Sherlock Holmes Short Stories: "The Naval Treaty: Part Three"
Host: Hugh Bonneville
Narrator: Hugh Bonneville
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Introduction & Recap
In the ongoing investigation of the stolen Naval Treaty, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson delve deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Percy Phelps's predicament. Previously, Holmes had probed Phelps with incisive questions about the theft, subsequently liaising with Detective Forbes at Scotland Yard and Lord Holdhurst, Phelps's influential uncle and the Foreign Minister.
Phelps's Midnight Visitor
Percy Phelps returns with alarming news:
“A cloaked intruder had tried to break into Phelps's sick room the previous night, and he was brandishing a knife.”
(00:50)
Holmes reacts with intense curiosity, prompting Phelps to recount the harrowing encounter. Despite his fright, Phelps managed to alert the household, though the dry weather rendered tracking the intruder's trail futile. However, a clue emerged at a wooden fence, suggesting someone had scaled it by snapping the rail's top.
Investigating the Crime Scene
Holmes and Watson visit Phelps's home, accompanied by Phelps's fiancé, Annie, and her brother, Joseph Harrison. They meticulously examine the scene:
“Let us go round the house and see why this particular room was chosen by the burglar.”
(03:15)
Holmes meticulously inspects the marks on the bed and the fence but initially finds nothing conclusive. His nonchalant demeanor contrasts sharply with the gravity of the situation, hinting at his underlying deductions.
Holmes's Observations and Strategies
After a detailed walkthrough, Holmes instructs Annie to remain in her room, ensuring her safety:
“You must stay where you are all day. Let nothing prevent you from staying where you are all day.”
(05:45)
This directive raises suspicions among Phelps and Watson, leading them to question Holmes's sudden decision to stay behind in Woking instead of proceeding to London with Phelps. Phelps speculates:
“It sounds high flown and absurd, but consider the facts. Why should a thief try to break in at a bedroom window where there could be no hope of any plunder?”
(10:30)
A Sleepless Night of Speculation
As night falls, both Watson and Phelps grapple with unanswered questions about Holmes's motives and the case's complexities. The uncertainty strains their trust, highlighting the deepening mystery surrounding the stolen treaty.
Holmes's Triumphant Return
The following morning brings a dramatic turn. Sherlock Holmes arrives with a bandaged hand, exuding an air of urgency:
“This case of yours, Mr. Phelps, is certainly one of the darkest which I have ever investigated.”
(20:00)
During breakfast, Phelps receives a mysterious package:
“Phelps raised his cup and as he did so he uttered a scream and sat there staring with a face as white as the plate upon which he looked.”
(22:10)
The package contains the stolen Naval Treaty, salvaging Phelps's honor and affirming Holmes's prowess.
Holmes's Detailed Explanation
Post-breakfast, Holmes unveils the case's intricacies:
“The principal difficulty in your case lay in the fact of there being too much evidence. What was vital was overlaid and hidden by what was irrelevant.”
(28:50)
He meticulously reconstructs the events:
- Initial Theft: Joseph Harrison, driven by financial desperation, seized the treaty from Phelps's office.
- Concealment Attempts: Harrison hid the document in a seemingly secure spot, intending to retrieve and sell it.
- First Break-In: Phelps's unexpected return thwarted Harrison's plans, leading to the violent confrontation.
- Holmes's Ingenuity: By instructing Miss Harrison to stay put and observing the household's dynamics, Holmes orchestrated the recovery without disrupting unnecessary areas.
Holmes concludes:
“You have certainly had your share,” Holmes remarked, acknowledging Phelps's ordeal.
(32:15)
Conclusion & Teaser for Next Episode
With the Naval Treaty recovered and the culprits exposed, Holmes and Watson prepare for their next adventure. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming case:
“Next time on Sherlock Holmes Short Stories... the gruesome murder of Sir Eustace Brackenstall.”
(33:00)
Listeners are invited to anticipate Holmes's sharp deductive skills unraveling yet another complex mystery.
Notable Quotes:
- “Misfortunes never come single.” – Percy Phelps (03:05)
- “You must stay where you are all day.” – Sherlock Holmes (05:45)
- “This case of yours, Mr. Phelps, is certainly one of the darkest which I have ever investigated.” – Sherlock Holmes (20:00)
- “You have certainly had your share.” – Sherlock Holmes (32:15)
This episode masterfully intertwines suspense, intricate plotting, and Holmes's legendary deductive reasoning, offering listeners a captivating continuation of the Naval Treaty saga. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, "The Naval Treaty: Part Three" promises an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.