World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Three (EP4734)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas

Episode: World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Three (EP4734)
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In the fifteenth season of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents the third installment of the National Broadcasting Company's four-part dramatization of Wilkie Collins' classic novel, The Moonstone. This episode delves deeper into the intricate mystery surrounding the theft of the Moonstone diamond, exploring the psychological and supernatural elements that intertwine with the detective narrative.

Overview of Part Three

The Moonstone, Part Three continues the suspenseful tale of Gabriel Betteridge and Sergeant Cuff as they navigate the complexities of the missing diamond case. This segment heightens the tension with unexpected twists, deepening character relationships, and setting the stage for the impending resolution in the final episode.

Key Events

1. Gabriel Betteridge's Dilemma ([03:07] - [09:19])

   • Narrative Progression: Gabriel Betteridge reflects on his long-term service with the Verinder family and the tragic consequences that have befallen them due to the Moonstone's curse.
   • Critical Revelation: After witnessing the suicide of Rosanna Spearman, Betteridge finds himself embroiled in suspicion, especially concerning Rachel Verinder, Lady Verinder's daughter.
   • Key Quote:
     "Rosanna Spearman was innocent, and you frightened her into taking her own life."
     — Gabriel Betteridge ([05:47])

2. Sergeant Cuff's Investigation ([10:20] - [18:44])

   • Cuff's Predictions: Cuff shares three prophecies related to the case, hinting at future developments involving the Yollands, three Indians connected to the theft, and the enigmatic moneylender, Septimus Luker.
   • Introduction of Ezra Jennings: A new character, Ezra Jennings, emerges as a pivotal figure, revealing suspicious activities surrounding Dr. Candy and his influence over Franklin Blake.
   • Key Interaction:
     "I have this to say before I withdraw from the case."
     — Sergeant Cuff ([06:44])

3. The Unraveling Mystery ([19:12] - [28:44])

   • Supernatural Elements: Lady Verinder's ghostly presence suggests the lingering impact of the Moonstone's curse.
   • Franklin Blake's Internal Conflict: Blake grapples with his guilt and the possibility that he might have inadvertently stolen the Moonstone under the influence of medication administered by Dr. Candy.
   • Climactic Discovery: A critical clue is unearthed in a tin box containing a nightgown smeared with paint—a direct link to the theft.
   • Key Moment:
     "This nightgown is mine."
     — Franklin Blake ([17:02])

4. The Experiment ([24:13] - [28:44])

   • Simulation Setup: Gabriel Betteridge and Ezra Jennings orchestrate a daring experiment to replicate the conditions of the night the Moonstone was stolen, aiming to uncover the truth behind Blake's alleged theft.
   • Dramatic Turn: The experiment leads to Franklin Blake inadvertently stealing the Moonstone again, reinforcing the suspicion against him.
   • Key Quote:
     "I am determined to get to the bottom of it."
     — Franklin Blake ([14:27])

Character Developments

• Gabriel Betteridge: Continues to serve as the narrator, providing insightful reflections on the unfolding mystery and maintaining his loyalty to the Verinder family despite mounting suspicions.

• Sergeant Cuff: Demonstrates his analytical prowess by predicting future events related to the case, showcasing his deep understanding of human behavior and investigative techniques.

• Franklin Blake: His character undergoes significant turmoil as he confronts the possibility of being manipulated into stealing the Moonstone, highlighting themes of trust and deception.

• Ezra Jennings: Introduced as Dr. Candy's assistant, Jennings plays a crucial role in orchestrating the experiment that propels the narrative towards its climax.

Notable Quotes

• "When you next see The Shivering Seine, Mr. Betridge, try to forgive me once more." — Gabriel Betteridge ([05:05])

• "Your ladyship is most kind. You are a good and gracious person, sir." — Sergeant Cuff ([06:44])

• "I see. Then both you and Gabriel have assigned a motive for the suicide of Rosanna Spearman, which I deny is true." — Sergeant Cuff ([06:44])

• "How could I have stolen the moonstone without knowing it? Why, it's..." — Franklin Blake ([17:29])

• "I am determined to get to the bottom of it." — Franklin Blake ([14:27])

Host Commentary and Insights

After the dramatization, Adam Graham offers his reflections on the episode:

• Narrative Effectiveness:
  "This really brings out the best parts of the novel and I liked how they chose some poignant passages for Gabriel to read." ([31:26])
  Graham appreciates the faithful adaptation of Gabriel's character and his emotional depth, particularly highlighting the references to classic literature like Robinson Crusoe which enrich the narrative.

• Character Dynamics:
  "The way he reflected on the passing of his lady was just beautifully done." ([31:26])
  He notes the complex interplay between Rachel and Franklin Blake, emphasizing the emotional stakes involved in the mystery.

• Ethical Considerations:
  "I will say the doctor deciding to show Franklin the power of medication by surreptitiously drugging him is a bit dubious ethically..." ([31:26])
  Graham critiques the moral implications of Dr. Candy's actions, pondering the ethical boundaries blurred in the pursuit of truth.

• Narrative Tension:
  "It was effective in the story and sets up a nice cliffhanger for the concluding episode." ([31:26])
  He acknowledges the suspenseful build-up leading to the final part, ensuring listeners are eager for resolution.

Conclusion

World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Three masterfully advances the mystery with layered storytelling, deep character explorations, and suspenseful plot twists. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the listening experience, bridging the gap between classic literature and contemporary audiences. As the narrative edges closer to its climax, listeners are left anticipating the final revelations in the concluding episode.

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Stay Tuned: Join us next Thursday for the final episode of The Moonstone. Don't miss out on the resolution of this enthralling mystery and continue your journey with other iconic detectives like Johnny Dollar and Dragnet. Subscribe through your favorite podcast platform or visit Great Detectives of Old Time Radio to never miss an episode.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and other non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and critical discussions within the episode.

Transcript

[Gabriel Betteridge]

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[Franklin Blake]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia made to travel.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we will bring you part three of the World's Great Novels adaptation of the Moonstone. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also want to encourage you to check out my ebooks All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo and All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Dragnet. These ebooks examine 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 or as audiobooks through audible.com or the Apple Store. Well now, from April 9, 1948, here is the Moonstone, Part 3, the world's.

[Franklin Blake]

Great Novels Though Wilkie Collins was by no means the first English novelist to trace the influence of circumstance upon character, present day writers have detected fiction have learned much from his uncanny gift for creating suspense by innuendo, and from the effortless technique with which he heightened the inevitable steps of a relentless fate. The National Broadcasting Company now presents the third episode in its four part dramatization of the Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, another in the series of books that live the world's great novels.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Better had the Moonstone, that yellow diamond of evil memory, remained encrusted in the forehead of the Hindu idol from which it was stolen centuries ago, then become, despite its immense value, a possession of the Verander family, whom I, Gabriel Betteridge, served as house to for most of my life. A very happy life indeed, until the coming of the Curse of the Moonstone too well do I know the Moonstone's tragic story. Yet sometimes in the telling of it, I find myself relying on the testimony and knowledge of others. Therefore, to those most concerned, I make humble apology, yet pointing out that the role of narrator falls to myself not by choice, but from necessity. And now, streaming back into memory is that awful moment when, with Sergeant Cuff, England's most famous private criminal investigator I stood at the lonely, shivering sand, listening to the thunder of an angry sea which had just claimed a life.

[Franklin Blake]

Gabriel, I'm afraid there's no hope. Rosanna Spearman is dead. Her footprints lead straight to yonder ledger jutting rock.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

She has fallen into the quicksand, lost forever. The quicksand will never give her up.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, there's nothing to keep us here. Come. We'd best return to the house of your mistress. Lady Verinder.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Hardly had. Sergeant Cuff and I turned back up the slope of the beach when running swiftly toward us, came one of the grooms who placed in my hands the first of a series of fateful messages which were to arrive at intervals in the troubled months to come.

[Franklin Blake]

Speak up, man. What does the letter say?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

It is written in the hand of Rosanna Spearman.

[Franklin Blake]

Ah. Read it, man.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, yes. When you next see The Shivering Seine, Mr. Beatridge, try to forgive me once more. I have found my grave where my grave was waiting for me. I've lived and died, sir, grateful for your kindness.

[Franklin Blake]

Now, now, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Don't touch me, sir. You drove her to it.

[Franklin Blake]

Control yourself. Control yourself.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Very well, Sergeant Cuff, let us proceed back to the house. My mistress, Lady Verinder, will be extremely anxious to face you, Sergeant Cuff. You alone are responsible. Rosanna Spearman was innocent, and you frightened her into taking her own life. You and your infernal spying. Gabriel, give this wretch whatever money he requires and release me from the sight of him. Yes, my lady.

[Franklin Blake]

Believe me, lady.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Before you begin, Sergeant Cuff, I. I have no wish. I regret if my words have wronged you.

[Franklin Blake]

Your ladyship is most kind. You are a good and gracious person, sir.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I thank you.

[Franklin Blake]

In connection with the suicide of Ms. Rosanna Spearman, I have this to say before I withdraw from the case. You have indeed dispensed with my services, have you not? I see. Then both you and Gabriel have assigned a motive for the suicide of Rosanna Spearman, which I deny is true. She took her life because of some connection with the moonstone. Some unbearable anxiety about the stolen gem led to her self destruction. And I know the person capable of deciding whether I'm right or wrong.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I see, Sergeant. And is that person now in the house?

[Franklin Blake]

She has left the house, my Lady.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Do you refer to my daughter now visiting her aunt in town?

[Franklin Blake]

I most certainly do.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I had hoped you would go without mention again of my daughter's name. So you would make me believe my daughter Rachel stole the jewel, which was indeed her own?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes. From the very first, she was hostile to all questioning. The only one to refuse to have her wardrobe examined in my search for the Paintmere nightgown.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The circumstances have misled you, Sergeant.

[Franklin Blake]

Then there's this Circumstance. I told Ms. Rachel her departure would put obstacles in my way of recovering the moonstone. In the face of that statement, you yourself saw her leave. If Ms. Rachel is not trying to interfere with the recovery of the moonstone, what does it mean?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I. I don't know. I wish I knew.

[Franklin Blake]

And let us return for a moment to poor Rosanna. Before she became your housemaid, she was a convicted thief, having relations, to my certain knowledge, with the most notorious moneylender in London. And I believe Rosanna became your daughter's unwilling accomplice.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

But why? In God's name, why?

[Franklin Blake]

Miss Rachel, in need of a great sum of money she must raise privately and secretly, might have stolen the moonstone and with the aid of Rosanna Spearman, have sold it to the moneylender Rosanna had trafficked with in the past.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Preposterous. No.

[Franklin Blake]

Then may I tell your daughter, and without warning, this news of Rosanna's suicide so that I may shock her into a confession? Do I have your ladyship's consent?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You have my consent, Sergeant.

[Franklin Blake]

When may I confront her?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

No. No, you may not.

[Franklin Blake]

But, my lady. Just a moment.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I shall do it myself. Yes, as boldly as you would, sir.

[Franklin Blake]

But I am soon to leave for London. How shall I know the result?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You shall know before you leave. Good day, Sergeant. Cuff.

[Franklin Blake]

Still no word from her?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You shall hear from my mistress, Sergeant, as she promised.

[Franklin Blake]

In all my experience, this, without a doubt, is the most trying investigation I ever attempted to conduct. But it's time now to meet my train. So let me in. Farewell, Gabriel, tell you of three things which will happen in the future.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Three things.

[Franklin Blake]

Item one, news of Rosanna will come from the Yollands, her friends, the Fisher folk. And the second, the three Indians who attempted to steal the moonstone will be heard from again in connection with the Verinder family. And news will come of the notorious moneylender connected with Rosanna Spearman in the past. I suggest you write his name down. Mr. Septimus Luker. Middlesex Place, Lambeth. London.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Septimus Lucre.

[Franklin Blake]

That's right.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Middlesex Place, Lambeth. As I repeated Cuff's words, Lady Verinder's message arrived. The report of her interview with her daughter in town.

[Franklin Blake]

What did she say?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Lady Verinder is pleased to state that her daughter was shocked at the views of Rosanna's suicide, but adds, she had never spoken a Single word in private to the poor girl from the very moment she entered service in this house. Further, Ms. Rachel also swears she is in debt to no living creature. Ah. What does the great Sergeant Cuff say to that?

[Franklin Blake]

What do I say as I leave you, sir? I say I failed completely.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The day following the departure of Sergeant Cuff, I had much to do. Lady Verinder and Miss Rachel had to be packed off in a hurry to their townhouse in London. And Mr. Franklin Blake, the headstrong young suitor Ms. Rachel still refused to see, also left heartbroken for a long stay on the Continent. The house was now empty, save for a few servants and myself. Then, late that afternoon, the first of Cuff's prophecies came true. Why, it's Lucy Yellen. And where's the man calling himself Franklin Blake? Blake? Gone. Gone abroad.

[Franklin Blake]

Why?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I have something for him. Why? A letter. A letter from Rosanna Spearman. I. A letter from that sweet, lovely girl to her murderer. Hand it over, Lucy. I'll send it to him. You'll not. I hate him. Oh, she was so dear and sweet, she was. And she said I was to give it to him and no other one. Should he ever return this Franklin Blake, it'll be my pleasure to hand him the message from the dead myself. Then, shortly after, another of Cuff's predictions came true. A news clipping from a London paper sent by cuff himself.

[Franklin Blake]

Mr. Septimus Luka, the well known money lender and dealer in gems, reported to the police that he has been annoyed by three Indians hanging about his shop. He asked police to protect him against further annoyance.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I had no way of knowing if Cuff's third prediction, that the Indians would turn up at the veranda home in London had also become a fact. But soon there came news from which I have never recovered. I refer to the sudden death of my dear Lady Veranda, Rachel's mother. Months crawled by alone in the stately house. No matter what room I entered, she was there. Her spirit hung over all like the lingering scent of primrose in spring. One day, as I sat in the garden with my beloved copy of Robinson Crusoe on my lap, there suddenly appeared.

[Franklin Blake]

Before me Gabriel, my old friend.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, Lord bless me. How are you, Gabriel? Why, it's Mr. Franklin Blake himself. How are you, my dear boy?

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, well enough, I suppose. But in times gone past, I've been much better.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You've. You've heard about Lady Verinder, sir?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes. I came back to England the moment I knew. I tried to see Rachel again, but to no avail.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, Then what brings you here, Mr. Blake?

[Franklin Blake]

The moonstone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, let the diamond be. Take my advice, Mr. Blake. That cursed Indian jewel has been the ruination of everyone who's come near it. Forget the past.

[Franklin Blake]

No, I cannot. I am determined to get to the bottom of it. Rachel believes I had something to do with its theft. My salvation can come only by unmasking the criminal who did make off with the moonstone. Oh, if there was something, one little clue to point to the trail I must follow.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Wait.

[Franklin Blake]

You will help me, can you?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Shortly after you left to go abroad, did you see Alan came here with a letter she said was for you.

[Franklin Blake]

A letter?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes.

[Franklin Blake]

Who was it from?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Rosanna Spearman. Rosanna? Apparently it had been written shortly before. Before she passed away. Yes, yes. Shall we visit Lucy and receive Rosanna's letter?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, let us go at once.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Never shall I forget the horrible things that crippled Lucy Golland said to Mr. Blake before she handed him Rosanna's letter, which he turned over to me. Through brimming tears, I read of a young girl's tragic affection for a man who could not love her because he loved another. And then, on another slip of paper inside the envelope in Rosanna Spearman's hand. Go to Shivering sand at the turn of the tide, walk out on the rock of South Spit. Follow a direct line from the Coast Guard station and then bend down on the very ledge of rock, and you will feel, among the seaweed, a chain. Pull that chain. Have you found the chain, Mr. Blake?

[Franklin Blake]

No, not yet.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

She said to reach down into the seaweed.

[Franklin Blake]

Wait, wait. There is something here. Yes. It is a chain with something attached to it. Something which dangles just beneath this ledge of rock.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Pull it up. Pull it up. It's a tin box.

[Franklin Blake]

Yes.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The very one Rosanna bought for Mrs. Yellen just before she died. Open it. Open it.

[Franklin Blake]

I will. I will miss this lid. It must be rustic. It's clamped on so securely. What is inside appears to be some kind of linen.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Take it out, Gabriel. Why, it's a nightgown. And look there. Just below the monogram. A paint smear. Sergeant Cuff said the nightgown of the person who stole the moonstone will be smeared by paint. But whose nightgown is it? I can't recall ever having seen it before. I have seen it before.

[Franklin Blake]

Indeed, I have worn it. Gabriel. This nightgown is mine.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Shaken to his soul by the discovery of the accusing nightgown, and convinced that he himself had stolen the moonstone, Franklin Blake pieced the floor as nervously as a Cat.

[Franklin Blake]

But, Gabriel, how could I have stolen the moonstone without knowing it? Why, it's.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

It's fantastic.

[Franklin Blake]

How could I have done it?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I don't know, Mr. Blake. Perhaps you were drunk. Oh, no. Walking in your sleep when you took the jewel. And if you did take the moonstone, what is it now?

[Franklin Blake]

Oh, my God. My mind is completely blank.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

April.

[Franklin Blake]

Let me see now. Who else was present at Rachel's birthday party the night the moonstone vanished?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Dr. Candy, for one. He lives nearby in Frizzinghall. Oh. But in the past year, he's failed considerably. Can't even seem to remember where he left his color button. I doubt he can help you very much.

[Franklin Blake]

Nevertheless, I'm bound to have a try at it. Dr. Candy must help me. Sorry, Mr. Blake.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Sorry.

[Franklin Blake]

I remember a little of what happened that night.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

You see, that same evening when I returned home from Lady Verinder's, I was.

[Franklin Blake]

Taken suddenly ill. My memory isn't quite what it should be, sir. I'm afraid it's a bit off.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

It is.

[Franklin Blake]

Thank you, Dr. Candy. You've been most kind.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Not at all. Well?

[Franklin Blake]

Yes, I'd better be getting back. Good night, Doctor. Good night. That's that. Ah, Mr. Blake, I believe. Well, who are you? Is it your custom to sneak up on a man? My apologies, Mr. Blake. People hereabouts will tell you Ezra Jennings is not the most popular of men. I am Dr. Candy's assistant.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh.

[Franklin Blake]

And you can see my appearance is hardly in my favor and does little to win me friends. My gypsy complexion, fleshless cheeks remind some persons of another like myself. Only he has horns. You are very sensitive. I am very. I imagine you find Dr. Candy greatly changed. Oh, yes, terribly. His memory has been gravely affected. It's been failing for nearly a year. On his way home from the birthday party at Lady Verinder's, he was caught in the rain and became violently ill. In fact, delirious. Delirious, you say? Indeed. He raved at great length. My curiosity became aroused. I took notes, quite unintelligible, of course, of what he said. Mr. Jennings, in these wanderings of Dr. Candy, did he mention my name? Yes, Mr. Blake. At one point he did. His mind seems to have been occupied with something between himself and you. And you say you have taken notes of his wanderings, what he said in his deliriums? Yes, Mr. Blake. Then you will let me examine these notes? I'm afraid, sir, that is quite impossible. I am forbidden to disclose the words of my suffering master. Good night, Mr. Blake. Mr. Jennings, please hear me. Please. I mistaken, Mr. Blake. This is a matter concerning my honor. I have reason to believe I am a thief, that I, without knowing it, have stolen a most valuable diamond. Without knowing it? Incredible. Wait a moment, Mr. Blake. You have suggested more to me than you suppose. I don't follow you, Mr. Jennings. Mr. Blake, have you ever been accustomed to the use of drugs? Never in my life. When you are most fortunate because in me you see a derelict one become a slave to the drug habit. Oh, but you needn't be sorry for me, Mr. Blake. I am sorry for you, and I have changed my mind. I will let you see the notes I took the night Dr. Candy and my poor colleague became ill. Oh, good. But first, I have a client critically ill and awaiting me. I shall return in two hours. At that time, we can dwell upon the subject of Dr. Candy's delirium as well as other things. In two hours, Mr. Blake. Stalinist Blake. Thank you. Now, to plunge straightway into what Dr. Candy spoke of during his critical illness. Here is a significant part of the memorandum I made. Go on, Jennings. Listen, Mr. Franklin Blake is clever and agreeable, but wants taking down a peg. When he talks of medicine, he confesses he's been suffering from want of sleep at night. I tell him his nerves are out of order, that he should take medicine. He tells me that taking medicine and groping in the dark are one and the same thing. Now, Mr. Blake, did you have difficulty sleeping a year ago this time? Yes. Yes, I slept wretchedly. Dr. Candy had tried to get me to take some medicine, but I refused. And on the night of the Verinder birthday party, how did you sleep? It is most important. Try and remember. I do remember. I slept soundly, like a top. Then, Mr. Blake, I am convinced, absolutely convinced from what Dr. Candy revealed in his delirium that on the night the moonstone was stolen you slept under the influence of a drug which Dr. Candy administered to you in secret?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I don't know.

[Franklin Blake]

I can only follow your opinion. But, Mr. Blake, are you the man to try a bold and daring experiment? I will do anything to clear myself of the suspicion which rests upon me now. Will you put yourself completely in my hands, be guided implicitly by my advice, even though it may expose you to the ridicule of fools? Yes, I will.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

But what am I to do, Mr. Jennings?

[Franklin Blake]

We shall simulate the conditions I refer to the physical appearances of the Veranda household as those conditions existed nearly a year ago. But the real experiment, sir, shall be conducted with. With you yourself playing the part of the innocent victim. I don't quite follow you. We shall duplicate, sir, your physical and mental condition on the night the moonstone disappeared. And then, just before you go to bed, a drug will be administered to you. But why? Why should I be given a drug? Why?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes?

[Franklin Blake]

What will I do this, Mr. Blake, in the presence of witnesses whose testimony will be beyond all dispute, you shall steal the moonstone a second time.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Why? It was the maddest scheme ever heard out of the mouth of any man I had ever known. The very appearance of this person Jennings gave me the walking shutters. He stalked the house like a proprietary ghost. But urged on by Franklin Blake, I kept hard at work, restoring all the furnishings of the empty house to their places and conditions as they were. On the night of the robbery, Mr. Blake gave himself completely over to Ezra Jennings, who, for all the world, reminded me of a cat watching a silly mouse. And each day, Mr. Ezra Jennings would note in his diary the decline under his careful suggestions in Mr. Blake's physical and mental condition.

[Franklin Blake]

June 18th. In keeping with my plan, and because Mr. Blake had, at this time one year ago, given up smoking cigars, I have now forbidden him to smoke. He is, as I hoped, becoming increasingly nervous and irritable. June 20. The sooner the rooms are returned to their appearance, as of the night in question, the better. Mr. Blake now grows more and more restless. June 23. Mr. Blake is overwrought, highly nervous, just as I need him to be. I myself now begin to feel the last and terrible effects of the dead habit to which I am enslaved. I pray for strength to carry on, for the happiness of others is at stake. Two days more. And then the experiment.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Then came the fateful day of the experiment. The witnesses, as Jennings was pleased to call them, began arriving. First was Mr. Bruff, the Verinder's family lawyer, and quite grumpy he was. But this is madness, Gabriel.

[Franklin Blake]

Char madness. I am now and forever opposed to.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

This so called experiment. And when the matter had been explained to Miss Rachel, a young lady of the house, she consented to come with her companion, Mrs. Merridew, who apparently did not quite comprehend the matter at hand. At what time, Gabriel, is the explosion to take place? And then, of course, there was Miss Rachel herself, who surprisingly, could think to ask only Gabriel, how is Franklin, and when can I see him? As the time for the experiment drew near, I was fairly beside myself with nervousness and concern for the welfare of Franklin Blake. But 11 o' clock finally came and Mr. Blake was impedant. Under the direction of Ezra Jennings. I myself brought the drink to Mr. Blake, the drink to which had been added the trout. Mr. Blake drank deeply. Miss Rachel's sitting room was directly across the hall from Mr. Blake's bedroom. A piece of crystal had been placed in the drawer of the engine cabinet in Ms. Rachel's sitting room to represent the moonstone where it had been seen last. The witnesses were Ms. Rachel and Mr. Bruff. Mrs. Marriagew had since retired and they took their places in the sitting room, watching the door and the engine cabinet. Jennings and I sat by Mr. Blake's bed. He lay there like a man struck insensible. Then Mr. Bruff deplored him, no longer able to restrain his impatience.

[Franklin Blake]

For heaven's sakes, Jennings, when will the.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Drug begin to work?

[Franklin Blake]

Say nothing. Go back to the sitting room. We shall not have too long to wait.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Mr. Bruff left. I looked at Franklin Blake. He had opened his eyes and in them flamed something I had never before seen. The dew of perspiration appeared on his face and he began to mumble. And then suddenly, Franklin Blake was up and out of bed. And though speaking as if in a trance, his words came quite distinctly. Wish I'd never taken it out of the bank.

[Franklin Blake]

It was safe in the bank.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

How do I know?

[Franklin Blake]

The Indians may be hidden in the house. Besides, the moonstone isn't even locked up. It's in the drawer of Rachel's Indian cabinet. And the drawer doesn't lock. I'd better take a candle and go.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Have a look at it. Oh, there's the candle.

[Franklin Blake]

There it is.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Moonstone, Indian cabinet. Rachel. Sitting room. And so, candle in hand, Franklin Blake moved heavily towards the sitting room. I crept after him as he walked straight to the engine cabinet. There he stopped and placed the heavy, ornate candle holder atop the cabinet. And then he began opening and shutting one drawer after another. The moonstone. Where is it? Where? Ah. Ah.

[Franklin Blake]

I'll take it.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Where's.

[Franklin Blake]

Where's the candle? Oh, go back.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Can't.

[Franklin Blake]

Can't move. Strange legs. Heavy. Everything heavy. Candle.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Candle. Too heavy. Even.

[Franklin Blake]

Even Moonstone can't carry her.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Franklin. Franklin. Oh, my darling. Oh, my poor, dear, dear. Franklin Blake had indeed taken the moonstone from the drawer of the Indian cabinet. But after it had fallen on the floor, who had picked it up?

[Franklin Blake]

A 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 final episode of this four part radio version of the Moonstone. And remember that your local public library can be a constant source of information and entertainment. 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 is adapted for radio by Robert Saxon. The music was composed by Emil Soderstrom and the orchestra was directed by Bernard Bergquist. The entire production was under the direction of Homer Heck. Sherman Marks is featured as Gabriel Betteridge and Charles Mountain as Franklin Blake. Rachel is played by Geraldine Kay, Lady Verander by Alma Platz, and Rosanna by Ruth Shames. Sergeant Cuff is played by Arthur Sedgwick, Ezra Jennings by maurice Copeland and Dr. Candy by Arthur Peterson. This is 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. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I continue to love this adaptation. This really brings out the best parts of the novel and I liked how they chose some poignant passages for Gabriel to read. While I liked reading Gabriel when I was reading the book. He could go on a bit, but they chose some solid bits for him to narrate and the way he reflected on the passing of his lady was just beautifully done. Still got in a Robinson Crusoe reference because it wouldn't be Gabriel without it. It's interesting the degree to which the mystery has serious consequences, particularly compared to some later works. Certainly the suicide of Rosanna looms large, but you also have the way things played out between Rachel and Franklin as a result of the whole theft. And while it's a melodramatic idea and modern readers and listeners can question how well this reenactment it would have worked in reality, it was effective in the story and sets up a nice cliffhanger for the concluding episode. I will say the doctor deciding to show Franklin the power of medication by surreptitiously drugging him is a bit dubious ethically, even by 19th century standards, but perhaps he was already starting to go downhill mentally and that's why he did such a thing. Alright, well now we turn to listener comments and feedback. Diane writes on Instagram. Listen to part one. Looking forward to hearing more. Thanks so much, Diane. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Jennifer, Patreon supporter since April, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks for much for your support, Jennifer. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Thursday with the final episode of the Moonstone, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Where?

[Franklin Blake]

All right, just tell me why you've had me come all the way down here to investigate, get a lousy $2,000 claim. I told you, I don't really know. All right. National security is involved. Yes. Well, okay, Johnny. I issued a policy covering the chemical plant of Dr. John C. Alworth. What kind of chemicals? Well, you see, I don't know. Huh. I issued the policy at the specific request of Todd Swamp. Who's he? Chamber of Commerce. Knows more about this whole area and its people than anyone else. Well, surely you've seen this chemical lab. No, I haven't. You what? As a matter of fact, its exact location is a complete secret. Oh. Now, now, look, Earl, if you. If you've issued a policy, if you're ready to pay off a claim. But if you haven't seen. Look, how do you know a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage occurred? I've taken Todd Swam's word for it. I trust him implicitly. This is the dog on this, Earl. How can I possibly investigate something if I can't? Even if nobody knows what?

[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.

[Franklin Blake]

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