August 9, 2025 • 28 mins
This detective series brings the adventures of the famous sleuth to life, solving complex cases with keen observation and deductive reasoning. The stories are rich in intrigue and suspense.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Carry it, hey capital, my dear Watson, let us return
to our humble a bone two to one be Baker Street, Kevin.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
From London. We present Shoscombe Old Place by Sir Arthur
Kenan Doyle, adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick, with Carton
Hobbs as Shellock Holmes and Norman Shelley as doctor Watson.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
You know something of racing, don't you, Watson?
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Hi?
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Or do I pay for over about half the wool pitrool?
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Then I'll make you my handy guide to the third.
Does the name Sir Robert Norburton recall anything actiously? He
lives a shostom Old Place. My summer quarters were down
there one then, But you know Norberton Nelly came within
your province once.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Oh how is that?
Speaker 4 (00:59):
It was Whinny Horseman, Sam Brow Curtain Street money lender
on New Morgan.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
He he killed him. He sounds interesting because he often
indulged in that way.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
He has the name of being a dangerous man, one
of those fellows who overshot that true generation. He should
have been a Regency buck, a great eye for the ladies,
boxer athlete and about the most dead evil rider.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
In the country. Came second in the Grand National a
few years back.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
They say that what he's lost on the turf has
got himself far down Queer Street.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Did you may never find his way back again?
Speaker 4 (01:31):
Capital Watson an admirable thumb nail sketch. Now can you
give me some idea of susk place? Well, only this
is in the middle of Shoskhmbe Park in Berkshire. The
Fostan started in training quarters of that, and.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
The head trainer is John Mason the England's surprise, My
dear Watson, he was due, yes, some minutes ago. But
do let us have some more about suscan I seem
to have struck a rich maid. Well of the Shastan
stammals you hear of him whatever he does.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
They're the special pride of the lady of foscom Old
place for Robert Norburton's wife. Oh no, no, he's never married.
Just as well as think considering his prospect. He lives
with his widow's sister, Lady bertru Spoulder. Matter of fact,
the place belonged to her late husband Norburton has no.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Claim on it at all. When she dies, it reverts
to her husband's brother, so she only has a life
interest in. That's right.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
She draws the rents and Norburton spends them.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Still i've heard she's a verted to him.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
But what's the miss austen Home. Ah, that's just what
I want to do. And here I expect is the
man who can tell us that's amazing. This is my venom, colleague,
doctor Watson. Already do sir? What do you know? You
had my note with Ron, Yes, but it explains nothing.
(02:53):
It's too delicate thing to put the details on paper,
too complicated. Well, here we are at your disposals. Well,
first of all, mister Romes, I think my employer, Sir
Robert norburn And has gone mad. This is Baker Street,
mister Bison, not Harley Street. But why do you say that? Well, sir,
(03:14):
when a man does one odd thing or two odd things,
there may be a meaning to it. But when everything
he does is odd and he begins to wonder, I reckon.
The Showscombe Prince and the Derby have turned his brain
between him. Showscomb Prince is a coach. The Robin is entered.
It's the best in England. An if you'll know, if
anyone does know, I be playing with you gentlemen now,
because I know this won't go beyond the room, Sir.
(03:37):
Robert has got to win this derby. He's up to
his neck. This is his last chance. Everything he can
raise or borrow is on that horse, and a fine
odds too. That's but how's that, mister Mason of the horse?
As good as that? Well, the public don't know how
good he is, doctor Watson. So Robert's too clever for
the text. He is the Prince's art right for spins,
he can't tell him apart, but there are two lengths
(03:59):
in the prolong between. Then when it comes to a gallop, know, Sir,
his whole life is on the Prince. If he fails him,
he's done. It seems not a desperate gamble. But where
does the madness coming? Well, first of all, he's only
got to look at him. He's always a while, He's
turned the stables at all hours. And there's the way
he behaves to Lady Beatrice. But they've always been the
(04:22):
best of friends. She loves the horses as much as
he does. Well, he shows come Prince. When he heard
her coming, he tron out of the carriage for his
number sugar every time her. But that's all over now.
But she seems to have lost all interest for a
week now, she's just driven past the stables. Well so
much as a good morning? Do you think there's been
a quarrel? A bitter quarrel, if you ask me, sir,
(04:44):
what else would he give away her pet spaniel? She
loved it as if it were a child. But he
gave it away a few days ago to old bards.
What keeps the green dragon down at Crendle? Of course,
with her weak heart and drops he she couldn't get
a bat with the Robert, but he used to spend
a couple of hours with her in her room every evening.
That's all over to He never goes near her. She
(05:09):
takes it to Archer. It's all changed, mister Holmes. Everything's changed,
and something going on, mark my words. There's something more
then that. There is her. Night after night the Master
sneaks home down to the crypt of the old church.
Oh it's an old, ruined chapel in the park, all right,
d damn place. It is too bad enough by day.
(05:32):
There's not many in our parts. But think of going
there by night haunted, no doubt all you might he smile,
mister Holmes, Which has had a bad name amongst us
for generations. Any Wait, there he goes every night. Wait
or fine, you interest me more, monster Mason. But how
do you know? Well it was my head. Lad Stevens
(05:52):
knows him sneaking out first of all, and told me
it's none of our business. Perhaps you'll say, but we
went after him. We waited behind him, Bush saw them
go inside the crypt. Does this jumping work all right? Fred?
Could be a bad job worth of these spots.
Speaker 6 (06:14):
There's no respector of persons when he gets started.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
Still, I mean see this out. Oh, you can't see
much from here. I think we can go inside and
take a.
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Look on your life. Here is for sure much we
can do, then, said, follow him home again.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
We'll never know. You might be carrying something to give
us some idea, and watch help. He's coming out now.
They will keep down in you'll come past this. But
you'll like, well, his ends were empty, So where does
(06:51):
that get it? We don't know. We could We could
take a look inside now he's gone inside. Oh I
don't know, Oh, John, I one' mind. Come on, the
master can go in there, I reckon. We can.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
Might not rest easy till we get to the bottom
of this wait out here for me if you.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Like, I'll come. Well, she's no want here, don't want nothing.
We can we get him picked he what's that over there? Huh?
Speaker 6 (07:28):
When here?
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Well, that's funny. It's boone boone, and its cause he
just too. You've been down here before, Fred, once or twice,
and in daylight. No, And I was here some time
back when Master sent Tiggins to see those shipsies one
camping out in the place, and these weren't here? Then
are you sure? Starting John? Might be itsy? You don't reckon?
(07:56):
No o. They're old bones. These will be un years
old where they come from. Oh should anyone drag them
out and leave them lying around? This beats me, Fred,
It beats me, and beat both of us. Who did
mister Rooms? You left the bones then, hi, lying in
a corner with a bit of old board over them
(08:17):
and armisted rooms. Take a look at this, huh? A
piece of the bones? No, sir, not them. This was
a day or two later. There's a peaching furnace under
Lady Birch's room. It had been off for some time,
but Sir Roberts started complaining about the coal, so we
started up again. And the other morning and one of
the boys was raking out the cinders he found this bone.
(08:40):
You can see it's been burnt. What do you make
of this, Patson? Hm, well, it's.
Speaker 4 (08:45):
Human, all right, you have a condyle of a human
female exactly. And mister Mason put anyone who wanted to
visit the fence.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Hi, sir, there's a door from outside, and there's another
tword step from a passage where Lady Birch's room is.
It was the Roberts at home the night before the
boy found this bone. Er No, sorry, won't he gone
off to London?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Then?
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Whoever was burning burns? If it's not he, that's trouser. Well,
these are steep waters, indeed deep and rather dirty. Have
you think, Martster tell me no, sir, I think, sir,
that's about all Robert a few questions. Then, when did
Sir Robert give away his sister's gone just a week ago?
(09:25):
To date her? It was hardy outside the old wellous
and so Robert was in one of his tantrums that
day he caught it up. I thought he'd have killed it,
but he gave it to one of the jockeys and
said to take it to all bars of the green Dragons.
He said he never wanted to see it again. Thank you. Now,
who keeps lady Diatris fold her company most of the time?
Lets her maid Carrie. She's been with her about five years,
(09:48):
and he's new. That diverted to our mistress. Well, she's
devoted enough, but I'd rather not say who too. Well,
I can't tell table that thoughts her and Cledoni the
stay from doctor Watson's description of Sir rober Dyckon realize
that no woman is safe from him. Don't you think
the quarrel between brother and sister may lie there? Oh,
(10:09):
this has been pretty clear for a long time. Yeah,
but she may not have seen it before. However, this guest,
the accounts to Charred Bones and these mysterious visits to
the crypt is a good fishing in that thought of
Berkshire fishing. Fishing, mister Mason, will they retract on the
mill stream and fike in you all lake? That's good
on them. Watson and I are famous fisherman, are we not, Watson?
Speaker 4 (10:32):
Well, precisely, in fact, you may address us in future.
At the Green Dragon. I think you said it was
called amazing. We should reach it tonight. And he'd hardly
say that we'd better not be seen with you down there,
but a note will reach us if you want us. Yes,
(10:54):
thank you, mister Barnes. My friend and I are very comfortable,
indeed very comfortable. Hey, what do you think about the
whole lake and the chance of a fight.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
It's all? Oh no, all that one talter that or
you might chance to find yourselves in the lake before
you were done. Well, it's sir Robert Norburton, Sir, he's
terrible jealousy out big pardon sir, But a few two
strangers were near his training quarters. Is that he'd be
(11:25):
after you? Sure is right? He ain't taken no chances,
Sir Robert. Bit I think I did hear that he
has a horse entered for the dob Ah, And how
good cult it isn't all he's carrying all our money,
and Sir Roberts too. By the way, gentlemen begging your pardon?
That is I suppose you ain't on the turf yourselves.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Oh no, indeed, that's two weary Londoners who said it
needs some good box.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Well you're in the right place for that. It's a
good David at nine about But mind what I said
about put strokes first and speaks after. Well, thank you, gentlemen. Oh,
mister Barnes, I wanted to ask you what breed is
that beautiful spaniel I saw in the passage just now?
(12:14):
I say that's the real shock, gum breed. That there
ain't out better in England than that. Really, I'm quite
a dog fancy on myself. If it's a fair question,
what price would a dog like that castle? Oh? More
than I could pay her? It was, Sir Robert himself
will give me this what No, that's why you saw
he was toyed up. He need be off backed doll
(12:35):
in a jiffy before give him his head. Well, now
where you'll excuse me, gentlemen, Well.
Speaker 6 (12:43):
Watson may get you some cards in my hands and
we may see our way in a day or two.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
We're moblingly there from London soon possibly. I think we
might do well to enter the sacred domain tomorrow night.
Infect it'll reduce the risk of bodily assault with hinstill
away and.
Speaker 7 (12:57):
That I want two points, I should I reassure, have
you any see her homes only this Something happened a
week or two ago which has cut deep into the
life of the Shoscombe houself, Oh what was it?
Speaker 1 (13:09):
We can only get at it from its effect, and
they seem to be of a curiously mixed character. But
that should surely help us. It's only the colorless, uneventful case,
which is hopeless true enough as well, let us consider
our data. The brother no longer visits the belaved invalid's sister.
He gives away her favorite dog, her dog Watson. Does
(13:31):
that suggest nothing to you? Nothing with the brother's spite?
Speaker 6 (13:37):
Well it might be so, or well there is an alternative.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
But to continue our review of the situation from the
time of the quarrel began, the lady keeps her room, walters,
her habits, is not seen save when she drives out
with her maid, and refuses to stop at the stables,
even to greet her favorite horse.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
That covers the case.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Does it not saver the business in the crypt?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Ah?
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Yes, yes, the crypt. But let us suppose it is
nearly a scandalous supposition, a hypothesis put forward for argument's sake.
But let us suppose that Sir Robert Norburton has done
away with his sister. My dear home is down of
the question that it possibly wasn't that it. Possibly he's
a man of honorable stock, but you do occasionally find
(14:21):
a carrion crow among the eagles. Let us argue upon
this supposition for a moment. Old he's utterly in debt
and may at any moment be sold up in his
racing stable, seized by his creditors. That he's a daring
and desperate man. He derives his income from his sister.
His sister's maid is his willing tool. So far we
seemed to be out fairly safe ground, do we not grandon?
(14:43):
But he could not fly the country until he had
realized his fortune, and that fortune could only be realized
by bringing off his wind's shostkun Prince. Therefore, if he
had disposed of his sister, he would still have to
stand his ground. He would have to get rid of
her body in some way, with the maid as his confident.
Don't that would not be impossible. The body might be
conveyed to the crypt, which is so seldom visited, and
(15:06):
it might later be secretly destroyed at night in the furnace,
leaving behind it such evidence as we have seen.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Let's say you to that mll. It's all possible if
you've got the original supposition. But that's monstrouls. I think
there's a small experiment which we might try tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It may throw some lighte on the letter. In the meantime,
if we intend to keep up our characters, I suggest
be called for a glass of wine and pulled some
high contrasts upon eels and bays. And that's what the.
Speaker 8 (15:41):
Morning, gentlemen. Why mister Barnes, you're a fish and longer
for this? Well, as a matter of fact, mister Barnes,
my friend here for rather foolish.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
We forgot to pack our spoon bait for Jack and
as we gathered there's none of the had hereabouts. We'll
just have to forget about.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
It was only an excuse to get away from London
Rail who we shot miss it?
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Well, perhaps you'll think of taking a walk instead, some
very nice walking in these parts there is, as a
matter of fact, that's just fucked there off to do now.
I was wondering to my friend, but you mightn't be
persuaded to let us take that dog of yours along
with us. Well, I don't see why not at all, gentlemen.
If you could be bothered with him, I wouldn't. He'll
(16:27):
be glad of the exercise. I don't seem to get
ten minutes to call me on these days. It will
be a pleasure. I think we need the exercise as
much as the dog does.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
This is the FaceTime ages. Yeah, those are the gates,
the entrance to shost them old place. I learned that
the old lady's carriage comes from here almost precisely every
midday as she starts out for her drive, you having
from Gin there. More than that, the carriage has to
slow down while the gates are being open for her.
Now when it comes through them, before I gather speed again,
(17:08):
I want you to stop the coachman in some question.
I shall stand behind this holly bush and see what
I can see, and I think I shall also accidentally
loose my hold of this good dog's lead.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
But quickly, Watson, I can see the carriage and the byway.
Now I do know what to do for them. Oh no, Mike,
(17:43):
I say, pardon me. Let her couldn't tell me he's
the Robert Normanton at home to day. I sorr, I
ain't back from London yet. I see right there, Wait, good,
right on by a way? You come here, boy, come here,
(18:10):
you are too valuable for lose. Well, Watson, that's done.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
It cause no excitement. Well what did you see? There
just seemed to be two of them in there? They
made perhaps some of the old lady in Ye, yes, Watson,
well the dog exactly. He recognized his mistress's carriage, but
found a stranger inside it. Dogs don't make mistakes. But
(18:34):
did you notice anything else?
Speaker 1 (18:36):
I did think that voice, the one that called him
to drive on, sounded remarkably like a man, and revetted
one more card to my hand. But it needs careful
playing all the same. I think we'll arrange for another
rondeble this evening with our friend mister John Mason. And
what better place than the crypt I can't stay very long,
(19:05):
mister Wones. Robert inspect him back any minute. Oh very well,
mister Nason. But before you go, could you show us
the bones you still call hire In this corner you
were showing your lantern, notter Watson saying it's queer. They
call as I expected. I don't understand her. I don't
(19:27):
say the ashes of them might even have we found
in that Pennie who told us about why in the
world would anyone want to burn the bones? And the
man has been dead, maybe older for a year. Yeah,
that's what we're here to find out. It made me
in a long set and we need not detain you.
I don't see. We shall get our solution before morning. Then,
good sir, and I'll be off if you don't mind.
I don't want master to for me missing. Thank you,
(19:48):
mister Nation. You'll hear from it soon enough. Now, Watson,
let us have a closer look at some of these tools.
What do you hope to find? Homes? I said, what
do you hope to find? Ah?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
What?
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Every year? A coffin.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Little legs a little bit and unless I'm very much
mistaken recently tempered with, just let me get my legs
to it. Ah, Yes, as I thought, when someone has
tried and succeeded, I should say, Hm, I think I
think we shall now do the same, with the assistance
(20:27):
of my trusty Jimmy.
Speaker 5 (20:34):
Now just a poor Waton, if you please send me
heavy now this oh, this is an ancient corpse homes.
This is listen, someone's coming and.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Who's the devil? May you ben? What are you doing
on my propaly? I also had a question to ask you, sir,
Robert Nordton, who are you, I say, out with it
or by by me? Is Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes. Possibly
it is familiar to you, But in any case, my
business is that of every other good citizen to uphold
the law. It seems to me that you have much
(21:14):
to answer forsa rabbit. No it does. For instance, whose
buddy is this? And what is it doing here? Very well,
mister Holmes, everything can be explained. I'll show you. Everything's
all right. I'm pleased to hear it.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Appearances are against me, I'll admit, but I could act
no otherwise.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I should like to think.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
So, oh, come up to the house, pleace, and you
can judge for yourself how things tan. You have gone
pretty deeply into my affairs and to homes, doctor Watson.
I should not have found you where I did. So
you know in all probability that I'm running a dark
horse for the Darby. But everything depends on my success.
(21:58):
If I win, all is easier. If I lose, well,
I dare not think of that. I understand the position.
I am dependent upon my sister Lady Bertrice for everything,
because if I'm not mistaken, her interest in the estates for.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Her life only you know that to them, well, it
is so.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
For my own part, I'm deeply in the hands of
the money lenders. I've always known that if my sister
were to die, my creditors would be onto my estate
like a flock of budgers. Everything would be seized, my stables,
my horse is everything Well, mister Holmes, my sister did
die a week ago, and you tell no one, no,
(22:36):
doctor Watson, I told no one.
Speaker 9 (22:38):
How could I If one word had got out, absolutely
ruined would have descended upon me within a matter of ours.
I know these money lenders and their methods only too well.
You see, if I could only stake things off until
for Darley, all would be well.
Speaker 4 (22:51):
If your horse wins, well if it doesn't, in any case,
surely your bets on the race and your expectations.
Speaker 9 (22:57):
From it would hold good, even if your creditors did
also be part of my estate. And my chief creditor
happens to be the same rascally fellow, Sam Breuer, My
once was compelled to horsewhip on new Market Heath. Give
a vote, he would try to save me, Oh, doctor Watson.
If he got possession of a horse, it's simply to
draw him from the race. My bets will be boyed
(23:18):
and my ruin would be complete. Robert, Now, what did
your sister die? Nott sa it was plainer for years?
Has a doctor certified to editate? And surely it is
the Colonisy designed not you. I catch your meaning, mister Holmes.
But I assure you many doctor would certified at her end,
had been in no doubt for months now.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
But did it care? Just too soon for you? Well?
What did you do? Ah? Yes? Carry come in, come
in knowledge, mister Holmes.
Speaker 9 (23:52):
This is my late sister's maid, carry missus Norlif I would,
and this is her husband knowledge. These are the two
people up an earth who can substantiate what I say
very well well. As I told you, it occurred to
me that if I could only stain things off until
after the dobby, all would be well. And obviously the
(24:12):
body couldn't remain in the house, even though there was
no need for anyone going to her room but the maid.
Speaker 10 (24:17):
So on the first night, norll it and I carried
it out to the old well house. I disclaim all
responsibility as I might expect. However, responsibility is not yours
at all. It happens you concealed the body in the
well house.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Yes, then there was a complication over my sister's spannel.
It used to follow her everywhere, turned up at the
well house doors, stood there, yapping continuously, wouldn't go away.
So you got rid of it, to the landlord of
the Green Bregon, Yes, Even so, I felt that.
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Some more secure place was needed for her body and
all it, and I carried it.
Speaker 9 (24:48):
By night to the cryptic. And there was no indignity
or in reverence. Mister Holmes, I do not feel I've
robbed the dead.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Well. I can picture your thoughts. Perhaps you you would
have felt differently in my position, one.
Speaker 9 (25:02):
Cannot see all one's hopes and plans shattered to the
last moment, and make no effort to save them. It
seemed to me that it would be no unworthy resting
place if we put up for some time in one
of the coffins of her late husband's ancestors.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
They lie in what is still.
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Consecrated ground roll it and I I disclaim all right.
We opened the coffin, removed the contents, and placed my
sister inside, as you have seen her. As to the
old relics, they were burnt in the central furnace at night.
Seemed better than to leave them lying there for intruders
to disturb.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
After that, it was but a case of arranging for
someone to ride daily in your late sister's carriage, wearing
her clothes and keeping up the appearance that she was
still alive. And will your so only me see who
could that be?
Speaker 4 (25:52):
Mister knowleet, I imagine you disdain all responsibility in this
as well. I'd like to know what you think that
will knowledge. You're quite right, mister Holmes. He impersonated my
sister and rode each day beside his wife here, deceiving
everyone except an unhappy dog who wondered where his mistress
had got to.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
And you, it seems it is my disiness not to
be deceived. It was my duty to bring the pets
to light, and there I was leaving. As to the
morality or decency of your own conduct, it is not
for me to express in the opinion. Oh there you are, Watson.
(26:34):
I thought I had you grow out a few minutes ago.
But our papers will be delivered before long, aren't they? Homes?
I wanted one the born. Really, Watson, you've been uncommonly
excited all afternoon. Is now you're looking as smug as
a well filled cat.
Speaker 11 (26:53):
Pray, let me into your teacher or today's home. Today, today, Christmas,
Eastern's and spadings. I see nothing remarkable about it. It's
derby day. The derby was run this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (27:08):
Really is never all I should his say, the boy
with the particulars. The derby was won by a horse named.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Shoscombe, Prince of which will douctas heard he carried within
the blessing of my month's wound pension.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
That is all. The name is familiar. Good, My dear Watson,
you come and give it the benefit of your opinion
upon this specimen. Really, if it go not to the microscope,
I do not believe we should achieve half the results
we managed to. That was Shoscombe Old Place. A Sherlock
(27:52):
Holmes story adapted from Saratha Conan Doyle by Michael Hardwick
Wiscarton Hobbes as Holmes, Norman Shelley is Doctor Watson, Frederick
Trees as John Mason, and Godfrey Kempson as Sir Robert Norburton.
Production by Frederic Bradnam for the b d C.
Carry it, hey capital, my dear Watson, let us return
to our humble a bone two to one be Baker Street, Kevin.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
From London. We present Shoscombe Old Place by Sir Arthur
Kenan Doyle, adapted for radio by Michael Hardwick, with Carton
Hobbs as Shellock Holmes and Norman Shelley as doctor Watson.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
You know something of racing, don't you, Watson?
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Hi?
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Or do I pay for over about half the wool pitrool?
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Then I'll make you my handy guide to the third.
Does the name Sir Robert Norburton recall anything actiously? He
lives a shostom Old Place. My summer quarters were down
there one then, But you know Norberton Nelly came within
your province once.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Oh how is that?
Speaker 4 (00:59):
It was Whinny Horseman, Sam Brow Curtain Street money lender
on New Morgan.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
He he killed him. He sounds interesting because he often
indulged in that way.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
He has the name of being a dangerous man, one
of those fellows who overshot that true generation. He should
have been a Regency buck, a great eye for the ladies,
boxer athlete and about the most dead evil rider.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
In the country. Came second in the Grand National a
few years back.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
They say that what he's lost on the turf has
got himself far down Queer Street.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Did you may never find his way back again?
Speaker 4 (01:31):
Capital Watson an admirable thumb nail sketch. Now can you
give me some idea of susk place? Well, only this
is in the middle of Shoskhmbe Park in Berkshire. The
Fostan started in training quarters of that, and.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
The head trainer is John Mason the England's surprise, My
dear Watson, he was due, yes, some minutes ago. But
do let us have some more about suscan I seem
to have struck a rich maid. Well of the Shastan
stammals you hear of him whatever he does.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
They're the special pride of the lady of foscom Old
place for Robert Norburton's wife. Oh no, no, he's never married.
Just as well as think considering his prospect. He lives
with his widow's sister, Lady bertru Spoulder. Matter of fact,
the place belonged to her late husband Norburton has no.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Claim on it at all. When she dies, it reverts
to her husband's brother, so she only has a life
interest in. That's right.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
She draws the rents and Norburton spends them.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Still i've heard she's a verted to him.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
But what's the miss austen Home. Ah, that's just what
I want to do. And here I expect is the
man who can tell us that's amazing. This is my venom, colleague,
doctor Watson. Already do sir? What do you know? You
had my note with Ron, Yes, but it explains nothing.
(02:53):
It's too delicate thing to put the details on paper,
too complicated. Well, here we are at your disposals. Well,
first of all, mister Romes, I think my employer, Sir
Robert norburn And has gone mad. This is Baker Street,
mister Bison, not Harley Street. But why do you say that? Well, sir,
(03:14):
when a man does one odd thing or two odd things,
there may be a meaning to it. But when everything
he does is odd and he begins to wonder, I reckon.
The Showscombe Prince and the Derby have turned his brain
between him. Showscomb Prince is a coach. The Robin is entered.
It's the best in England. An if you'll know, if
anyone does know, I be playing with you gentlemen now,
because I know this won't go beyond the room, Sir.
(03:37):
Robert has got to win this derby. He's up to
his neck. This is his last chance. Everything he can
raise or borrow is on that horse, and a fine
odds too. That's but how's that, mister Mason of the horse?
As good as that? Well, the public don't know how
good he is, doctor Watson. So Robert's too clever for
the text. He is the Prince's art right for spins,
he can't tell him apart, but there are two lengths
(03:59):
in the prolong between. Then when it comes to a gallop, know, Sir,
his whole life is on the Prince. If he fails him,
he's done. It seems not a desperate gamble. But where
does the madness coming? Well, first of all, he's only
got to look at him. He's always a while, He's
turned the stables at all hours. And there's the way
he behaves to Lady Beatrice. But they've always been the
(04:22):
best of friends. She loves the horses as much as
he does. Well, he shows come Prince. When he heard
her coming, he tron out of the carriage for his
number sugar every time her. But that's all over now.
But she seems to have lost all interest for a
week now, she's just driven past the stables. Well so
much as a good morning? Do you think there's been
a quarrel? A bitter quarrel, if you ask me, sir,
(04:44):
what else would he give away her pet spaniel? She
loved it as if it were a child. But he
gave it away a few days ago to old bards.
What keeps the green dragon down at Crendle? Of course,
with her weak heart and drops he she couldn't get
a bat with the Robert, but he used to spend
a couple of hours with her in her room every evening.
That's all over to He never goes near her. She
(05:09):
takes it to Archer. It's all changed, mister Holmes. Everything's changed,
and something going on, mark my words. There's something more
then that. There is her. Night after night the Master
sneaks home down to the crypt of the old church.
Oh it's an old, ruined chapel in the park, all right,
d damn place. It is too bad enough by day.
(05:32):
There's not many in our parts. But think of going
there by night haunted, no doubt all you might he smile,
mister Holmes, Which has had a bad name amongst us
for generations. Any Wait, there he goes every night. Wait
or fine, you interest me more, monster Mason. But how
do you know? Well it was my head. Lad Stevens
(05:52):
knows him sneaking out first of all, and told me
it's none of our business. Perhaps you'll say, but we
went after him. We waited behind him, Bush saw them
go inside the crypt. Does this jumping work all right? Fred?
Could be a bad job worth of these spots.
Speaker 6 (06:14):
There's no respector of persons when he gets started.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
Still, I mean see this out. Oh, you can't see
much from here. I think we can go inside and
take a.
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Look on your life. Here is for sure much we
can do, then, said, follow him home again.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
We'll never know. You might be carrying something to give
us some idea, and watch help. He's coming out now.
They will keep down in you'll come past this. But
you'll like, well, his ends were empty, So where does
(06:51):
that get it? We don't know. We could We could
take a look inside now he's gone inside. Oh I
don't know, Oh, John, I one' mind. Come on, the
master can go in there, I reckon. We can.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
Might not rest easy till we get to the bottom
of this wait out here for me if you.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Like, I'll come. Well, she's no want here, don't want nothing.
We can we get him picked he what's that over there? Huh?
Speaker 6 (07:28):
When here?
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Well, that's funny. It's boone boone, and its cause he
just too. You've been down here before, Fred, once or twice,
and in daylight. No, And I was here some time
back when Master sent Tiggins to see those shipsies one
camping out in the place, and these weren't here? Then
are you sure? Starting John? Might be itsy? You don't reckon?
(07:56):
No o. They're old bones. These will be un years
old where they come from. Oh should anyone drag them
out and leave them lying around? This beats me, Fred,
It beats me, and beat both of us. Who did
mister Rooms? You left the bones then, hi, lying in
a corner with a bit of old board over them
(08:17):
and armisted rooms. Take a look at this, huh? A
piece of the bones? No, sir, not them. This was
a day or two later. There's a peaching furnace under
Lady Birch's room. It had been off for some time,
but Sir Roberts started complaining about the coal, so we
started up again. And the other morning and one of
the boys was raking out the cinders he found this bone.
(08:40):
You can see it's been burnt. What do you make
of this, Patson? Hm, well, it's.
Speaker 4 (08:45):
Human, all right, you have a condyle of a human
female exactly. And mister Mason put anyone who wanted to
visit the fence.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Hi, sir, there's a door from outside, and there's another
tword step from a passage where Lady Birch's room is.
It was the Roberts at home the night before the
boy found this bone. Er No, sorry, won't he gone
off to London?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Then?
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Whoever was burning burns? If it's not he, that's trouser. Well,
these are steep waters, indeed deep and rather dirty. Have
you think, Martster tell me no, sir, I think, sir,
that's about all Robert a few questions. Then, when did
Sir Robert give away his sister's gone just a week ago?
(09:25):
To date her? It was hardy outside the old wellous
and so Robert was in one of his tantrums that
day he caught it up. I thought he'd have killed it,
but he gave it to one of the jockeys and
said to take it to all bars of the green Dragons.
He said he never wanted to see it again. Thank you. Now,
who keeps lady Diatris fold her company most of the time?
Lets her maid Carrie. She's been with her about five years,
(09:48):
and he's new. That diverted to our mistress. Well, she's
devoted enough, but I'd rather not say who too. Well,
I can't tell table that thoughts her and Cledoni the
stay from doctor Watson's description of Sir rober Dyckon realize
that no woman is safe from him. Don't you think
the quarrel between brother and sister may lie there? Oh,
(10:09):
this has been pretty clear for a long time. Yeah,
but she may not have seen it before. However, this guest,
the accounts to Charred Bones and these mysterious visits to
the crypt is a good fishing in that thought of
Berkshire fishing. Fishing, mister Mason, will they retract on the
mill stream and fike in you all lake? That's good
on them. Watson and I are famous fisherman, are we not, Watson?
Speaker 4 (10:32):
Well, precisely, in fact, you may address us in future.
At the Green Dragon. I think you said it was
called amazing. We should reach it tonight. And he'd hardly
say that we'd better not be seen with you down there,
but a note will reach us if you want us. Yes,
(10:54):
thank you, mister Barnes. My friend and I are very comfortable,
indeed very comfortable. Hey, what do you think about the
whole lake and the chance of a fight.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
It's all? Oh no, all that one talter that or
you might chance to find yourselves in the lake before
you were done. Well, it's sir Robert Norburton, Sir, he's
terrible jealousy out big pardon sir, But a few two
strangers were near his training quarters. Is that he'd be
(11:25):
after you? Sure is right? He ain't taken no chances,
Sir Robert. Bit I think I did hear that he
has a horse entered for the dob Ah, And how
good cult it isn't all he's carrying all our money,
and Sir Roberts too. By the way, gentlemen begging your pardon?
That is I suppose you ain't on the turf yourselves.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Oh no, indeed, that's two weary Londoners who said it
needs some good box.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Well you're in the right place for that. It's a
good David at nine about But mind what I said
about put strokes first and speaks after. Well, thank you, gentlemen. Oh,
mister Barnes, I wanted to ask you what breed is
that beautiful spaniel I saw in the passage just now?
(12:14):
I say that's the real shock, gum breed. That there
ain't out better in England than that. Really, I'm quite
a dog fancy on myself. If it's a fair question,
what price would a dog like that castle? Oh? More
than I could pay her? It was, Sir Robert himself
will give me this what No, that's why you saw
he was toyed up. He need be off backed doll
(12:35):
in a jiffy before give him his head. Well, now
where you'll excuse me, gentlemen, Well.
Speaker 6 (12:43):
Watson may get you some cards in my hands and
we may see our way in a day or two.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
We're moblingly there from London soon possibly. I think we
might do well to enter the sacred domain tomorrow night.
Infect it'll reduce the risk of bodily assault with hinstill
away and.
Speaker 7 (12:57):
That I want two points, I should I reassure, have
you any see her homes only this Something happened a
week or two ago which has cut deep into the
life of the Shoscombe houself, Oh what was it?
Speaker 1 (13:09):
We can only get at it from its effect, and
they seem to be of a curiously mixed character. But
that should surely help us. It's only the colorless, uneventful case,
which is hopeless true enough as well, let us consider
our data. The brother no longer visits the belaved invalid's sister.
He gives away her favorite dog, her dog Watson. Does
(13:31):
that suggest nothing to you? Nothing with the brother's spite?
Speaker 6 (13:37):
Well it might be so, or well there is an alternative.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
But to continue our review of the situation from the
time of the quarrel began, the lady keeps her room, walters,
her habits, is not seen save when she drives out
with her maid, and refuses to stop at the stables,
even to greet her favorite horse.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
That covers the case.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Does it not saver the business in the crypt?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Ah?
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Yes, yes, the crypt. But let us suppose it is
nearly a scandalous supposition, a hypothesis put forward for argument's sake.
But let us suppose that Sir Robert Norburton has done
away with his sister. My dear home is down of
the question that it possibly wasn't that it. Possibly he's
a man of honorable stock, but you do occasionally find
(14:21):
a carrion crow among the eagles. Let us argue upon
this supposition for a moment. Old he's utterly in debt
and may at any moment be sold up in his
racing stable, seized by his creditors. That he's a daring
and desperate man. He derives his income from his sister.
His sister's maid is his willing tool. So far we
seemed to be out fairly safe ground, do we not grandon?
(14:43):
But he could not fly the country until he had
realized his fortune, and that fortune could only be realized
by bringing off his wind's shostkun Prince. Therefore, if he
had disposed of his sister, he would still have to
stand his ground. He would have to get rid of
her body in some way, with the maid as his confident.
Don't that would not be impossible. The body might be
conveyed to the crypt, which is so seldom visited, and
(15:06):
it might later be secretly destroyed at night in the furnace,
leaving behind it such evidence as we have seen.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Let's say you to that mll. It's all possible if
you've got the original supposition. But that's monstrouls. I think
there's a small experiment which we might try tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It may throw some lighte on the letter. In the meantime,
if we intend to keep up our characters, I suggest
be called for a glass of wine and pulled some
high contrasts upon eels and bays. And that's what the.
Speaker 8 (15:41):
Morning, gentlemen. Why mister Barnes, you're a fish and longer
for this? Well, as a matter of fact, mister Barnes,
my friend here for rather foolish.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
We forgot to pack our spoon bait for Jack and
as we gathered there's none of the had hereabouts. We'll
just have to forget about.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
It was only an excuse to get away from London
Rail who we shot miss it?
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Well, perhaps you'll think of taking a walk instead, some
very nice walking in these parts there is, as a
matter of fact, that's just fucked there off to do now.
I was wondering to my friend, but you mightn't be
persuaded to let us take that dog of yours along
with us. Well, I don't see why not at all, gentlemen.
If you could be bothered with him, I wouldn't. He'll
(16:27):
be glad of the exercise. I don't seem to get
ten minutes to call me on these days. It will
be a pleasure. I think we need the exercise as
much as the dog does.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
This is the FaceTime ages. Yeah, those are the gates,
the entrance to shost them old place. I learned that
the old lady's carriage comes from here almost precisely every
midday as she starts out for her drive, you having
from Gin there. More than that, the carriage has to
slow down while the gates are being open for her.
Now when it comes through them, before I gather speed again,
(17:08):
I want you to stop the coachman in some question.
I shall stand behind this holly bush and see what
I can see, and I think I shall also accidentally
loose my hold of this good dog's lead.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
But quickly, Watson, I can see the carriage and the byway.
Now I do know what to do for them. Oh no, Mike,
(17:43):
I say, pardon me. Let her couldn't tell me he's
the Robert Normanton at home to day. I sorr, I
ain't back from London yet. I see right there, Wait, good,
right on by a way? You come here, boy, come here,
(18:10):
you are too valuable for lose. Well, Watson, that's done.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
It cause no excitement. Well what did you see? There
just seemed to be two of them in there? They
made perhaps some of the old lady in Ye, yes, Watson,
well the dog exactly. He recognized his mistress's carriage, but
found a stranger inside it. Dogs don't make mistakes. But
(18:34):
did you notice anything else?
Speaker 1 (18:36):
I did think that voice, the one that called him
to drive on, sounded remarkably like a man, and revetted
one more card to my hand. But it needs careful
playing all the same. I think we'll arrange for another
rondeble this evening with our friend mister John Mason. And
what better place than the crypt I can't stay very long,
(19:05):
mister Wones. Robert inspect him back any minute. Oh very well,
mister Nason. But before you go, could you show us
the bones you still call hire In this corner you
were showing your lantern, notter Watson saying it's queer. They
call as I expected. I don't understand her. I don't
(19:27):
say the ashes of them might even have we found
in that Pennie who told us about why in the
world would anyone want to burn the bones? And the
man has been dead, maybe older for a year. Yeah,
that's what we're here to find out. It made me
in a long set and we need not detain you.
I don't see. We shall get our solution before morning. Then,
good sir, and I'll be off if you don't mind.
I don't want master to for me missing. Thank you,
(19:48):
mister Nation. You'll hear from it soon enough. Now, Watson,
let us have a closer look at some of these tools.
What do you hope to find? Homes? I said, what
do you hope to find? Ah?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
What?
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Every year? A coffin.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Little legs a little bit and unless I'm very much
mistaken recently tempered with, just let me get my legs
to it. Ah, Yes, as I thought, when someone has
tried and succeeded, I should say, Hm, I think I
think we shall now do the same, with the assistance
(20:27):
of my trusty Jimmy.
Speaker 5 (20:34):
Now just a poor Waton, if you please send me
heavy now this oh, this is an ancient corpse homes.
This is listen, someone's coming and.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Who's the devil? May you ben? What are you doing
on my propaly? I also had a question to ask you, sir,
Robert Nordton, who are you, I say, out with it
or by by me? Is Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes. Possibly
it is familiar to you, But in any case, my
business is that of every other good citizen to uphold
the law. It seems to me that you have much
(21:14):
to answer forsa rabbit. No it does. For instance, whose
buddy is this? And what is it doing here? Very well,
mister Holmes, everything can be explained. I'll show you. Everything's
all right. I'm pleased to hear it.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Appearances are against me, I'll admit, but I could act
no otherwise.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I should like to think.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
So, oh, come up to the house, pleace, and you
can judge for yourself how things tan. You have gone
pretty deeply into my affairs and to homes, doctor Watson.
I should not have found you where I did. So
you know in all probability that I'm running a dark
horse for the Darby. But everything depends on my success.
(21:58):
If I win, all is easier. If I lose, well,
I dare not think of that. I understand the position.
I am dependent upon my sister Lady Bertrice for everything,
because if I'm not mistaken, her interest in the estates for.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Her life only you know that to them, well, it
is so.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
For my own part, I'm deeply in the hands of
the money lenders. I've always known that if my sister
were to die, my creditors would be onto my estate
like a flock of budgers. Everything would be seized, my stables,
my horse is everything Well, mister Holmes, my sister did
die a week ago, and you tell no one, no,
(22:36):
doctor Watson, I told no one.
Speaker 9 (22:38):
How could I If one word had got out, absolutely
ruined would have descended upon me within a matter of ours.
I know these money lenders and their methods only too well.
You see, if I could only stake things off until
for Darley, all would be well.
Speaker 4 (22:51):
If your horse wins, well if it doesn't, in any case,
surely your bets on the race and your expectations.
Speaker 9 (22:57):
From it would hold good, even if your creditors did
also be part of my estate. And my chief creditor
happens to be the same rascally fellow, Sam Breuer, My
once was compelled to horsewhip on new Market Heath. Give
a vote, he would try to save me, Oh, doctor Watson.
If he got possession of a horse, it's simply to
draw him from the race. My bets will be boyed
(23:18):
and my ruin would be complete. Robert, Now, what did
your sister die? Nott sa it was plainer for years?
Has a doctor certified to editate? And surely it is
the Colonisy designed not you. I catch your meaning, mister Holmes.
But I assure you many doctor would certified at her end,
had been in no doubt for months now.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
But did it care? Just too soon for you? Well?
What did you do? Ah? Yes? Carry come in, come
in knowledge, mister Holmes.
Speaker 9 (23:52):
This is my late sister's maid, carry missus Norlif I would,
and this is her husband knowledge. These are the two
people up an earth who can substantiate what I say
very well well. As I told you, it occurred to
me that if I could only stain things off until
after the dobby, all would be well. And obviously the
(24:12):
body couldn't remain in the house, even though there was
no need for anyone going to her room but the maid.
Speaker 10 (24:17):
So on the first night, norll it and I carried
it out to the old well house. I disclaim all
responsibility as I might expect. However, responsibility is not yours
at all. It happens you concealed the body in the
well house.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Yes, then there was a complication over my sister's spannel.
It used to follow her everywhere, turned up at the
well house doors, stood there, yapping continuously, wouldn't go away.
So you got rid of it, to the landlord of
the Green Bregon, Yes, Even so, I felt that.
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Some more secure place was needed for her body and
all it, and I carried it.
Speaker 9 (24:48):
By night to the cryptic. And there was no indignity
or in reverence. Mister Holmes, I do not feel I've
robbed the dead.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Well. I can picture your thoughts. Perhaps you you would
have felt differently in my position, one.
Speaker 9 (25:02):
Cannot see all one's hopes and plans shattered to the
last moment, and make no effort to save them. It
seemed to me that it would be no unworthy resting
place if we put up for some time in one
of the coffins of her late husband's ancestors.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
They lie in what is still.
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Consecrated ground roll it and I I disclaim all right.
We opened the coffin, removed the contents, and placed my
sister inside, as you have seen her. As to the
old relics, they were burnt in the central furnace at night.
Seemed better than to leave them lying there for intruders
to disturb.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
After that, it was but a case of arranging for
someone to ride daily in your late sister's carriage, wearing
her clothes and keeping up the appearance that she was
still alive. And will your so only me see who
could that be?
Speaker 4 (25:52):
Mister knowleet, I imagine you disdain all responsibility in this
as well. I'd like to know what you think that
will knowledge. You're quite right, mister Holmes. He impersonated my
sister and rode each day beside his wife here, deceiving
everyone except an unhappy dog who wondered where his mistress
had got to.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
And you, it seems it is my disiness not to
be deceived. It was my duty to bring the pets
to light, and there I was leaving. As to the
morality or decency of your own conduct, it is not
for me to express in the opinion. Oh there you are, Watson.
(26:34):
I thought I had you grow out a few minutes ago.
But our papers will be delivered before long, aren't they? Homes?
I wanted one the born. Really, Watson, you've been uncommonly
excited all afternoon. Is now you're looking as smug as
a well filled cat.
Speaker 11 (26:53):
Pray, let me into your teacher or today's home. Today, today, Christmas,
Eastern's and spadings. I see nothing remarkable about it. It's
derby day. The derby was run this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (27:08):
Really is never all I should his say, the boy
with the particulars. The derby was won by a horse named.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Shoscombe, Prince of which will douctas heard he carried within
the blessing of my month's wound pension.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
That is all. The name is familiar. Good, My dear Watson,
you come and give it the benefit of your opinion
upon this specimen. Really, if it go not to the microscope,
I do not believe we should achieve half the results
we managed to. That was Shoscombe Old Place. A Sherlock
(27:52):
Holmes story adapted from Saratha Conan Doyle by Michael Hardwick
Wiscarton Hobbes as Holmes, Norman Shelley is Doctor Watson, Frederick
Trees as John Mason, and Godfrey Kempson as Sir Robert Norburton.
Production by Frederic Bradnam for the b d C.
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My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.