The World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part One (EP4722)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Episode Summary: "The World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part One (EP4722)"
Release Date: June 5, 2025

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Introduction by Host Adam Graham

In this engaging episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham dives into the literary classic, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. Known as one of the pioneering works in detective fiction, The Moonstone is celebrated for its intricate plot and innovative epistolary narrative.

Key Highlights:

• Host's Overview: Adam introduces The Moonstone as a landmark detective novel written in 1868. He emphasizes its significance, stating, “Dorothy Sayers... praised it as probably the very finest detective story ever written” (00:28).
• Adaptation Details: Unlike previous condensed adaptations, this episode represents the first part of a four-episode series, allowing for a more faithful and detailed retelling of the novel.
• Production Background: The adaptation was produced in Chicago as part of the World's Great Novels series by NBC University of the Air, collaborating with institutions like the University of Louisville and the University of Tulsa.

Adam also briefly mentions potential audio quality issues but reassures listeners of the podcast's commitment to delivering the best possible experience.

Dramatization: The Moonstone, Part One

The dramatization begins with an evocative narration that sets the mystical and tense atmosphere surrounding the Moonstone diamond.

Plot Overview:

• Origins of the Moonstone: Gabriel Betteridge narrates the diamond's history, originating from an ancient Hindu idol and its theft during the siege of Seringapatam in 1799. He ominously recalls the last words of an Indian guard: “the moonstone will have its vengeance yet on you” (06:53).
• Introduction of Key Characters: The story unfolds at the Yorkshire coast, introducing Lady Julia Verinder, her daughter Rachel, and Franklin Blake. Their interactions hint at underlying tensions and secrets related to the Moonstone.

Key Scenes and Dialogues:

• Rachel and Franklin’s Interaction: The playful yet foreboding exchange between Rachel Verinder and Franklin Blake establishes their relationship and introduces the Moonstone's significance:

  • Rachel: “Oh, Franklin, wasn't it sweet of Uncle John to leave it to me?” (10:22)
  • Franklin: “I suspect the colonel had no great love for your mother.” (10:50)

• Superstitions and Omens: Franklin shares unsettling stories about the diamond, referencing Hindu superstitions and the potential curse of the Moonstone:

  • Franklin: “...there are ugly stories connected with the diamond.” (11:11)

• Guest Arrival for Rachel’s Birthday Party: As guests arrive, including the charming but sly Godfrey Ablewhite, subtle tensions arise:

  • Godfrey: “We would first heat it to... and then we would expose it to a current of air and... evaporate the diamond.” (21:27)

• Suspicious Activities: Franklin observes unusual behavior among the guests and interactions with mysterious Indian-looking visitors, raising suspicions about their true intentions:

  • Franklin to Gabriel: “I think you’d better go inside with the others.” (23:38)

• Climactic Disappearance: The episode culminates in the dramatic revelation that the Moonstone is missing:

  • Penelope: “Father, for heaven's sakes, come upstairs right away. The diamond is gone.” (30:49)
  • Rachel: “The diamond is gone?” (31:26)

This pivotal moment sets the stage for the ensuing mystery, leaving listeners eager for the continuation in the next episode.

Host’s Commentary and Analysis

Following the dramatization, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, analyzing the adaptation's effectiveness and fidelity to the source material.

Key Insights:

• Adaptation Approach: Adam appreciates the faithful representation of characters and the emphasis on atmospheric storytelling, drawing parallels to BBC’s handling of Poirot adaptations.
• Character Portrayals: He commends the portrayal of Gabriel Betteridge, noting his endearing qualities: “As always, I love Gabriel Betteridge.”
• Plot Twists and Pacing: Adam remarks on the strategic pacing of the plot, highlighting how the absence of immediate crime heightens suspense and builds anticipation for the mystery’s unfolding.
• Constructive Criticism: He points out minor inconsistencies, such as the questionable proficiency of disguised Indian priests, but acknowledges that such flaws are part and parcel of compelling storytelling.

Notable Quote from Host:

• “This episode does a good job reflecting the characters and their attitudes and setting up what's going on in this story.” (30:36)

Conclusion and Next Steps

Adam wraps up the episode by expressing excitement for the upcoming installments and acknowledging the support from listeners.

Highlights:

• Upcoming Episodes: Teases the continuation of The Moonstone adaptation, promising deeper exploration into the mystery.
• Listener Engagement: Encourages listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and engage with the podcast community.
• Patreon Acknowledgment: Thanks Harold, a long-time Patreon supporter, underscoring the importance of listener support in sustaining the series.

Call to Action:

• Follow the podcast on preferred platforms.
• Subscribe and leave reviews to support future content.
• Listen to the next episode for Part Two of The Moonstone.

Memorable Quotes from the Episode

• Adam Graham on The Moonstone’s Significance:
  “Dorothy Sayers, famous for creating Lord Peter Wimsey, praised it as probably the very finest detective story ever written.” (00:28)

• Franklin Blake Expressing Suspicion:
  “Sometimes I think your inheritance of the moonstone is a monstrous joke played by a spiteful fellow.” (10:55)

• Godfrey Ablewhite’s Proposal:
  “We would first heat it to... and then we would expose it to a current of air and... evaporate the diamond.” (21:27)

• Penelope Verinder Reveals the Theft:
  “Father, for heaven's sakes, come upstairs right away. The diamond is gone.” (30:49)

Final Thoughts

This episode successfully sets the stage for a gripping adaptation of The Moonstone, blending faithful storytelling with engaging narration. By allocating four episodes to the novel, listeners are treated to a rich and immersive experience that honors Wilkie Collins’s masterpiece. Adam Graham’s thoughtful commentary further enhances the listening experience, providing context and appreciation for both the story and its adaptation.

Listeners new to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio will find this episode both informative and enthralling, making it an excellent entry point into the world of old-time radio detective dramas.

Transcript

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to introduce the first part of a four part adaptation of the novel the Moonstone. But first I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you've not already, I do want to encourage you to check out my ebooks. All I Needed to Know I Learned From From Columbo and All I Needed to Know I Learned From Dragnet. Each examined the careers and histories of seven great fictional detectives and policemen and life lessons that can be learned from them. They are available as ebooks wherever fine ebooks are sold or through audible.com or the Apple Store. So we'll talk first about the Moonstone and second about the series that adapted it. The Moonstone was written in 1868 by Wilkie Collins. It was an epistolary novel told in a series of letters and journal entries by various characters. The novel is really a landmark in the world of detective fiction. It came after Edgar Allan Poe's famous short stories in the 1840s, but it established many precedents at a long form piece and received very high praise. Dorothy Sayers, famous for creating Lord Peter Whimsy, praised it as probably the very finest detective story ever written. G.K. chesterton, who created Father Brown, calls it probably the best detective tale in the world. Now of course, because it was first it's a little different than active stories we might be used to, but still it's a landmark story and it's going to be great to bring it to you again. Now I should mention that we did actually play a two part adaptation that was produced in Hollywood for the radio series Suspense. I'm intrigued by this one because I think it is very hard to condense a novel like the Moonstone and all that it has going on on in it down to two episodes and so this one is going to be four episodes long. Now this was part of the series the World's Great Novels. This series originated in Chicago on station WMAQ and was syndicated on other NBC stations. The series was part of NBC's University of the Air and NBC worked in cooperation with the University of Louisville, the University of Tulsa and Washington State University to present these adaptations. And then listeners could sign up for a correspondence course and get college credit for listening and they could also buy a study guide to go along with the adaptation. So we are back in Chicago for the second time this season and I mentioned on the last episode that Chicago based Old Time Radio is kind of rare in the detective genre and in general, back when we did Hot Copy, I do want to correct one thing I said. While it is rare, there was a Chicago series in addition to Hot Copy and the Crime Files of Le Mans that we featured. And that was Crime on the Waterfront. That series starred Myron Wallace, who is better known as M. Wallace, who became the famous newsman on 60 Minutes. That series was recorded in Chicago, did not make it beyond the audition stage, but we did feature it back in season three. So this is, I think, our fourth visit to Chicago on Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Now I will say that this was towards the tail end of the world's great novels being produced in Chicago. In the fall, the series would be moved to Hollywood as the NBC University Theater and would feature Hollywood actors. And we played a few episodes from the NBC University Theater both on Great Detectives and on the amazing World of Radio. Finally, I do want to caution that the audio quality has some issues. It's not the greatest, but I think it is still listenable. As always, we do the best we can with these, but if you have trouble listening, I apologize. But with all that out of the way from April 2, 1948, here is the Moonstone, Part 1 the world's great.

[Narrator]

Novels Many years ago, according to an ancient Hindu legend, a large yellow diamond set in the forehead of an idol to represent the moon, a diamond as large as a plover's egg, was so revered by the holy men who guarded it night and day that it became known as the Moonstone. The National Broadcasting Company presents another great novel, the Moonstone, not only as an outstanding classic, but one which has contributed greatly to the technique and style of crime fiction as we know it today. And now the first episode in the four part dramatization of the Moonstone, another in our series of books that live the world's great novels.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, the three Indian priests who guarded the Moonstone. I shuddered at the very mention of the name, guarded it well. But one day war came and the glittering moonstone was stolen from the forehead of the idol. It passed through many hands until finally one day it was seized by one John Herncastle during the siege of Seringapatam in 1799. It had been set into the handle of a dagger by that time, and in seizing it, Herncastle killed three Indians who had been present in the room where the dagger had been kept. As he died, the last of these Indians gasped out, the moonstone will have its vengeance yet on you. And Yours now. I am Gabriel Betteridge. For many years, more than I care to remember, I have been house steward to my mistress, Lady Julia Verinder, sister of the ruthless John Herncastle, at her family seat on the Yorkshire coast near Frizinghall. And I was present when the moonstone came into our immediate family as a legacy to my lady's daughter, Miss Rachel Verinder, on the occasion of her 18th birthday. Now, in telling the story of the moonstone, I shall be compelled by circumstances to speak for others who know more of the moonstone than I and whose knowledge has come to my hand. Now, where shall I be? Ah, yes. I will go back to two years ago, when Ms. Rachel and young Mr. Franklin Blake were painting the door to her sitting room.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, Franklin, you have a genius for dabbling. You just dabble in everything. Is this really what you call decorative painting?

[Franklin Blake]

Now, cousin, don't mock me. When I'm done with the painting of this door, you'll see how nice it will look.

[Rachel Verinder]

And will the new design on the paneling reflect the. The places from which you've just returned?

[Franklin Blake]

Mmm, it might.

[Rachel Verinder]

Now, let me see. You've been to Germany, to France and to Italy. Just which of these languages are you painting in, silly? Which language, Franklin? French.

[Franklin Blake]

Now, stand aside, Rachel. I'll never finish my brushwork if you.

[Rachel Verinder]

Keep in my way and so intent upon his brushwork.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, and if you don't look out, I'll paint your nose.

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, no.

[Rachel Verinder]

Now you.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, I will.

[Rachel Verinder]

Come here, Franklin. Don't know. Please. I'll get out of your way.

[Franklin Blake]

Better, you little baggage. Still, I'd like to dab your nose a bit.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, you wouldn't dare.

[Franklin Blake]

In the interest of science, of course.

[Rachel Verinder]

You and that new paint mixture of yours.

[Franklin Blake]

Rachel, it is not a new paint mixture. It is a new mixture to moisten paint with. I call it a vehicle.

[Rachel Verinder]

It smells.

[Franklin Blake]

Nevertheless, it will dry in 12 hours. That I maintain as a record.

[Rachel Verinder]

Just imagine, only 12 hours to dry. Franklin Blake, you're wonderful.

[Franklin Blake]

I accept the tribute. You know, this Glyphonine painting isn't coming out so well.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

I'll give him just a bit more neck.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, Franklin, I can hardly wait for the party tonight. It'll be such fun. And then, of course, I'll be wearing the moonstone for the first time. Oh, Franklin, wasn't it sweet of Uncle John to leave it to me?

[Franklin Blake]

My dear, the Colonel was anything but a sweet man. Sometimes I wonder at his motive in leaving it to you.

[Rachel Verinder]

Why, whatever do you mean? Oh, come, Franklin, don't frown like that.

[Penelope Verinder]

Tell me.

[Franklin Blake]

In the first place, I suspect the colonel had no great love for your mother.

[Rachel Verinder]

She was his sister.

[Franklin Blake]

True that even a sister's affection would be somewhat taxed in having to deal with a man like John Herncastle. Sometimes I think your inheritance of the moonstone is a monstrous joke played by a spiteful fellow.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, Franklin.

[Franklin Blake]

And secondly, there are ugly stories connected with the diamond.

[Rachel Verinder]

But how fascinating. What are these stories?

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, they're bound up in an old Hindu superstition. Yes, something to do with three phonetical priests, guardians of the moonstone, you might say, who are sworn to recover their treasured jewel.

[Rachel Verinder]

You know why, Imagine that it makes cold chills run down your spine.

[Franklin Blake]

So I confess to a goose pimple or two on mine.

[Rachel Verinder]

And you'll be leaving soon to fetch the moonstone from the bank at frizzing. Also, I may wear it at the party tonight.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Rachel. I'll be leaving in a few minutes.

[Rachel Verinder]

And I've a new white dress to show off the moonstone. Franklin, do you think you can fix it for me so that I may wear it as a brooch?

[Franklin Blake]

I think a bit of silver wire will do the trick.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, and then when the guests are all assembled at the table, I'll make a grand dramatic entrance, a great yellow diamond glittering at my throat.

[Franklin Blake]

For the edification, I suppose, of your esteemed cousin, Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, now, Franklin.

[Franklin Blake]

Ah, yes, Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite. A barrister by profession, a lady's man by temperament, and the Good Samaritan by choice. That's what Gabriel says about him.

[Rachel Verinder]

Well, I think you're both unfair to Godfrey. After all, he does engage in charitable works.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, he does? Yes, indeed. Female benevolence and female destitution could do nothing without him. Yes. Wherever you'll find a committee of good ladies in council, there you'll find Mr. Godfrey keeping the temper of the committee and leading the dear creatures along the thorny ways of business.

[Rachel Verinder]

Well, that sounds like Gabriel again. Anyhow, you must admit Godfrey is a very handsome man. Oh, no better than 6ft tall, a beautiful complexion, and a head of lovely.

[Franklin Blake]

Flaxen hair which falls languidly around his neck.

[Rachel Verinder]

Franklin, I think you'll just be. Yes, Rosanna, what is it? Well, now, girl, don't just stand there staring with your mouth open.

[Lady Verinder]

Speak up.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh. Oh, your pardon, Ms. Rachel, but your.

[Penelope Verinder]

Mother, I mean, I mean, Lady Verinder would like to see you.

[Rachel Verinder]

Thank you, Rosanna. Will you tell her I'll be up directly? Rosanna, did you hear me? Oh. Why are you staring like that?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh.

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, yes, Miss Rachel, I. I'm going.

[Rachel Verinder]

Franklin. Blake, I think you've made a conquest in our poor Rosanna.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, nonsense, Rachel. Why, hang it all, I've scarcely ever looked at the girl.

[Rachel Verinder]

Maybe that's it. After all, she's a cripple. Shy and sensitive and hoping to be noticed. Well, Franklin, I don't want to keep Mother waiting.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, yes, of course. Rosanna. Odd girl. Wonder what she sees in me to surprise her.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I suppose it's your Continental education.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, it's you, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

What were you saying?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Just remarking, Mr. Franklin, that there's some which are impressed with the varnish from foreign part.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, and at any rate, Gabriel, I'm glad you're here. There are some matters I'd like to discuss with you.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Such as?

[Franklin Blake]

Well, I've. I've been rather uneasy these past few days. I told you that just before I arrived here from London. I'd been under the observation of a certain dark stranger. Yes, I managed, however, to give him the slip.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, yes, I recall. You told me he appeared to be an Injun, you say?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes. Yes, he did. And now I understand from your daughter Penelope that there were three Indians about the house today.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, Yes, I found them standing near the terrace. Well, I promptly showed them the gate.

[Franklin Blake]

Penelope said they were jugglers and had a little English boy with them.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, and it was my impression, sir, that the boy seemed to be under their influence. He acted as if. Well, as if bewitched. Yes.

[Franklin Blake]

Well. Well, Gabriel, I'm off to Frisingle and the bank to fetch the moonstone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I don't like that, Mr. Franklin. I don't like it. Any bequest from the wicked colonel is best left alone.

[Franklin Blake]

I feel the same way. But I am acting for my father, who is executor for the Colonel's estate. I have no other choice. I'll be back shortly.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Don't take too long, Mr. Franklin. The guests will soon be here for Ms. Rachel's birthday party. The guests? Yes. Soon after Mr. Franklin's departure, the guests began arriving. Let me see now. There were quite a number. Yes, 24 in all. Old Dr. Candy, the family physician. Then there was Mr. Murthwaite, quite famous as an expert on Indian affairs. And of course, the tall and elegant Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite came bringing with him his two large and lively sisters, whom I call the bouncers. They're the kind who just can't be still for a moment. And there were others, to be sure. Too numerous to name. All the guests had assembled in the drawing room. When Mr. Franklin returned, I spoke to him in the hall. Mr. Franklin.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Have you the diamonds secured safely, sir?

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, yes, Gabriel, have it here in the breast pocket of my coat.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Have you. Have you seen anything of the engines?

[Franklin Blake]

No, not a glimpse of them. I say, where is Lady Verinder?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

In the drawing room.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, good. I. I'd like to have a talk with her before we put the moonstone on display.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

And then crossing the hall about half an hour afterward, I was brought to a sudden standstill by an outbreak from the drawing room. I can't say I was at all alarmed, for I recognized it as that form of caterwauling peculiar to the bouncers. I entered the room and there at the table stood Miss Rachel, like a person fascinated. She held the Colonel's unlucky diamond in her hand.

[Rachel Verinder]

Look, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, Lord Bless me, Ms. Rachel, such a diamond. Why, it's as large as a plover's ache.

[Rachel Verinder]

Gabriel, did you ever see such brilliance?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Never in my life. It's like the light that shines from the harvest moon.

[Rachel Verinder]

And what do you think of it, girls? Oh, Rachel, it's utterly divine. Yes, divine. Oh, is it just me, Godfrey? What's your opinion of my lovely moonstone?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Exquisite.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Exquisite, my dear Rachel.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Quite exquisite.

[Franklin Blake]

I think he means to say exquisite, Rachel. Isn't that what you meant, Godfrey? Why, yes, Franklin.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Isn't that what I said?

[Lady Verinder]

And what do you think of it, Mother child? Yes, it's quite beautiful.

[Penelope Verinder]

What you moment.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Why, yes, Penelope, what is it?

[Penelope Verinder]

Well, I'd like to talk to you privately in the hall.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, well, come, come, dear. Now, what is it, Penelope?

[Penelope Verinder]

Well, first I have something special for you. A kiss for your bald head.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, there now, now, now, did you interrupt me just for that?

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, no, no, Father. I have the most wonderful news. Miss Rachel has refused him.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

She has?

[Rachel Verinder]

Yes.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

And who is him, may I ask?

[Penelope Verinder]

Why, the ladies committee man, Father. That nasty, sly thing.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You mean Mr. Godfrey? April White?

[Adam Graham]

The corn, sir.

[Rachel Verinder]

Whom else?

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, how I hate him for trying to supplant Mr. Franklin.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, how do you know all this?

[Penelope Verinder]

I saw Mr. Godfrey take Ms. Rachel William to the Rose Gardens. They were quite alone. I know, because I waited behind the holly.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

How do you know she refused him?

[Penelope Verinder]

Because they strolled into the garden arm in arm, and they were both laughing.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes.

[Penelope Verinder]

When they came back, they walked separately, neither one looking at the other. Oh, Father, I was never so happy in my life. At least there is one woman in this world who can resist the precious Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Well, Penelope, you seem to know all about it. You're somewhat like your mother, bless her memory in that respect.

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, wait a minute, Father.

[Rachel Verinder]

That's not all I know.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, dear. What now?

[Penelope Verinder]

Well, I've discovered something about our second housemaid, Rosanna.

[Dr. Candy]

What about her?

[Penelope Verinder]

Well, lady, she's been moving about. Now I know the reason. There's only one explanation for it. Susanna has fallen in love with Mr. Craven. And at first, that's.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Mind you, I never cease to marvel at my Penelope. She does not. Now, my dear, if you'll excuse me, I must to the. They're assembling for dinner.

[Rachel Verinder]

And look at this wonderful brooch Franklin made for my moonstone with only a little strand of silver wire. Isn't he clever?

[Dr. Candy]

Oh, yes.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, very.

[Franklin Blake]

Thank you, Godfrey. Well, Mr. Murthwaite, I understand you've passed much of your life in India. I've never been there, but they tell me it's quite a fascinating place.

[Dr. Candy]

At least it has a fascination for me.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, I'd love to go there.

[Dr. Candy]

If you ever do go to India, Ms. Vander, don't take your uncle's birthday gift with you. A Hindu diamond is sometimes a part of a Hindu religion. I know a certain city, and in that city a certain temple where, dressed as you are, your life would not be worth five minutes purchase.

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, Mr. Mirthwaite.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, heavens. I'm almost tempted to take off for India this very minute, Mr. Murthwaite. And what do you think about my moonstone, Dr. Candy?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Eh?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

What's that?

[Rachel Verinder]

I say, what do you think about my moonstone, Dr. Candy?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

My dear, if you will heed my advice, you will let me take it home and burn it.

[Rachel Verinder]

Burn it?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Certainly. We would first heat it to. To such and such a degree. And then we would expose it to a current of air and. And so, little by little, with a puff and a puff, we would evaporate the diamond. And thus spare you a world of anxiety in the safekeeping of so valuable a stone.

[Rachel Verinder]

Well, it seems I'm being confronted by all sorts of desperate alternatives.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What's that?

[Dr. Candy]

By the sound of it, if I'm not mistaken, it's an engine drum.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, and it seems to be coming from the terrace just outside.

[Rachel Verinder]

Everybody. Everybody up. We're all going out to the terrace. Come along. Hurry up.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Come along.

[Rachel Verinder]

Come on. Oh, Indians. Three of them. Oh, and the droglars. They're going to do tricks for us. What a lovely surprise. Oh, and such a pretty little boy they have with him. Oh, I must give him a great big kiss to the world.

[Franklin Blake]

Me too, Gabriel. Get on the other side, Miss Rachel. No, Rachel, don't go too near them. Stay here.

[Rachel Verinder]

Oh, Franklin. Look.

[Franklin Blake]

Look, Rachel, I wish you hadn't come out here wearing that cursed moonstone. I'm sure those Indians have seen it.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Mr. Franklin.

[Adam Graham]

Yes?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Look. Look at Mr. Murthway. He's speaking to the Indians. Apparently in the native tongue. Yes.

[Franklin Blake]

Obviously their leader doesn't seem to like what our friend Mirthwaite is saying.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

No, he doesn't.

[Franklin Blake]

In fact, the fellow seems quite shaken.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, he's motioning his companions to leave now. The little boy is passing the hat around.

[Franklin Blake]

Glad the beggars are leaving.

[Rachel Verinder]

All right, good people, the exhibition is over. We'll go back to the dining room.

[Franklin Blake]

Rachel, I think you'd better go inside with the others.

[Rachel Verinder]

Why?

[Franklin Blake]

I want to talk to Mirthwaite, dear. Oh, you stay here with me, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

I say, Murthwaite.

[Narrator]

Yes, Mr. Blake.

[Franklin Blake]

Mr. Murthwaite, just what was it you said to the jugglers?

[Dr. Candy]

Jugglers? Those three Indians are no more jugglers than you and I are.

[Franklin Blake]

What?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Why, Mr. Murthwaite, did you ever see those rogues before?

[Dr. Candy]

No, never, Gabriel. I merely know what Indian juggling really is. What you have seen tonight is a very bad and clumsy imitation of the genuine article.

[Franklin Blake]

But, Murthway, what did you say to the Injuns?

[Dr. Candy]

I charged them with being disguised. Unless I miss my guess, those men are high caste Brahmins of the Hindu religion.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Really?

[Dr. Candy]

You know, there's a mystery about their conduct I can't explain.

[Franklin Blake]

What do you mean?

[Dr. Candy]

They've doubly sacrificed their caste. First in crossing the sea to England, secondly in disguising themselves as jugglers. I'm positive there must be some very serious motive at the bottom of it. Quite positive.

[Franklin Blake]

Well, I think you're right, sir. Yes, Gabriel?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What about tonight, Mr. Franklin, suppose the Indians come back or.

[Dr. Candy]

They won't risk coming back tonight. The direct way is hardly ever the way they take to do anything. Gabriel. I'd suggest you let the dogs loose, eh? Have you a big dog about the yard, too, sir?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Mastiff and the bloodhound.

[Dr. Candy]

Excellent. I'd turn them loose if I were you.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Turn them loose?

[Dr. Candy]

Yes. Both breeds have one great merit. They are not likely to be troubled with your scruples about the sanctity of human life.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

As the dinner got on, I became aware little by little that this festival was not like others in the past. Although I ply the whole company well with wine, the cursed diamonds seem to have cast a blight upon them. I do remember, however, how Dr. Candy and Mr. Franklin Blake fell to arguing.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Now then, Franklin, you acknowledge you sleep very badly at night?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Doctor.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

From that I judge your nerves to be out of order.

[Franklin Blake]

Really?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Now then, I prescribe a course of medicine for you immediately.

[Franklin Blake]

In my opinion, doctor, your course of medicine is just another name for groping in the dark.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

We have a cynic and a scoffer within our midst. Oh, Godfrey, Godfrey, tell me, what do you think of Franklin's inability to sleep?

[Franklin Blake]

I'd say he's the one who's groping.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

In the dark for sleep.

[Franklin Blake]

But you're quite right, Dr. Candy.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

He should take some medicine for his affliction.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Well, at least I have one supporter in my friend Godfrey. Exactly. It's getting later. I think we should be making our good night, eh? It was a fine party, Lady Verinder, but I think I'd best be leaving with the others.

[Lady Verinder]

Oh, must you go so soon, Doctor?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

I've still a practice that requires my attention.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, of course.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Good night, Rachel, Doctor. And, Rachel, don't forget what I said about the moonstone. Anytime you want, I'll burn it up for you.

[Rachel Verinder]

Good night, doctor. Good night, Dr. Kendy.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Good night, doctor.

[Lady Verinder]

Oh, Rachel, that reminds me. Where are you going to put your diamond for tonight?

[Rachel Verinder]

Why, Mother, on my dressing table, of course, along with the other thing. Oh, no, it's not a very good idea. It might take to shining in the dark. Afraid? That would terrify me.

[Lady Verinder]

Well, dear, you better find some other place.

[Rachel Verinder]

Then I have it. How about putting the moonstone in my Indian cabinet?

[Lady Verinder]

You mean the cabinet in your sitting room?

[Rachel Verinder]

Yes, that's the one.

[Lady Verinder]

My dear, your Indian cabinet has no lock to it.

[Rachel Verinder]

Well, good heavens, Mama, is this a hotel? Are there thieves in the house?

[Lady Verinder]

Now, Rachel, be reasonable. Why not let me keep the diamond for you tonight?

[Rachel Verinder]

Now, Mother, I'm 18 years old and perfectly capable of taking care of my own property. You may come up to my sitting room if you wish. Right now and watch me put the diamond in the cabinet.

[Lady Verinder]

Very well, my dear. We won't discuss it anymore.

[Rachel Verinder]

And I think it would be a.

[Lady Verinder]

Good idea if all of us retired for the night.

[Rachel Verinder]

Godfrey. Yes, Franklin?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Aunt Julia, what is it?

[Lady Verinder]

I was just telling Rachel it was time we went to bed. Are you in, Godfrey?

[Franklin Blake]

Ready? I suppose. I might as well, though I've been getting precious little sleep of late. Franklin, why not take my advice and.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Indulge in a little brandy and water before retiring?

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

It would do you a world of good, I'm sure.

[Franklin Blake]

No, thank you, Godfrey. I think I had rather do without it. Very well, very well. I was only suggesting it for your own good.

[Lady Verinder]

Are there any few gentlemen already?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, Aunt Julia. I'm ready to go up if everyone else is. Oh, you'll be sure and let the dogs loose, Gabriel?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes, Mr. Frankly. Good.

[Lady Verinder]

Gabriel, you'll take extra precaution about locking up.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, I will, my lady.

[Rachel Verinder]

Come, Mother. We'll go directly to my sitting room and put the moonstone in the drawer of the Indian cabinet. Good night, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Good night, Miss Rachel. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. I can't say as I'm sorry to see this day come to an end. Oh, it reminds me. I better relieve the dogs of their collars.

[Narrator]

Gabriel.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, Mr. Franklin.

[Godfrey Ablewhite]

Would you come here a moment?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, coming, sir. Coming. Where are you?

[Franklin Blake]

I'm up here on the landing.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes. What can I do for you, sir?

[Franklin Blake]

I've changed my mind about the brandy and water. Perhaps I may want some in the night. You have some sent up to my room, please. Yes, Mr. Franklin. Thank you, Gabriel. Good night.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Good night, sir, and sleep well. Sleep well. The worries of the day had been too much for me, I suppose. At any rate, I had a touch of Mr. Franklin's malady that night. It was sunrise before I fell off at last into a sleep. About half past seven, I awoke and opened my window on a fine sunshiny day. I bustled about for a few minutes, and then a short while later, as the clock was striking eight, I remember I was on my way downstairs to chain up the dogs. Then suddenly I stopped short because Penelope came flying down the stairway after me.

[Penelope Verinder]

Father, for heaven's sakes, come upstairs right away. The diamond is gone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Are you out of your mind?

[Penelope Verinder]

Oh, it's gone. Gone, I tell you, and nobody knows how. Come up and see.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, yes, child, come.

[Penelope Verinder]

Father, can't you go this past?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I'm not as young as I once was. Child.

[Penelope Verinder]

See, the drawer is pulled all the way out. I myself saw Miss Rachel put the diamond into that drawer last night.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Let me see. Yes, the drawer is empty.

[Penelope Verinder]

Miss Rachel, wasn't I here last night when you put the diamond away?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Miss Rachel, is this true?

[Rachel Verinder]

The diamond is gone?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

That is all she said. Then Miss Rachel withdrew into her bedroom and locked the door. I couldn't understand it. The moonstone had vanished. And yet here was the young lady acting as if it had been not the least bit of a surprise to her.

[Narrator]

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is one of the world's great novels, brought to you each week by the NBC University of the Air. Listen next week to the second episode of this four part radio version of the Moonstone and remember that your local public library can be a constant source of entertainment and information. To add to your enjoyment of this series, we recommend the Handbook of the World's Great Novels, which you may obtain by sending 25 cents to World's Great Novels, Post Office Box 30, Station J, New York 27, New York. That's Post Office Box 30, Station j, New York 27. The moonstone was adapted for radio by Robert Saxon. The music was composed by Emil Soderstrom and the orchestra was directed by Bernard Berquist. The entire production was under the direction of Homer Heck. Sherman Marks is featured as Gabriel Betteridge, Charles Mountain as Franklin Blake, and Geraldine Kay as Rachel Verander. The part of Lady Verander is played by Alma Platz, Penelope by Jane Elliot, Rosanna by Ruth Shames, Godfrey, Abel White by Sydney Breeze, Dr. Candy by Arthur Peterson, Mr. Mwait by Boris Aplon, and the Bouncers by Margaret Brayton and Ruth Shames. This is John Conrad. This program comes to you from Chicago and is a presentation of the National Broadcasting Company and its affiliated independent stations. Your help is desperately needed. Now it's needed more than ever by the people of Europe who are hungry and cold this winter. Without your help, many thousands of children and adults face starvation and death by exposure. CARE is ready to help you help them. For $10 you can send a nonprofit care food or textile package to anyone you select. CARE will hurry your package to Europe. The amount your $10 is received, send it to CARE, 50 Broad Street, New York 4 New York. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A bit different from our typical episode as we don't have the crime committed until the end, but there's a of atmosphere and scene setting and establishing characters that is really important in the story. And because the world's great novels had four episodes to do this in, they did it this way and I think it makes sense. In many ways it reminds me of how the BBC might choose to adapt a Poirot novel. Overall, this episode does a good job reflecting the characters and their attitudes and setting up what's going on in this story. As always, I love Gabriel Betteridge. Kind of surprised he hasn't dropped a Robinson Crusoe reference. I mean, that was his thing in the book. But the adaptation is still young and I kind of am expecting one at any moment as a plot point. It's weird that if you were traveling all the way to England to appear impersonate jugglers that you wouldn't actually figure out how to do it. Well, so a bit of a mark against the mysterious Indian priest in disguise, but nobody's perfect, I guess. And they may just have been betting on ignorance, which is usually a safe bet. Alright, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Harold. Patreon Supporter since September 2017, currently supporting the podcast. It's a master detective level of $15 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Harold. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We will be back next Thursday with part two of the Moonstone, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar Ware.

[Dr. Candy]

But not for long.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Durango.

[Franklin Blake]

Durango, It's Johnny Dollar.

[Dr. Candy]

Stay outside that fence you mend. The new varmint is here now.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Is private property.

[Dr. Candy]

Wait a minute.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You're not Durango.

[Franklin Blake]

I came here to see Durango Laramie Delhart.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, you did that?

[Narrator]

Well, Durango ain't here now.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Look, you.

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, you.

[Dr. Candy]

Shut up that gate and drive away from here. You see this here now?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

30, 30.

[Narrator]

Drive away after you've blown.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

A hole in one of my tires.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.