, your highness, where we can get a cab to carry your serene nobility to the police station.

[John Clay / Spalding]

That's better. Well, your servant, Mr. Holmes.

[Athelney Jones]

Good night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good night, Mr. Clay. Mr. Jones.

[Narrator]

Good night.

[Dr. Watson]

Good night you heather.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good night.

[Dr. Watson]

And so that's that. You solved it, Holmes, as you promised. The League of the Red Headed Men.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson. It was perfectly obvious from the start of course, that the only possible object of the whole thing must be to get rid of that not over bright pawnbroker of ours for a certain period every day.

[Narrator]

A curious way of managing it, surely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Arclay was always an imaginative dog. And really it would have been difficult to suggest a better. Can you? For all your wisdom?

[Dr. Watson]

I confess I can't. It was the color of the fellow's hair, of course, that suggested it all,

[Sherlock Holmes]

every bit of it. Clay, alias Spalding, took a job at half pay as Wilson's assistant so as to be near those cellars where he knew the bullion was.

[Dr. Watson]

That was smart.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, he had an accomplice, that man who called himself Duncan Ross, who was either redheaded himself or had accomplished those miracles with cobbler's wax which were to disgust us all with human nature. He managed, between them to guarantee Wilson's absence from his shop for hours on end, weeks on end. And while he's toiling away, they're burrowing their way like moles from his premises to towards the gold.

[Dr. Watson]

But what set you on the trail though, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The photography? That business of disappearing to the cellar for so long at a time. Did I surprise you, Watson, by beating on the pavement?

[Dr. Watson]

You did indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I was checking on the hollowness of the tunnel between Wilson's place and the bank.

[Athelney Jones]

Ah.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I looked at Spaulding's knees when we met him in his role of the cockney shopman. And there they were, worn and stained from that endless digging of his. The thing was as clear as daylight.

[Dr. Watson]

But how could you tell that they'd make their attempt tonight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

They've closed the league offices. They no longer needed Mr. J. Wilson's absence. And it's a Saturday, Watson, to give them two clear whole days for their escape.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, you reasoned it beautifully, Holmes. The case of the Red Headed League. One more among so many. Well, well, well, well.

[Narrator]

The adventures of Sherlock Holmes, based on the original stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have been dramatized anew with original

[John Clay / Spalding]

music composed by Sidney Torch.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sir Ralph Richardson played The part of Dr. Watson and Sir John Gielgud that of Sherlock Holmes. A the program was produced by Harry Allen Towers.

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[Narrator]

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[Sleep Number / Patriot Power Advertiser]

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