Sherlock Holmes - The Submarine Caves

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes - The Submarine Caves

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: August 1, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (Narrator: Harry Bartel)
Main Performers: Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes), Nigel Bruce (Dr. John Watson)
Source Audio: [Classic Sherlock Holmes radio serial]

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Overview

Theme/Purpose:
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the golden age of radio mystery, presenting a classic Sherlock Holmes adventure: "The Submarine Caves". Set on the strategically significant Channel Island of Garth, the story weaves intrigue, espionage, and murder as Holmes and Watson investigate the suspicious death of the island’s ruler and uncover a plot that threatens the security of England.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Setting the Stage (02:15 - 03:54)

• Location: Garth, a fictional Channel Island, is under the rule of the Horn family, independent but owing symbolic allegiance to the British Crown (via an old tradition of presenting a pound of butter).
  • Dr. Watson: “The island belonged to a family by the name of Horn. The head of the family ... was an independent ruler owing nominal allegiance to the King of England.” (03:21)
• Mission: Holmes and Watson are sent as official representatives to accept the ceremonial butter, but Holmes suspects there is more at stake, relating to national security.

2. Arrival on Garth: Suspicion Arises (04:39 - 06:39)

• Holmes’ Real Motive: The island contains deep interior caverns accessible only underwater—ideal for submarines.
  • Holmes: “Garth... boasts a magnificent interior cavern accessible only through underwater channels.” (06:28)
• The British government, through Holmes’ brother Mycroft, suspects that whoever controls Garth could control England's channel defenses.

3. Meeting the Islanders & News of Death (07:32 - 10:05)

• Key Characters Introduced:
  • Dr. Hugo Oberwald – the island doctor with a German background
  • Mrs. Reeves – formidable housekeeper
  • Christopher Horn – the new youthful ruler, dominated by Mrs. Reeves
• Twist: Mrs. Horn, the ruler who summoned Holmes, died the previous night—allegedly of heart failure, said to be natural by Dr. Oberwald, but Holmes and Watson are immediately suspicious.

4. Hints of Murder: The Poison Theory (10:27 - 12:03)

• Christopher Horn recalls a disturbing detail:
  • Christopher: “There was an awful silly grin on the old ear face.” (10:53)
• Holmes and Watson recognize this as a classic symptom of strychnine poisoning, not heart failure.
  • Dr. Watson: “By Jove, that's one of the characteristic symptoms of strychnine poisoning.” (11:46)

5. Confrontation with Mrs. Reeves (13:07 - 15:16)

• When pressed, Christopher reveals Mrs. Horn feared poisoning and made Mrs. Reeves taste her food.
• Mrs. Reeves boldly accuses Holmes of trying to incite suspicion—a clever attempt to deflect and control Christopher.

6. The Undercover Investigation (16:22 - 18:05)

• Holmes, feeling professional pride threatened, resolves to gather proof within 24 hours.
  • Holmes: “If at any time today I slip you a note, don't read it at once...” (17:07)
• Mrs. Reeves, attempting to be conciliatory, offers Holmes and Watson a tour of the island's submarine caves.

7. Danger in the Submarine Caves (18:09 - 21:56)

• During the tour, Holmes is separated from Watson, trapped in a tidal cave with Mrs. Reeves, and surreptitiously drugged.
  • Holmes: “I can't understand it... I’m getting confoundedly sleepy.” (21:03)
• Mrs. Reeves ensures Holmes misses the critical window to test Mrs. Horn’s body for poison.

8. Watson's Initiative & the Turning Point (22:08 - 22:52)

• Watson discovers Holmes’ secret note: “Vital that you make medical test.”
  • Watson: “When Sherlock Holmes gives me orders, I carry him out.” (22:52)
• A struggle ensues with Dr. Oberwald, but Watson prevails and escapes.

9. Showdown and Resolution (23:13 - 27:55)

• Holmes confronts Mrs. Reeves with the truth: her plan was to deliver Garth as a submarine base to Germany, eliminating Mrs. Horn as an obstacle.
  • Holmes: “You're determined to give Garth as a submarine base to Germany. With this island in their power, they could control the channel.” (23:52)
• Holmes reveals he faked the “24 hour test rule” to flush out the conspirators.
  • Holmes: "I invented that mythical 24 hour test. ... You thought that you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you." (26:44)
• Mrs. Reeves, cornered by evidence and exposure, chooses to leap to her death from the castle balcony rather than face arrest.

10. Aftermath and Legacy (28:32 - 28:53)

• Holmes and Watson secure the arrest of Dr. Oberwald.
• The ceremony proceeds; the island remains under British allegiance and will serve as an important naval base.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on the rarity of natural death in his clients:
  • “But in almost 20 years of practice I can recall precisely three clients... who died natural deaths.” – Sherlock Holmes (10:05)
• On the strategic importance of Garth:
  • “Whoever controls the channel, Watson, controls England.” – Sherlock Holmes (05:37)
• Mrs. Reeves’ psychological tactics:
  • “These men are the emissaries of the British government. They would stop at nothing to take the island over.” – Mrs. Reeves (13:48)
• Holmes baiting Mrs. Reeves:
  • “I invented that mythical 24 hour test... You thought you were shanghaiing me, whereas in reality I was shanghaiing you.” – Sherlock Holmes (26:44)
• Mrs. Reeves' final words:
  • "One day Garth will belong to Germany. One day the whole world will belong to Germany. Goodbye, you meddling fool. Goodbye." – Mrs. Reeves (27:45)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |:----------|:-------------------| | 02:42 | Dr. Watson introduces the Channel Islands and the setup of the story | | 04:39 | Holmes foreshadows the real stakes: submarine coves and national security | | 09:37 | The news of Mrs. Horn’s sudden death | | 11:46 | Watson identifies symptoms of poisoning | | 13:07 | Tense confrontation between Holmes, Watson, Christopher, and Mrs. Reeves | | 17:07 | Holmes gives Watson covert instructions about the test | | 18:43 | The tour of the submarine caves begins | | 21:03 | Holmes realizes he’s being drugged and trapped by the rising tide | | 22:26 | Watson finds Holmes' note and takes action against Dr. Oberwald | | 23:52 | Holmes directly accuses Mrs. Reeves of treason and murder | | 26:44 | Holmes reveals his plan and traps Mrs. Reeves with her own tactics | | 27:45 | Mrs. Reeves leaps from the balcony in a dramatic finale | | 28:32 | Holmes and Watson restore order; the island’s allegiance is assured |

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Tone & Language

• Language and manner maintain the classic, formal yet witty flavor of the original Sherlock Holmes stories.
• Holmes is analytical, dryly humorous, and always three steps ahead; Watson is steadfast, observant, and occasionally flustered.
• Most exchanges are brisk, sparking with understated tension as events escalate.
• Mrs. Reeves plays the formidable adversary, combining icy composure with intimidation.

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Conclusion

"The Submarine Caves" offers a suspenseful mix of espionage and mystery, set against the evocative backdrop of the Channel Islands. With sharp-witted deduction, Holmes thwarts a foreign intrigue and ensures England's control over a vital naval asset, all under the guise of accepting a "pound of butter." Rich character interplay, atmospheric plotting, and timely drama make this a standout installment of classic radio Sherlock Holmes.

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For further golden-age radio adventures, tune in next week for "The Adventure of the Living Doll."

Transcript

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[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri 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 Petry. 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 Petry 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. John Watson]

Come in, come in, come in.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Good evening, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John 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 the new young fellows.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John 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 (Narrator/Announcer)]

Where did it take place?

[Dr. John 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 Islands?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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. John 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 (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John 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's known as the senior 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 same year he annually presented one pound of freshly churned butter to a representative of the British Crown.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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. John 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. Bartell, 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 compan.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Cheer up, Watson, we'll soon be there.

[Dr. John 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. John Watson]

Then why are we going to the island of Garth?

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John 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 that Windsor Castle that she looked devilishly dowdy for an empress.

[Dr. John Watson]

Great Scott, you mean that you.

[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 tie pin I wear. Of course, you recall the origin of this pin?

[Dr. John 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. John 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 eerve is as close to the island as we may approach.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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. John Watson]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Orchard, I was.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, 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]

For 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. John Watson]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John 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 face of the cliff. Now at last I can stretch my legs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. I'm a bit shaky, I must confess. Hello. Who's that couple walking towards us?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Welcoming committee, no doubt.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Permit me to present myself. I am Dr. Hugo Oberwal.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, sir?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, Doctor?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, Mrs. Reeves?

[Mrs. Reeves]

Welco. Welcome to the island of Garth, gentlemen.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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]

Splendid. I think my friend will appreciate traveling on terra therma once again.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Dear me, Herr Doctor, you are not a good sailor. Perhaps?

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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, that 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. Horne is incapable of making any further decisions.

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[Mrs. Reeves]

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[Dr. John Watson]

What do you mean, madam?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

Died?

[Dr. John Watson]

Good Lord. A natural death, I suppose.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Mrs. Reeves]

The poor lady died in her sleep.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Shall we begin our walk to the

[Dr. John Watson]

castle, my dear 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 Garth.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do. Hello, son.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's only nice of you fellows to come over here. Too bad you had to arrive just

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

as the poor old gal kicked the bucket, though.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, indeed, Mr. Hall.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. It was a ghastly business. I found her, Christopher.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Frightful sight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There was an awful. An awful silly grin on the old ear space.

[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?

[Dr. John Watson]

You're right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ruby Rivi's a terrible tyrant, but she is efficient. Don't know what I'd do without her. Always ran everything for poor old granny.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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, dash

[Sherlock Holmes]

it reevy, I don't know. 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 jerky.

[Dr. John 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. John Watson]

By Jove, that's one of the characteristic symptoms of strychnine poisoning.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly, old fellow. And perhaps he was 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hmm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Another balcony outside the window. Yes, it is. Come along, let's see what it leads to.

[Dr. John Watson]

The balcony seems to lead right around this particular wing of 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. Yeah.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello. These must be the windows of the room adjoining the one we just came out of.

[Mrs. Reeves]

The.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go a little closer, shall we? We may be able to find out something. Can you see anything? 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. He's seen us. He's coming to open it.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you two doing out there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Admiring the view?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, my boy, it's quite beautiful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

it seemed dashed odd to me.

[Dr. John 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]

Out here on the balcony behind you. Gentlemen, listening to your 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. Against Ribi, 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.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I know, really, but after all,

[Mrs. Reeves]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. 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]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, pardon the soul.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Superb.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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. Petri port, 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. John 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 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, watson,

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John 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. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

If at any time today I slip you a note, don't read it at once. But here comes Mrs. Reeves. Precisely, Watson. I entirely agree. If I do not make the test on Mrs. Horne's body within 24 hours of her death, it will be useless. I must make it by 3:00 this afternoon.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, oh, yes, Mrs. Reeves.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I want to apologize for my behavior before lunch. I was intolerably rude. Oh, please notice, 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. John 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. Obervo 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. John Watson]

But, Holmes, why do we want to go stomping around a lot of dampens? Well, they can't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, the exercise will do 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]

Now remember, Mr. Holmes, you must be back here by 3:00. A little further, Mr. Holmes, and we shall reach the giant cavern.

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Mrs. Reeves]

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

[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 this cave. The first seigneur of Garth found a cache of untold wealth hidden here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hidden it?

[Mrs. Reeves]

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's a natural shelf here in the rocks. 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

[Sherlock Holmes]

the sea, which, as you know as well as I, they can't, 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. John Watson]

Doctor Obervo. The others seem to be somewhere helpful.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Yes, they do, don't they, Doctor?

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes? Holmes, where are you?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Dear me. I'm afraid we cannot follow them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What do you mean?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Great Scott. You mean that they're cut off?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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 marooned.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I can't understand it. I. I'm getting confoundedly 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 tide?

[Mrs. Reeves]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

But Dr. Ober, I must get to Sherlock Holmes at once.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Clock. I am afraid that will be impossible.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

A note from Mr. Sherlock Holmes, eh?

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Indeed. A note from 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. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

You see this for a while, bro?

[Dr. John Watson]

And do you see this stick?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

I warn you here, Doctor.

[Dr. John 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.

[Mrs. Reeves]

Ah,

[Sherlock Holmes]

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

[Mrs. Reeves]

Five o'. Clock. 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, the weak young man who is now senior of Garth. I'm sure your beliefs would find support in certain ideologies now arising in Germany. Your choice of a German doctorate, 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'm responsible for Mrs. Horn's murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You and Dr. Oberwald. 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 she did not realize, but which caused her eventually to send to me. My arrival forced your hand and so you and Dr. Oberwald resorted to the quite unsubtle expedient of poisoning her.

[Mrs. Reeves]

All pure supposition, Mr. Holmes. The only law on this island is Christopher Horn. 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, 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. John Watson]

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

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mind that, Watson. Did you open the note?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Followed my instructions?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. It was as you suspected, thank heaven.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Or chap. Then now we can hoist her with her own patach. Here she comes.

[Mrs. Reeves]

I'm 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. John Watson]

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. Overwald now?

[Dr. John 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.

[Dr. John Watson]

Wouldn't I, Mrs. Reeves?

[Sherlock Holmes]

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 it 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.

[Mrs. Reeves]

You devil. 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 drug brandy was Dreadfully clumsy.

[Dr. John Watson]

You didn't drink at home?

[Sherlock Holmes]

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. Oberwelt 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. Really?

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you up to?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop her.

[Dr. John Watson]

She's going out on the balcony.

[Mrs. Reeves]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Great's touch is gone. It must be a couple of hundred feet to the rocks below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wasn't fit for thing. I still can't believe she was a murderous and. And a traitor. Now. Shabby finished a shabby business. Mr. Horn, I suggest that we make sure Dr. Oberbal 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.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, yes, yes. But why are you so interested in the butter?

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Are you kidding? In our house, butter is our second most favorite topic of conversation.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Remember you asked for me? Petri wine.

[Dr. John Watson]

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

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

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 sun ripened California grapes into fragrant, delicious wine, the Petri family really knows how to. 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 Petri 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. John 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 Doll.

[Harry Bartel (Narrator/Announcer)]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Advent of the Bruce Poddington Plan. 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 studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family for a solid 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.

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