The Stories of Sherlock Holmes - A Matter of Conscience

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Stories of Sherlock Holmes – "A Matter of Conscience"
Date: December 26, 2025

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Main Theme

This episode features a classic radio dramatization of Sherlock Holmes in "A Matter of Conscience." The story explores the questionable morality of business dealings, guilt, and the boundaries between legality and conscience. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the aftermath of a supposed suicide, unraveling a story not of crime, but of psychological justice amid corporate treachery.

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Key Discussion & Plot Points

1. James Beresford's Suicide Shocks London

• [00:53–01:57]
  • James Beresford, a prominent financier, has died by suicide after being left financially ruined.
  • Dr. Watson expresses sympathy, wondering if Beresford was driven to his end by betrayal.
  • Holmes notes that those close to Beresford, perhaps trusted associates, may have orchestrated his ruin:

    "Only someone near to him, someone who held his confidence, would be able to trick him so cleverly that it would lead to total bankruptcy." — Sherlock Holmes [03:14]

2. A Mysterious Visitor: Jillian Marsh

• [04:22–05:57]
  • A young woman, refusing to give her name, seeks Holmes’s advice on punishing the man who drove Beresford to suicide.
  • She implicates Max Corbett, Beresford's old business partner, revealing a web of betrayal.
  • Holmes insists there are no grounds for criminal prosecution but hints at other forms of accountability:

    "One can cheat a man quite legally by giving him false advice." — Sherlock Holmes [03:35]

3. Dr. Watson at the Diogenes Club

• [07:55–10:07]
  • Watson runs into Max Corbett and Wilder at the club and overhears accusations about Beresford’s downfall.
  • Wilder openly accuses Corbett of orchestrating Beresford's ruin:

    "You put Beresford out of the game as surely as if you pulled the trigger of that revolver yourself." — Wilder [08:59]

  • Corbett receives a mysterious, chilling note signed "Jimmy," Beresford’s nickname, warning he'll be visited at 9 pm at home.

4. Max Corbett Seeks Holmes’ Help

• [14:02–17:13]
  • An unnerved Corbett comes to Holmes, claiming he is being persecuted — followed, watched, and sent threatening notes apparently from the deceased Beresford.
  • Holmes is dismissive:

    "I only deal in very important criminal matters. I am not a bodyguard, and cases like this are of no interest to me whatsoever." — Sherlock Holmes [16:37]

5. The Showdown at Eaton Square

• [18:18–22:38]

  • Max Corbett, increasingly paranoid, receives a visit from Jillian Marsh, who pretends to seek employment.

  • A key moment: Marsh reveals she forged the note, revealing her true identity as Beresford's niece. She confronts Corbett with his cowardice:

    "You are a cheap coward." — Jillian Marsh [21:20]

  • Marsh calls out his actions, while Holmes and Watson—watching—intervene as Corbett becomes physically aggressive.

  • Holmes ensured that Abigail Stratton, Corbett's fiancée, witnessed Corbett's true nature and deception:

    "Perhaps, Ms. Stratton, if you would like to take this note, it will explain that what you have seen was premeditated. Max always plans everything down to the last detail." — Jillian Marsh [22:17]

6. Holmes Explains the Deception

• [22:38–23:30]
  • Back at Baker Street, Holmes reveals he and Marsh conspired to play upon Corbett’s guilty conscience to unmask his character before his fiancée and friends:

    "So I plotted with her to show up the weaker side of his nature. I even impersonated James Beresford. ... I think justice has been done." — Sherlock Holmes [22:48]

  • Watson expresses some concern about the ethics, but Holmes is unapologetic:

    "The man is defeated in a much more gracious manner than he has defeated many others. My conscience is quite clear." — Sherlock Holmes [23:30]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on Betrayal [03:14]:

  "Only someone near to him, someone who held his confidence, would be able to trick him so cleverly that it would lead to total bankruptcy."

• Holmes on Legal vs. Moral Guilt [03:35]:

  "One can cheat a man quite legally by giving him false advice... If I sway your judgment to back a horse that has no chance of winning, whose fault is that?"

• Wilder’s Accusation [08:59]:

  "You put Beresford out of the game as surely as if you pulled the trigger of that revolver yourself."

• Marsh's Revelation [21:20]:

  "You really are frightened, aren't you? Frightened that the doorbell will ring and through that door will walk the ghost of James Beresford to torment your soul."

• Holmes’ Judgment [22:48]:

  "I agreed with Julian Marsh something should be done to curb this man's ambitions...I think justice has been done. Don't you agree, Watson?"

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Important Timestamps

• James Beresford's suicide and its context: [00:53–03:35]
• Holmes explains the limits of legality: [03:35–03:49]
• Jillian Marsh’s mysterious request: [04:22–06:36]
• Watson’s overheard confrontation (diogenes Club): [08:18–10:07]
• Corbett's plea to Holmes and Holmes' refusal: [14:02–16:54]
• Holmes and Watson prepare for the showdown: [17:57–18:18]
• Showdown at Corbett’s house – revelations and confrontation: [18:18–22:38]
• Holmes' closing summary of justice served: [22:38–23:30]

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Tone & Style

• The episode maintains the brisk, formal, and sometimes wry style of Golden Age radio dramas.
• Holmes is coolly analytical; Watson is sympathetic but sometimes baffled.
• The episode’s tension pivots from financial crime to psychological warfare, questioning the adequacy of the law versus moral justice.

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Conclusion

In "A Matter of Conscience," justice comes not through the courts, but via social exposure and a battle of consciences. Holmes and Marsh’s calculated theatrics force Max Corbett to face his own guilt and lose the respect of his peers and loved ones. The episode stands out as a meditation on morality, legal limitations, and the human need for justice—even when the law cannot provide it.

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Transcript

[Max Corbett]

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[Wilder]

Are you sure that'll be all, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, thank you, Gillepin.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shan't want anything more.

[Max Corbett]

Oh, by the way, how's your wife?

[Wilder]

Is she recovering from the operation? Well, I'm happy to say there's progress, but it will be a long job, sir.

[Max Corbett]

Yes, well. Yeah.

[Wilder]

Buy something with this.

[Dr. Watson]

Cheer up.

[Wilder]

Oh, thank you, sir. You're most kind. I do appreciate it.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, that's all right. I hope things go well for you.

[Max Corbett]

Good night, Gilpin.

[Wilder]

Good night, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, no use putting it off any longer. We present the stories of Sherlock Holmes. A Matter of conscience. James Beresford's death by his own hand shocked the London business world. The rumors had been well founded. Never smoke without fire, the financiers said over their whiskies and sodas. Beresford's notes had been going about the city at 40% discount and there were no takers. Settling day was the very next day. He realized he was a completely ruined man, and so he took the only way out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

James Beresford, the man who shot himself yesterday. He, at least, did not leave a wife and family?

[Max Corbett]

Oh, no, no.

[Dr. Watson]

Quite.

[Jillian Marsh]

Poor devil.

[Dr. Watson]

I know the man was a gambler and probably wrecked a great deal of havoc through his ruthlessness in business, but I can't help feeling sorry for him. He must have been in a desperate state of mind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Indeed, Yes. I met the gentleman on more than one occasion through my brother Mycroft, in the Diogenes Club. He was, on the surface a most amiable and fair minded man. He was well liked by many and feared by most. A man like Beresford makes many enemies in the course of a lifetime.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, you mean that his enemies may.

[Max Corbett]

Have brought about his ruin?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, undoubtedly. The point is that in order to outmanoeuvre his kind, one has to be within the inner circle, as it were.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I. I don't think I follow that, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I mean, the only someone near to him, someone who held his confidence, would be able to trick him so cleverly that it would lead to total bankruptcy.

[Dr. Watson]

But you think he was driven to this by the treachery of his friends?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Almost certainly. That may appear cynical of me, and I doubt if we shall ever learn the truth, but I should judge it to be so.

[Dr. Watson]

How dreadful that Any man can be betrayed to that extent.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. It is inhuman and immoral, but not a criminal matter, for no one has broken any laws. One can cheat a man quite legally by giving him false advice. If I sway your judgment to back a horse that has no chance of winning, whose fault is that?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, well, I see what you mean. Beresford was forced to kill himself by someone else. I wouldn't like to have that person's conscience.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, yes, a matter of conscience. Yes, that is a different matter. Ah, we have a visitor. I wonder who that can be so early on a cold November's morning.

[Dr. Watson]

Now, if it's anywhere important, you've no need to fear of my presence. I. I've sadly neglected my patience due to this flu epidemic and I must be about my business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, please don'. I value your opinions. They give me the slant of the ordinary man in the street.

[Jillian Marsh]

Oh, excuse me.

[Mrs. Hudson]

A young lady to see you, Mr. Holmes. Refuses to give her name and apparently she ain't got no car.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, her business must be urgent to ignore the weather and the social niceties. Show her in, Mrs. Hudson.

[Jillian Marsh]

Oh, very well.

[Mrs. Hudson]

This way, please.

[Jillian Marsh]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do come in. May I introduce myself? I am Sherlock Holmes and this is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How to do?

[Jillian Marsh]

I know who you are. I have often seen you, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Do come near to the fire. Take a seat. Some coffee?

[Jillian Marsh]

No, thank you. I cannot stop. And you will possibly ask me to leave anyway. You see, I want some advice. But I'm not prepared to give you my name or address.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is at least honest. You could have lied about those facts and hoped to get away with it.

[Jillian Marsh]

I don't lie. I always tell the truth. I want you to advise me on the correct course of punishing a man who has forced another man to commit suicide.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, that's his most curious request. Something which is both pertinent and topical. I take it that you're referring to the death of Mr. James Beresford?

[Jillian Marsh]

How did you guess that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's really not at all hard. The case is splashed all over the newspapers. Watson and I are discussing the tragedy and the poor fellow's state of mind.

[Jillian Marsh]

Just before you called suicide. While the balance of his mind was disturbed. That what you think? Nonsense. He was driven to it by Max Corbett.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Max Corbett? Yes, they started as partners, is that not? So? Very many years ago. An enterprise known as International Supplies. Very ambitious and very successful.

[Jillian Marsh]

It was all James Beresford's skill and business acumen. But Corbett and his cronies got to know More, they deceived him in various different ways under different names. Beresford trusted them. He was unaware, even up to the last six months of the bitterness and hatred he was faced with. Can you believe it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes. Please continue. You're telling me very little that I didn't know.

[Jillian Marsh]

Beresford was forced in the end to turn to moneylenders only to find that they also were puppets of Max Corbett's men. Then came the final squeeze. It was cold blooded and calculated. And at the moment these men are pretending to be heartbroken but they are inwardly delighted. They should be punished. They must be punished, particularly Max Corbett. Do you not agree with me, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear young lady, as I pointed out at Watson only a short while ago, this cannot be regarded as a criminal matter. Everything you say may be true, you may even be able to produce certain facts as proof. But there is no way that you're going to pin a crime onto Max Corbett. If you start to spread these rumors you can lay yourself open to an action for slander. Beth Corbett is too clever to be caught like that.

[Jillian Marsh]

You mean that, that my hands are tied? That there is nothing I or anyone else can do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't say that. I shall have to give the matter some thought. I wonder, Watson, while you're doing your rounds, will you be anywhere within the vicinity of the Diogenes Club?

[Dr. Watson]

I can be, Holmes, Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then would you be good enough to deliver a note to my brother Mycroft? He's bound to be there around lunchtime. Excuse me a moment. Paper and pen. Envelope. Yes.

[Jillian Marsh]

Mr. Holmes, it is quite clear that my worst fears have been confirmed. I am doing no good here, merely wasting your time. I better leave.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no, no, please don't go. Very well, Watson. Now if you could see that this is delivered as soon as possible.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well, I should do my best. Oh, will you excuse me now? I'm a doctor and have to attend to patients. I should call back later. Holmes, good morning to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now, young lady, answer me one thing. If I agree to help you, you will give me your name and address. Here and now.

[Dr. Watson]

I got to the Diogenes Club just before lunch and left Holmes note for his brother. The place seemed unusually crowded. I met a few people I knew who invited me for a drink and it being a cold day, I accepted gratefully. It was while in one of the rooms that I heard the name Max Corbett mentioned.

[Wilder]

Ah, Max. Max Corbett might have known that you'd be here today toasting to success.

[Max Corbett]

I don't know what you mean Wilder? I came to collect some mail. And now I'm off to see my fiance. That's worth a toast.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, yes.

[Wilder]

The Honorable Abigail Stratton. Yes, I read of your engagement. Congratulations.

[Max Corbett]

Thank you. But today is not a happy one. Not after hearing of poor Beresford shooting himself.

[Wilder]

Poor Beresford indeed. Cut out the rot, Max. I happen to have been on the right side when international supplies went under, so I'm not complaining. But I'm not a fool. You and I and the rest of the crowd caused it to happen.

[Max Corbett]

That's a lie.

[Wilder]

It's true and you know it. You put Beresford out of the game as surely as if you pulled the trigger of that revolver yourself. You played every dirty trick you could to beat her. I've got to hand it to you.

[Max Corbett]

You got what you want.

[Wilder]

Mind you, what Abigail Stratton would think. Well, lucky for you, she doesn't understand business deals.

[Max Corbett]

Oh, you keep Abigail out of this.

[Wilder]

Oh, it doesn't matter to me. She's your problem. I wonder how you'll explain it all. Tell me something, Max. Were you very afraid of him?

[Max Corbett]

Afraid of him? Afraid of Bennison? No, of course not. Not in the slightest.

[Wilder]

Well, I'd say you were scared stiff. That's why you couldn't fight straight. You've made a fortune out of him, but you had to do it crookedly. James Beresford was a gambler, but a fair one. Something you'll never be. A fair fighter.

[Max Corbett]

Now, that's enough, Wilder. I'm not staying here to listen to this. And you'd better watch your step. You're right when you say I have influence now. More than I'd ever had. So be careful.

[Wilder]

You can't frighten me, Max. I've taken all precautions.

[Dr. Watson]

Excuse me, Mr. Corbett. You called for your mail, but this one must have been overlooked. It was at the desk. How he got there, I can't say. Must have just arrived by hand.

[Max Corbett]

Thank you. Excuse me. Wait. That's strange handwriting.

[Jillian Marsh]

It looks like.

[Wilder]

Go on, open it up then, old boy. Might be important.

[Max Corbett]

We can't end it like this. You cannot get rid of me. I shall always be near. I will call upon you at your home in Eaton Square. Next Thursday Evening, exactly at 9 o' clock, you will see me. You cannot avoid it. Jimmy. What the devil?

[Wilder]

What's up, Max? You look as though you've seen a ghost. Not bad news, I hope. Something frightened you again. What is it this time? Something real? Something imaginary? Or is it the fact that you have A guilty culture.

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[Dr. Watson]

The next few days were very busy ones for me. I was either out in the cold, misty London streets visiting sick patients or attending to them in my surgery. I hardly saw Holmes, and when I did, he was usually coming in or going out of 221B Baker street, so muffled up that I could scarcely recognize him. Then, about two days after the inquest on the death of James Beresford, we had a caller. The morning was a foggy one. Gas lamps burned in the streets long after daylight. It was surprisingly cold and Mrs. Hudson arrived later than usual. She was not pleased to receive a visitor in these circumstances.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Oh, now what on earth? Going to be one of those days.

[Grainger Representative]

Yes?

[Max Corbett]

I want to see Sheila Perl's client.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I'm not so sure that you can. Have you an appointment?

[Max Corbett]

No, but it's early. He must be a fellow. There's no school in bed.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Ms. Per is always up early. But he doesn't like to be disturbed at this hour. Now, if you give me.

[Max Corbett]

No, look here, that's enough. Let me in. I didn't come all the way to argue with her. Common washerwoman on a doorstep.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Common washer woman indeed.

[Max Corbett]

The rooms are upstairs.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well.

[Max Corbett]

I'll find my own way.

[Jillian Marsh]

You can't charge him like this, sir.

[Mrs. Hudson]

He wants to know who you are and what your business Is it's my job to look after him and see the day isn't put upon by the likes of people like you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, what is it?

[Jillian Marsh]

This.

[Mrs. Hudson]

This man pushed his way in sir. And he demands to see you. Mr. Holmes. I couldn't keep him out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's all right. Thank you Mrs. Hudson. You may come back to clear breakfast in 10 minutes.

[Jillian Marsh]

Oh common.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What a woman.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come in Mr. Corbett, take a seat. You know Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Max Corbett]

No, I don't know Watson, but I'm glad to see you. Remember me, Holmes? We've met a couple of times at the club, haven't we?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is correct. May I ask the purpose of this surprise visit? Oh it's all right. You may speak freely in front of my friend. I have no secrets from him.

[Max Corbett]

Well I'm being persecuted and I want you to put a stop to it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Persecuted? You mean someone is threatening you? You're in bodily danger in some way a threat to your well being. Then why not go to the police?

[Max Corbett]

Oh no, there's nothing tangible for the police to get their teeth into. It's far too subtle. The fact is that since my good friend and ex partner James Beresford killed himself, someone's been persecuting me. I've received a note. Here, I'll show it to you. It was delivered at the club. It's a stupid joke of course. Someone with a perverted sense of humor. It's written as you can see, as though it came from Jimmy Beresford. The handwriting is the same.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Corbett, if you know this is just a malicious trick, they might not burn it and forget the whole.

[Max Corbett]

Matter because it won't stop there. It hasn't. I'm. I'm being watched, followed I know I am. And I've seen him not once or twice but several times.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seen him?

[Wilder]

Seen whom?

[Max Corbett]

Well, someone in disguise as Jimmy. Okay, coming out of the fog. Why only yesterday I banged into him. I could have sworn it actually was him. Tall, big, dressed in the way that Jimmy always dressed. Even the same cigars, the smell. The fact is that someone's trying to scare me, break my concentration.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If that was the objective it certainly succeeded. You seem very distrained.

[Max Corbett]

Well it's getting on my nerves. Of course it is. I'm too busy a man to be bothered by such petty things. I'm going to get married soon. I don't this going on a moment longer. You've got to stop it Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I fail to see quite what I can do.

[Max Corbett]

Well cash, whoever it is behind all this. I'll pay you any amount of money you want. Now look, today is Tuesday and in that blasted note it says that whoever it is is going to call on me at 9 o' clock on Thursday. Well, well, here's your chance. You've got two days. Now catch whoever it is that's tormenting me. Arrest him. Hunt him out. Scare the living daylight out of him. Warn him that if this persecution continues he'll be dealt with. I don't quite know what methods you can use. I don't care. Just tell me how much you want. You offer me complete protection Mr. Corbett.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am a private detective. I only deal in very important criminal matters. I am not a bodyguard and cases like this are of no interest to me whatsoever.

[Max Corbett]

You mean you won't take the case?

[Mrs. Hudson]

May I clear now sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I do not consider that there is a case Corp. Yes Mrs. Hudson. You may take away the breakfast things and see this gentleman to his carriage.

[Max Corbett]

Don't feel well but you'll be sorry for all this and I don't need that creature to show me out. Goodbye.

[Mrs. Hudson]

We've had some ill mannered people in these here rooms, Mr. Holmes, but he must rate as the worst chick. No V Reach, that's what the French should call him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am inclined to agree. But forget it Mrs. Hope.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Betty, call me a common washerwoman and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A creature, it really doesn't matter.

[Mrs. Hudson]

That's all very well. The people in glass houses shouldn't try to put the straw that break the camel's back through the eye of an eagle.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A plethora of mixed metaphors, Mrs. Hudson, but you made your point.

[Dr. Watson]

After Max Corbett left Holmes was strangely silent. He returned to his seat by the fire and relit his pipe. He knew far more than he'd told me and wasn't going to tell me more. I packed my things and prepared to leave on my daily rounds. As I put on my overcoat and gloves he said, you will be free.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This evening, won't you Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

I have no appointments but I doubt if I should be home before 7.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's all right. Ample time to get over to Eaton Square by nine.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, where Corbett lives. Where to pay a call upon him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's right. Though I'm quite sure he will have another unexpected visitor before then. But we must be ready for all in emergencies.

[Wilder]

A young lady to see you sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Her card.

[Max Corbett]

Oh, thank you. Ms. Jillian Marsh, secretary to Mr. James Beresford. What's the the time here? 8:00', clock, Mr. Corbet. All right, show him.

[Wilder]

Very Good, Sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This way please, Miss.

[Jillian Marsh]

Thank you. Good evening, Mr. Corbett.

[Max Corbett]

Good evening.

[Jillian Marsh]

I don't think we've met. I was Mr. Beresford's secretary. I have called because I wanted to know if you could help me. Have you any similar work for me to do? I'm very experienced in your type of business and I'm now unemployed. I'd be grateful for some help.

[Max Corbett]

Well, sit down, Ms. Marsh. This seems the most odd time for you to call. Hardly business hours. But let's not bother about that. You see, you worked for Jimmy Beresford. I never saw you in his eyes.

[Jillian Marsh]

I worked for him at his home. I was a private secretary.

[Max Corbett]

I see. Then you must know all his correspondence. Tell me, Ms. Marsh, have you ever seen this note before?

[Jillian Marsh]

James Beresford's writing. She'll see you Eaton Square call on Tuesday evening. Exactly at nine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Max Corbett]

What was it? Tuesday evening. No, no, no, no. It says Thursday evening.

[Jillian Marsh]

Oh, no, no, you're mistaken. I know this writing. It's Tuesday.

[Max Corbett]

But, but that's today. I, I made all the preparations for Thursday. I'm going to Paris that morning.

[Jillian Marsh]

It can't be Tuesday.

[Max Corbett]

It can't be.

[Jillian Marsh]

It's 8 o' clock and Jimmy will be here within the hour. I'll leave you to face him, Mr. Corbett.

[Max Corbett]

No. No, don't go. Please don't.

[Jillian Marsh]

I, I have to.

[Max Corbett]

I, I've been having the strangest hallucinations. I, I, I, I've been seeing Beresford ever since he died. He, he's been standing on street corners at the club, getting out of carriages, just, just standing there, haunting me. And, and now, now he's supposed to be coming here within the hour.

[Jillian Marsh]

Are you sure that notes is Tuesday? Of course. Look for yourself. How odd. Of course, even the signature could be misinterpreted. Instead of Jimmy. It could be. Jimmy idolized that before.

[Max Corbett]

Before? You mean you, you've seen this note before? Now, tell me. Tell me all about it. I pay you well. Anything you, anything you can do to put my mind at rest. Just prove this is a stupid, malicious joke and I'll set my mind at rest. Please. Please help me.

[Jillian Marsh]

You really are frightened, aren't you? Frightened that the doorbell will ring and through that door will walk the ghost of James Beresford to torment your soul.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Well, all right.

[Jillian Marsh]

I'll set your crooked little mind at rest. No one will be coming here.

[Max Corbett]

How do you know?

[Jillian Marsh]

Because I wrote that note. I wrote it after he died. You see, I wasn't his secretary. I am his niece. Uncle Jimmy was one of the best. You had him hunted down and you were glad when he was killed. Well, I wanted to make you suffer as he must have suffered. I could imitate Uncle's handwriting. I did it because I wanted to see what kind of a man you were. I've proved it. You are a cheap coward.

[Max Corbett]

Oh, is that so? Indeed. Well, don't think that a chit of a girl like you is going to show me up. You think you've taught me a lesson? Well, I'll teach you now. Here.

[Mrs. Hudson]

And now I'll show you.

[Max Corbett]

To start with.

[Mrs. Hudson]

How dare you. How dare you.

[Max Corbett]

Stop.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Just stop it.

[Max Corbett]

Oh, she'll be up, will you? You want to know? Vixen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Over here.

[Max Corbett]

How's this?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Right, that's enough. Corbett, leave her alone. Watson, take care of him.

[Dr. Watson]

Come on.

[Max Corbett]

Come on. Zoe. Do you want me to deal with him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You all right, Miss Ma?

[Jillian Marsh]

Yes, yes, I'm all right.

[Mrs. Hudson]

Maximilian. Just what does all this mean, Abigail?

[Max Corbett]

Well, how. How did you. What? Why are you here?

[Jillian Marsh]

I was asked by Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Mrs. Hudson]

To come here this evening. He said I would learn something to my advantage. I seem to have done so. I'm leaving. I have nothing to say to you now and I shall have nothing to.

[Jillian Marsh]

Say to you in the future.

[Max Corbett]

But I can explain all this. I can explain it's a trick.

[Jillian Marsh]

Perhaps. Ms. Stratton, if you would like to take this note, it will explain that what you have seen was premeditated. Max always plans everything down to the last detail. Thank you.

[Mrs. Hudson]

I'm grateful I found out the worst before it's too late. Good night, gentlemen.

[Jillian Marsh]

Goodbye, Maximilian.

[Dr. Watson]

It wasn't until we were back at Acre street that Holmes confessed his part in the unmasking of Max Corbett. He puffed at his pipe with satisfaction.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You see, I agreed with Julian Marsh something should be done to curb this man's ambitions. So I plotted with her to show up the weaker side of his nature. I even impersonated James Beresford. I'm quite good at disguises, you know, and could well remember how the man looked and walked. Then, when we had preyed upon his mind long enough, we brought things to a climax, making sure that his fiance, Abigail Stratton, saw what kind of a man he really was. Rumors will spread after this, I should think it will be many long days before he dares show his face. At the Diogenes Club, for instance. Hardly a criminal case, I agree, but one where I think justice has been done. Don't you agree, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh yes, very clever. Although perhaps not entirely ethical.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, the man is defeated in a much more gracious manner than he has defeated many others. My conscience is quite clear.

[Dr. Watson]

Listen again next Sunday to the stories.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of Sherlock Holmes, with Graham Armitage as Holmes and Kerry Jordan as Dr. Watson.

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