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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes: New Year’s Eve Off The Scilly Isles (Encore)
Sherlock Holmes Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
First Aired: January 1, 2026
Featured Cast: John Stanley (Holmes), Alfred Shirley (Watson), with dramatization by Edith Meiser
Setting: 1912, Aboard the SS Gigantic near the Scilly Isles

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Episode Overview

This episode presents an exciting, high-stakes Sherlock Holmes adventure set on New Year's Eve, 1912. Tasked with preventing a catastrophic fire aboard the ocean liner SS Gigantic—a ship alleged to be in even greater peril than the Titanic—Holmes and Watson must race against time, uncover a fiendish arson plot, and thwart a conspiracy that could cripple the British Empire’s economy. Notably, the episode juxtaposes holiday festivity with looming disaster and delves into themes of sabotage, patriotism, and quick-witted detective work.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Introduction & Context (Begins ~02:17)

• Dr. Watson and Mr. Harris engage in light banter about fashion and New Year’s resolutions, setting a brisk, jovial tone.
• Dr. Watson introduces the forthcoming story, contextualizing the Scilly Isles' location and alluding to a maritime threat reminiscent of the Titanic and Lusitania disasters.

Quote:
“You remember what happened to the Titanic? ... The lives of those on the ocean liner Gigantic were in even greater danger when Holmes and I went over the side on New Year's Eve in the year 1912.” — Dr. Watson [03:59]

2. The Desperate Client Arrives (06:58–11:17)

• Reginald Pembroke, chairman of Floyds Insurance, bursts into Holmes’s breakfast, imploring him to save the Gigantic, which carries not just people but the fate of British gold reserves.
• A chilling account details recent maritime disasters, all bearing a crucial similarity: each doomed ship was carrying English gold.
• The arsonist “Smokey Joe” is implicated, having just made a daring escape from the Gigantic at Queenstown and taunted crew with:
  “Happy New Year in hell!” — Smokey Joe [10:41]

Quote:
“There's more at stake than the lives of the passengers on board the Gigantic. If she goes down, the financial stability of the British Empire goes with her.”
— Reginald Pembroke [07:52]

3. Journey to the SS Gigantic (12:06–14:26)

• Holmes and Watson rush via royal train to Land’s End and then by yacht through foggy seas.
• Watson's seasickness is played for comic relief, yet their urgency is palpable as they contend with heavy mist and navigational peril.

Quote:
“I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower on a clothesline if it would get me off this bouncing cottage shell.”
— Dr. Watson [14:06]

4. Aboard the Gigantic: The Investigation Begins (14:26–16:20)

• Holmes and Watson consult Captain Brooks about fire risks; the dangers of ship fires are underscored, with special reference to the ship’s new smoke detection system.
• Holmes is skeptical that systematic searches will outwit “Smokey Joe,” and bets he can locate the device through logic.

Quote:
“I am quite cognizant of the fact that quite a few of the newest and fastest British liners have been destroyed at sea by fire, storm and accident.” — Sherlock Holmes [08:14]

5. Sabotage Unfolds: Compasses, Power, and Panic (16:59–18:08)

• Strange technical failures ensue: radio communication and compasses fail, dynamos slow, and the ship loses steam—suggesting an ingenious, multifaceted plan of sabotage.
• Holmes remains calm, instructing the Captain to maintain discipline among passengers as he and Watson investigate the engine rooms.

Quote:
“Keep calm and use whatever intelligence the Lord has endowed us with.”
— Sherlock Holmes [18:08]

6. Discovery in the Depths: The Gold Bullion Room (18:57–22:09)

• Holmes detects tampered seals on the ship’s bullion room—a sign of clandestine entry.
• Realizing the gold storage sits above coal piles, Holmes deduces the use of sulfuric acid to create firebombs.
• Their guide, “Mr. Brown,” is revealed as Ludwig Braun, an enemy agent and the true saboteur, who locks Holmes and Watson in the bullion room and leaves them to perish.

Quote:
“My dear Mr. Holmes, you do not think we will let a small obstacle like the famous Sherlock Holmes stand in our way?”
— Ludwig Braun (Mr. Brown) [22:11]

7. A Daring Signal and Narrow Escape (22:55–27:40)

• Trapped and inhaling smoke, Holmes devises a plan: using a piece of rope to create a smudge that triggers the ship’s smoke detection system.
• The alarm is successful; they are rescued, just in time to order the flooding of the threatening sulfuric-acid-soaked coal, averting disaster.

Quote:
“Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson.”
— Sherlock Holmes [22:23]

Memorable Scene:
Holmes, ever resourceful, improvises a distress signal with available materials, illustrating the trope of cool detective improvisation under acute pressure.

8. Conclusion: Justice and Reflection (27:41–28:52)

• Mr. Brown and his accomplices are apprehended; catastrophe is averted.
• Holmes and Watson share drinks and quips at midnight.

Quote:
“Happy New Year, old fellow.” — Holmes
“Happy New Year, Holmes. And many of them. But don't you think you could manage to have them not quite so hair raising?” — Watson [28:23]

• In the post-mortem, Watson recounts how Holmes first suspected the purser: the overcoat with a concealed magnet that disturbed the bridge compass.

9. Host Adam Graham’s Commentary (31:25)

• Reflects on the episode’s tone, setting, and historical placement (just two years before Holmes’s “final” adventure).
• Notes the episode’s title is misleadingly mild given the suspenseful, high-stakes plot.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Smokey Joe’s threat: “Happy New Year in hell!” [10:41]
• Holmes’s calm quip under pressure: “Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson.” [22:23]
• The logic of detection:
  “That's what comes of using system instead of brains and initiative.” — Holmes [16:20]
• Holmes’s resolution to act:
  “With any luck, I think I can promise you a placid and uneventful new year.” — Holmes [16:59]

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Important Timestamps

• 02:17: Start of dramatized case
• 07:03: Client’s desperate plea
• 10:41: Saboteur’s haunting taunt
• 14:26: Holmes and Watson board the Gigantic
• 19:16–21:13: Discovery of bullion room tampering
• 22:23: Showdown with Mr. Brown (Ludwig Braun)
• 23:55: Holmes’s improvised smoke alarm
• 27:27: Holmes and Watson rescued
• 28:23: New Year toast, case closed
• 31:25: Adam Graham’s closing remarks

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Episode Tone and Style

• Classic Holmesian wit: The episode is laced with banter, understated humor, and Holmes’s typical sangfroid, even in peril.
• Increasing suspense: Technical failures, atmospheric fog, and a countdown to disaster escalate the tension.
• Celebratory finale: Despite danger, the adventure closes with camaraderie, drinks, and a signature “elementary, my dear Watson.”

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For Listeners:
This episode is a sterling example of radio’s golden age, blending historical context, edge-of-seat plotting, and the timeless chemistry between Holmes and Watson. Even those new to Old Time Radio Holmes will find it brisk, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable—a midnight race both against the clock and against evil itself.

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Transcript

[A]

Sam.

[B]

Hello, this is your host, Adam Graham, and we're bringing you New Year's related encores here on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. These programs are many years old, so any information contained in them is not valid unless currently reflected on our Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website. If you want to hear fresh Old Time Radio New Year's podcast, check out new episodes of the Amazing World of Radio and the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. With that said, please enjoy today's episode.

[C]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me, box13reatetectives.net give us a call 208-991-4783 and become one of our friends over on Facebook. Facebook.com Radiodetectives I'm going to be swapping the shows I do the promo on because I do want to encourage you, if you've not already, to pick up a copy of my book available for your Kindle. All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo. It examines life lessons from seven great detectives, including Sherlock Holmes. In addition, we also discuss Father Brown, Nero Wolf, Adrian Monk and others, and of course, Columbo. It's available in the US Kindle store for $1.99, and as of this recording, it's available for £1 45 in the UK Kindle store. Now it's time for today's episode of Sherlock Holmes. New Year's Eve off the Scilly Isles.

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

The Silly Isles. That sounds appropriate, Doctor.

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

Yes, here's your Tom and Jerry, Mr. Harris.

[D]

Thank you.

[E]

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

[F]

No, definitely no.

[E]

No, Waltham.

[F]

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

[E]

Yes, you should try being a doctor, Holmes. No female, since Eve has ever decided to become at a convenient time.

[F]

Oh, come in.

[A]

Confounded, Mr. Holmes. Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[F]

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

[A]

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

[D]

Reach whom? Where?

[F]

And what is this disaster you anticipate with such trepidation?

[A]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[A]

Mr. Pembroke. Reginald Pembroke.

[E]

How did you do, sir?

[A]

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

[D]

Oh.

[F]

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

[A]

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

[F]

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

[A]

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

[E]

Holmes knows everything, Mr. Pembroke.

[F]

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

[A]

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

[F]

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

[A]

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

[D]

Really?

[E]

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

[A]

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

[G]

And that was the cargo carried by.

[A]

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

[E]

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

[A]

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

[F]

What makes you think anything will?

[A]

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

[G]

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

[F]

He'll be killed.

[G]

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

[F]

No.

[E]

No.

[G]

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

[H]

Happy New Year.

[D]

Timmy.

[H]

Up there. Happy New Year in hell.

[E]

Good Lord.

[G]

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

[F]

Smokey Joe. Seems to me we've heard of him before. A Watson. Not merely as an expert arsonist. But a dangerous pyromaniac as well. They caught him.

[A]

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

[F]

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

[E]

You think it's a firebomb, eh, Holmes?

[F]

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

[A]

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

[F]

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

[A]

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

[F]

Yes, 11 o'. Clock. What was it Smokey Joe called out? Happy New Year in hell. It won't be New Year till midnight. If we reach the gigantic by 11, we may just possibly be in time. Six bells. It's eleven o'.

[A]

Clock.

[F]

Confound this fog. We've had to reduce our speed to half.

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

In this fog I don't really care.

[F]

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

[E]

You have to use that unfortunate expression.

[F]

And tell me you're feeling squeamish.

[E]

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

[F]

Pity I didn't bring the mothersill's seasick pills.

[E]

Oh, Mothersil's ba. There's only one remedy for this sort of thing.

[F]

What's that?

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Holmes, did you hear that?

[F]

By Jove, yes.

[E]

Sounds like an ocean liner, right enough.

[F]

Yes. We're signaling her.

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Ladder coming over. Look out below.

[F]

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

[E]

I'd climb up the Eiffel Tower on a clothesline if it would get me off this bouncing cotter Shel.

[F]

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

[H]

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

[E]

Surely a ship this size should be fairly fireproof.

[H]

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

[F]

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

[H]

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

[E]

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

[H]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Confound it.

[H]

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

[F]

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

[H]

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

[F]

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

[H]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Holmes, you're bragging again.

[F]

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

[E]

Half an hour?

[H]

It's now 11:30 exactly. Do you think you can solve this problem by midnight?

[F]

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

[G]

Captain Brooks.

[H]

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

[G]

The wireless engineer, sir, wishes to report that something's wrong with his apparatus. Both ascending and receiving equipment have suddenly.

[F]

Gone out of commission.

[H]

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

[G]

Can you come here a minute?

[H]

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

[G]

It's the compass.

[E]

It's spinning like a top.

[G]

I can't figure out what's got into it. Never seen a like except once in some magnetic storm.

[H]

Great Scott, this is incredible.

[A]

Now what?

[G]

It's the engine room calling, Captain.

[H]

I'll take it. Hello, here's Captain Brooks speaking. The blazes, you say? Well, do the best you can.

[F]

Seems to be the difficulty, Captain.

[H]

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

[G]

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

[H]

Blazes with the lights. Without dynamos we've no forced draught for the furnaces. We'll never keep up enough steam pressure.

[F]

To drive the ship.

[H]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[H]

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

[F]

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

[H]

Very good, Mr. Holmes. There's a New Year's dance going on in the large ballroom, John Seabeck.

[F]

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

[H]

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

[F]

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

[G]

Like to go below and investigate the engines.

[F]

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

[E]

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

[G]

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

[E]

Grim way to earn a living, eh Holmes?

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[G]

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

[F]

Why not?

[G]

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

[F]

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

[G]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[H]

Of course.

[E]

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

[F]

I doubt if robbery was the motive, Watson.

[E]

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

[F]

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

[G]

Let me see. Nothing of any great importance, Mr. Holmes. Just the coal piles.

[F]

The coal piles?

[D]

Good Lord.

[F]

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

[G]

But the door is locked, Mr. Holmes. Even after the seals have been removed we'll have to get the key from the captain.

[F]

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

[E]

All right, very well.

[G]

But good heavens, you mean you could actually pick a lock with those things?

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Yes, with pleasure. There you are, Holmes.

[F]

Now let's see.

[E]

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

[F]

Is there a light inside, Mr. Brown?

[G]

No Mr. Holmes, I'm afraid not.

[F]

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

[E]

Holmes, that smell.

[F]

Phew.

[E]

Strong and acrid like sulphur, only with more bite.

[F]

Seems to be coming from this large tin. Suppose I light a match.

[G]

Stop.

[F]

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

[G]

So you recognize me?

[F]

Yes. That during scar will be your left eye. It's rather a giveaway, don't you know?

[G]

So you have found how we are going to set fire to the ship? By having the acid drip through a hole in the floor under the coal beneath. The first shovel full of that acid soaked coal that goes in the furnace and the hold of a ship will.

[A]

Be a blazing inferno.

[G]

Nothing could put out that fire.

[F]

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

[G]

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

[E]

Listen to me.

[G]

Don't raise your fist to me or I'll let you have it.

[F]

Never argue with a Luger pistol, Watson.

[G]

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

[E]

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

[F]

Shut up Watson and help me look for the opening.

[E]

What opening for heaven's sake?

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

You can feel, can't you?

[E]

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

[F]

Confounded. If we could see for half a minute it would. Hello, I've got something. Yes, Yes, a small grating here in the upper corner. This must be it. Now if we can make a smudge of some sort. Watson, bring me a piece of paper.

[E]

Paper? Where would I find a piece of paper?

[F]

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

[E]

Very well, if I can find a box.

[F]

Now what? I found it.

[E]

Found it. The knots are tied so tight.

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Holmes, for heaven's sake, you're not going to set a match to that thing in here? There'd be an explosion.

[F]

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

[E]

Certainly makes plenty of smoke, eh, Holmes?

[F]

Important thing it's being drawn up through the grating.

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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[I]

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[D]

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

[G]

Gigantic. Good.

[E]

Lord. How long does it take for them to get us out of here? That smoke.

[F]

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

[E]

Staircase. I can't hear a blasted thing. How do.

[D]

You.

[H]

Hello. Hello in.

[E]

There. Get us.

[F]

Out. We're in.

[E]

Here. Open the door. What a.

[H]

Relief. How in thunder did you two get locked in here? What's all the.

[F]

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

[E]

Acid. Good.

[G]

Lord. Ledgehard.

[H]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

Champagne. To blazes with the champagne. I need a double brandy. Eight bells and let's.

[F]

See. That'd be midnight, Watson. Happy New Year, old.

[E]

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

[F]

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

[E]

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

[F]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

Me. Doctor, did they catch the.

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

Sort. And was he right.

[E]

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

[D]

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

[E]

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

[D]

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

[C]

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