Sherlock Holmes: New Year’s Eve Off The Scilly Isles (Encore) (EP4879)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes: New Year’s Eve Off The Scilly Isles (Encore)"

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | EP4879 | January 1, 2026
Host: Adam Graham
Original Cast: John Stanley (Sherlock Holmes), Alfred Shirley (Dr. Watson)

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Episode Overview

In this special New Year's encore, Adam Graham presents a classic Sherlock Holmes radio drama: “New Year’s Eve Off the Scilly Isles.” The episode, set in 1912, centers on Holmes and Watson racing against time to prevent a catastrophic fire—and the potential collapse of the British economy—on board the luxury liner Gigantic. The show embodies the suspense and style of Golden Age radio detective fiction, blending high-stakes maritime adventure with Holmes’ signature deductive prowess.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: An Unexpected Case

• [05:10] Dr. Watson opens by describing how he and Holmes planned a quiet New Year’s Eve, only to be interrupted by an urgent visitor.
  • Notable banter: Watson jokes about his new suit and keeping up appearances.
• [08:30] Reginald Pembroke, chairman of Floyds, a major insurance company, arrives, pleading for help:
  • There’s a plot to sabotage the ocean liner "Gigantic" with a fire, risking 2,000 lives and British financial stability.

2. The Stakes: National and Personal Peril

• Pembroke outlines a series of recent maritime disasters, all sabotaged British liners, all carrying gold bullion.
  • Quote (Reginald Pembroke, 09:56):
    "The Egyptian Star was destroyed by fire in the Persian Gulf. 800 lives lost... The greatest disaster was last April when the Titanic ran into an iceberg. With a loss of over 1500 souls."
• [11:10] The Bank of England is depending on the gigantic shipment of gold aboard the Gigantic.
• Pembroke reveals a phantom saboteur—Smokey Joe, a notorious arsonist, is suspected to be involved.

3. Journey to the "Gigantic"

• Pembroke arranges for Holmes and Watson to reach the ship using a royal train and a private yacht.
  • Quote (Pembroke, 13:18):
    "The chairman of the Great Western Railway has placed the royal train at your disposal... You should sight the Gigantic around 11 o'clock tonight."
• Watson, suffering from seasickness, provides comic relief (14:17):
  • "There's only one remedy for this sort of thing... staying on shore."

4. Aboard the Ship: Searching for Danger

• Holmes meets Captain Brooks and inspects the liner’s fire-detection systems.
  • [16:00] Captain Brooks:
    "On the Gigantic, we have the latest of everything... In case of fire, I'd sooner face a typhoon or a shipwreck than a fire on board ship."
• [17:51] Holmes on systematic search failure:
  "That's what comes of using system instead of brains and initiative..."
  • Holmes insists on applying logic to locate the device.

5. Sabotage Unfolds: Multiple Threats

• [18:28] Electrical systems, compasses, and soon the engine room malfunction, throwing the ship into chaos.
  • Quote (Captain Brooks):
    "Without dynamos, we've no forced draft for the furnaces... we'll be drifting helplessly in the Atlantic."
• Holmes suspects the real danger is yet to reveal itself—a fire set to break out at midnight.

6. Unmasking the Villain

• Guided by Purser Brown, Holmes and Watson discover tampered security seals on the cargo room.
  • [21:36] Holmes:
    "These are not the original seals."
• Inside, they find a tin of sulfuric acid rigged to trickle onto coal, making it explosive when fired.
• Purser Brown suddenly reveals his true identity—Ludwig Braun, a German agent.
  • [23:01] Holmes:
    "Mr. Ludwig Brown, spelled B R A U N if I'm not mistaken."
  • Brown pulls a gun and locks them in, leaving them to die in the coming inferno.

7. Holmes’ Last-Minute Escape Plan

• Holmes and Watson, trapped and running out of time, use a smoldering rope to trigger the smoke detection system, alerting the crew.
  • [25:03] Holmes:
    "If we can make a smudge... the important thing is, it's being drawn up through the grating."
• [28:31] Dr. Watson expresses growing panic as smoke fills the room, but they are rescued just in time.
• [29:14] Holmes to Captain Brooks:
  "Stop them stoking the furnaces. Flood the coal piles with water. They've been soaked with sulfuric acid."

8. Resolution & Aftermath

• Brown and five accomplices are arrested ("thrown in the brig").
• The disaster is averted, the gold—and the British economy—are saved.
• As midnight strikes, Holmes and Watson share a glass to celebrate the new year.
  • [29:52] Holmes:
    "Midnight, Watson. Happy New Year, old fellow."
  • [29:54] Dr. Watson:
    "Happy New Year, Holmes. And many of them. But don't you think you could manage to have them not quite so hair raising?"

9. Holmes’ Deduction Explained

• [31:02] Dr. Watson:
  "When he came onto the bridge and threw his overcoat on a chair near to the compass, whereupon the compass went berserk, Holmes immediately suspected the coat contained a powerful magnet..."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes' dry wit (08:07):
  "Being the world's greatest consulting detective has its disadvantages. People always manage to get into difficulties at the most inopportune moments."
• Raising the stakes (09:01):
  Pembroke: "Close to 2,000 lives are at stake. I pray to heaven you'll be able to reach them before it's too Late."
• Classic exchange (29:52):
  Holmes: "Midnight, Watson. Happy New Year, old fellow."
  Watson: "Happy New Year, Holmes. And many of them. But don't you think you could manage to have them not quite so hair raising?"
• Explanation of sabotage (23:23):
  Mr. Brown/Braun: "By having the acid drip through a hole in the floor under the coal beneath. The first shovelful of that acid soaked coal that goes in the furnace and the hold of a ship will be a blazing inferno. Nothing can put out that fire."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:10] – Watson introduces the Silly Isles case
• [08:30] – Pembroke arrives; outlines crisis
• [13:36] – Journey to the Gigantic
• [16:00] – On the bridge: ship’s fire precautions
• [18:28] – First signs of sabotage: technical failures
• [20:28] – Below deck: the bullion room
• [21:36] – Discovery of tampered seals
• [23:23] – Villain’s reveal and explanation
• [25:03] – Holmes (smoke escape plan)
• [28:31] – Rescue
• [29:52] – Midnight, case closed, and New Year’s toast
• [31:02] – How Holmes deduced the villain’s identity

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Host Commentary & Reflections

Adam Graham ([33:58]):
Graham notes the episode reveals a rare moment of Holmes preferring a quiet evening over adventure, and observes the story’s high stakes are belied by its light-hearted title. He invites feedback and references upcoming regular programming.

"It was kind of odd to hear Sherlock Holmes wanting to have New Year's Eve dinner rather than go out on a problem. ...I do think this episode could have used a better, maybe more descriptive title. It really did not convey that we were going to be in a race against time to save the ship and the English economy..."

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Episode Tone & Style

• Humorous but tense interplay between Holmes and Watson, with traditional British understatement in face of peril.
  • Watson provides droll comic relief throughout (e.g., seasickness woes and calls for brandy after their ordeal).
• Holmes remains coolly analytical, employing logic and keen observation.
• The narrative is brisk, punctuated with cliffhangers typical of old-time radio dramas.

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Conclusion

“New Year’s Eve Off the Scilly Isles” is a suspenseful and atmospheric Sherlock Holmes adventure, mixing festive seasonal spirit with high-seas peril and classic detective duels of wits. Holmes’ deductive skills are matched against sabotage, espionage, and mechanical trickery as he races not just to save lives, but the economic underpinnings of an empire—all before the stroke of midnight.

For fans of radio mysteries or Holmesian adventure, this is a quintessential sample of the genre—equal parts cozy and hair-raising.

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Upcoming

Dr. Watson hints that next week's tale involves a jewel thief in Baker Street and a fabulous new device: the gramophone. Stay tuned!

Transcript

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Hello, this is your host, Adam Graham and we're bringing you New Year's related encores here on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. These programs are many years old, so any information contained in them is not valid unless currently reflected on our Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website. If you want to hear Fresh Old Time Radio New Year's podcast, check out new episodes of the Amazing World of Radio and the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. With that said, please enjoy today's episode. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me box [e-mail] give us a call 208-991-4783 and become one of our friends over on Facebook facebook.com Radiodetectives I'm going to be swapping the shows I do the promo on because I do want to encourage you, if you've not already, to pick up a Copy of my book, available for your Kindle. All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo. It examines life lessons from seven great detectives, including Sherlock Holmes. In addition, we also discuss Father Brown, Nero Wolf, Adrian Monk and others, and of course, Columbo. It's available in the US Kindle store for $1.99, and as of this recording, it's available for £1 45 in the UK Kindle store. Now it's time for today's episode of Sherlock Holmes. New Year's Eve. Off the Scilly Isles.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

From New York, the makers of clipper craft clothes for men and 924 leading retail stores from coast to coast present the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Our stories are based upon the character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by John Stanley, Dr. Watson by Alfred Shirley, and the dramatizations are by Edith Miser. Well, here we are once again. On the threshold of Dr. Watson's study. We find Mr. Holmes, genial biographer, strutting up and down in front of his fireplace. Evening, Doctor. You look fit. The Christmas festivities don't seem to have got you down.

[Dr. Watson]

I am fit, Mr. Harris, very fit. Better than that, I'm rather well fitted. A great Scot man. Where are your eyes?

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Why, Dr. Watson, don't tell me Santa Claus brought you a clipper crat suit.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, why not? Just because I'm a wee bit venerable doesn't mean I'm antique. I still enjoy making a good impression, don't you know.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Well, in that suit, it'll be the girls that go when you walk down the street, Doctor. Seriously. Now, Doctor, suppose you tell us who. What tonight's story is to be about.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, tonight I thought I'd relate how Holmes and I spent New Year's Eve off the Silly Isles.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

The Silly Isles? That sounds appropriate, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

The name of these particular islands is spelled S, C I, L, L, Y. They are located roughly 100 miles southwest of Land's End. Mr. Harris. Oh.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

What in the world were you doing there on New Year's Eve?

[Dr. Watson]

Trying to prevent a great maritime catastrophe. You remember what happened to the Titanic? You know what happened to the Lusitania? Well, the lives of those on the ocean line are gigantic. Were in even greater danger when Holmes and I went over the side on New Year's Eve in the year 1912. But good heavens, there I go, getting ahead of myself again. Suppose I fix us a Tom and Jerry while you tell our listeners how to start the year.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Right.

[Dr. Watson]

In a clipper craft's clothes.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Fair enough, Dr. Watson. Millions of men like you will start the new year in a smart new Clipper craft suit and overcoat. Yes, today more men than ever before wear Clippercraft clothes, for we've sold more Clipper craft clothes than ever before in our entire history. There's a reason, of course. The wise old American public, with its eye for value, has pronounced Clippercraft the most remarkable clothing buys they've ever seen. The reason for these amazing values is the sensational Clippercraft plan. Concentrating the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading stores from coast to coastal. It accounts for tremendous savings in manufacturing and distribution costs. That's why truly fine Clipper craft suits are only $40 and $45. Why, Clipper craft topcoats and overcoats are only $40 and sport jackets only $26.50. Clipper craft values are downright amazing. Compare them with clothes selling for many doll. And now, Dr. Watson, to return to the New Year's Eve you and Sherlock Holmes celebrated on the good ship Gigantic.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, here's your Tom and Jerry, Mr. Harris. Oh, careful, don't burn yourself. Yes, it was probably the most hectic New Year's Eve I've ever experienced. Nothing is as terrifying to a seafaring man as the thought of fire aboard ship. The panic, the isolation. But that's neither here nor there. Let me see. It was the last day of the year 1912. Its inception was sufficiently placid, I must say. A light snow was falling as Holmes and I seated ourselves on either side of a well filled breakfast table. The flames of our sea coal fire reflected themselves cheerfully in the generous coffee pot. The whole house was filled with the pleasant aroma of the stuffing Mrs. Hudson was preparing for our New Year's goose. Suddenly there came a frantic jangle of the front door bell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, definitely no.

[Dr. Watson]

No what, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Whoever it is that's pulling our front doorbell out by the roots and whatever his problem is, I'm definitely not interested. Yes, Watson, Being the world's greatest consulting detective has its disadvantages. People always manage to get into difficulties at the most inopportune moments.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, you should try being a doctor, Holmes. No female. Since Eve has ever decided.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mother.

[Dr. Watson]

At a convenient time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, come in. Confounded.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Mr. Holmes. Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Naturally. Whatever your problem is, I warn you it'll have to wait till after the holidays.

[Reginald Pembroke]

But he can't wait, Mr. Holmes. Close to 2,000 lives are at stake. I pray to heaven you'll be able to reach them before it's too Late?

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Reach whom?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Where? And what is this disaster you anticipate with such trepidation?

[Reginald Pembroke]

The steamship Gigantic, Mr. Holmes. She should be somewhere off the Scilly Isles by midnight. We've been reliably informed that an attempt will be made to set fire to her at that time. If successful, it'll be the greatest disaster in all maritime history.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, in that case, I suppose I shall have to forego the little celebration I'd planned for this evening.

[Dr. Watson]

Have to? Really, Holmes, you are a cold blooded fish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't believe you've met my colleague, Dr. Watson. Mr. Pembroke.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Reginald Pembroke.

[Dr. Watson]

How did you do, sir?

[Reginald Pembroke]

I'm chairman of the board of Floyds, the famous insurance company.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh. Then your desire to prevent this disaster isn't entirely humanitarian.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Not entirely. But neither is it altogether mercenary. There's more at stake than the lives of the passengers on board the Gigantic. If she goes down, the financial stability of the British Empire goes with her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interesting, eh, Watson? Continue, Mr. Pembroke.

[Reginald Pembroke]

You may not be aware, Mr. Holmes, that during this past year there've been a terrifying number of marine catastrophes.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes knows everything, Mr. Pembroke.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I am quite cognizant of the fact that quite a few of the newest and fastest British liners have been destroyed at sea by fire, storm and accident.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Ah, they weren't accidents, Mr. Holmes. I assure you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. The Egyptian Star was destroyed by fire in the Persian Gulf. 800 lives lost. The Lord Nelson disappeared in a typhoon in the Indian Ocean. No survivors. The Southern Cross exploded and sank off the coast of Brazil. 1,200 casualties. The Wellington, the Lady Jane Grey and the El Dorado all caught fire in different parts of the Pacific. Total deaths over 2000. The greatest disaster was last April when the Titanic ran into an iceberg. With a loss of over 1500 souls.

[Reginald Pembroke]

The public's becoming panicky about traveling on British ships. The ships of other nationalities are taking all our trade. Three banks and nearly 10 investment concerns where large marine interests have gone to the wall. Even Floyd's is not too secure. But that is not the most serious aspect of the situation.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Really?

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord. Don't tell me there's worse to come.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Much worse, Dr. Wassailden. Those ships disappeared in many parts of the world. They were sunk by diverse methods. One factor, however, was the same in each disaster.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

And that was the cargo carried by.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Each ship was gold. English gold. Oh, if it ever became known how much British bullion lies at the bottom of the seven seas. British credit would be badly crippled. As a matter of fact, the bank of England has been forced to import a large shipment of gold from Canada.

[Dr. Watson]

And it's on the Gigantic. Good Lord. No wonder you're upset.

[Reginald Pembroke]

The whole economic structure of the British Empire is at stake, Mr. Holmes. Nothing must happen to the Gigantic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What makes you think anything will?

[Reginald Pembroke]

A cable was sent shortly out to the Gigantic. Left Queenstown. She makes a stop in Ireland on her eastbound voyage, you know. She sailed shortly before dawn this morning. The gangplanks had been drawn in, the last line had been cast off. And the great propellers had begun to churn. Suddenly the dockmaster noticed someone sliding down the ship's side on a rope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hi.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Look up there, sir. Some fool's climbed over the side. He's coming down on a rope. Go back your fool. Go back.

[Adam Graham]

You'll be killed.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

He'll never make a chance. He'll fall in the water and be swept out of the ship.

[Dr. Watson]

No. No.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

He's pushing the rope away from the ship with his feet. He's swinging out. He's going to jump. He made it. Someone up on the bridge has seen him. He's calling to him. The chap picked himself up. He's shouting back Happy New Year to you up there. Happy New Year in hell.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

I know the mantle. It's Smokey Joe, the firebird. If a Gigantic don't catch fire between here in Southampton. I'm a Dutchman.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smokey Joe. Seems to me we've heard of him before, eh, Watson? Not merely as an expert arsonist, but a dangerous pyromaniac as well. They caught him, I hope, Mr. Pembroke?

[Reginald Pembroke]

No, no, Mr. Holmes. Unfortunately he was too quick for them. He crawled down a ladder and disappeared among the pilings under the docks.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So the Gigantic is headed for Southampton. With a nice bit of Joe's handiwork aboard.

[Dr. Watson]

You think it's a fire bomb, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not necessarily, Watson. There are many ingenious ways of starting a fire, you know. Whoever hired Joe would prefer to have it happen well out to sea, I imagine.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Our thought exactly, Mr. Holmes. We've wireless Captain Brooks to make a search, of course. But on a ship the size of the Gigantic is like looking for a needle in a haystack. You are our one hope, Mr. Holmes. If only you couldn't get on board in time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And how do you suggest I go about that little assignment?

[Reginald Pembroke]

The chairman of the Great Western Railway has placed the royal train at your disposal. All other traffic will be cleared off the tracks now. You should reach Land's End shortly after lunch. My yacht, the Albatross, will be waiting for you in the harbor at St. Ives. It's a very speedy little craft. And with any luck. You should sight the gigantic around 11 o' clock tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. 11 o'.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Clock.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What was it Smokey Joe called out? Happy New Year in hell. It won't be New Year till midnight. If we reach the gigantic by 11. We may just possibly be in time. Six bells. It's eleven o'. Clock. Confound this fog. We've had to reduce our speed to half.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, we'll never catch up to the Gigantic now, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nonsense. She's had to slow down, too. I only hope we don't miss her entirely.

[Dr. Watson]

In this fog, I don't really care.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You don't sound very fit, Watson. What's up?

[Dr. Watson]

Do you have to use that unfortunate expression.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And tell me you're feeling squeamish?

[Dr. Watson]

Is this confounded roll? I can stand a good brisk sea. But this bobbing about in a teacuppet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pity I didn't bring the mother sill's seasick pills.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, mother sill's bad. There's only one remedy for this sort of thing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's that?

[Dr. Watson]

Staying on shore. Jolly way to spend New Year's Eve, this is. Who do you suppose is responsible for these confounded sinkings anyway?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Pembroke seems to feel it's a foreign plot. The Middle East European shipping industries benefit the most, of course.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, did you hear that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By Jove, yes.

[Dr. Watson]

Sounds like an ocean liner, right enough.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. We're signaling her.

[Dr. Watson]

Scott. There she is. The Gigantic, looming out of the fog. Looks like a mountain coming at us.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Hi there. Do you the animals rods?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson coming aboard. Let down a ladder.

[Dr. Watson]

Coming over.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Look out below.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here's the ladder, Watson. Think you can manage it?

[Dr. Watson]

I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower on a clothesline. If it would get me off this bouncing cotton shell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite an impressive array of instruments you have up here on the bridge, Captain Brooks.

[Captain Brooks]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. On the Gigantic. We have the latest of everything. And none of it's any real use. In case of fire. I'd sooner face a typhoon or a shipwreck or a mutiny even DOD rat it than a fire on board ship.

[Dr. Watson]

Surely a ship this size should be fairly fireproof.

[Captain Brooks]

That's what you might think, Dr. Watson. But there are three factors that make a fire on a luxury liner dangerous. First, there's all the confounded ornamental woodwork that's used in a passenger construction. Second, there's the fact that once a fire gets a firm hold. It's fed by draughts that rush through the ventilating system. And third, there is the element of panic. Nothing makes people behave more like wild beasts quicker than the cry of fire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In case of fire you have of course, an alarm system.

[Captain Brooks]

We have the old fashioned system of bells and also something rather recent. The Gigantic is one of the first ships to install it. You see that glass case over there, gentlemen?

[Dr. Watson]

The one with a lot of tubes entering from below. Looks rather like a giant honeycomb, eh, Holmes?

[Captain Brooks]

Each of those tubes leads to a separate compartment of the ship. The instant a fire breaks out anywhere, smoke is immediately drawn up into the glass case. I've stationed a sailor to watch that case. Believe me, gentlemen, the first wisp of smoke we shall know it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, undoubtedly very helpful, Captain Brooks, in the case of an ordinary conflagration. I assure you a fire set by Smokey Joe is not ordinary. He's a master arsonist. Ten seconds after one of his fires breaks out, you're dealing with a raging inferno.

[Dr. Watson]

Confound it.

[Captain Brooks]

They tell me the man deserted the ship at Queenstown, that is, this morning. That's more than 18 hours ago. If he'd set fire, it seems to me that we'd be in flames by this time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not necessarily. There are many methods by which a fire can be made to break out long after the pyromaniac has left the scene of his crime. You say you found no time bombs, no inflammable acids?

[Captain Brooks]

No, Mr. Holmes. Ever since I received word that we were in danger, I've had my men searching high and low. They found nothing, absolutely nothing. It's been a systematic search, I promise you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but you've drawn a blank. That's what comes of using system instead of brains and initiative.

[Captain Brooks]

Oh, and how do you propose to locate whatever it is we can't find?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By using a little logic. I shall credit Smokey Joe with having the intelligence to place his fire starting device in the place where it'll do the most damage. The man's no amateur, Captain. He knows his business. Then I shall investigate that place and remove his handiwork.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, you're bragging again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not at all, my dear Watson. I think I may promise I shall have discovered the menace inside of half an hour. I only hope Joe's little device doesn't do its nasty job before then.

[Dr. Watson]

Half an hour?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

It's now 11:30 exactly.

[Captain Brooks]

Do you think you can solve this problem by midnight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Captain. With any luck I think I can promise you a placid and uneventful new year.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Captain Brooks.

[Captain Brooks]

Yes, Mr. Brown? What seems to be the trouble.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

The wireless engineer, sir, wishes to report that something's wrong with his apparatus. Both the sending and receiving equipment have suddenly gone out of commission.

[Captain Brooks]

I don't like that. What does he think is the matter?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Captain, can you come here a minute?

[Captain Brooks]

Excuse me a moment, gentlemen. The wheelsman was calling me. What's the trouble, Jerry?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

It's the compass. It's spinning like a top. I can't figure out what's got into it. Never seen alike except once in some magnetic storm.

[Captain Brooks]

Great Scott, this is in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Incredible.

[Captain Brooks]

Now what?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

It's the engine room calling, Captain.

[Captain Brooks]

I'll take it.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Hello?

[Captain Brooks]

Yes, Captain Brooks speaking. The blazes, you say? Well, do the best you can.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seems to be the difficulty, Captain.

[Captain Brooks]

The dynamos are slowing down. They can't figure out why.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Good Lord, sir, That's why the lights are getting dim.

[Captain Brooks]

The blazes were the lights. Without dynamos, we've no forced draft for the furnaces. We'll never keep up enough steam pressure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To drive the ship.

[Captain Brooks]

In no time at all, we'll be drifting helplessly in the Atlantic in the middle of the reefs that surround the Scilly Isles.

[Dr. Watson]

Jolly way to spend New Year's Eve, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It could be worse, you know.

[Dr. Watson]

How?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The ship could be on fire. That's the real menace to which these other threats are but the prelude, I fancy.

[Captain Brooks]

For the love of heaven, what are we to do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Keep calm and use whatever intelligence the Lord has endowed us with. Captain Brooks, I suggest you and as many officers as you can spare join the holiday celebration that's undoubtedly going on in order to keep discipline in case there's any disturbance.

[Captain Brooks]

Very good, Mr. Holmes. There's a New Year's dance going on in the large ballroom. It's on sea deck.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And meanwhile, if you can spare us someone to guide Watson and myself.

[Captain Brooks]

Of course. Mr. Brown here is our purser. He knows the ship as well as anyone aboard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sure he does. Very well, Mr. Brown, if you'll lead the way. I think Dr. Watson and I would.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Like to go below and investigate the engines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Mr. Brown, even lower than that. What we're looking for is apt to be rather close to the furnaces. I imagine.

[Dr. Watson]

These iron stairs that go round and round to make me dizzy. Maybe it's the heat down here.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Yes, we're getting close to the furnace room. If you listen, you can hear the men stoking.

[Dr. Watson]

Grim way to earn a living, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop a minute. Where does that lead, Mr. Brown? That small corridor with a heavy metal door at the far end.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Oh, that's the bullion room, sir, where the gold is kept.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very interesting. Suppose we take a look, eh Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

I've always wanted to see those gold bars you hear so much about.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

I'm afraid that won't be possible, Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why not?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Well, as you can see, the door is locked and sealed. It was done by the port authorities before we left New York. That door won't be opened until the port authorities unseal it when we reach Southampton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mean that room in there wasn't open when the captain ordered the ship search for incendiary material?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

No Mr. Holmes, but it's quite impossible for anyone to place a fire bomb or anything of the sort in there. As you can see, the seals are still intact.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. These seals are intact, but are they the ones put on in New York? I doubt it. Let's have a look. Yes, interesting, very interesting. These are not the original seals.

[Dr. Watson]

How can you tell, Holmes? They look intact to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. They are intact, but here in the crack of the door sill are bits of broken seals. But these seals are not even chipped by Jovius.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course, the original seals were hacked off and then replaced after someone had finished picking the lock and robbing the room inside.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I doubt if robbery was the motive, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, for what other reason would anyone want to break into a room full of gold bullion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It all depends what lies directly below that room, Mr. Brown.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Let me see. Well, nothing of any great importance, Mr. Holmes, just the coal piles.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The coal piles.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Good Lord.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think we shall have to break the seals again, Mr. Brown. Here Watson, help me.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

But the door is locked, Mr. Holmes, even after the seals have been removed. We shall have to get the key from the captain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No time for that. Hand me my burglar tools, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Good heavens. You mean you could actually pick a lock with those things?

[Dr. Watson]

If Holmes ever turned thief, Mr. Brown, even the bank of England wouldn't be safe.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, that should do the trick. Now if you'll help me draw the bars, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, with pleasure. There you are, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now let's see.

[Dr. Watson]

See, it's black in there, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is there a light inside, Mr. Brown?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

No, Mr. Holmes, I'm afraid not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then we shall have to prop the door open. The light from the corridor will have to do for our investigations. Come on, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Who that smell. Phew. Strong and acrid like sulfur, only with more bite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Seems to be coming from this large tin. Suppose I light a match? Don't be alarmed. I know better than to light a match around a tin which is leaking sulfuric acid. I only wanted to know how much you knew about Smokey Joe's incendiary device. Mr. Ludwig Brown, spelled B R A U N if I'm not mistaken.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

So you recognize me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, that dueling scar over your left eye. It's rather a giveaway, don't you know?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

So you have found how we are going to set fire to the ship? By having the acid drip through a hole in the floor under the coal beneath. The first shovelful of that acid soaked coal that goes in the furnace and the hold of a ship will be a blazing inferno. Nothing can put out that fire.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't you mean that's how you were going to start the fire?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

My dear Mr. Holmes, you do not think we will let a small obstacle like the famous Sherlock Home stand in our way?

[Dr. Watson]

Listen to me.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Don't raise your fist to me, I'll.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let you have it. Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson. What?

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

The first sensible remark you've made. Mr. Holmes, I'm sorry to leave, but the stokers should reach the sulfuric acid impregnated coal in about 10 minutes. I believe so. I must be going. This room will be a roaring oven once it starts. You will be rather badly over done gentlemen. Goodbye then. So sorry I cannot say. A fetus in.

[Dr. Watson]

The door. He's bolted it. Even you can't open it now, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shut up Watson and help me look for the opening.

[Dr. Watson]

What opening for heaven's sake?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The opening that leads to the tube that ends in the captain's new fire detecting machine. It should be somewhere near the ceiling.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, I can't see a thing in this black hole of Calcutta.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can feel, can't you?

[Dr. Watson]

Not a thing, Holmes. The wall on this side of the room, it's as smooth as an egg.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confound it. If we could see for half a minute it would. Hello, I've got something.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, a small greeting. Here in the upper corner. This must be it. Now if we can make a smudge of some sort. Watson, bring me a piece of paper.

[Dr. Watson]

Paper? Where would I find a piece of paper?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then bring me anything I can burn. A bit of cloth, a piece of. Yes, by Jove, rope. Bring me a piece of the rope that's tied around one of the boxes that contain the bullion.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well, if I can find a box.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now what?

[Dr. Watson]

I found it. Confound it. The knots are tied so tight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Blazes with knots. Cut the rope, Watson. Use your pocket knife.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well. There you are, Holmes. It's a short length.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'M afraid I only want enough for a smudge. Nothing like a bit of hempen rope.

[Reginald Pembroke]

Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

For heaven's sake, you're not going to set a match to that thing in here. There'll be an explosion.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have to take the chance, Watson. With any luck, the sulfuric acid fumes won't be too concentrated up here near the ceiling. Well, here goes. One, two. Now, if we can persuade the rope to smolder. Yes, there she goes.

[Dr. Watson]

Certainly makes plenty of smoke, eh, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The important thing, it's being drawn up through the grating.

[Dr. Watson]

How long before they come to investigate, do you suppose?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It all depends on the mental acumen of the sailor who's watching that fire detecting machine.

[Dr. Watson]

Let's hope he's brighter than he looks. It may be my imagination, but it seems to me I can feel the metal flooring under my feet beginning to get hot.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Most things in 1948 will cost you a great deal more than you've paid in other years. That's why it's sensational news to know that you can get Clipper craft suits in 1948 for only $40 and $45. Clipper craft top coats and overcoats for only $40. And sport jackets for only 26.50. And isn't it as good a time as any to decide to get the most for your money? You've every right to expect long wear, correct styling, good taste, comfort and perfect fit. And you get all these to an astounding degree in Clipper Craft clothes. And you get them at incredibly modest prices. It's, of course, American production genius applied to the making of fine clothes that does the trick. It's the unique Clipper Craft plan concentrating the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading independent stores from coast to coast. You get the benefit of this plan at your own locally owned store, the store you can trust. Selling expensive clothes at inexpensive low prices at the nation's finest independent stores is the great big idea behind the ClipperCraft plan. That's why men who know insist on Clippercraft clothes. So be sure to visit the Clipper Craft store in your city.

[Sherlock Holmes]

These leading stores in the metropolitan area are proud to add their names to Clippercraft. In your suit, topcoat and overcoat in Manhattan sack, 34th Broadway. At 34th, John Wanamaker Men's Stores Broadway at 8th and 67 Liberty street in Brooklyn, Abraham & Strauss in Newark, New Jersey Boulevard Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark. And in Jamaica, the B and b clothes shop. 16408 Jamaica.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Avenue. Now let's rejoin Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Locked in the smoke filled bullion room of the.

[Dr. Watson]

Gigantic. Good Lord. How long did it take for them to to get us out of here? That smoke's.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suffocating. Calm yourself Watson. It can't be more than three minutes since we lit this smudge. Yes, I can hear someone running down the iron.

[Dr. Watson]

Staircase. I can't hear the blasted.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Thing. How do.

[Captain Brooks]

You. Hello. Hello in.

[Dr. Watson]

There. Get us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Out. We're in.

[Dr. Watson]

Here. Open the door. What a.

[Captain Brooks]

Relief. How in thunder did you take get locked in.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Here. What's all the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smoke? No time for explanations, Captain. Stop them stoking the furnaces. Flood the coal piles with water. They've been soaked with sulfuric.

[Dr. Watson]

Acid. Good.

[Mr. Brown (Purser)]

Lord. Ledgehog.

[Captain Brooks]

Gates. Stop the firing. Start the pumps in the engine.

[Dr. Watson]

Room. Well that's that. Holmes. What do you suppose has become of that dastardly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Purser? We let Captain Brooks take care of him. Watson. Unless I'm very much mistaken, Mr. Brown is going to wish he'd never gone to sea. Well come along. Let's go upstairs and join the festivities. I think we rate a bottle of.

[Dr. Watson]

Champagne. To blazes with the champagne. I need a double brandy. Hey bells. Let's see. That'd be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Midnight. Watson. Happy New Year, old.

[Dr. Watson]

Fellow. Happy New Year, Holmes. And many of them. But don't you think you could manage to have them? Not quite so hair raising and.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you getting fat and lethargic. You know that'd be unhealthy, not to say.

[Dr. Watson]

Boring. Oh, so now it's for my sake we indulge in all these horrendous escapades, eh? Prime bit of logic that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is. Elementary, my dear Watson, elementary. But here's the ballroom. Suppose we join the.

[Dr. Watson]

Party? Fine, my.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Dear. Well, Dr. Watson, that was an exciting way to spend New Year's.

[Dr. Watson]

Eve. It's a bit too exciting, Mr. Harris, if you ask.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Me. Doctor, did they catch the.

[Dr. Watson]

Purser? Oh they did indeed. Mr. Brown and five of his accomplices were thrown in a brig. That was the end of the disasters in the British Maritime.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Service. When did Holmes first suspect the purser was the villain of the.

[Dr. Watson]

Piece? When he came onto the bridge and threw his overcoat on a chair near to the compass where upon the compass went berserk. Holmes immediately suspected the coat contained a powerful magnet of some.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Sort. And Was he right.

[Dr. Watson]

Doctor? My dear Mr. Mr. Harris, was Sherlock Holmes ever wrong. But come, fill your mug and let us wish our radio friends a prosperous, happy and peaceful New Year.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Indeed. We do, doctor. And now, Dr. Watson, would you like to give us a hint about next week's.

[Dr. Watson]

Story? Next week, I think I'll tell you how Holmes and I trapped a famous jewel thief right in our own rooms in Baker street by the use of what was then a fabulous new invention, the.

[Mr. Harris (Announcer)]

Gramophone. The makers of clipper craft clothes and 924 leading stores from coast to coast have brought you another in the new series of broadcasts featuring the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is produced and directed by Basil Akron, with special music by Albert Berman. If you don't know your ClipperCraft dealer, write ClipperCraft, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Be sure to listen next week to Sherlock Holmes in the Maserin Stone. If you'd like to attend the Sherlock Holmes broadcasts in New York, see your local clipper craft dealer and he'll tell you how to obtain your tickets. This is Sawyer Harris speaking for Supern wishing you a happy and prosperous new Year from all of us at Super. This is the world's largest network, serving more than 450 radio.

[Josh Whalen]

Stations. If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes. When you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50 off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use the promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or enclomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn [e-mail] welcome.

[Adam Graham]

Back. It was kind of odd to hear Sherlock Holmes wanting to have New Year's Eve dinner rather than go out on a problem. It's worth noting here that of course, this episode was set in 1912, towards the tail end of the Holmes era. His very last adventure was set in 1914. I do think this episode could have used a better, maybe more descriptive title. It really did not convey that we were going to be in a race against time to save the ship, and the English economy title sounded a whole lot more light hearted than that. Well, we turn now to listener comments and feedback and just a nice Keep up the good work. Well, thank you for your kind remarks. That will do it for today and next week we return to regular order with our next episode of Sherlock Holmes. Join us tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In the meanwhile, send your comments to box13eightdetactives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetactives and give us a call 208-991-4783 but from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing.

[Josh Whalen]

Off. If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or Enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use the promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs and for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or Enclomiphene. Not available in all states, compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn.