Springbok Sherlock 19xx.xx.xx A Hollow Victory

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Springbok Sherlock 19xx.xx.xx: A Hollow Victory

Episode Release Date: June 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping installment of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "A Hollow Victory", listeners are transported to the late 19th century, immersing themselves in a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery set at Magdalen College. The episode masterfully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense, intricate deduction, and character-driven drama.

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Setting the Scene

Dr. John Watson narrates the opening, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery:

"[02:28] Dr. John Watson: We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Tonight, a hollow victory."

The story begins in 1892, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson reside near a library in a bustling university town. Holmes is engrossed in researching early English charters when he's unexpectedly approached by Frank Tebbett, a lecturer at Magdalen College.

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The Conflict Emerges

Frank Tebbett arrives in a state of distress, explaining a perplexing situation:

"[02:28] Frank Tebbett: I must explain, Sir Holmes, that tomorrow is the first day of the examination for Hamilton Scholarship... There must be no printer's errors, you see."

Tebbett recounts how, after reviewing the examination papers for errors, he discovered that the proofs had been tampered with overnight. Multiple copies of the papers were found scattered, and evidence suggested unauthorized access to his room. The potential scandal threatens the integrity of the college's examination process.

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Holmes Begins His Investigation

Reluctantly, Holmes agrees to assist Tebbett, commencing a methodical investigation. He meticulously examines the scene, uncovering crucial clues:

"[04:14] Frank Tebbett: I found a small ball of clay with specks of sawdust on it. I am convinced that these are clues left by the man who entered my room."

Holmes deduces that the intruder intended to monitor Tebbett's movements for a possible escape, indicating premeditation and awareness of the examination's significance.

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Interrogating the Servant

Holmes and Watson interview Jackson, Tebbett's long-trusted servant. Jackson's strange behavior and inconsistencies raise suspicions:

"[10:18] Sherlock Holmes: You know who was in this room yesterday, don't you, Jackson?"

Through keen observation, Holmes notices discrepancies in Jackson's account, suggesting that he might be concealing vital information. However, Jackson initially maintains his innocence, claiming shock and confusion during the incident.

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Interviewing the Suspects

The investigation leads Holmes and Watson to interview three students residing at the college:

1. Raul Shabra: A foreign student with a quiet demeanor.

   "[13:53] Raul Shabra: I do not feel confident. I am greatly worried."

2. Julian Forbes: A distinguished scholar and athlete with a troubled background.

   "[14:35] Julian Forbes: Thank you. I hope I will do well. I have worked hard for it."

3. Harlan McBride: A brilliant yet unprincipled intellect.

   "[15:25] Frank Tebbett: Your tutor, Tebbett."

Each interaction is carefully observed by Holmes, who notes subtle behaviors and inconsistencies that point towards deceit and hidden motives.

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The Revelation

After meticulous examination and contemplation, Holmes awakens with a breakthrough:

"[17:06] Sherlock Holmes: This. It's not for nothing that I got up at half past five this morning... And I have something to show for it."

Holmes discovers an additional piece of evidence, three small pieces of black clay identical to earlier finds. This pivotal discovery allows him to piece together the timeline and movements of the suspect.

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Confrontation and Confession

Holmes gathers Tebbett and Watson to reveal his conclusions. He confronts Julian Forbes, who confesses his involvement:

"[21:05] Sherlock Holmes: Forbes had been training that afternoon... he let himself in and saw the situation at a glance."

Forbes admits to his actions, explaining that his father's tarnished reputation motivated him to sabotage the examination to prevent the scholarship from benefiting someone he deemed unworthy. Additionally, Jackson's true allegiance surfaces as he reveals his loyalty to Forbes, previously hidden under the guise of servitude to Tebbett.

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Resolution and Aftermath

With the mystery unraveled, Forbes expresses remorse:

"[21:46] Julian Forbes: I'm sorry. And to prove it, I have here a letter which I wrote last night... I'm ashamed."

Jackson explains his motives, clarifying his actions were driven by a sense of duty to protect Forbes from further disgrace. Holmes, satisfied with the resolution, emphasizes the importance of integrity and reputation within the academic community.

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Closing Remarks

Dr. Watson concludes the episode, reflecting on the resolution and the moral implications of the characters' actions:

"[23:14] Sherlock Holmes: Holmes said, well Watson, I think that clears up the matter. Breakfast awaits us. Goodbye Forbes. You have fallen low. In the future, see how high you can rise."

The episode ends with a somber note on the consequences of personal vendettas and the triumph of truth and justice, hallmark themes of Sherlock Holmes stories.

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Notable Quotes

• Stiles Mackenzie (Advertisement):

  "[00:01] Stiles Mackenzie: ... When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal."

• Sherlock Holmes:

  "[04:03] Sherlock Holmes: Have you questioned him? Yes."

  "[07:07] Dr. John Watson: We entered the building... Holmes set to work making a thorough investigation of the carpet."

  "[17:00] Dr. John Watson: But how could you have done? What possible precious evidence could you have got since last night?"

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Conclusion

"A Hollow Victory" offers listeners a captivating journey into detective work, showcasing Sherlock Holmes' unparalleled deductive reasoning and unwavering pursuit of the truth. Through intricate plotting and rich character development, the episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic radio mysteries.

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Tune in next Sunday for another thrilling adventure with Sherlock Holmes, featuring Graham Armitage as Holmes and Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watson.

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

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[Frank Tebbett]

Ah, Mr. Holmes. I was hoping I'd find you here, working in the library.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Tebbit, I know you are a tutor and lecturer at this college, but you must understand I am an extremely busy man.

[Frank Tebbett]

I realize that, but a very awkward and delicate incident has occurred here at Malden. By chance, you are here and I must turn to you for help.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sorry, I cannot be disturbed. If there is any trouble, I should prefer it if you would call in the police.

[Frank Tebbett]

The police?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, no, no, that. That would cause a terrible scandal.

[Frank Tebbett]

At all costs, Magdalen must avoid a scandal. I beg of you, Mr. Holmes, help us. For the sake of the college. Help.

[Dr. John Watson]

We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Tonight, a hollow victory. It was in the year 1892 that Sherlock Holmes and I spent some weeks at one of the great university towns. We were residing at the time in furnished lodgings close to a library where Holmes was engaged upon researchers into early English charters. It was whilst he was busy with his research that Frank Tebbett, one of the lecturers at Magdalen College, burst in upon him. A gaunt man of excitable character, he was even more agitated than usual.

[Frank Tebbett]

I must explain, Sir Holmes, that tomorrow is the first day of the examination for Hamilton Scholarship. I am one of the examiners today. At about 3 o' clock, the proofs of the examination paper arrived from the printers. I read it carefully, as the text must be quite correct, a large part of it being passages in Greek to be translated. There must be no printer's errors, you see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so.

[Frank Tebbett]

At 4:30pm I left as I had an appointment to take tea in a friend's room. I left the proofs on my desk. I was away for little more than an hour. As you know, our college doors are double, the green baize one within and the heavy oak without. As I approached my outer door, I was amazed to find a key in the lock. But it was not my key. I knew I had not been so careless. My key was still in my pocket.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nevertheless, there must have been a duplicate. Who carries it?

[Frank Tebbett]

My servant, Jackson who has been with me for 10 years. His honesty is above suspicion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you questioned him? Yes.

[Frank Tebbett]

I met him in the corridor and discovered that the key was indeed his. He had come to my room to ask if I wanted to take tea and he'd very carelessly left his key in the door when he had left a few minutes later. Of course in ordinary circumstances it would not have mattered.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what are the examination papers on your desk?

[Frank Tebbett]

The moment I looked at the table I knew that someone had been in there. The proofs were in three long slips.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd left them all together.

[Frank Tebbett]

Now I found one on the table, one on the side table near the window and the third upon the floor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Charlie Tabbett. Is the scholarship a valuable one? Very.

[Frank Tebbett]

There is a lot to be gained by getting it, including money.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Jackson entered the room with you. What was his reaction to all of this?

[Frank Tebbett]

He nearly collapsed. I had to seat him in a chair and give him brandy. He was so upset to realize he'd been the cause of such an outrage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did you examine the room?

[Frank Tebbett]

Yes. While Jackson was recovering I tried to be thorough. I found evidence of a broken pencil, the tip of some lead near the paper from the table.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, excellent, continue.

[Frank Tebbett]

Then a definite cut about 3 inches long in the red leather surface of.

[Dr. John Watson]

My new writing desk.

[Frank Tebbett]

Both Jackson and I assure it wasn't there before.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, no, that is not all.

[Frank Tebbett]

I found a small ball of clay with specks of sawdust on it. I am convinced that these are clues left by the man who entered my room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very interesting. Yes, well of course I see your dilemma. If the culprit is not found then the examination will have to be postponed until fresh papers are prepared. That would call for an explanation and could create a scandal that would naturally reflect upon you, the college and indeed the whole university.

[Frank Tebbett]

That is it exactly. Mr. Holmes, please help me to settle this matter quietly and discreetly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, I will look into it.

[Frank Tebbett]

Oh, thank you, thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, before you go to your rooms, just a few questions.

[Frank Tebbett]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you had any visitors in your room since the papers arrived?

[Frank Tebbett]

Only one I think. Raul Shabra, a foreign student. He lives in the block. He came to ask certain questions regarding the examination.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is he one of the entrance men?

[Frank Tebbett]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the papers were on your table while he was present?

[Frank Tebbett]

If I remember correctly they were rolled up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nevertheless, he might have recognized them as printers.

[Frank Tebbett]

Proofs? Impossible, though unlikely. No one knew they were there, not even Jackson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where is Jackson now?

[Frank Tebbett]

I left him recovering in the chair in my room. I hurried straight to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well then it amounts to this, either this student Shabra recognized the papers and is the guilty party, or whoever tampered with them came upon them by accident.

[Frank Tebbett]

So it seems to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Well, we'd better go over there. Would you care to come along, Watten?

[Dr. John Watson]

I'd remained silent throughout this interview. I was useful to Holmes when there were medical matters that needed attention, but this was purely academic. However, not wanting to appear uninterested, I agreed to walk over to Maudlin with them. It was nearly dusk when we reached Tebbett's rooms. He was on the ground floor and above him, he explained, lived three students. Holmes stopped and, standing on tiptoe, peered in through Tebbit's window.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh.

[Frank Tebbett]

No use considering this as a method of entry into Holmes. There's no opening in the window except that one pane high up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, if there's nothing to be learned out here, we might as well go inside.

[Frank Tebbett]

This way.

[Dr. John Watson]

We entered the building. J leading the way. Jbet let himself in with his own key and bad us welcome. Holmes set to work making a thorough investigation of the carpet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing here. The day is too dry for footmarks. Jackson has recovered. I see. Which chair did you leave him in?

[Frank Tebbett]

There, by the window.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. Near this small table. Yes. I imagine what happened is that the man entered through the door, took the papers to the window so that he could see you if you crossed the courtyard so you could make a quick escape.

[Frank Tebbett]

As a matter of fact, that would not have helped him. I returned by the side door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's interesting. Well, that's what he must have had in his mind anyway. Now, let's see. The printer's three pages. Yeah.

[Frank Tebbett]

And here you are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's no fingerprints that are visible anyway. So many people could have handled these. How long would it take to copy one of these using every possible method of contraction?

[Frank Tebbett]

Oh, allowing for careful study and taking pertinent notes, I should say a quarter of an hour.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah. Then, placing it on the table, he studied the next paper. He was still doing this when you returned unexpectedly, as he could not have seen you cross the courtyard. But something disturbed him. He's not time to replace the papers. Ah, yes. This. This is the lead of the pencil.

[Frank Tebbett]

Yes. I have not touched anything, I assure you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good. It's an unusual type of lead, not often used in ordinary pencils. Valuable. This is a small back pellet. Yes. I need to study this through my lens. Yes. Here is the cut in the red leather top. This is quite a tear. Well, this gets more and more fascinating. Where does that door lead to?

[Frank Tebbett]

To my bedroom.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you been in there since discovering all of this?

[Frank Tebbett]

No, I came straight to you. Take a look if you wish. Allow me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Ah, what a charming room. I don't wish to pry, but I presume this large wardrobe is where you keep most of your clothes. May I? Yes. Large and convenient. Another seems to be. Ah, not over here, on the floor, next to the shoe rack. It's a similar piece of clay formed into a pyramid shape identical to the one by your table. Now isn't that extraordinary? Let me see that.

[Frank Tebbett]

Ah, yes, yes, you're right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What does it mean to her? I don't know. But seeing that your visitor had access to your bedroom as well as to the sitting room. Mr. Tebbits, that does not make sense. Surely anyone wanting to take notes from.

[Frank Tebbett]

My papers would be familiar with the layout of these rooms.

[Dr. John Watson]

Whoever it was could not have fled.

[Frank Tebbett]

Into the bedroom by mistake.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then he must have done so intentionally in order to hide. Do you mean that he might have.

[Frank Tebbett]

Been hiding in here when Jackson and I came back?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very likely. In which case you had only to close this door. You have had him a prisoner. But first things first. It's necessary, I think, that I meet your servant, Jackson. Can that be arranged?

[Jackson]

Excuse me, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Jackson.

[Frank Tebbett]

Just the man we wish to see.

[Jackson]

I came back to see if there had been any new development, sir.

[Frank Tebbett]

No, but this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson who are investigating. Please answer any questions as clearly as you can.

[Jackson]

Of course, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I understand all this happened because you left your key in the outside door. How extraordinary that you should do so on this one important occasion.

[Jackson]

It's something I can't explain. I missed the key and realized what I must have done. I had a tea tray in my hand at the time. You see, I couldn't believe my carelessness. I hurried back, but met Mr. Tebbit in the corridor. And when we entered together I saw the worst had happened and someone had been in the rooms. I tried to be helpful, but the shock was too much. I felt ill, feared of fainting.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where were you when you started to feel ill?

[Jackson]

By the door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yet you collapsed in this chair by the window. Odd.

[Frank Tebbett]

I don't think Jackson knew what he was doing. We were both shocked. It was minutes before either of us could think straight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So that will be all for the moment, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Tebbit. Ring if you need me again, won't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sir?

[Jackson]

I'm most dreadfully sorry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd like the names of the three students you say live about these Rooms. Who are they?

[Frank Tebbett]

One of them is the foreign student.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I told you about.

[Frank Tebbett]

Ro Chabra. He is quiet, keeps himself to himself. His work is good, although I would say his Greek is his weakest subject.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then there is Forbes.

[Frank Tebbett]

A fine scholar and athlete. Perhaps too keen on sport, but a fine young man. His father was the notorious Sir Stafford Forbes, who ruined himself gambling. The son is poor but should do well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. I'm a third.

[Frank Tebbett]

Harland McBride. Brilliant. One of the brightest intellects of the college. But wayward and unprincipled. I know what your next question will be.

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[Frank Tebbett]

Which of the three do I suspect? Oh, I can't answer that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm glad because I wasn't going to ask you anyway. But I was about to suggest a quick stroll outside in the courtyard before. Before it becomes too dark. Shall we go?

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes led us out of Tebbett's rooms and back to the courtyard. It was not quite dark. Three yellow squares of light shone above us. The three students were spending the night before the exams in their rooms. Shadows moved across the blinds of one room. Is Raul Shabra pacing the floor. An occasional movement came from Forbes's quarters. From the third window there was a bright light but no sign of activity. Holmes suggested that we make some excuse and call on each in turn. Tibbett thought it could be arranged and led us up the ancient staircase at Raul Shabra's rooms. We welcomed a trifle coldly.

[Raul Shabra]

Please to come in, Mr. Tibbet.

[Frank Tebbett]

Sorry to interrupt but these are friends of mine who are looking over the College. This is Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? How do you do?

[Raul Shabra]

I am pleased to meet any friends of my tutor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I'm interested in the internal design of these buildings. They're very well appointed, are they not?

[Raul Shabra]

I find it very comfortable here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Please do look around.

[Frank Tebbett]

I am pleased to see that you're not doing any last minute studying, Shadra.

[Dr. John Watson]

That shows confidence.

[Raul Shabra]

I do not feel confident. I am greatly worried. I am very nervous. I'm lost to know how to spend this last night before the examination.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, you have an examination tomorrow. I'm so sorry. We did Not. Shall we move on, Tepet? Good luck tomorrow. Good night. Good night. Good night.

[Dr. John Watson]

I noticed that Holmes eyes have been darting about all over the room, especially at the large desk by the window. Raul Shabra seemed a mystery. Courteous and well dressed, he could have been thinking anything. As he bowed us from his room, we went up another floor and this time called upon Julian Forbes.

[Julian Forbes]

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson. How do you make yourselves at home? I'm afraid I have nothing to offer you in the way of a drink.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, that's quite all right. We're just making a brief tour of the college. If we accepted everyone's hospitality, we'd be here all night. However, it is very pleasant to meet you. I understand you have an important examination tomorrow and may I wish you the very best of luck.

[Julian Forbes]

Thank you. I hope I will do well. I have worked hard for it.

[Frank Tebbett]

I'm glad to see you're so relaxed, Julian. Get an early night and do well.

[Dr. John Watson]

I shall try.

[Julian Forbes]

Thank you for your good wishes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good night. Good night. Again I was aware of the intense scrutiny Holmes had given the room and its occupant. We followed Tebbard up further stairs to the rooms of the third student. This time our reception was far from cordial.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is it?

[Frank Tebbett]

Your tutor, Tebbett.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go away.

[Dr. John Watson]

I beg your pardon?

[Frank Tebbett]

I have friends here who wish to meet you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I don't want to meet them.

[Frank Tebbett]

Tomorrow is the exam and I have swatting to do.

[Dr. John Watson]

I won't be disturbed by anyone.

[Jackson]

Is I clear?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go away. I rather think we're not wanted. Tebbit, I really must apologize at all. He has the right to sport his oak on an occasion such as this. I only want to know one thing about Harlan McBride.

[Frank Tebbett]

And what is that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How tall is he?

[Frank Tebbett]

I beg your pardon?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is he under 6ft? Is he taller than I am?

[Frank Tebbett]

No, no, no, not at all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Much shorter.

[Frank Tebbett]

Well built, but shorter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. That's all I wanted to know. And now, Mr. Tebbitt, I wish you good night.

[Frank Tebbett]

But Mr. Holmes, surely you're not going to leave me in this abrupt fashion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I must have some definite action.

[Frank Tebbett]

I cannot allow the examination to proceed tomorrow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If one of the papers has been tampered with, you must leave it as it is. I shall drop round early tomorrow morning. I shall tell you my views then. Meanwhile, leave everything as it is. Understand? Do not change a thing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes remained quiet as we made our way back to our lodgings. He said good night shortly after dinner and did no more work on his studies. At 8 in the morning he came to my room and was quite his old self again, quite changed from the preoccupied person of the night before.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good morning, Watson. Lovely morning. Come, it's time we went to see Mr. Tebbitt. Can you do without breakfast?

[Dr. John Watson]

Certainly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tebbits will be in a terrible state until we tell him something positive.

[Dr. John Watson]

Have you anything positive to tell him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, my dear Watson, I've solved the case.

[Dr. John Watson]

But how could you have done? What possible precious evidence could you have got since last night?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This. It's not for nothing that I got up at half past five this morning. I put in two solid hours of work and covered over five miles. And I have something to show for it. There it is.

[Dr. John Watson]

Three small pieces of black clay, almost identical. Holmes. Holmes. Yesterday there were only two.

[Frank Tebbett]

Quite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now this one I discovered this morning. And the three of them will solve the whole mystery. Come Watson, let's go and put Tebbage out of his misery, shall we?

[Dr. John Watson]

The unfortunate tutor was certainly in the state of great agitation. In a few hours the examinations would commence. He appealed to Holmes immediately.

[Frank Tebbett]

Thank heavens you've come, Mr. Holmes. What am I to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shall the examination proceed? Oh yes, let it proceed by all means. But the culprit, he will not sit the examination.

[Frank Tebbett]

How can you say that? Does it, does it mean that you know who it is?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think so. And if this matter is not to become public then we must pass judgment upon this ourselves. And so in this private court martial, so to speak, we shall take up official positions. Watson, will you stand there, oh, hey there. And ring the bell please?

[Frank Tebbett]

That will bring Jackson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly.

[Frank Tebbett]

Very well.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say Holmes, can't you tell us a little more? I mean, what do we have to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just you stand there and glare, Watson, fiddle with your mustache and frighten the life out of anyone who comes through that door. Ah, here is the first person. Come in, Jackson.

[Frank Tebbett]

Do as Mr. Holmes requests, Jackson. Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now Tebbett, would you leave us for a little while please? Go down and bring Mr. Forbes, Anthony. But I don't understand. I mean what? Do as I say, please. Very well. But I must confess that I do not understand this.

[Frank Tebbett]

It is lamentable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lamentable? Now Jackson, would you please tell us the truth about yesterday's incident?

[Jackson]

I have told you everything, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have nothing to add?

[Jackson]

No, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then I will make a suggestion. When you came in here yesterday and you appeared to be considerably shocked, you sat down upon that chair. The reason was to conceal something, was it not?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, of course not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think you answered that a little too quickly. I wonder why. You know who was in this room yesterday, don't you, Jackson? No, sir.

[Frank Tebbett]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a pity you feel that you have to lie. Stay with us. But stand over there by the bedroom door and wait. Ah, yes. I think the time has come.

[Frank Tebbett]

Oh, it is lucky that I found you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think you must have been coming to see me. Yes. Yes, I was. It was very important. You see, sir. Come in. Come in. Close the door. Yes. Now, Mr. Forbes, we are alone here. We can be perfectly frank with each other. We want to know why an honorable man such as yourself ever stooped to become the treat you were yesterday.

[Frank Tebbett]

What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What, Jackson?

[Frank Tebbett]

How could.

[Jackson]

It wasn't me, sir. Mr. Forbes. I never said a word.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But you have now, Forbes. Your only chance lies in a frank confession.

[Julian Forbes]

I. I don't know where to begin. How can I tell anyone?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let me tell the story, and you can correct me if I'm wrong. Now, Toby told me that no one, not even Jackson, knew the papers were in this room. It was extremely unlikely that Raul Shabra could tell what the papers even looked like when he came in here. After all, they were rolled up. The chances of someone coming in here by accident and finding them would be too remote. Obviously, someone saw into the room from outside.

[Frank Tebbett]

I see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Forbes had been training that afternoon. He had his running shoes with him. The traditional kind. Spikes on the soles. When he passed the window, he saw that you had been working on the exam paper. As he passed the door on the way to his room, he noticed that the key was in the lock. The temptation was too much. He let himself in and saw the situation at a glance. He placed his running shoes on the table and placed something, gloves, perhaps, on the chair, whilst he hurriedly made notes.

[Frank Tebbett]

Correct, Forbes?

[Julian Forbes]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thinking you, Tevitt, would return across the courtyard, he stayed by the window to watch. But you didn't. You came by the side entrance. And he was caught. There was no escape. He grabbed for his shoes and made a tear in the red leather. Darting across to the bedroom, he forgot his gloves on the chair. Some of the black clay from around the spikes of his running shoes dropped off. One piece was left here, another in the bedroom cupboard where he hid himself. That third piece I collected from the pitch where he trained yesterday. Correct so far, Forbes?

[Julian Forbes]

Yes, it's exact as you've explained.

[Frank Tebbett]

Is that all you can say for yourself after such infamous conflict?

[Julian Forbes]

I'm sorry. And to prove it, I have here a letter which I wrote last night. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't live with what I'd done in the letter. I say I'm withdrawing from the examination. I'm ashamed.

[Frank Tebbett]

Well I am relieved to know you have recovered your self respect by the change of heart. Forbes.

[Julian Forbes]

Jackson, he persuaded me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well Jackson, can you clear up the last point in this mystery for me? What was your interest in all of this?

[Jackson]

It's simple enough, Mr. Holmes. I was at one time butler to Sir Stafford Forbes, this young man's father. When he was ruined I came here to work for Mr. Tebbutt. I never forgot my old employer and made it my job to watch over his son. That's why I pretended to collapse when I sat in the chair in order to conceal the gloves. When Mr. Tibbott left to seek your help I aided Mr. Forbes to escape. What else could I do? My loyalties. I didn't approve of course and I persuaded him to do the right thing. I'm sorry but well can you blame me Mr.

[Dr. John Watson]

There was silence in those rooms at Magdalen College. Forbes looked down at the floor. Tibbett stared out of the window and Jackson slowly left the room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes said, well Watson, I think that clears up the matter. Breakfast awaits us. Goodbye Forbes. You have fallen low. In the future, see how high you can ris.

[Frank Tebbett]

Listen again next Sunday to the stories of Sherlock Holmes with Graham Armitage's Holmes and Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watts.