Sherlock Holmes: The Red Headed League (Encore) (EP4593)

Summary

Summary of "Sherlock Holmes: The Red Headed League (Encore)" (EP4593)

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents a classic adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Red-Headed League." This rendition features John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Shirley as Dr. John Watson, delivering a captivating retelling of one of Holmes's most intriguing cases.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Dr. Watson announcing his intention to narrate the story of the Red-Headed League, a peculiar organization that piques Holmes's interest (06:03). The narrative quickly delves into the encounter between Holmes, Watson, and Jabez Wilson, the protagonist who seeks Holmes's expertise after a bewildering experience.

Wilson recounts how he stumbled upon a newspaper advertisement offering a lucrative position exclusively for red-headed men. The position promises a weekly salary of four pounds for nominal services, requiring applicants to work from 10 AM to 2 PM at a specific office location (09:42). Intrigued and desperate due to his struggling pawnbroker business, Wilson applies and secures the job, only to have the league abruptly disband after eight weeks, leaving him puzzled and seeking answers.

As Wilson narrates, Holmes begins his meticulous investigation. He scrutinizes Wilson's appearance and habits, noticing fine details such as the size of Wilson's hands and specific markings that hint at a deeper story (07:48). Holmes deduces that the advertisement is a façade, recognizing the involvement of John Clay, a notorious criminal mastermind. His keen observation skills lead him to uncover the true motive behind the Red-Headed League: a clever ruse to facilitate the excavation of a tunnel from Wilson's shop to the basement of the nearby City and Suburban Bank.

The tension heightens as Holmes orchestrates a stakeout with Wilson and a suspicious assistant, Vincent Spalding, who is later unmasked as John Clay. In a dramatic confrontation, Holmes and his allies catch Clay in the act of attempting to break into the bank's vault, revealing the intricate plan to steal French gold stored there (24:54). Holmes's logical reasoning and strategic planning thwart Clay's scheme, showcasing his unparalleled detective prowess.

Notable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes (07:07): "Dear me."

  Holmes's subtle interjection highlights the perplexing nature of Wilson's predicament, signaling the beginning of his deep analysis.

• Sherlock Holmes (28:29): "I suspected his fondness for photography and his trick of vanishing into the cellar."

  This quote underscores Holmes's ability to connect seemingly trivial details to uncover hidden motives.

• Sherlock Holmes (29:14): "By the way, that Red Headed League hoax is one of the cleverest dodges I've come across in some time."

  Holmes acknowledges the sophistication of the deception, emphasizing the case's complexity.

• Dr. John Watson (30:13): "Your reasoning is perfect. A long chain and yet every lingering's true."

  Watson's commendation reflects the depth and coherence of Holmes's investigative methods.

Host Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion of the story, Adam Graham shares his appreciation for the adaptation, noting a slight preference for the Conway Bruce version due to its superior acting and performance. He also highlights the podcast's global reach, mentioning listeners from over 80 countries, including unexpected locations like Japan, Russia, and Iran. Graham expresses gratitude for the diverse audience, including those who enjoy the nostalgia of old-time radio dramas and others who use the program to aid in learning English.

Listeners' feedback is warmly acknowledged, with specific mentions of supportive comments from fans such as Alec, who lauds the podcast as his favorite. Graham also teases the next episode, hinting at another thrilling Sherlock Holmes adventure set in Limehouse, involving a corrupt councilman and a trained cormorant.

Conclusion

This encore episode of "The Red Headed League" masterfully captures the essence of Conan Doyle's original story, blending engaging narration with skilled voice acting. Holmes's logical deductions and the unraveling of a sophisticated criminal plot provide listeners with a satisfying and immersive mystery experience. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the episode, making it both an entertaining and thoughtful addition to the podcast's rich repertoire.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for upcoming episodes, promising more timeless detective tales and intriguing mysteries.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Today we're bringing you another encore of an episode based on a book or short story. A reminder that any offers or information mentioned in these older episodes are not valid unless currently displayed on our Great Detectives website. Now enjoy today's encore. 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. Boy Fox [e-mail] Follow us over on Twitter at radiodetectives. Also, tomorrow is the last day you can make your nominations in the Podcast Awards, so I encourage you to go to podcastawards.com and nominate the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio along with all your other favorite podcasts. This episode of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio is brought to you by the generous financial support of our listeners. Thank you so much. I mentioned a few weeks back that the Red Headed League had a special place in my heart as a my first Sherlock Holmes story, and we got to listen to it a few weeks back in the Conway Bruce Version, and now we're going to get to hear John Stanley and Alfred Shirley do it four and a half months later on Mutual. Now you may wonder why they chose to adapt a program that had so recently already been adapted and aired over the American airways. The big answer would be that it aired over abc, which a lot of folks didn't even listen to. It really was kind of a scrapping network at the point, so there was no worry about copying. So we can kind of judge to ourselves who did it better. Here now, though, is the Red Added Lake.

[Narrator]

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 and the dramatizations are by Edith Miser. Now once more we are about to visit Dr. Watson, the friend and chronicler of Sherlock Holmes and his amazing adventures. We find him sitting in his well worn armchair, an eager look on his face and a humorous twinkle in his eye. Can it be that the good doctor is beginning to look forward to his weekly appearances before the microphone?

[Dr. John Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Harris. It certainly can. And tonight I have my narrative all picked out. Have you ever noticed that red headed people always seem to lead very eventful lives? Look at Queen Elizabeth.

[Narrator]

Yes, and I've heard that Cleopatra was a breaktop too. And she certainly had very few dull moments. And the stores that sell clipper craft clothes have no dull moments either. That's because millions of men have discovered that Clippercraft gives them value beyond compare. Behind these unheard of Clippercraft values is a triumph of American ingenuity and a really tremendous distribution idea. 924 leading stores from coast to coast have concentrated their buying power resulting in value without precedent because of the savings in manufacturing and distribution costs. What you get is the benefit of group buying with all the friendly personal attention traditionally yours at your own local independent store. You've never seen expensive looking suits like Clipper crafts at only 35 and 40 dollars with a few Deluxe models at 43.75. The same goes for topcoats and overcoats at only 30 to 40 dollars. And sport jackets at only 24 dollars. Yes, your clothes problem is easily solved this fall. Simply compare Clippercraft with clothes selling for many dollars more. And now Dr. Watson, shall we get back to our story?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, indeed. Well, tonight I have decided to tell you the story of the Red Headed League.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Red Headed League.

[Narrator]

What a curious title.

[Dr. John Watson]

No more curious than the situation it gave rise to in Sherlock Holmes life. One day it was during the autumn of the year 1890, I burst in upon my friend to find him deep in conversation with a stout, florid faced gentleman with the fiercest red hair. It has ever been my privilege to observe. I was about to withdraw when Holmes proved me abruptly into the room and close the door behind me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come in my dear Watson, come in. You couldn't possibly have come at a better time.

[Dr. John Watson]

But Holmes, I was afraid you were engaged.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So I am, my dear fellow.

[Narrator]

Allow me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Wilson, this is my friend and helper Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, sir?

[Jabez Wilson]

Oh, how do you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sit down Watson, sit down. I know that you share my love of the bizarre although you have never agreed that for the strangest effects and most extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well you know I am.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Jabez Wilson here has just started a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular I've listened to for some time.

[Dr. John Watson]

Dear me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now, my dear Mr. Wilson, perhaps you would have the great kindness to recommence your story.

[Jabez Wilson]

Certainly Mr. Holmes. Soon as I can find that newspaper clipping. Now where'd I put it? I could have sworn it was in me whiskey.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson. Why we're waiting for Mr. Wilson to find his missing newspaper advertisement. Suppose you tell me what you deduce from his appearance.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well really you know. Well let me see. I would say he was middle aged if you don't mind my saying. And well, he has red hair.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, obvious Watson, too obvious. I will come to your assistance. He has at some time done manual labor. He's a Freemason, has been in China and has done a considerable amount of writing lately.

[Jabez Wilson]

Mr. Holmes, you fair give me the creeps. He. Are you one of these mind readers?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No indeed.

[Jabez Wilson]

Then how in the name of good fortune did you know all that about me? About the manual labor for example. It's as true as gospel. I began as a ship's carpenter.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your hands, my dear sir, your right hand is quite a size larger than your left. The muscles are more developed. As for the Freemasonry you wear a square and compass tie pin.

[Jabez Wilson]

I see that. But the writing. How about that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What else can be indicated by that right cup so, so very shiny. And the left sleeve with a smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it on the desk.

[Jabez Wilson]

Well, about China.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The fish that you had tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. That trick of staining the fish's scales a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. And when in addition I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch chain the matter becomes even more simple.

[Jabez Wilson]

Well I never. At first I thought she'd done something clever but now I see there's nothing to it after all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I begin to think, Watson, that I make a mistake in explaining. Omni ignotum pro magnifico, you know.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh yes, yes, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What reputation I may have will suffer shipwreck if I'm so candid. Have you found the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?

[Jabez Wilson]

Yes, I've got it now. It was in my watch pocket. This is what began it all sir. You just read it for yourself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, suppose you do that for us.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, with pleasure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

First make a note of the paper and the date.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's the morning Chronicle of July 27th, 1890. Just two months ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very well, proceed with the advertisement. It begins.

[Dr. John Watson]

To the Red Headed League. On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of four pounds a week for purely nominal services. All red headed men above the age of 21 years are eligible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's very odd.

[Dr. John Watson]

A prime person on Monday at 11 o'clock to Duncan Ross at the offices of the League, 7th Pope's Court, Fleet Street. Jimmy Holmes. What on earth does this mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think I promised you that this case was bizarre. Now Mr. Wilson, if you'll continue with your story.

[Jabez Wilson]

Well it's just about as I was telling you Mr. Holmes. I have a small pawnbroker shop at Coburg Square. Of late years the business has been pretty bad. I used to be able to keep two assistants but now I only keep one. I'd have a job to pay him only he's willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Obliging youth. What's his name?

[Jabez Wilson]

Vincent Spalding. And I couldn't want a smarter assistant Mr. Holmes. Oh I know. He could easily earn twice what I'm able to give him. Well as I say if he's satisfied who am I to go putting ideas into his head?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your assistant seems to be as remarkable as your advertisement.

[Jabez Wilson]

He only has one fault Mr. Holmes, photography. Snapping away with his camera then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An amateur photographer eh? He's still with you I suppose?

[Jabez Wilson]

Oh yes sir. An observing young fellow he is. He was the one that brought this advertisement to my notice. It was just this day, eight weeks when he rapped on my office door with this very paper in his hand. Coming.

[Vincent Spalding]

Oh Mr. Wilson, sir.

[Jabez Wilson]

Oh that's you Vincent. Well what's the matter? You look excited.

[Vincent Spalding]

Well I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, I was the red headed man.

[Jabez Wilson]

Why that?

[Vincent Spalding]

Well look here sir, what it says in this paper there's another vacancy in the League of the Red Headed Men. It's worth a pretty penny to him that gets it.

[Jabez Wilson]

The Red Headed League. I never heard of it.

[Vincent Spalding]

Never heard of the League of the Red headed men? Oh Mr. Wilson, are new eligible for one of the vacancies?

[Jabez Wilson]

What are they worth?

[Vincent Spalding]

Oh merely a couple of hundred a year. But the work is slight and it's. It needn't interfere much with one's regular occupation.

[Jabez Wilson]

A couple of hundred pounds a year, you say. Let me see that paper, young man.

[Vincent Spalding]

Here you are, sir. You see, as far as I can make out, the league was started by a millionaire named Ezekiah Hopkins, a red headed man himself, and he left his fortune in the hands of the Trustees with instructions to provide easy births to men who had red hair. And from what I hear, the work isn't difficult.

[Jabez Wilson]

But there must be millions of redheaded men.

[Vincent Spalding]

Ah, not so many as you might think, sir. You see, it's, it's confined to Londoners and then again it's no use if your air is light red or dark red or anything but real blazing fire red. They've got to pick the reddest air they can find.

[Jabez Wilson]

Well, if there's a redder head of air than mine in the length and breadth of London, I'd like to see it.

[Vincent Spalding]

Well, I, I have seen a few that I consider redder.

[Jabez Wilson]

Nonsense. Here, where's my hat?

[Vincent Spalding]

What are you going to do, Mr. Wilson?

[Jabez Wilson]

I'm going around to apply for that vacancy. If it was raining gold, no one can say that Jabez Wilson is a man to go out with a sieve.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And did you get the job, Mr. Wilson?

[Jabez Wilson]

I did that, Mr. Holmes. There wasn't a head of air that can touch mine for redness. If I do say it myself, there was thousands competing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what was the work?

[Jabez Wilson]

Purely nominal, like the paper said. And it paid £4 a week, regular as a clock. All I had to do was to sit at a desk in an office at that address there from 10 to 2 and copy out bits from the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Encyclopedia, educational as well as remunerative. And how long did this work continue?

[Jabez Wilson]

About eight weeks. I was pretty well through the A's, Abbotts, archery, architecture and the like. Then suddenly it came to an end. I went to my work, 10 o'clock as usual. The door was shut and locked and a card was nailed on the door.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What did it say?

[Jabez Wilson]

The Red headed league dissolved September 27, 1890.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say home. That's today?

[Jabez Wilson]

This very morning? It was, sir. Well, I lost no time trying to find the man that hired me. £4 a week's £4, you know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You say you tried to find the man that rented the office?

[Jabez Wilson]

Yes, sir. I inquired from the renting agent and he gave me the man's name and said that he moved to a new address.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You went there, of course?

[Jabez Wilson]

Yes, sir. Well, when I got to that address. It was a manufactory of artificial kneecaps. No one had ever heard of the Redheaded League.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So then you came straight to me?

[Jabez Wilson]

Yes sir. I thought it best not to lose any time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite right. By the way Mr. Wilson, this assistant of yours, Mr. Vincent Spaulding, how long had he been with you when he called your attention to the Red Headed League?

[Jabez Wilson]

Oh about a month.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did he come in?

[Jabez Wilson]

Answer to an advertisement.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Was he the only applicant?

[Jabez Wilson]

No sir. Why I had a dozen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why did you pick him?

[Jabez Wilson]

Because he was and would come cheap at half wages in fact.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's he like?

[Jabez Wilson]

Small, stout, built, very quick in his ways. No air on his face though he's not short of 30 and he has a white splash of acid on his forehead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought as much. Have you ever noticed that his ears are pierced for earrings?

[Jabez Wilson]

Yes, he says a gypsy did it for him when he was a lad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, what day of the week is it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Why Saturday of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Saturday. Dear me, so it is. Well Mr. Wilson, I think I may promise you some startling developments by tonight. In the meantime Watson I suggest we drop around sometime this afternoon to view the attractions of saxe Coburg Square. Mr. Wilson's exemplary assistant in particular.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well here they are Holmes. This seems to be Saxe Coburg Square.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Shabby, genteel, little backwater of a place. This I fancy is our friend's shop. A four story building with the three.

[Narrator]

Gilt balls over it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the square itself seems fairly uninteresting eh?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, very depressing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's see what street backs onto it on this side. Come along Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Can't see what difference the Nest street can make to our problem. If it is a problem. The whole thing sounds more like a practical joke to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A practical joke which costs its perpetrator £4 a week. Nonsense Watson. No man's sense of humor resides in his pocketbook.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well this street seems to have more life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's one of the chief arteries leading to the north and west. Now let me see, what's the order of the houses here?

[Dr. John Watson]

Order?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, it's a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. First we have Mortimer's, then the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban bank, the vegetarian restaurant and McFarlane's Carriage Works. Yes, now we can go back to the shop of our friend Mr. Wilson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh what the hurry Holmes? Don't walk so fast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Found out all I want to hear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, you act as if you were taking a memory course. Why should you Want to know? All the shops on that street is just a waste of time.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nothing that exercises the brain is a waste of time. My dear Watson. The trouble with most of us is that our brains have become flabby from lack of proper use.

[Dr. John Watson]

Rubbish. Well here we are back again. Why are you thumping on the pavement with your cane Holmes? If you want to enter the shop why not knock on the door?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, quite so Watson. I'm afraid my etiquette is a bit faulty lately so just to please you I will knock on the door.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see someone's coming on the double.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Looks like our bright little assistant.

[Vincent Spalding]

Oh, good afternoon gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

Won't you step in?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, no. I only wish to ask you how to go from here to the Strand.

[Vincent Spalding]

Third right, fourth left.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Smart fellow that, eh Watson?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well I see no signs of a colossal intelligence.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nevertheless, he is in my judgment the fourth smartest mind in London. As for daring, I'm not sure that he's not the third.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see nothing so startling about him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The knees of his trousers Watson, didn't you notice?

[Dr. John Watson]

What about them?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Most enlightening my dear Watson, most enlightening.

[Dr. John Watson]

All this is so much balderdash. I just about had enough of it. I'm going to have myself a cup of coffee and some cake. There's an appetizing little bake shop across the way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Very good Watson. Suppose you meet me back here at 10 tonight sharp mind you and kindly put your army revolver in your pocket. Oh this business is serious. More serious even than I expected. Satan.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, it's 10:00. Now how long do we have to stand here in this confounded rain? I'm soaked to the skin until the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Other member of our party turns up whatso. Ah, here comes a cab. Yes, I think he'll be in it. Yes. Good evening, Mr. Merryweather.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Look here Holmes, why do you have to rout me out on a night like this? Saturday night too I shall miss my rubber of whist. It's the first Saturday night for seven and 20 years I've not had my whist.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Meriwether, I think you'll find that tonight you're playing for higher stakes than even you are accustomed to. And I can promise the play will be more exciting.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Oh indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But come we must hurry. Oh, I beg your pardon. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, sir?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This way gentlemen.

[Dr. John Watson]

But where are we going? Mr. Wilson's shop is here on the square.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop burbling Watson. Follow me and don't waste time.

[Mr. Merryweather]

In your message to me, Holmes, you said something about John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher and forger.

[Dr. John Watson]

John Clay? Who is he?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, John Clay is one of our most colorful and dangerous criminals. A young man, but at the head of his profession. I'd rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London.

[Mr. Merryweather]

I've heard that his grandfather was a duke and he himself had been educated in Oxford and Eton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, he'll crack a crib in Scotland Yard one week and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next.

[Mr. Merryweather]

We've been on his Trek for years, Mr. Holmes, and have never set eyes on him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I trust I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. Here we are, down this narrow passageway. Better let me go first.

[Dr. John Watson]

Look here, Holmes, I don't like the looks of this at all. This passage grows underground, gives me the creeps. I say, I've run into something.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The wall, I fancy. I forgot to warn you. There's a turn here to the right.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, I found that out, thanks so much.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, here's the door. Just a moment till I light my dark lantern. There now Mr. Meadow, if you'll unlock the door for us.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Just a moment. I find my key. Here we are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Better let me go first, sir, in case we're too late. Yes, the coast seems clear enough. Coming on to both of you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, I don't like the look of this place. Your lantern throws such weird shadows. Smells like a vault.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is a vault, my dear Watson. The basement of the City and Suburban bank to be exact. Of which our friend Mr. Merriweather here is president.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what are all those wooden crates doing here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

They explain why the most daring criminal in London is taking such an interest in this particular plate.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Yes, Dr. Watson, these crates contain our French gold.

[Dr. John Watson]

French gold.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Quite. You see, we had occasion some months ago to borrow 30,000 Napoleons from France.

[Dr. John Watson]

France of all things.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Most of which has never been unpacked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Rather an inducement for any thief.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Oh really, Mr. Holmes, I think you rather unduly excited. After all, the building is guarded by 10 burly watchmen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I dare say you're not particularly vulnerable from above.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Or from below, Mr. Holmes. Nothing but solid earth below these flagstones. Listen to this.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't do that, Mr. Merryweather. You want to ruin all our plans.

[Mr. Merryweather]

But look here, I say it did sound hollow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not so loud, please. Hervey. I think we'd better take up our positions. You, Mellweather, behind those large boxes in the corner. Watson and I will hide behind this crate. I hope you appreciate the honor. My dear Watson, this crate contains no less than 2,000 golden Napoleons neatly packed in tinfoil.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good heavens.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Are you ready? We must put the screen over my.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Dark lantern and sit here in the dark.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Oh dear. And I brought a deck of cards with me. I thought we might have time for a three handed rubber.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not tonight Mr. Merriweather. We're dealing with a dangerous man. Unless we can take him at a disadvantage he may do us considerable harm. One thing more, when I flash my light Watson close in swiftly and if he reaches for his gun, shoot and shoot to kill.

[Mr. Merryweather]

Dear me, I wish I'd stayed at home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quiet. I'm going to cover the light.

[Mr. Merryweather]

I say Mr. Holmes, are you still there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes I'm here.

[Mr. Merryweather]

I'm beginning to imagine all sorts of horrors sitting here in the dark like this.

[Jabez Wilson]

Quiet.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Bellywether.

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, did you hear that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look there in the middle of the.

[Dr. John Watson]

Floor, a slit of light. Someone's raising one of the stone slabs. Look, there's a hand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Catch his hands before he can put himself through the opening.

[Dr. John Watson]

Righto.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quick Watson. Look out, he's got a knife.

[Vincent Spalding]

Take your hands off me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No you don't, you.

[Vincent Spalding]

If I can get my hand from him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why well done Holmes, well done you. Why you've knocked him out good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Drag him up here. Now Mr. Merriweather, if you'll give us some light.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's better.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say Holmes, it is that Vincent Spalding chap, Mr. Wilson's assistance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Spalding? Rubbish. This is John Clay, one of the most dangerous criminals in London. I've been after him for years. Help me search him Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

No.

[Jabez Wilson]

No.

[Dr. John Watson]

Look out Holmes he's coming too.

[Vincent Spalding]

Take your filthy hands off me you scarecrow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yeah, none of that you.

[Vincent Spalding]

You may not be aware that I have royal blood. My veins when you address me have the goodness to say sir and please.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh very well. Would you please sir, march yourself upstairs sir where we can hand you over to the policemen who are anxiously awaiting your highness's arrival. And a quick about it.

[Narrator]

Sherlock Holmes solves his problems with simple logic. And that's the kind of thinking behind clipper craft clothes. This was the problem. How to make it possible for independent local stores to sell fine clothes for less money than ordinary clothes cost elsewhere. And here's the answer. 924 leading stores from coast to coast concentrated their buying power to bring you the most remarkable values you've ever seen. Now bear in mind you get all this at your own favorite local institution. At the store you can really Trust. The result is that Clippercraft has maintained its low prices despite the fact that practically everything these days costs more. It's an understatement to say these values are sensational. Clippercraft suits are only 35 and $40 with a few special numbers at 43.75. Topcoats and overcoats are only 30 to $40, and sport jackets but $24. Selling beautifully tailored expensive clothes at inexpensive low prices at the nation's finest independent stores is the great big idea behind the Clipper Craft plan. That's why men who know insist on Clippercraft clothes. So be sure to visit the Clippercraft store in your city. The leading stores in the metropolitan area that bring you Clipper Craft clothes are Saks, 34th Broadway at 34th Street, Manh Abraham and Strauss, Brooklyn, the Boulevard Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark, Newark, New Jersey and the B&B Clothes Shop, 16408 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica. These great courteous and friendly stores are proud to add their names to that of Clippercraft in the label of your suit, top coat, sports jacket and overcoat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Better have another spot of whisky, Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, thanks. Feels good to get onto dry clothes again after sitting around in that cold cellar for hours. Not so much. Holmes, do you want to drown me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

God bless you, my dear fellow.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you. I say Holmes, when. When did you first begin to suspect that. That fellow Spalding, I, I mean Clay.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When Wilson told me he was anxious to work for half price. Always suspect anyone or anything that comes too cheap. There's sure to be a motive behind it.

[Dr. John Watson]

But how did you guess what the motive was in this case?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I mean, I suspected his fondness for photography and his trick of vanishing into the cellar. The cellar? There was the end of this tangled clue. And why was someone so anxious to have our friend Mr. Wilson kept out of his shop for several hours every day? Activities in the cellar again. By the way, that Red Headed League hoax is one of the cleverest dodges I've come across in some time. Too clever. In fact, when I heard of it I knew there was only one man who could have originated it. John Clay. We've had our skirmishes but this is the first time we've come face to face.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sir, you went around to have a look at the shop.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At his trousers, Watson. At the knees of his trousers to be exact. You saw how worn and wrinkled they were. They spoke of hours of burrowing. Burrowing in the cellar. But what for? By tapping on the pavement I found that the tunnel did not stretch out to the front. Well, then we strolled round the corner, you remember, and there stood the City and Suburban bank, abutting our friend's pawnshop.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the influence was clear.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, but how did you guess that he would make his attempt tonight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perfectly simple, Watson, perfectly simple. The offices of the Red Headed League closed this morning. Mr. Wilson's absence was no longer necessary. The tunnel was completed, but it was essential that Mr. Clay should use it soon or it might be discovered tonight. Being Saturday would be ideal as it would give him two days for escape. QED There you are.

[Dr. John Watson]

Your reasoning is perfect. A long chain and yet every lingering's true.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It saves me from ennui. These little problems help me to escape the commonplaces of existence. Yes, after all, l'homme c'est rien louvre, c'est tout. As Flaubert once wrote to George sand, man is nothing, his work is everything.

[Narrator]

A fascinating story, Dr. Watson. What a thrilling time you must have had during the days you lived with Sherlock Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I can't say I was ever bored.

[Narrator]

And now, Dr. Watson, how about a hint about next week's story?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh. Next week's story is laid in that colorful, dangerous and decidedly mysterious section of London known as Limehouse. It tells how Holmes, by investigating a corrupt councilman and the activities of a large tropical bird, laid bare one of the largest dope running outfits in the history of the Port of London. I call it the Affair of the Politician, the Lighthouse and the Trained Cormorant.

[Narrator]

The makers of clipper craft clothes for men and 924 leading retail 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 Loughran with special music by Albert Berman. Holmes is played by John Stanley, Dr. Watson by Alfred Shirley. 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 Affair of the Politician, the Lighthouse and the Train Cormorant. If you wish to attend the Sherlock Holmes broadcast to New York, see your local Clipper Craft dealer and he'll tell you how to obtain your tickets. This is Cy Harris speaking for Clipper Craft Clothes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, all things considered, I probably like the Conway Bruce version a little better just because of the acting and the performance. This one was a decent adaptation as well. Well, I recently took a look at our stats for the Blueberry Network and I found out that we have folks listening to the program from 80 countries all around the world. United States, Britain, Australia and Canada are top listeners, but we also had some downloads from places like New Zealand. Also some Russia is one of our top countries and we have downloads from places like Kazakhstan, Iran. Well, we do have comments. Lucas writes in faithfully downloading from Japan over on podcast, excuse me on Facebook. So appreciate everybody listens. I know we have a lot of folks who are overseas and get a little taste of home listening to this. We also have some folks who just appreciate radio dramas are from other countries and no doubt there are some people who are learning English who use the programs to kind of help with their learning. In that regards. Whatever reason for listening, I appreciate everybody out there who is tuning in. Then we have a couple quick comments from Podcast Alec Keeps getting better to love every show and my favorite podcast. Well, thanks so much for your support. We will be back tomorrow with yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Next week, another exciting adventure with Sherlock Holmes. You won't want to miss it. In the meanwhile, send your comment to [e-mail] follow us on Twitter @RadioDetectives and give us a call 208-991-4783. But from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.