World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Two (EP4728)

Summary

Episode Summary: "World's Great Novels: The Moonstone, Part Two" (EP4728)
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

In the second installment of the World's Great Novels series, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is brought to life through a meticulously crafted radio drama. This episode delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of the Moonstone diamond, unraveling clues and introducing pivotal characters that drive the investigation forward.

Dramatization Breakdown

The Disappearance of the Moonstone

The episode picks up with Gabriel Betteridge, the loyal steward of Miss Rachel Verinder, discovering the infamous Moonstone diamond missing from an Indian cabinet. The urgency of the situation is palpable as Penelope, Gabriel's daughter, alarms him with the shocking news.

Miss Rachel Verinder: "Father, for heaven's sakes, come upstairs right away. The diamond is gone."
[00:03:51]

Introduction of Sergeant Cuff

Superintendent Seagrave's inadequate handling of the case leads to the arrival of the renowned detective, Sergeant Cuff. Described vividly by Gabriel, Sergeant Cuff is portrayed as a sharp, methodical investigator with a penchant for roses and whistling "The Last Rose of Summer."

Sergeant Cuff: "This, you say, is the sitting room?"
[06:55]

Initial Investigation and Clues

Sergeant Cuff meticulously examines the scene, noting a small paint smear beneath the door lock—an inconsiderate anomaly that sparks his suspicion. His interrogation of Mr. Franklin Blake, assisted by Miss Verinder, reveals inconsistencies about the timing and drying of the paint, suggesting possible tampering.

Sergeant Cuff: "Is this small paint smear beneath the lock on the door?"
[07:13]

Mr. Blake explains his unique paint mixture, which dries in 12 hours, aligning suspiciously with the timeline of the Moonstone's disappearance.

Suspicion Falls on Rosanna Spearman

As the investigation unfolds, attention turns to Rosanna Spearman, a servant with a questionable past. Sergeant Cuff's interrogation reveals Rosanna's previous incarceration for theft and her recent suspicious activities, including a concealed dress stained with paint—the very clue Sergeant Cuff seeks.

Sergeant Cuff: "Rosanna Spearman, I imagine, has friends at Cobb's Hole."
[18:29]

Confrontation and Revelation

The tension peaks when Sergeant Cuff confronts Franklin Blake about his interactions with Rosanna. Blake's denial and evasiveness only deepen the mystery. Later, a frantic search at Shivering Sand Beach uncovers Rosanna's footprints leading to a perilous ledge, hinting at her possible demise.

Sergeant Cuff: "It fits. No doubt of it. Rosanna made this footprint and the others."
[27:21]

Gabriel narrates the grim discovery, concluding that Rosanna was driven to despair by the cursed Moonstone, symbolizing the gem's dark influence.

Gabriel Betteridge: "Rosanna Spearman? Dead. She had been driven to it. Driven by the evilness of the yellow diamond."
[28:04]

Host Commentary

After the dramatization, Host Adam Graham reflects on the portrayal of Sergeant Cuff, highlighting Arthur Sedgwick's exceptional performance that captures the essence of a detective whose methods have influenced the genre profoundly.

Adam Graham: "Sergeant Cuff is a figure no one talks about when you think about important detectives... he really helps define so many detectives we love and celebrate here every day."
[31:55]

Listener Feedback and Discussion

Adam engages with a listener comment from San Diego, discussing the possibility of featuring episodes from The Whistler. He explains the podcast's focus on detective stories with true detectives, differentiating it from more general mystery dramas like The Whistler. Adam also shares insights into previous special episodes and encourages listeners interested in The Whistler to explore other dedicated mystery podcasts.

Adam Graham: "Most episodes of the Whistler don't really fit with the Great Detectives podcast... If you want to hear a lot more Whistler, then I would encourage you to check out Andrew Rhine's mystery podcast."
[32:30]

Conclusion and Teasers

The episode concludes with Adam Graham thanking Patreon supporter Rich and previewing upcoming episodes, including the continuation of The Moonstone series and other detective dramas like Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.

Adam Graham: "We'll be back next Thursday with episode three of the Moonstone, but join us back here tomorrow for Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar..."
[35:35]

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Notable Quotes

• Miss Rachel Verinder on discovering the missing diamond:
  "Father, for heaven's sakes, come upstairs right away. The diamond is gone."
  [00:03:51]

• Sergeant Cuff on the significance of the paint smear:
  "Is this small paint smear beneath the lock on the door?"
  [07:13]

• Sergeant Cuff confronting Sergeant Cuff about Rosanna's involvement:
  "I possess no special information."
  [22:50]

• Host Adam Graham on Sergeant Cuff's influence:
  "Sergeant Cuff is a figure no one talks about when you think about important detectives..."
  [31:55]

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Character Development: The episode effectively develops Sergeant Cuff as a sharp, intuitive detective whose methods set a precedent in detective fiction. His interactions with other characters reveal underlying tensions and motives, driving the narrative forward.

• Plot Progression: The disappearance of the Moonstone serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of greed, trust, and the supernatural curse associated with the gem. Each clue uncovered leads to deeper layers of the mystery, maintaining suspense and engagement.

• Genre Influence: The Moonstone is highlighted as a cornerstone in detective literature, influencing countless modern detective characters and investigative techniques. The radio drama underscores its enduring legacy and significance in shaping the mystery genre.

• Listener Engagement: The host's interaction with listener feedback demonstrates a commitment to audience engagement and provides insights into the podcast's direction and content choices.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio masterfully adapts The Moonstone, blending classic literature with engaging radio drama. Through strong character portrayals and a tightly woven plot, the episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the foundational works of detective fiction. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the golden age of radio mysteries.

Transcript

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[Expedia Advertiser]

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[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 bring you the second episode of 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 do want to encourage you to check out my wife's business asura [e-mail] asura there you'll find a wide variety of different hair clips, hair pins and headbands to suit a wide variety of different styles and taste. That's at Lilarose. L I l l a rose.com/ashira a s H I R A well now, from April 9, 1948, here is World's Great Novels with Part 2 of the.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Moonstone the World's Great Novels in the Middle of the 19th Century, Wilkie Collins, along with his famous contemporary Charles Dickens, exercised a strong influence on the literature of his day. His most famous work, the Moonstone, is still regarded as a classic in detective fiction, but Wilkie Collins was one of the very first to develop the technique of mystifying the reader by deft manipulation of situation and effect. The National Broadcasting Company presents the second episode in its three part dramatization of the Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, another in the series of books that live the world's great novels.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

When first I saw the Moonstone, that legendary and fabulous diamond glittering at the throne of my young lady, Miss Rachel Verinder, in whose home I had for many years performed the duties of major domo, I said to myself, gabriel Betteridge, here is a jewel tainted by centuries of avarice and violence. But still, on that fateful morning of which I now tell I was hardly prepared for what I heard from upstairs. It was my daughter, Penelope. She came flying down the stairway after me.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

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

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What are you saying? Are you out of your mind? It's gone.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Gone and nobody knows how. Oh, come up and see.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, yes, Go on, girl. Go ahead.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Father, can't you hear any faster?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

That is young as I once was. Go ahead, girl.

[Sergeant Cuff]

See, See?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

The drawer in the Indian cabinet 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.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

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

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Miss Rachel, is this true?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

The diamond is gone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

But, Miss Rachel.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Ah, Lady Verinder. I'm glad you've come.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

I heard a scream. What is it? What? Oh, the drawer.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, my lady, it is empty.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

I must speak to Rachel. Where is she?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

She's retired to her bedroom. She's locked herself in.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

I must speak with her immediately. Rachel. Rachel. Let me in. It's Mother. Rachel. It's gone. The moonstone, gone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What are you talking about, Gabriel?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Moonstone gone?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, Mr. Abel Light gone? Yes, Mr. Blake. It's true.

[Expedia Advertiser]

What's true?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The moonstone has been stolen.

[Expedia Advertiser]

But, Gabriel, my dear fellow, that's impossible. It's right over here in the.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Why, it's gone.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Aunt Julia?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, Franklin?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Where's Rachel? I must see her.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

I'm sorry, but the loss of the moonstone has quite stunned her. She shrieks in the strangest manner from speaking of it even to me. But, Aunt Julia, it's impossible for you to see her for the present.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

From the very beginning, it was obvious that Superintendent Seagrave, our local police chief, was not the man to conduct an investigation on so serious a matter as the disappearance of the moonstone. And he was very quickly replaced, at the request of Franklin Lake, by England's most celebrated detective, Sergeant Cuff. The sergeant was a lean, elderly man with a face as sharp as a hatchet. The skin of it is yellow and withered as an autumn leaf. He hunted men and he loved roses. Oh, yes. And frequently, when preoccupied, he whistled his favorite song, the Last Rose of Summer. In the days that followed, I was to hear him whistle his tune many a time. And now, as Sergeant Cuff stood by the engine cabinet, his steely light gray eyes seeming to miss no detail, he turned to me and spoke.

[Sergeant Cuff]

This, you say, is the sitting room?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Nothing has been disturbed here since the disappearance of the moonstone?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, nothing, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I hope so. Here, what's this?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I beg your pardon, sir?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Is this small paint smear beneath the lock on the door? Oh, the door was recently painted.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir. It was, sir, by Mr. Franklin Blake, with the help of Ms. Rachel Verinder. Mr. Blake loves to indulge his fancies. Decorative painting is one of them.

[Sergeant Cuff]

So it is. Yes, I would like to talk to Mr. Blake. Is he about?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir. Yes, I'll bring him in directly.

[Sergeant Cuff]

You are Mr. Franklin Blake?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Yes, I am.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I am Sergeant Cuff. How'd you do? Can you tell me about this door you painted? I believe you were assisted by Miss Verinder?

[Expedia Advertiser]

That's correct.

[Sergeant Cuff]

When did you finish painting the door?

[Expedia Advertiser]

About three o'clock on Wednesday afternoon.

[Sergeant Cuff]

And the moonstone disappeared that night? Yes. That would be two days ago. Mr. Blake, can you tell me how long it would take to paint on that door to dry?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I can tell you exactly, Sergeant Cuff. You see, I prepared a mixture, a mixture I call a vehicle, and poured it into the paint, which caused the paint to dry in 12 hours.

[Sergeant Cuff]

12 hours, you say?

[Expedia Advertiser]

12 hours, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Let us reckon back, Mr. Blake. At three on Wednesday afternoon, that bit of painting was completed.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Right.

[Sergeant Cuff]

The vehicle dried it in 12 hours. That is to say, by. By 3 o' clock on Thursday morning. Does anyone here know just what caused that small paint smear beneath the lock?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, well, Superintendent Seagrave, the police officer who has retired from the case, he said one of the women servants, petticoats, had smeared it when they came in this room to be examined by him, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Ah, Servant's petticoat is not responsible for the paint smear, because when the Superintendent conducted his investigation, that paint was already eight hours dry. My thanks to you, Mr. Blake. It's quite in the cards that you have put the clue in our hands.

[Youth Advocate]

Well?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, Sergeant, this is Miss Rachel Verinder.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Did you say, Sergeant, that this man here has put the clue into your hands?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I should say, Miss Verinder, that Mr. Franklin Blake has possibly put the clue into our hands. And now I should like to ask a question. Observe this smear on the painting of your door. Do you know when it was done or who did it?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Will you follow a young lady's advice, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I shall be glad to hear it, Miss.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Then do your duty by yourself and don't allow this man here, Mr. Franklin Blake, to help you. That is my advice, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Miss Verinder appears to be out of temper over the loss of her diamond. The moonstone is, I know, a most valuable jewel. Natural enough. Natural enough.

[Expedia Advertiser]

She Appears to hold me responsible for the loss of the moonstone.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Well, sir, you must remember a young lady's tongue is a privileged member. So it seems.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Well, tell me, Sergeant, are you prepared to say who has stolen the moonstone?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I am not.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Perhaps later on then.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Not even then.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Does the Sergeant mean he will never discover the identity of the person who stole the moonstone?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I mean this, Mr. Blake. Nobody has stolen the moonstone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Then Sergeant Cuff asked to speak to my lady. I found Lady Veranda in her own sitting room and explained the Sergeant's wishes. To my surprise, she displayed great reluctance to see him, saying that her nerves seemed a little shaken and that there was something in Sergeant Cuff that she recoiled from. She said she had a presentiment that he was bringing trouble and misery with him. But she rallied and said she would see him, though she insisted I remain in the room with them. Well, when I ushered the Sergeant into her sitting room, I declare she turned a shade paler at the sight of him.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Lady Verinder.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Sergeant Cuff. I speak to you only because my steward, Gabriel Betteridge, urges me. What have you to say?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I have already formed an opinion on this case, Lady Verinder. I beg your ladyship's permission to keep it to myself for the present.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Very well.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Two things are certain. One, the moonstone is missing out of the drawer of the Indian cabinet. Two, the marks from the smear on the painted door were surely caused by a dress which brushed against it. Therefore, before we go a step further, we must discover the dress itself.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

And I presume such a discovery would imply the discovery of the thief.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Your pardon, my lady, I have not seen the moonstone is stolen. I merely say it is missing. That is why I wish to find the paint stained dress.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

How do you propose to do so?

[Sergeant Cuff]

By examining the washing book which lists the household laundry. A missing article of dress might indeed be significant.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Very well. Gabriel, kindly ring for Rosanna and have her fetch the washing book.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh yes, lady, the washing book.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Sergeant Cuff, my good servants who have been with me for years, have already had their boxes and rooms searched by that other officer that Seagrave. I cannot and will not permit them to be insulted a second time. Keep that in mind, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I shall, my lady.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

You. You rang for me, Mr. Veteridge?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes. Rosanna, bring the washing book.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

The washing book.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, yes, yes. If you please, my girl.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

The washing book.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

A washing.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I hesitate to trouble your ladyship again, but I must ask one last question.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

You are sure it will be the last, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Your housemaid, who was just Here. I believe her name is Rosanna Spearman. Has she been in your employment as long as the other servants?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Why do you ask?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The sergeant appeared not to notice my lady's question. Instead, his lips puckered into a whistle. As his keen eyes roved the room, I was overtaken by a mounting feeling, as though I were watching a bloodhound running swiftly behind his elusive quarry. Then Rosanna returned with a washing book.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Here.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Here's the book, sir.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Thank you, Rosanna. Here you are, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Thank you.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

May I go now? Yes, Rosanna, you may go. Thank you, my lady. Oh, thank you. Sergeant Cuff, A moment ago you asked how long Rosanna had been employed in my household. Why did you ask?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Because, Lady Veranda, the last time I saw Ms. Rosanna Spearman, she was in prison for theft.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Eh? Pity. But Sergeant Cuff was right. Although Rosanna had indeed served a term in prison, my good sweet mistress was determined that the poor girl with the crippled shoulder should have a better chance in life and so had given her employment. Then Miss Rachel reappeared and refused permission to have her wardrobe examined in the search for the paint smear dress. After she had again locked herself in her room, I glanced apprehensively at Sergeant Cuff.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, Sergeant Cuff?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Come out to the garden. We'll have a look at the roses. Life, Gabriel, can be most strange. Man's ambition can be a simple one, yet so easily denied. I have always wanted to be a gardener. Yet here I am, a detective. Well, hello.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What is it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Cuff]

I saw Rosanna Spearman hiding back there behind a clump of shoppery.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, poor creature. I'm not surprised. My daughter Penelope says that Rosanna has recently conceived an attachment for Mr. Blake, who often walks in this part of the garden. Perhaps it suits her fancy to have a look at him falling in love.

[Sergeant Cuff]

With the gentleman of Mr. Franklin. Blake's manner and appearance doesn't seem to me to be the maddest part of her conduct by any means. That noise. Someone's coming through the shrubbery.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Gabriel. Oh, it's Mr. Blake.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Oh, there you are. I'm glad I found the two of you together. Say, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Did one of the tradesmen yesterday met Rosanna on the path from Shivering sand to Prisonal Town?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I forgot.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Watch this.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Why, yes. And at that time she was supposed to have been ill in her room.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Isn't that right, Gabriel?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

So she said yesterday.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Obviously her attack of illness was merely a blind to deceive us. She had some guilty reason for secretly going to town. The paint stained dress is a Dress of hers?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes.

[Expedia Advertiser]

It's my belief Rosanna Spearman has stolen the moonstone. Shouldn't Lady Verinder know of this?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Not just yet, Mr. Blake.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I must say, Sergeant, the workings of a policeman's mind are too mysterious for me.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Then, sir, let me enlighten you. If you were to inform Lady Verinder of what you know about Rosanna, she would only tell her daughter, Miss Rachel.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Am I to understand you forbid me.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

To say my yes.

[Sergeant Cuff]

You take it upon yourself to divulge vital information to Lady Verrideau or anyone else without my leave, I will throw up the case.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Very well, Sergeant. Very well.

[Sergeant Cuff]

And now, Gabriel, I have a request to make of you.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes? What is it, sir?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Show me the way to Shivering Sand Beach.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Shivering sand, you say?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Yes, to look at the path Rosanna Spearman took yesterday when she said she was in her room.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Even a man as resolute as Sergeant Cuff could scarcely repress the shudder which seized him when he caught his first glimpse of Shivering sand scum. Slime shone faintly here and there on the quicksand, and far out beyond could be seen the rhythmic heave of the ocean. Sergeant Cuff spoke.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Is your seashore here considered a fine specimen of marine landscape, Gabriel?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir. It is, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Looking at it from my point of view, I never saw a marine landscape I admired less. Oh, a treacherous place, Gabriel. No sign of anyone having been along here yesterday. Perhaps we better walk a bit.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

How does the fishing village bear from where we are now?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Well, sir, they call it Cobb's Hole, and it is due south in the direction we're walking.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Can we get to Cobb's Hole now that it's low water on the beach?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Well, then, if you'll excuse my suggesting it, we'll step out briskly.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

We had walked, I should say, a couple of hundred yards toward Cobb's Hole when Sergeant Cuff suddenly went down on his knees on the beach, to all appearances seized with a sudden frenzy for saying his prayers.

[Sergeant Cuff]

There's something to be said for your marine landscape out front after all. Here, Gabriel. On a woman's footsteps.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, and leading directly to the village.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Rosanna Spearman, I imagine, has friends at Cobb's Hole.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, sir. Of course. Worthy fisher folk by the name of Yelland. She's quite friendly with her daughter, who is afflicted with a misshapen foot and known as Limping Lucy, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Then, Gabriel, I think we must drop in on the Yolland.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Sure you won't have another top of the Dutch gin, Mr. Cuff?

[Sergeant Cuff]

No, thank you, Mrs. Yolland.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

We say any friend of Rosanna's is a friend of ours.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Poor Rosanna. I do feel quite sorry for her. She'll never get on in her present place. My advice to her would be to leave it.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Oh, bless your heart alive, sir, she is going to leave it.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, surely Mrs. Yallinger must be mistaken. Mistaken?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Why, only an hour ago she bought some things for me that she wanted for traveling. And only last evening she came here and said, poor dear, I want to write a letter to a friend and I can't do it for the peeping and prying at the house. And then she went upstairs and wrote the letter in Lucy's room. But who she wrote it to I'll never know.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, excuse me, sir, but isn't it about time we took our leave?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Oh. Oh, but wait. Now, wait just a moment. Now where is it? Oh, yes, in this pile of rubbish. Ah, here it is. Weigh this in your hand, sir.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Why, why, it's a dog chain, and a heavy one at that.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, quite out of the ordinary. I gave two of them just like this to Rosanna. I asked her why she wanted them and she said, they'll go around my tin box quite nicely. You see, I had already given her a tin box.

[Sergeant Cuff]

So you gave her a tin box and chain.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Ropes cheaper, I said. Chain is better, said she. Now I ask you, Mr. Cuff, what would she be wanting with such heavy chains?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Thank you, Mrs. Yolland, we've bothered you enough. Many thanks and good night.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Oh, good night, sir.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I could scarcely credit my senses. Rosanna preparing to steal away from our house with chains and a tin box. But upon returning home, we were met with a new sensation which came from Lady Verinder herself.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Sergeant Cuff, I am obliged to inform you that my daughter, Miss Rachel, intends to stay with her aunt, Mrs. Ablewhite of Frizzinghall. She has arranged to leave early tomorrow morning.

[Sergeant Cuff]

May I ask, Your Ladyship, when Ms. Verinder first thought of going to Orange?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

About an hour ago.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I have no claim to control Miss Rachel's actions. All I can ask is that your daughter put off her departure, if possible, until later in the day. I must go to Frizzinghall myself tomorrow morning to investigate the matter of the three Indians now imprisoned there. I shall be back by two o' clock, if not before. Yes, if Ms. Verinder can be kept here until about that time, it is imperative that I say two words to her unexpectedly before she goes.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

That night no sleep came to banish the thoughts which plagued my mind. But like a man erasing chalk marks from a slate, as fast as I rubbed out one riddle, another made its appearance. First, the strange behavior of Franklin Blake. Second, the mysterious maneuverings of Rosanna Spearman. And last, the sudden disclosure that Miss Rachel was to leave for a visit with her aunt at Frizzinghall. Finally, the long night gave way to morning, when I witnessed a sharp encounter between Sergeant Cuff and Mr. Franklin Blake.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Well, what do you want, Mr. Blake? Be pleased to remember I am an officer of the law, acting under the sanction of the mistress of the house.

[Expedia Advertiser]

It would seem to me the worthy serjeant uses his authority something in the manner of a man wielding a bludgeon.

[Sergeant Cuff]

No matter. Under these circumstances, is it or is it not your duty to assist me with any special information you may happen to possess?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I possess no special information.

[Sergeant Cuff]

You would deny that one of the female servants spoke to you privately, sir, last night?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I have nothing to say.

[Sergeant Cuff]

You needn't be afraid of harming the girl, Mr. Blake. On the contrary, I recommend you to honor me with your confidence. If you feel any interest in Rosanna Spearman.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I take no interest whatever in Rosanna Spearman.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

No sooner had Sergeant Cuff set off for Frizzing hall when my daughter Penelope informed me that Rosanna Spearman was now in a state of extreme melancholy. Having overheard Mr. Blake's disavowal of her to Sergeant Cuff, I yielded to Penelope's persuasion and went off to see what I could do to raise the spirits of the sensitive girl.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, Mr. Beatrice.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Cheer up, Rosanna. I'm sure Mr. Blake intended you no disrespect when he told Sergeant Cuff he took no interest in you. He merely lost his patience with the sergeant.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Mr. Franklin Blake is very kind and considerate. Please to thank him. And I must get on with my sweet.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, come, come, my girl. This is not like yourself. You have something on your mind now I'm your friend. Make a clean breast of it, Rosanna. Come, come, make a clean breast of it.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, I'll make a clean breast of it.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

To lady verinder? No. To Mr. Blake, then?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Yes, to Mr. Blake.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Rosanna, why not take my advice and speak to Lady Verinder, who has always been kind to you? No.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

I've a better way of relieving my mind than that.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What is it, Rosanna? What is it, girl?

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Please let me go on with my work.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Please, Rosanna.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Oh, why must you be like all the rest? Leave me alone.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Leave me alone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

The poor girl ran from me, and then, as Miss Rachel was about to leave the house. Sergeant Cuff returned from frizzing hall. He hailed me at the front door.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Gabriel. Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh, yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I've seen the three Indians. They will be set free next Wednesday. Although there isn't a doubt in my mind that they came to steal the moonstone.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Ah.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I can tell you one thing, Gabriel.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Yes, sir?

[Sergeant Cuff]

We haven't heard the last of those three jugglers. If we don't find the moonstone, they will.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Oh. Well, did anything else turn up, sir?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Oh, yes. I learned what Rosanna bought when she slipped away to Frittinghole last Thursday. What's that?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Why, sir, that would be Miss Rachel leaving in her carriage.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Coachman. Coachman.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Stop.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

What is it you want, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Before you go, Miss Rachel, one word.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Be quick about it.

[Sergeant Cuff]

I. I can't presume to stop you from visiting your aunt. I can only venture to say that your leaving us, as things now stand, puts an obstacle in the way of my recovering your moonstone. Please understand that. Now go or stay.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Drive on, James.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I had hardly recovered from my disappointment at Miss Rachel's abrupt departure when the special officer detailed to keep an eye on Rosanna Spearman reported he had lost track of her. I informed Sergeant Cuff of this and of my conversation with Rosanna a short time before. Without a word, he turned, dashed out of the house and set off in the direction of Shivering Sand. I sent our little Irish serving boy along with him. And when within the half hour the boy returned asking for one of Rosanna's boots, I had a premonition. I knew even before I knew. Running as fast as I could, I myself carried Rozanna's shoe to Shivering Sand. The clouds had gathered black on the horizon as though they knew, and a hard driving rain came pelting down. The tide was running in. The angry sea returned the thunder above. I looked at the south spit, a ledge of rock which rises high above the quicksand. And on it stood a black, solitary figure. Sergeant Cuff. I hurried to him. He pointed to a footprint at the sand. Then, without a word, he took Rosanna's shoe from my trembling hand and knelt to fit the boot within the footmark.

[Sergeant Cuff]

It fits. No doubt of it. Rosanna made this footprint and the others. You see the direction in which they point?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

They're going straight to the ledge of rock and the awful drop below into the quicksand.

[Miss Rachel Verinder]

Hello there.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Who's that?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

I can't see. Yes, it's Mr. Yelland, the fisherman. Have you found the lash?

[Sergeant Cuff]

No, only these footprints.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

Ah, then the poor girl is done.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Mr. Yarand, an hour ago, before the tide came in, how much water would there be below this rock?

[Gabriel Betteridge]

1 hour ago, not enough to drown a kitten.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Do you think there's any chance of finding her when the tide ebbs again? None.

[Gabriel Betteridge]

What the sand gets, the sand keeps forever. Rosanna Spearman? Dead. She had taken her own life, true. But she had been driven to it. Yes. Driven by the evilness of the yellow diamond. The Moonstone. From the very moment Ms. Rachel received the moonstone as a legacy from her uncle, the notorious John Hurn Castle, its curse hung over all our heads. And now, death.

[Expedia Advertiser]

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 third 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 Berquist. The entire production was under the direction of Homer Heck. Sherman Marks is featured as Gabriel Betteridge and Arthur Sedgwick as Sergeant Cupp. Rachel is played by Geraldine Kay, Lady Verander by Alma Platz, Rosanna by Ruth Shames, Penelope by Jane Elliot, and Mrs. Yaland by Mignon Shriver. Franklin Blake is played by Charles Mountain Godfrey, Abel White by Sydney Breeze and Mr. Yaland by Les Spears. 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. With spring officially here, many people are taking to the woods for picnics and steak fries, thereby increasing the dangers of forest fires. Don't be a potential fire bug. Prevent fires by following these four simple rules. Crush out cigarettes, break matches in two after using, drown all campfires thoroughly and find out the law before using fire. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

[Youth Advocate]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A, take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This really brought to my mind how much I enjoyed sergeant Kauf when I read the Moonstone so many years ago. He's wonderfully realized here by Arthur Sedgwick, and I was just so delighted by the performance. Sergeant Cuff is a figure no one talks about when you think about important detectives, and there can be some good reason for that as we see the plot play out. But nevertheless, you really see the sorts of traits and characteristics and approach to investigation in him that have been borrowed, consciously or unconsciously, by so many later authors and have helped define so many detectives. And again, this just does bring home the importance and influence of the Moonstone in forming this genre that we love and celebrate here every day. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a comment on our listener survey from San Diego, California. Listener writes Love the show. Please if you can have a few episodes of the Whistler. Thank you. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate the comment. Most episodes of the Whistler don't really fit with the Great Detectives podcast, since they're more sort of mystery prime drama sort of stories rather than detective stories that have a true detective. We did feature one episode on this podcast all the way back during our Jack Webb Centennial Week in April of 2020, back on episode 3104s, so around 1600 episodes or so ago, give or take, we have actually featured quite a few episodes of the Whistler on the Amazing World of Radio, including the very first episode, which was an episode of the Whistler from Chicago. But we had a Whistler New Year Special, a Whistler Christmas special, another Whistler special that tied into the amazing world of Radio Jack Webb Centennial Series. And then we had an entire miniseries that we did several years back where our spring series was recently unearthed episodes of the Whistler that hadn't been in circulation, although I think this was back in 2021 now, so not all that recent. These days, those are the times we've shared the Whistler. And in addition, we have done them for various app extras. And we did do one for our Patreon extras with Betty Lou Gerson a few months back. I enjoy the Whistler, but it's one of those things where I don't think I could do it every week. I just find that if I listen to it too much, it's one of those shows that does mess with my moods a bit. If you want to hear a lot more Whistler, then I would encourage you to check out Andrew Rhine's mystery podcast, otnetcast.com mystery where he has many, many more episodes of the Whistler posted. Thanks so much. Appreciate the comment. And now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Rich. Rich has been one of our patreon supporters since March 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Rich and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you are enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Thursday with episode three of the Moonstone, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar where so you insured 2 million.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Worth of diamond marbles over the phone? I did.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And you say you aren't naive?

[Sergeant Cuff]

Oh look.

[Expedia Advertiser]

A remote lodge, an eccentric old man.

[Sergeant Cuff]

Some expensive baubles a rank amateur could get at him. You haven't listened to me, Johnny. You've missed the point entirely. I wouldn't care if he left the diamonds lying out on his front doorstep. I insured those diamonds solely against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth. That's the exact wording of the policy. And now they're gone? Yes. So someone took them. Prove it. What someone? And not something?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.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.

[Youth Advocate]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A take action@ flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.