Sherlock Holmes Short Stories: "The Naval Treaty: Part Two" Hosted by NOISER and narrated by Hugh Bonneville Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction and Recap of Part One

In the gripping second installment of "The Naval Treaty," host Hugh Bonneville welcomes listeners back to the intricate world of Sherlock Holmes. The episode picks up from where Part One left off, delving deeper into the mysterious disappearance of a top-secret naval treaty that has shattered the career of diplomat Percy Phelps. Bonneville sets the stage by summarizing the desperate circumstances that led Phelps to seek Holmes's unparalleled investigative skills.

Percy Phelps’s Distressing Account

Percy Phelps, a once-promising diplomat, recounts the perplexing events that culminated in his career's downfall. While meticulously copying the naval treaty at his desk, Phelps notices an unexpected delay in the arrival of his coffee order. His investigation reveals the guard asleep at his post, and moments later, a bell rings from his office. In a swift turn of events, the crucial treaty vanishes without a trace.

Phelps describes the frantic search that follows, including the sighting of the commissionaire’s wife fleeing the scene. Despite thorough investigations, both the commissionaire and clerk Charles Goro are exonerated, leaving the authorities baffled. Exhausted and despondent, Phelps turns to Sherlock Holmes as his last beacon of hope.

Holmes’s Initial Analysis and the Enigmatic Moss Rose

Holmes's response is as enigmatic as ever. Displaying unexpected fascination with a moss rose, he muses:

“There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion...” ([02:15])

This rare moment of introspection highlights Holmes's contemplative side, providing listeners with a glimpse into his philosophical musings. His attention to the delicate rose symbolizes his meticulous nature, searching for beauty and meaning amidst chaos.

Holmes’s questioning of Phelps reveals critical details:

“Did you tell anyone that you had this special task to perform?” ([05:30])

Phelps’s firm denial of informing anyone, including Ms. Harrison, deepens the mystery, pushing Holmes to consider the possibility of an inside job or an external conspiracy.

Investigations in London: Meeting with Inspector Forbes

Holmes and Watson’s journey leads them to London, where they engage with Inspector Forbes of Scotland Yard. The interaction is tense as Holmes challenges Forbes's methods:

“From my last 53 cases, my name has only appeared in four, and the police have had all the credit in 49.” ([09:45])

This candid admission underscores Holmes's confidence and hints at possible friction between his independent methods and official police procedures. Holmes meticulously outlines his investigative steps, including the distribution of advertisements seeking information about a cab seen near the Foreign Office.

Interview with Lord Holdhurst

A pivotal moment unfolds when Holmes and Watson secure an audience with Lord Holdhurst, a high-ranking cabinet minister and Lord Phelps's uncle. The conversation is laden with subtle tension:

“You take me out of my province there.” ([14:20])

Lord Holdhurst’s reservations and evasive responses suggest deeper political undercurrents and potential motives behind the treaty’s disappearance. Holmes probes into the possible ramifications if the treaty had fallen into foreign hands, revealing the high stakes involved.

Return to Woking: A New Twist

Upon returning to Woking, Holmes shares the latest developments. Phelps has endured a restless night, during which he encountered an intruder attempting to steal the treaty. Phelps describes the chilling experience:

“I saw little of him, for he was gone like a flash...” ([19:10])

This revelation intensifies the investigation, introducing new leads and heightening the sense of urgency. Holmes contemplates the implications of this attempted theft, pondering whether it was a random act or part of a larger conspiracy.

Cliffhanger and Anticipation for Part Three

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, with Holmes formulating a mysterious plan to confront the perpetrator. The narration teases the next segment:

“Under cover of darkness, Holmes sets a mysterious plan into motion at Briar Brae House. A nighttime vigil amongst the rhododendrons leads to a desperate struggle, and a tense breakfast reveals a shocking betrayal.”

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unraveling of this complex case, as Holmes edges closer to unveiling the truth behind the missing naval treaty.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Holmes on Deduction and Nature:
  “There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion...” ([02:15])

• Holmes on Police Collaboration:
  “From my last 53 cases, my name has only appeared in four, and the police have had all the credit in 49.” ([09:45])

• Lord Holdhurst’s Defiance:
  “You take me out of my province there.” ([14:20])

• Phelps’s Encounter with the Intruder:
  “I saw little of him, for he was gone like a flash...” ([19:10])

Conclusion

"The Naval Treaty: Part Two" masterfully intertwines suspense, intricate character interactions, and Holmes's signature deductive brilliance. Hugh Bonneville's narration brings the narrative to life, enhancing the immersive experience for listeners. As Holmes delves deeper into the conspiracy surrounding Percy Phelps, the episode sets the stage for a thrilling continuation, promising more twists and revelations in the upcoming Part Three.

Listeners new to the series will find themselves captivated by the detailed portrayal of Holmes’s methods and the complex web of deceit surrounding the missing treaty. The episode not only advances the plot but also enriches the characters, deepening the intrigue and setting high expectations for future developments.