The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans: Part Three

Summary

Summary of "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans: Part Three"

Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
Host/Author: NOISER
Narrator: Hugh Bonneville
Release Date: February 27, 2025

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Introduction

In the third installment of "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," Sherlock Holmes delves deeper into the mysterious death of Cadogan West and the theft of top-secret submarine plans. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, this episode masterfully intertwines suspense, deduction, and character interplay, showcasing Holmes's unparalleled detective skills.

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Recalling the Clues

The episode picks up with Holmes and Dr. Watson reflecting on their previous discoveries. Holmes had deduced that Cadogan West's body was not merely thrown from a train but was deliberately placed on the roof, hinting at a more intricate plot.

Holmes (00:45): "From the moment that I conceived the idea of the body being upon the roof, which surely was not a very abstruse one, all the rest was inevitable."

Armed with this revelation, Holmes visits the Woolwich Arsenal to investigate the Bruce Partington submarine plans, uncovering signs of tampering at the office window. The plot thickens with the sudden death of Sir James Walter, the official guardian of the plans, raising suspicions of foul play linked to espionage.

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Identifying the Suspect

Utilizing Mycroft Holmes's list of foreign spies, Sherlock zeroes in on Hugo Oberstein, a suspect residing in Kensington with direct access to the underground tracks. As a thick London fog envelops the city, Holmes and Watson prepare to infiltrate Oberstein's residence.

Holmes (02:10): "There can be no doubt that it is a blood mark."

The meticulous nature of Holmes's investigation shines as he examines faint discolorations and soot marks indicating the placement of Cadogan West's body on the train's roof.

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Breaking into Oberstein's House

Under the cover of darkness and fog, Holmes and Watson successfully breach the formidable defenses of Oberstein's home. Their silent approach leads them through dark passages to Oberstein's study, where Holmes initiates a thorough search for incriminating evidence.

Holmes (04:20): "The cunning dog has covered his tracks. He has left nothing to incriminate him."

Despite an exhaustive search of drawers and cupboards yielding no immediate evidence, Holmes's persistence pays off when he discovers a tin cash box containing critical documents and newspaper clippings related to the submarine plans.

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Deciphering the Evidence

Within the study, Holmes finds a series of cryptic messages in the Daily Telegraph's agony column, revealing correspondence between Oberstein and an unknown party identified as "Pierrot." These messages suggest covert transactions and clandestine meetings, providing a breakthrough in the investigation.

Holmes (07:00): "A fairly complete record, Watson. If we could only get at the man at the other end."

This discovery propels Holmes to plan a strategic confrontation, aiming to trap Oberstein through the orchestrated use of the advertisement signals.

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Confrontation and Confession

The following morning, with the assistance of Mycroft Holmes and Inspector Lestrade, Holmes orchestrates a meeting at Caulfield Gardens. They anticipate Oberstein's response to the "Pierrot" advertisement, setting the stage for a decisive encounter.

As the appointed time arrives, Oberstein is promptly apprehended. Holmes swiftly subdues him, revealing his true identity as Colonel Valentine Walter, the brother of the deceased Sir James Walter.

Holmes (14:34): "Everything is known, Colonel Walter. How an English gentleman could behave in such a manner is beyond my comprehension."

Under relentless questioning, Colonel Walter confesses to the murder of Cadogan West. He admits to a desperate need for money, leading him to steal the submarine plans and confront West, resulting in West's fatal injury.

Colonel Walter (17:07): "I did the rest. It was just as you say. A stock exchange debt had to be paid. I needed the money badly."

Holmes skillfully navigates the interrogation, extracting vital information that ties Walter to the espionage and murder, ultimately leading to his downfall.

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Resolution and Aftermath

With Oberstein apprehended and the submarine plans secured, Holmes reflects on the resolution of the case. Colonel Walter's imprisonment marks the end of the immediate threat, though the episode hints at deeper national implications tied to the stolen plans.

Holmes (21:30): "It is a matter of history, that secret history of a nation which is often so much more intimate and interesting than its public chronicles."

Holmes returns to his scholarly pursuits, resuming his monograph on polyphonic motets, while Dr. Watson observes the detective's ability to compartmentalize his endeavors despite the case's intensity.

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Looking Forward

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next adventure, "Silver Blaze," where Holmes investigates the disappearance of England's prized racehorse amidst a web of deception and mystery on the moors.

Narrator (24:30): "As the great detective follows a trail of clues across the windswept moors, he'll uncover an unlikely killer hiding in plain sight."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Noiser+ for ad-free experiences and early access to upcoming episodes.

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Notable Quotes:

1. Holmes on the Body Placement:
   "From the moment that I conceived the idea of the body being upon the roof, which surely was not a very abstruse one, all the rest was inevitable."
   (00:45)

2. Holmes on Evidence Concealment:
   "The cunning dog has covered his tracks. He has left nothing to incriminate him."
   (04:20)

3. Holmes on the Record:
   "A fairly complete record, Watson. If we could only get at the man at the other end."
   (07:00)

4. Holmes Confronting Colonel Walter:
   "Everything is known, Colonel Walter. How an English gentleman could behave in such a manner is beyond my comprehension."
   (14:34)

5. Colonel Walter's Confession:
   "I did the rest. It was just as you say. A stock exchange debt had to be paid. I needed the money badly."
   (17:07)

6. Holmes on National History:
   "It is a matter of history, that secret history of a nation which is often so much more intimate and interesting than its public chronicles."
   (21:30)

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This episode underscores Sherlock Holmes's extraordinary deductive abilities and his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how deep the conspiracy. The intricate plotting and character dynamics make "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans: Part Three" a compelling chapter in the Sherlock Holmes saga.

Transcript

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[Hugh Bonneville]

Welcome to Sherlock Holmes Short Stories. I'm Hugh Bonneville and this is the Adventure of the Bruce Partington plans. Part 3 Last time Holmes's examination of the railway tracks at All Gate Station revealed something crucial about the death of Cadogan West. His body had been placed on the roof of of a train, not thrown from it. But how did his body get on the roof of a train? And who put it there? To find out, Holmes first visited the Woolwich Arsenal where the top secret Bruce Partington submarine plans were kept. There he discovered signs of tampering at the office window. Then came the startling news that Sir James Walter, the official guardian of the plans, had died just hours before Holmes and Watson came to question him, apparently from the stress of the scandal. Finally, Cadogan West's bereaved fiance revealed that in the days before his death, something about his work had been troubling him deeply. Now, armed with Mycroft's list of foreign spies, Holmes has made a crucial connection. One of them, Hugo Oberstein, lives in a house whose windows open directly above the underground tracks. As a thick fog settles over London, Holmes and Watson prepare to break into Oberstein's home in Kensington, where they believe the answer to the mystery lies. Caulfield Gardens was one of those lines of flat faced, pillared and porticoed houses which are so prominent, a product of the middle Victorian epoch in the West End of London. Next door there appeared to be a children's party for the merry buzz of young voices and the clatter of a piano resounded through the night. The fog still hung about and screened us with its friendly shade. Holmes had lit his lantern and flashed it upon the massive door. This is a serious proposition, said he. It is certainly bolted as well as locked. We would do better in the area. There is an excellent archway down yonder in case a too zealous policeman should intrude. Give me a hand, Watson, and I'll do the same for you. A minute later we were both in the area. Hardly had we reached the dark shadows before the step of the policeman was heard in the fog above. As its soft rhythm died away, Holmes set to work upon the lower door. I saw him stoop and strain until with a sharp crash it flew open. We sprang through into the dark passage, closing the area door behind us. Holmes led the way up the curving, uncarpeted stair. His little fan of yellow light shone upon a low window. Here we are, Watson. This must be the one. He threw it open and as he did so there was a low harsh murmur growing steadily into a loud roar as a train dashed past us in the darkness. Holmes swept his light along the windowsill. It was thickly coated with soot from the passing engines, but the black surface was blurred and rubbed in places. You can see where they rested the body. Halloa, Watson, what's this? There can be no doubt that it is a blood mark. He was pointing to faint discolourations along the woodwork of the window. Here it is on the stone of the stair also. The demonstration is complete. Let us stay here until a train stops. We had not long to wait. The very next train roared from the tunnel as before, but slowed in the open and then with a creaking of brakes pulled up immediately beneath us. It was not four feet from the window ledge to the roof of the carriages. Holmes softly closed the window. So far we are justified, said he. What do you think of it, Watson? A masterpiece. You have never risen to a greater height. I cannot agree with you there. From the moment that I conceived the idea of the body being upon the roof, which surely was not a very abstruse one, all the rest was inevitable. If it were not for the grave interests involved, the affair up to this point would be insignificant. Our difficulties are still before us, but perhaps we may find something here which may help us. We had ascended the kitchen stair and entered the suite of rooms upon the first floor. One was a dining room, severely furnished and containing nothing of interest. A second was a bedroom which also drew blank. The remaining room appeared more promising and my companion settled down to a systematic examination. It was littered with books and papers and was evidently used as a study. Swiftly and methodically Holmes turned over the contents of drawer after drawer and cupboard after cupboard. But no gleam of success came to brighten his austere face. At the end of an hour he was no further than when he started. The cunning dog has covered his tracks, said he. He has left nothing to incriminate him. His dangerous correspondence has been destroyed or removed. This is our last Chance. It was a small tin cash box which stood upon the writing desk. Holmes pried it open with his chisel. Several rolls of paper were within, covered with figures and calculations without any note to show to what they referred. The recurring words water pressure and pressure to the square inch suggested some possible relation to a submarine. Holmes tossed them all impatiently aside. There only remained an envelope with some small newspaper slips inside it. He shook them out on the table and at once I saw by his eager face that his hopes had been raised. What's this, Watson? Hey, what's this? Record of a series of messages in the advertisements of a paper Daily Telegraph agony column by the print and paper, right hand, top corner of a page. No dates, but messages arrange themselves. This must be the first hoped to hear sooner. Terms agreed to write fully to address given on card. Pierrot. Next comes too complex for description. Must have full report. Stuff awaits you when goods delivered, Pierrot. Matter presses must withdraw offer unless contract completed. Make appointment by letter. Will confirm by advertisement. Pierrot. Finally, Monday night after nine, two taps. Only ourselves. Do not be so suspicious. Payment in hard cash when goods delivered, Pierrot. A fairly complete record, Watson. If we could only get at the man at the other end. He sat lost in thought, tapping his fingers on the table. Finally he sprang to his feet. Well, perhaps it won't be so difficult after all. There is nothing more to be done here, Watson. I think we might drive round to the offices of the Daily Telegraph and so bring a good day's work to a conclusion.

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[Hugh Bonneville]

Mycroft Holmes and Lestrade had come round by appointment after breakfast next day, and Sherlock Holmes had recounted to them our proceedings of the day before. The professional shook his head over our confessed burglary. We can't do these things in the force, Mr. Holmes, said he. No wonder you get results that are beyond us. But one of these days you'll go too far and you'll find yourself and your friend in trouble for England. Home and beauty, eh, Watson? Martyrs on the altar of our country. But what do you think of it, Mycroft? Excellent, Sherlock. Admirable but what use will you make of it? Holmes picked up the Daily Telegraph, which lay upon the table. Have you seen Pierrot's advertisement today? What, another one? Yes, here it is. To night, same hour, same place, two taps. Most vitally important, your own safety at stake, Pierrot, by George, cried Lestrade. If he answers that, we've got him. That was my idea when I put it in. I think if you could both make it convenient to come with us about 8 o'clock to Caulfield Gardens, we might possibly get a little nearer to a solution. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Sherlock Holmes was his power of throwing his brain out of action and switching all his thoughts onto lighter things whenever he had convinced himself that he could no longer work to advantage. I remember that during the whole of that memorable day he lost himself in a monograph which he had undertaken upon the polyphonic motets of lassos. For my own part, I had none of this power of detachment and the day in consequence appeared to be interminable. The great national importance of the issue, the suspense in high quarters, the direct nature of the experiment which we were trying, all combined to work upon my nerve. It was a relief to me when at last, after a light dinner, we set out upon our expedition. Lestrade and Mycroft met us by appointment at the outside of Gloucester Road station. The area door of Oberstein's house had been left open the night before and it was necessary for me, as Mycroft Holmes absolutely and indignantly declined to climb the railings, to pass in and open the hall door. By 9 o'clock we were all seated in the study, waiting patiently for our man. An hour passed and yet another when 11 struck. The measured beat of the great church clock seemed to sound the dirge of our hopes. Lestrade and Mycroft were fidgeting in their seats and looking twice a minute at their watches. Holmes sat silent and composed, his eyelids half shut, but every sense on the alert. He raised his head with a sudden jerk. He is coming, said he. There had been a furtive step past the door, now it returned. We heard a shuffling sound outside and then two sharp taps with the knocker. Holmes rose, motioning us to remain seated. The gas in the hall was a mere point of light. He opened the outer door and then, as a dark figure slipped past him, he closed and fastened it. This way, we heard him say, and a moment later our man stood before us. Holmes had followed him closely and as the man turned with a cry of surprise and alarm he caught him by the collar and Threw him back into the room before our prisoner had recovered his balance. The door was shut and Holmes standing with his back against it. The man glared round him, staggered and fell senseless upon the floor with the shock. His broad brimmed hat flew from his head, his cravat slipped down from his lips and there were the long light beard and the soft, handsome, delicate features of Colonel Valentine Walter. Holmes gave a whistle of surprise. You can write me down an ass this time, Watson, said he. This was not the bird that I was looking for.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is he?

[Hugh Bonneville]

Asked Mycroft eagerly. The younger brother of the late Sir James Walter, the head of the submarine department. Yes, yes, I see the fall of the cards. He is coming too. I think that you had best leave his examination to me. We had carried the prostrate body to the sofa. Now our prisoner sat up, looked round him with a horror stricken face and passed his hand over his forehead like one who cannot believe his own senses.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What is this?

[Hugh Bonneville]

He asked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I came here to visit Mr. Oberstein.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Everything is known, Colonel Walter, said Holmes. How an English gentleman could behave in such a manner is beyond my comprehension. But your whole correspondence and relations with Oberstein are within our knowledge. So also are the circumstances connected with the death of young Cadogan West. Let me advise you to gain at least the small credit for repentance and confession, since there are still some details which we can only learn from your lips. The man groaned and sank his face in his hands. We waited, but he was silent. I can assure you, said Holmes, that every essential is already known. We know that you were pressed for money, that you took an impress of the keys which your brother held, and that you entered into a correspondence with Oberstein, who answered your letters through the advertisement columns of the Daily Telegraph. We are aware that you went down to the office in the fog on Monday night, but that you were seen and followed by young Cadogan west, who had probably some previous reason to suspect you. He saw your theft but could not give the alarm, as it was just possible that you were taking the papers to your brother in London, leaving all his private concerns. Like the good citizen that he was, he followed you closely in the fog and kept at your heels until you reached this very house. There he intervened and then it was Colonel Walter that to treason you added the more terrible crime of murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I did not. I did not. Before God, I swear that I did not.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Cried our wretched prisoner. Tell us then how Cadogan west met his end before you laid him upon the roof of a railway carriage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I will I swear to you that I will. I did the rest. I confess it. It was just as you say. A stock exchange debt had to be paid. I needed the money badly. Oberstein offered me 5,000. It was to save myself from ruin. But as to murder, I am as innocent as you.

[Hugh Bonneville]

What happened then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He had his suspicions before and he followed me as you describe. I never knew it until I was at the very door. It was thick fog and one could not see three yards. I had given two taps and Oberstein had come to the door. The young man rushed up and demanded to know what we were about to do with the papers. Oberstein had a short, heavy truncheon.

[Hugh Bonneville]

He always carried it with him. As west forced his way after us into the house, Oberstein struck him on the head.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The blow was a fatal one. He was dead within five minutes. There he lay in the hall and we were at our wit's end. What to do then? Oberstein had this idea about the trains which halted under his back window. But first he examined the papers which I had brought.

[Hugh Bonneville]

He said that three of them were essential and. And that he must keep them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You cannot keep them, said I. There will be a dreadful row at.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Woolwich if they are not returned. I must keep them, said he, for they are so technical that it is impossible in the time to make copies.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then they must all go back together.

[Hugh Bonneville]

To night, said I.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He thought for a little and then he cried out that he had it.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Three I will keep, said he. The others we will stuff into the pocket of this young man. When he is found, the whole business will assuredly be put to his account.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I could see no other way out of it, so we did as he suggested. We waited half an hour at the.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Window before a train stopped.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was so thick that nothing could.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Be seen and we had no difficulty in lowering West's body onto the train. That was the end of the matter, so far as I was concerned. And your brother?

[Sherlock Holmes]

He said nothing. But he had caught me once with.

[Hugh Bonneville]

His keys and I think that he suspected.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I read in his eyes that he suspected.

[Hugh Bonneville]

As you know, he never held up his head again.

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[Hugh Bonneville]

There was silence in the room. It was broken by Mycroft Holmes. Can you not make reparation? It would ease your conscience and possibly your punishment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What reparation can I make?

[Hugh Bonneville]

Where is Oberstein with the papers?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I do not know.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Did he give you no address? He said that letters to the Hotel du Louvre, Paris would eventually reach him. Then reparation is still within your power, said Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I will do anything I can. I owe this fellow no particular goodwill. He has been my ruin and my downfall.

[Hugh Bonneville]

Here are paper and pen. Sit at this desk and write to my dictation. Direct the envelope to the address given. That is right. Now the letter. Dear sir, with regard to our transaction, you will no doubt have observed by now that one essential detail is missing. I have a tracing which will make it complete. This has involved me in extra trouble, however, and I must ask you for a further advance of £500. I will not trust it to the post, nor will I take anything but gold or notes. I would come to you abroad, but it would excite remark if I left the country at present. Therefore, I shall expect to meet you in the smoking room of the Charing Cross Hotel at noon on Saturday. Remember that only English notes or gold will be taken. That will do very well. I shall be very much surprised if it does not fetch our man. And it did. It is a matter of history, that secret history of a nation which is often so much more intimate and interesting than its public chronicles, that Oberstein, eager to complete the coup of his lifetime, came to the lure and was safely engulfed for 15 years in a British prison. In his trunk were found the invaluable Bruce Partington, plans which he had put up for auction in all the naval centres of Europe. Colonel Walter died in prison towards the end of the second year of his sentence. As to Holmes, he returned refreshed to his monograph upon the Polyphonic Motets of Lassos, which has since been printed for private circulation and is said by experts to be the last word upon the subject. Some weeks afterwards I learned incidentally, that my friend spent a day at Windsor, whence he returned with a remarkably fine emerald tie pin. When I asked him if he had bought it, he answered that it was a present from a certain gracious lady in whose interests he had once been fortunate enough to carry out a small commission. He said, no more, but I fancy that I could guess that lady's august name and I have little doubt that the emerald pin will forever recall to my friend's memory the Adventure of the Bruce Partington Plans Next time on Sherlock Holmes Short Stories Holmes and Watson journey to Dartmoor to investigate the shocking disappearance of Silver Blaze, England's most celebrated racehorse. With the Wessex cup just days away and the horse's trainer found dead on the moor, Holmes must untangle a web of deception involving suspicious stable hands, mysterious nighttime visitors and a curious piece of mutton curry. As the great detective follows a trail of clues across the windswept moors, he'll uncover an unlikely killer hiding in plain sight. Join us next time for the Adventure of Silver Blaze. Can't wait a week until the next episode? Well, listen to it right away by subscribing to Noiser Plus. Head to www.noiza.comscriptions for more information or click the link in the episode description.

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