Sherlock Holmes: The Return of the Jack of Diamonds (EP3072)

Summary

Sherlock Holmes: The Return of the Jack of Diamonds – Detailed Summary

Podcast: Sherlock Holmes Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: The Return of the Jack of Diamonds (EP3072)
Release Date: February 27, 2020

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Introduction

In this episode of Sherlock Holmes Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into one of the rarer episodes from the John Stanley run titled "The Return of the Jack of Diamonds." This episode is particularly noteworthy as it fills a missing gap in the John Stanley collection, being the sole unreleased episode from the 1947 radio season. Adam Graham provides insightful commentary before and after the dramatization, enhancing the listener's experience with historical context and personal reflections.

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The Return of the Jack of Diamonds: The Story

The episode opens with the introduction of a ghostly highwayman, the Jack of Diamonds, who terrorizes the Hampstead area. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are celebrating a recent victory at the Gold Cup at Ascot when they are approached by a distressed individual seeking Holmes's assistance.

Key Plot Points:

1. Mystery Introduction (00:00 - 16:12):

   • Dr. Watson recounts the eerie encounter where a masked rider, resembling the infamous Jack of Diamonds, appears in Hampstead Heath.
   • The rider leaves a cryptic message warning, “Let no coach cross the heath this fortnight lest its passenger forfeit his heart's desire."
   • A significant clue is the coat of arms on the back of the message card, linking it to Sir Harry Leveridge, the owner of the winning horse, Fabulous Fanny.

   Notable Quote:

   “Let no coach cross the heath this fortnight lest its passenger forfeit his heart's desire.” (15:51)

2. Investigation Begins (16:12 - 26:21):

   • Holmes deduces that the message is a form of blackmail targeted at Sir Harry Leveridge.
   • The duo decides to bicycle through Hampstead Heath to intercept the imminent threat, showcasing Holmes’s proactive approach.
   • Along the journey, they analyze the possible routes and strategies to outsmart the highwayman.

   Notable Quote:

   “You buy truly fine clothes for considerably less money than you ever believed possible.” (19:03)
   (Note: This quote appears to be part of an advertisement interruption and may be excluded from the main narrative.)

3. Confrontation and Resolution (26:21 - 34:54):

   • Holmes and Watson encounter Sir Harry's assistant, Johnny Davison, who reveals his desperation to reclaim the lost horse, Fanny.
   • The confrontation escalates when Johnny, disguised as the Jack of Diamonds, demands the return of the gold trophy cup.
   • Utilizing clever deduction and psychological tactics, Holmes exposes Johnny’s deceit, ultimately leading to the recovery of the stolen item and the resolution of the conflict.

   Notable Quote:

   “A cleverly horseman can make his way along a footpath.” (28:00)

4. Conclusion of the Mystery (34:54 - 35:04):

   • After resolving the case, Holmes hints at future adventures, maintaining the suspense and allure that fans of the series cherish.

   Notable Quote:

   “It was indeed, Mr. Harris. I was settled squaw for a week afterwards.” (34:54)

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Host Commentary and Reflections

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

• Episode Significance: Adam highlights the rarity of this episode within the John Stanley collection, noting its status as the only missing piece from the 1945-48 run. He expresses hope for the eventual discovery of the elusive Tom Conway episode.

• Story Review: He appreciates the straightforward nature of the mystery, acknowledging that while the plot may be simpler compared to other episodes, Holmes's unwavering sense of justice and hands-on approach remain true to the character's essence.

  Notable Quote:

  “Other than the mystery being a little simple, I thought this was pretty well done.” (35:02)

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Listener Comments and Feedback

Adam engages with listener feedback, responding thoughtfully to their inquiries and suggestions:

1. Angie’s Inquiry about Mike Barnett:

   • Angie asks about access to radio programs featuring Mike Barnett, portrayed by Ralph Bellamy.
   • Adam clarifies that while Ralph Bellamy starred in television shows like Man Against Queen (Follow That Man) and films as Ellery Queen, there are no known old-time radio programs featuring his character.

2. Lou and Gary’s Support:

   • Lou sends a motivational “keep it up” message, and Gary shares his enjoyment of the podcast.
   • Adam expresses his gratitude, highlighting donation options and incentives such as exclusive eBooks and T-shirts for contributors.

   Notable Quote:

   “Thanks so much for your support.” (32:00)

3. Donation Acknowledgments:

   • Adam thanks Neil, a long-term Patreon supporter, demonstrating the community’s backing and the show's reliance on listener contributions.

   Notable Quote:

   “Thank you so much for your encouragement and your support of the program.” (36:51)

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Conclusion and Upcoming Content

As the episode nears its end, Adam Graham teases upcoming content, including new adventures and premieres of other detective series such as Johnny Dollar, Man Called X, and Raffles. He encourages listeners to stay engaged through social media platforms and to continue supporting the podcast via donations.

Notable Quote:

“Join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar.” (37:45)

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Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully blends classic Sherlock Holmes storytelling with modern podcasting elements. Adam Graham's dedication to preserving and presenting rare episodes enriches the listener's experience, offering both entertainment and a deep appreciation for old-time radio dramas. The inclusion of listener interactions fosters a sense of community, making the podcast not just a series of stories but a shared passion among detective enthusiasts.

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Note: Advertisements for sponsors such as Domo, Indeed, and Private Health Care were present in the transcript but have been omitted from this summary to focus on the core content as per the instructions.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

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. Box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com Radiodetactives Our listener support campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetactives.net however, today our focus is on one time donations and I want to thank those who sent along one time donations to support.greatdetactives.net I want to thank Louis for sending along a one time donation through support.greatdetectives.net you can also use the Zelle app to send a box [e-mail] or by mail to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's 15913 Boise, Idaho 83715 and I also want to thank folks who sent along donations to our P.O. box Adam Graham Pillbox 159-13-159 13 Boiseautaho 83715. Thank you to Angela, to Francis, and to Gary. Thank you so much for your support. If you send along a one time donation you can request one of the ebooks I've listed at support.greatdetectives.net including all I Needed to Know I Learned from Dragnet and All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo as well as my novel Slime Incorporated. Also, with a donation of $100 or more, we'll happily send either Poirot's Finest Cases or more Poirot's Finest Cases. Also, if you're in the US or Canada and you send along a donation of $100 or more, I'll be happy to send you one of our Great Detectives of Old Time Radio T shirts. We have the regular Great Detectives T shirt and we also have our Johnny$70th anniversary T shirt and our Joe Friday Never said Just the Facts Ma'am T shirt and all of those available with a Don $100 or more. A full list of available Items are at support.greatdetectives.net well now it's time for us to bring you an episode of the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. And this is an episode that fills a small gap because this was from a time when most of the Sherlock Holmes episodes are circulating. There were periods. There's just a handful of the pre Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes episodes out there, and about 90% of the Rathbone Bruce episodes during World War II are not in circulation. However, the post war seasons were pretty good and prior to this past year There were only two episodes in the four seasons with each season being 39 episodes that were missing. So there were 154 out of 156 episodes in circulation. Well, with today's episode there are 155 out of 156 as this is the only missing episode from the John Stanley Run which originated from New York for Clipper Craft. Close this was towards the end of the 1947 radio season Original Air Date April 25, 1948 and this is the return of the Jack of Diamonds.

[Domo Representative]

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[Sherlock Holmes]

From New York City, the makers of clipper craft clothes for men and more than 1200 leading retail stores from coast to coast presents are Arthur Conan Doyle's immortal character, the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Night Story the Return of the Jack of diamonds. Well, hello, Dr. Watson. Seems like today spring is really here. All the windows open. Why, you can just smell things. Drawing it is just possible.

[Dr. Watson]

Part of that aroma comes from the crushed mint in the garden on this tray here. Help yourself, Mr. Harris. I thought the weather called for something long and tall and frosty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, thank you. I must say, this is a pleasant surprise, doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I also thought tonight's story might appropriately be. What is it you call it? A. Oh, yes, a chiller diller. So I decided I'd tell you about a. A ghostly highwayman who returned after many centuries to hold up a stage coach on Hampstead. It was one of those eerie.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hey there, Dr. Watson. Wall, slow down a minute. Don't forget, we're supposed to just sort of mention something else that's kind of appropriate this vernal season by two.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course, you mean triple crops, lightweight spleen and summer clothing. I have my eye on a certain new tan outfit myself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

At the rate you're buying new suits, Dr. Watson, you wouldn't be finding a trousseau.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no. But at the rate clipper crop charges, I can finally afford all the clothes I'd like to have.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All right. You are, Dr. Watts. The Clipper craft plan makes it unnecessary for you to pay high prices for clothes of high quality. We built one of the great names of America by sticking to our guns. By insisting that you get the world's most outstanding value in every clipper craft you buy. All this despite rising costs of manufacturing materials and labor. Now, many have asked, how do they do it? Well, the famous clipper craft plan is the answer. Concentrating the buying power of 1036 of the nation's finest stores from coast to coast. A carefully planned operation that makes you the gainer by ensuring distribution and manufacturing savings the whole year round. That's why you can buy beautifully tailored clippercraft suits for only $40 and $45, top coats and fine coverts and wizard Gabardine for only $45. Smart Tropicals only 3375 to $40. And Sport Jackets for only 26.50. Only comparison will prove what this means in money saved on your spring clothing budget. Yes, compare clipper craft with clothes selling for many dol. And now back to our chiller dealer, Dr. Watson and the highwayman who appeared on Hampstead Heat.

[Dr. Watson]

Let me see. It was one evening in the latter part of June. Holmes and I were celebrating a decidedly rare event which was just the previous day I had picked myself a winner. The race was the Gold cup at Ascot. The horse was a silly named Fabulous Fanny. And Holmes and I were having a bit of a celebration at Dextforce Castle, which is an old coach in the inn with it exists on Hampstead Heath.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look, isn't that the tavern Dickens frequented and wrote about?

[Dr. Watson]

It is indeed. Well, Holmes and I were sitting in a courtyard over our after dinner brandy. We were watching the daylight fade and the lights of London come twinkling on in the hazy distance below. The pleasant aroma of two excellent cigars stole around us in a delicate smoking indelis. Oh, who would believe that such a completely bucolic, not to say wild and rustic spot should lie so close to a great metropolis? You might almost believe you were on some deserted heath in the north country.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Actually Hampstead Heath, my dear Watson, is a public area of approximately 869 undulating acres. The flagstaff on the hill immediately ahead marks the highest point on the heat. 445ft above sea level. Be exact. Commands of youth include 10 counties.

[Dr. Watson]

Hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who is coming from the courtyard in our direction carrying a smallish piece of paper in his hand.

[Dr. Watson]

The hand shaking.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wonder what ails it?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, probably Pa. It's my host who took our order. The paper's probably our bill and I do think he might have let us quiet his moment.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I hardly think that papers are bill. There's nothing about that to occasion his worried frown and improperly buttoned whiskers. The third button's in the fourth buttonhole.

[Dr. Watson]

So it is my jail. I never even saw it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You saw it right enough, my dear Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Well it didn't. Pardon me, but they've just informed me that one of you gentlemen is Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the detective and my friend has that urgency. Oh sir, I. I wonder if you could help me. I'm at my wit end. I don't know whether I should warn Sir Harry and get Myself dressed down proper for being a ninny or whether I should let him ride across the heath to his death.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My beat tossed on the horns of a dilemma, eh?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes sir. At least I'm all of a dither if that's what you mean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What exactly has caused this perturbation?

[Dr. Watson]

Well sir, it was last night. We was closing up a bit late. It was after midnight when me and old Timothy made the round, locking the doors and making sure the windows were shut tight. Sensible precautions. Ah, don't interrupt one. I had just blown out the lamp in the bar when suddenly I felt Timothy freeze onto my arm like a woman that felt a mouse run over her foot. He was so scared he could hardly speak, just pointed out the bay window. I looked and there I saw a man ride into the courtyard like the devil was after him. Horse and rider was both black as night and the horse's hoofs took sparks from the cobblestone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not an unusual phenomenon.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes sir, but it wasn't the sparks that set him gathering, it was the way the man was dressed. We got a good look at him when he threw rein at the old well and come astriding up the fork. Oh sir, look at him. He's got boats above his knees and a back tank clear down to the ground and a big app with a pepper in it. And he's carrying a lantern.

[Indeed Representative]

No, he's coming this way.

[Dr. Watson]

No, he stopped at the top step of the porch. He's hammering something to one of the posts, helping about him. Now he's raising his lantern to look at his handiwork. The light shines in his eyes. Good Lord, he's wearing a mask. Never mind a mask, look at the legend. It's a human skull. No, Eumeopus. It's Jack O Lantern himself come back to onto. And with that Mr. O, he strolled back to his horse and rolled off into the Nile to win. Thunder is Jack o'lantern My dear Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Jack o'lantern was a notorious highwayman who held up mail coaches and the like on Hampstead of the late 17th century. A human skull with a bit of tallow candle inside was his trademark.

[Dr. Watson]

That's right Mr. Holmes. They finally caught him red handed, they did, and hung him high on a Tibet on Flagstaff Hill. There. Hung him there and left him till his bones rotted. How jolly. Yes sir. And now they say you can still hear his hoofs come pounding along the high road whenever there's a death.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ever seen or heard this apparition before?

[Dr. Watson]

Seen him? No sir, this was the first Time ever.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. Watson]

Heard him? Well maybe sometimes I have. When the wind howls across the heath, there's plenty of things to be heard on the heath at night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Any idea why he came in here and hammered on the pillar of your porch?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh yes sir. He was nailing up a message to this paper. If you step over into the light of this window you can read what it says.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Interesting. The paper is an ancient bit of parchment. Right enough. Script and language also in character.

[Dr. Watson]

Never mind the deduction Holme. And what does it say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let no coach cross the heath this fortnight lest its passenger forfeit his heart's desire. There's no signature?

[Dr. Watson]

No sir. But this ear was fixed with the same nail like it was a sort of hauling card. Deck of diamonds. Deck of lantern. Lift the deck of diamonds as identification. Mayhem.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That could be a significant. Watson. What's this coat of arms on the back of the card?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, that's Ali Leveridge's coat of arms. He was knighted here before. Last year he bought the Marbury mansion. That's up the Spaniards Road. Past the inn they called Fairy. The marvelists have all died off so we took over their coat of arms as well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the design is interesting, not to say instructive. I should enjoy examining the rest of the pattern.

[Dr. Watson]

You'd have to go to Marbury manson for that Mr. Holmes. They do say he's got that coat of arms all over the place. On the silver and the linen and even on the butter patty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. You think Sir Harry would be at home tonight if Dr. Watson and I were to pay him a call?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh no sir. He'll not be getting back from Ascot till late tonight. Always drives to the races in that old coach and four he's bought off the Kenwood estate. But by Jove, of course. Sir Harry Bly. I was wondering why that name sounded familiar. Oh Mr. Harry Leverage is the owner of the horse I bet on. That's right sir. Won the Gold Cup. Fanny did it. This is the first winner he's had. And to think it to be Mr. Debit's prize racehorse that he loved almost as much as he loves Sir Harry's horses. It broke his heart when he lost it. He was drunk for three days after his happiness.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You say he lost the horse? That's exactly what you mean.

[Dr. Watson]

At cards he lost it. The Rari do like his game of physique. And any young man that comes a court in the Lady Alice has to play cards with her father. It's an expensive pastime caught in Lady Ellie.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I Take it Sir Harry's luck is generally good.

[Dr. Watson]

Good, Mr. Holmes? It couldn't be better if he'd sold his soul to the devil. I take it Younger, what is his name? Johnny Davison. He owns David Owens. It's down the other way, North End Road, a mile past the Bullen bush. Digit Earn Debit's duck wasn't so good. Oh no sir. He lost everything he could lay hands on to Sir Harry. Luckily the estate is entailed or he'd have lost David house as will. None of us thought he'd ever wait a penny though I guess he must have been gone on. Lady Ellie's all right.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Did she return the compliment?

[Dr. Watson]

I say she did, but she's pretty much under her father's thumb and now that Johnny David's been forbidden the house, her father's gone and announced her engagement to a French pie count. Forbidden the house misses the last time Johnny Debitt was at Marbury Mansion playing physique with the Rally, it ended in a frightful row. So rally had Mr. Debit shown to the door and then he locked up his cards in the desk in the gun room and hadn't faced him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How many coaches crossed the heat in a fortnight?

[Dr. Watson]

Five years. There ain't any in use in these parts anymore. But Sir Harry's, Mr. Holmes. And that only when he drives off to some big shooting. Well then the message was obviously meant for him, eh, Holmes? Hello.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here comes a large lumbering conveyance up east.

[Dr. Watson]

That will be Sir Harry's coat and port. Oh dear. How will I ever break it to him that a ghost has left him a letter?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suppose you let me tell him the bad News.

[Dr. Watson]

With pleasure, Mr. Holmes, sir. If you'll excuse me, I'd best go and get out. Missing for mugs, sir. Rally always stops for his mug of ale and he won't bring her to nothing but kiss. Just because they had his convenience he'd come trooping along the road home. I must say there's something dashed elegant about a coach and whore. Even the old coaching whore.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I was just considering the road he must take to reach his so called mansion. Jack Straw's Castle, as this tavern is called, is rather strategically situated, Watson. But at this point the main road divides. The left hand branch, called Spaniard's Road, which is the one he must take, crosses the most desolate part of the heath. It's also over rising ground, which means the progress of the coach will be slowed down.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, obviously.

[Sherlock Holmes]

North End Road on the other hand, which is the other Branch goes to the right over gradually falling ground. Pity can't take that one.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, but it would be considerably out of his way. There's no connecting road. You can drive a coach over.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Put the situation in a nutshell, Watson. Here comes Sir Harry.

[Dr. Watson]

Welcome Sir Harry, welcome. Will you step inside and refresh yourself and wash all this gunpowdered dust. Come along Ellis, with you. But I cannot think it. Better learn.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello. Here comes another customer. A horseman riding up the North End road. He's hell on leather as they say in the statement. Don't suppose the notorious Jack o lantern. Calm yourself, Watson. His costume is quite up to date.

[Dr. Watson]

Father, wait a minute please. Someone's riding up the road. I. I think it. If it's that young scoundrel Debit, I forbid you to speak to him. We will take her in the house. Give me l. Sir Harry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

They said you were expected.

[Dr. Watson]

Here I am, David. What do you want?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My horse.

[Dr. Watson]

I want to buy Fanny back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I got the money warned everything. I had to bet on her and I won. I dropped 100 pounds right here. You said I could have her back.

[Dr. Watson]

If I paid the money I lost. My dear boy, that was before she won the cup.

[Sherlock Holmes]

£100.

[Dr. Watson]

She's worth 20 times that to me now. No, no, you'll never be able to buy her back, I'm afraid. But if you like I'll let you stay. See the cup she won for me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You go to the devil.

[Dr. Watson]

No love lost between them, eh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quiet. Sir Harry's coming over here now.

[Dr. Watson]

There you there with a tall spindled leg tending by the window. I understand some fantastic character is supposed to have nailed a message for me to the door post.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Right. Here it is, Sir Harry. Let's have a look. The parchment is the proper vintage, so is the script.

[Dr. Watson]

And the fellow was dressed like a certain famous highwayman. Completes the mask and the skull lantern. Gentlemen, it takes more than a Halloween masquerade to frighten Harry Blevard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All the same, I wouldn't advise you to cross the heath tonight. Save your advice, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

I've never paid any heed to anonymous messages.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This message was not unsigned, Sir Harry. The horseman left a card to identify himself.

[Dr. Watson]

Left his card, eh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I said a card, not his card. It was the knave of diamond, commonly called the Jack Jack.

[Dr. Watson]

Jack of Diamonds did you say?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Does that mean anything to you, Sir Harry?

[Dr. Watson]

No, of course not.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, why couldn't. Ridiculous what to think? Where is my drink?

[Dr. Watson]

He asked me if those Sir Harry needs a thing. Why do you suppose he got so upset when you mentioned the jack and diamonds.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not sure, Watson, but I have a rather definite suspicion. Yes, I saw two bicycles just outside the kitchen entrance. Wonder if our inkeeper could persuade the SC to let us borrow them.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, why bicycles this time of night?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think a ride on the heat is indicated, Watson. Yes, if we're lucky, we may just possibly be witness to an old fashioned holdup. When you insist on Clipper Craft clothes, you're protected all along the way. You're buying truly fine clothes for considerably less money than you ever believed possible. A miracle. No, it's just American manufacturing ingenuity combined with good old fashioned common sense. Clippercraft's remarkable values are the result of the unique ClipperCraft plan. The plan that concentrates the buying power of 1036 of the nation's finest stores from coast to coast and makes values like these available in your own favorite local store. The store you can trust. Here they are superbly tailored Clipper Craft suits for only $40 and $45. Top coats and fine covert and worsted Gabardine for only $45. Sport jackets for only $26.50. And Smart Tropicals for only $33.75 to $40. Yes, selling expensive clothes at inexpensive low prices at the nation's finest stores is the great big idea behind the Clipper Craft plan. That's why men who know insist on clippercraft clothes. So be sure to visit the Clipper Craft store in your city. These leading stores in the metropolitan area are proud to add their names to Clipper Craft. In your suits, popcoats, sport jackets and tropicals. In Manhattan, John Wanamaker Men's stores Broadway at 8 and 60 Liberty street sack, 34th Broadway at 34th. In Brooklyn, Abraham and Strauss in New York, New Jersey Boulevard Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark. And in Jamaica, the B and B Clothes Shop, 16408 Jamaica Avenue. And now back to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who are bicycling along a moonlit road, knowing his note.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, why is it cycling? All that seems to be up two hills really when you go down.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Save your breath, Watson. When we reach the top of the next prize.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I don't know how you manage, Holmes. Confound it. I always have to get off and walk the silly thing off.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The last few arms, too much effort to fire and little leg muscle. Watson. Yes, this is the best spot for the show, I imagine. Road falls away on both sides. Yeah. No, no, no, not in the bushes. What's behind? We May want to use them again in a hurry.

[Dr. Watson]

Someone's riding down the road to meet us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But what's down behind his hedge?

[Dr. Watson]

He's coming like a bat out of hell.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He has to wat he expects to keep his round him. Yes, now it's reined in his horse. He's waiting in the shadow of that large tree. He's putting on his clothes.

[Dr. Watson]

A large green hat. You have eyes like a cat. I cast a dear thing in this shadow.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Or a reasonable facsimile thereof. Yes. Look down the road in the other direction they come. The rest of the grammatous personnel being bought for the scene of our little drama. And Sir Harry's cook.

[Dr. Watson]

Let them relent. Aren't you going to stop him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop him from what? Stop. If you look closely you'll notice he has two ancient but none but as effective pistols in his belt. I have no desire to stop a 17th century leaden bullet.

[Dr. Watson]

Here comes a coach up the hill.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Slowing down. Yes, my guess was correct. This spot should prove better than a stage box.

[Dr. Watson]

Man with a lantern stimming out of the shadow. He's riding to meet the coach. Halt or I fire. He cleared the lead horse by the title.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ho. I say. Ah, that's better. Now then Sir Harry, you'll step down.

[Dr. Watson]

Out of that coach and bring the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gold trophy with you. No, no, leave the lady behind. Look out. This is robbery. It's not so amusing when one is the victim, eh Sir Harry?

[Dr. Watson]

But this is a brilliant. Shut up you idiot.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't stand between me and this cup. You value your health.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no sir, I did not realize.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was hiding behind me.

[Dr. Watson]

That we eat. My store I have taken breaking the challenge.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now then Sir Harry, the here it.

[Dr. Watson]

Is in this box.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You'll open the lid so I can see inside.

[Dr. Watson]

Very well.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There, wait. Wait till I turn my lantern round. Yes, that's certified enough.

[Dr. Watson]

Jack. It's Jack.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Confound it. Give me the cup.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, Sir Harry's finished. He'd better go to his assistant.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nonsense Watson. The old boy's not hurt, just frightened. He fell flat on the ground where the pistol went off by mistake. Yes, I think our young highwayman was feeling rather mon d'oeuvre. He let on.

[Dr. Watson]

Now he's gone back up the road towards the Spaniards inn.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the other way would have been quicker of course, but at least he had the good sense to keep up the pass.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. What are you blithering about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No time for explanations Watson. He called Sir Harry back into the carriage. Now they're driving off up the road. Hurry Watson, get out the bicycles. We must recover the gold trophy cup before it's too late.

[Dr. Watson]

Confounded Holmes, you deliberately let the man get away. But the rate he was riding will.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Never catch up with him. On the contrary Watson, by peddling like mad back in the direction we came from we may just possibly head him off.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, another rut for whom? This North End road is as uneven as the other here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Up Watson, we've reached our destination. Here's the gate, Mr. Nevita. Stake? Yes, I think we'll go the rest of the way on.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh very well. As a matter of fact walking would be a pleasant change.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Debit's passes dark, natural.

[Dr. Watson]

Young David returned home hours ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, but did he stay home?

[Dr. Watson]

You don't by any chance suspect that young Mr. David is Jack O lantern? Well for one thing you saw him ride away from Dexthorse Castle down this road. And where did the highwayman appear from? From beyond The Spaniards in on the other road and he was coming towards us. The two roads are almost at right angles to each other and there's no connecting road between them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A clever horseman can make his way along a footpath. Watson, there's a little known footpath across the heath which runs between the Pullen Bush Inn and the Spaniard's Cavern. There's the house of darkness. Good evening, Mr. De. Isn't it rather late in the evening to be indulging your interest in ornithology? Who in blazes are you? Why are you trespassing on my property? Allow me to present myself. I am Sherlock Holmes. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Oxford. What's that got to do with me? We've come to relieve you of tonight's duty. I don't know what you're talking about. My dear Mr. Debbbage, your own disguise was very neat. Don't you think it was rather stupid of you not to disguise your horse? Even the Lady Alice recognized him when your lantern shone on his white falcon. I rather think you realize that Jake was up when she called you by name. The rest of your intimates may call you John or Johnny. Lady Alice, you'll always be Jack. Right. So she let the cat out of the bag. Well I'm not going to give him back his stupid cunning. It's mine. By rights. He didn't win my horse, Fanny. Honestly Mr. Holmes, I realized it later. He plays physique with marked cards, eh? Hence the jack of diamonds. That's right. Just the same I think it would be wise to let Me return the cup? Never. I'll never give it back to him. Not if he agrees to give you something you want in return. Say your horse or his daughter. You don't know him, he'll never do that. You might be surprised at my persuasive power. David. Yes, I suggest Dr. Watson and I pay a call on the gentleman after breakfast tomorrow and take along that birdcage.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh Mr. Holmes, the butler just told me who come to see father about the missing gold cup.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes Lady Alice, I think you can promise to recover it for you.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh but please you mustn't. You mustn't ever know who's talking. Mr. Holmes, I. I just can't bear it if anything happens to Mr. Jack.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I mean Jack o lantern of course. Or should we say Jack o diamonds? I have here a solitaire in Feast of Potter.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, Mr. Holmes. Oh but I want them so much I can't accept. Oh, fiddle paddle. Just put it on and leave the rest to Sherlock's home. What's going on here?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tell me.

[Dr. Watson]

Your Sherlock Hole.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite. Dr. Watson and I have come this morning to interest you in a bird. A lovely golden bird. It's here in this cage.

[Dr. Watson]

Bird?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, always hated birds, they squawk. Not this one. Its name is Jack. Jack A diamond. Shall we say Hello. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Dr. Watson]

Can I take a look at the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Animal in the gun robber?

[Dr. Watson]

Very well, very well. It's this way in here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

After you Sir Harry.

[Dr. Watson]

Thanks mister.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now that we're alone Watson, I think you may uncover the bird cage. Right.

[Dr. Watson]

Here we are. Call a little golden canary, eh Sir Harry?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's the cup. Yes, the cup.

[Dr. Watson]

Where did you find it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Watson and I are returning it to you with the confidence of Mr. John Devit.

[Dr. Watson]

Thinks he can soften me up, does he? But he can take it game.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have here another little token of Mr. Debit. The name of diamond with your coat of arms on the back, a marked card. Notice the fur beat here on this tree boil. He did it.

[Dr. Watson]

He took it away with him the last time he was here. He had plenty of time and opportunity to do anything he pleases to that card.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly, but he couldn't have marked the other knave on the two queens of spades which unless I'm very much mistaken are in the locked upper door of that desk. Will you unlock it Sir Harry, or shall I have Dr. Watson break it over?

[Dr. Watson]

You win, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I do like to play cards.

[Dr. Watson]

And I do like to win.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a habit I suggest you give up from now on. And as regards the force, Panic.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, you're.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're right, Mr. Holmes. After all, I didn't tell the lad.

[Dr. Watson]

He could buy her back.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm not suggesting you sell panic and Mr. Derek, Sir Harry. I'm assuming you're wanting Tibetworth as a wedding.

[Dr. Watson]

It's blackmail. I won't do it. Go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But you will, Sir Harry. Society may condone your sharp practices in the business world. It would never forgive you for cheating at heart. You win this at home and you will of course give up.

[Dr. Watson]

If you insist, have one last game.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You might enjoy having you as a opponent.

[Dr. Watson]

You only think so, Sir Harry. No one ever wins. You're off. Oh, I must say this is most undignified. Home. Put us on one horse.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I thought we ought to escort Fanny safely back to Ms. Debit. I should have thought after all the peddling you did yesterday, riding pillion would be a relief.

[Dr. Watson]

There's one thing about this whole affair I still don't understand, Holmes. It's the business about the knave of diamonds.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The combination of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds rates rather high in the game of physique. Sir Harry won Fanny from her owner by a double physique which is both spade queens and diamond males. Rather rare and counts 500 points. Hello.

[Dr. Watson]

What's wrong with the animal?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Fanny's just realized she's headed for home. Hold on, Watson. He wants to go. Well, that was certainly an active adventure for you and Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

It was indeed, Mr. Harris. I was settled squaw for a week afterwards. I never knew whether to blame Fanny or the confounded practices.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And now how about giving us a hint about next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Next. So, yes, next. Suppose I tell you how I developed a violent dislike with Paris and I had a personal encounter with art enemy Professor Moriarty. I said to myself, I. I came up rather well. I call it the adventure of the sinister greatest.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The makers of Flipper craft clothes and 1036 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. Our stories are based upon the character Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is played By John Stamp, Dr. Watson By Alfred Shirley, and the dramatizations are by Edith Miser. Sherlock Holmes is produced and directed by Basil Lockford with special music by Albert Furber. If you don't know your Clipper Craft dealer, Write Clipper Craft, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Be sure to Listen next Sunday to Sherlock Holmes in the adventure of the sinister crate of Cabinet. This is Harris speaking for Craft Code. Listen to Mutual Broadcasting system. In just 25 seconds, you'll hear Belvin Elliott's news report.

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[Adam Graham]

Coming up this week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sweet potato bread. Yes, and that's what's going to feed our people during this war. We're going to plant sweet potatoes on the cotton field and use sweet potato and bread instead of grain. And I'm working on other uses too. I'll find the market for our crops.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast. Welcome back. Well, this was an episode it probably didn't take Sherlock Holmes to solve. I think there were a lot of clues as to who did it with what we had learned about the man who was targeted by Jack O'Lantern, such as his proclivity for cards and his reaction to the Jack of Diamonds itself. However, what this episode does portray is that instead several cases, Sherlock Holmes approached the case with his own particular sense of justice and rather than involving the official police, kind of enforced his own solution. And I think this is definitely something believable that Holmes would do in this particular case. So other than the mystery being a little simple, I thought this was pretty well done. I hope that you enjoy it. And that is actually the last of the John Stanley episodes not in circulation. The only episode missing from the 1945-48 run is a Tom Conway episode, which I think was from the New Year's week era. So who knows, maybe that will emerge. But it's always fun to have a visit with Sherlock Holmes. Holmes. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback. Angie writes, I'm enjoying the great shows. Do you have access to Mike Barnett with Two T's starring Ralph Bellamy. One of those I remember my best. Angie, Angie, I know what you're talking about, and I believe you're talking about Man Against Queen prime, also known as Follow that Man, which starred Ralph Bellamy as Mike Barnett. And that was a TV show, most of which is in the public domain. And I really do enjoy the TV series. It's one of those great, well, not great, but really fun early 1950s detective TV shows which really feel like natural successors to the old time radio programs. But there wasn't a old time radio program with Mike Bellamy playing a detective as far as I can tell, because in addition to playing Mike Barnett on television, Ralph Bellamy also played Ellery Queen in several movies, movies on the silver screen. So I think he would have been a really good radio detective. And I don't know why it didn't happen, but I would definitely love that if that had occurred somehow. But I'm not aware of any episodes. All of the stuff that he was in, when I checked through the Radio Gold index, which indexes, you know, various radio stars, just shows a, you know, wide variety of different dramatic and comedic programs. As for the TV shows, we do try to have them tie in for public domain video theater in some way to what we're doing with the radio programs. And if we can't find something that ties in, we've been going to Sherlock Holmes as a default fault, you know, until we get through that series. And we're only, I think, three or four episodes into that. But I'll keep, I'll keep that in mind. Man Against Crime. Follow that man, which is the syndicated saddle, whichever one you want to call it. It was a really good show and thanks so much for mentioning it, Angie. Lou sends along just a great Keep it up note and Gary sends a note. I enjoy the podcast. Well, thank you so much for your encouragement and your support of the program. And I do want to let listeners know. You can send along a donation to support.greatdetives.net and other options that are listed there. And if you do send in a donation of $25 or more, I'll happily send you one of the Colonial Radio Theater audio dramas. There are some great ones in the mystery genre in including several sets of Father Brown, several Perry Mason adaptations, as well as some great adventure stories including King Solomon's Mines and Zorro. A full list of available thank you. Gifts are at support.greatdetives.net I want to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. I want to thank Neil. Neil's been one of our patreon supporters since September 2016, currently supporting us at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Neil. Well, that will wrap up today's episode. Join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And next Wednesday and Thursday, be sure and listen for the premiere of the Man Called X and Raffles. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com RadioDetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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