September 24, 2025 • 27 mins
Solve crimes with the great detective in "Sherlock Holmes Short Stories." Featuring classic tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, this podcast brings you the brilliant deductions and thrilling adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Holmes, these timeless mysteries will keep you captivated.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
It capital, My dear Wasson, let us return to humble
abod to two one d Baker ain't his cane.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
From London. We present The Missing three Quarter, a play
for radio by Michael Hardwick, based on the short story
by Sir Arthur Kernan Doyle. The Missing three Quarter.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Things had indeed been very slow with us. I had
learned to dread such periods of inactions. I knew by
experience that Charlotte Holmes's brain was so abnormally active that
it was dangerous to leave.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
It without material upon which to work.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
For years, I had gradually weaned him from that drug media,
which had threatened once to check his remarkable career.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
But he was well aware that.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
The fiend was not dead, but only sleeping. Therefore I
blessed the hour on a gloomy if every morning, some
seven or eight years ago, that a telegram arrived at
Baker Street with an enigmatic message to break that dangerous
calm which brought more peril to my friend than all
the storms of his tempestuous life. It says he's awake
(01:28):
there terrible misfortune right wing free quart A missing indispensable tomorrow, signed.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Overton, let me see thank you plan first mark and
despatch ten thirty six. I don't know a doubt. The
telegram was sorted, the hollowed by the sender renounce proper yard.
Mister Hams inspected Stanley Hopkins had died with the can't
see you, and he said, so far as he could see,
(01:56):
the case is more in your line than that. Regular
police then placed it down. Mister Everton, and tell miss
slowly and quietly, exactly what it is that has occurred,
and how you desire that I should help you. This
is way, mister Holmes. I'm the skipper of the Cambridge
fifteen and godfrist Staunton is our best man. Mollow. We
play Offsford. Yesterday we all came up and we settled
(02:18):
at Bence's private hotel. At ten o'clock. I went round
and saw that all the fellows had gone to roost.
This morning, the porter comes to me in a great
state of agitation. Sir, good heaven man, what on earth
is mister Thornton, Sir, he's golden God. This room's empty,
his bed has not been slept in. I don't follow
(02:38):
you ie things here, Oh, here's the sill in his room.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
But we went off to last night, sir, is it
towards us strand with another fellow?
Speaker 6 (02:45):
I see him?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Girl? What other fellow? Roughlegan chat with a beard? He
called him with an oe from mister Salton. I took
it up to him. I thought he was going to
find after he's ready. Hey, yes, it fell back in
his chairs. If you've been poor x, I'll give a
drink of water. And then he said it was all right,
and he come down here where the fellow was. Then
made a few words and also went to war to
Sclam how much running they were? And what did you
(03:08):
do when you heard this disturbiton? Why to Cambridge to
find out if anything I'd been heard of him? That?
Could he have got that to Cambridge? Yes there's a
late friend, but no one has seen him. Incredible just
before the barsady match? What did you do next to him?
I wired Lord Man James. Quite to Lord Man James,
god is morphan Lord Man James his nearest relative, his
(03:29):
uncle I Wiliam. Indeed, was this frost new light upon
the matter. Lord Mount James is one of the richest
men in England. So Godfreys is there and the old
boys nearly ate it. Cram Full of God too. They
say he could talk his billiard cue it is not
called forthroll. He is an absolute miser. Have you heard
from Lord mount Jane? Now? Oh, well, I have a
(03:50):
clear day and I shall be happy to look into
the matter. Now let us step round together to this
hotel and see if the portrait can throw any fresh
light upon him. Can you describe the man with a
beard for me? Well? He was about fifty. What a gentleman,
but not a worthy man? If you see what I mean?
Speaker 7 (04:08):
Sir?
Speaker 4 (04:10):
What sacred you say? This bearded man was in calm, excited.
He's very pale, very pale, indeed, And though I did
notice when I'll give him the note to take up,
his hand was shaking something terrible. Did you take any
other message to mister Thornton? Yes, sir telegraph ah what
time was this?
Speaker 7 (04:28):
About?
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Six? I took it to him in his room? Were
you present? But he opened it? I waited while he
were at the answer. Did you take the reply?
Speaker 7 (04:35):
No, sir?
Speaker 4 (04:35):
He said, all right, porter, I'll take this myself. What
did he write it with a penza? Have you buy
any chance a pair of telegraphic forms on which you
wrote this meant? Yes? Sir here they are, sir good,
they haven't been used since Tha cure. Now, then if
I hold this form up to the window, hmmm, hear me.
(04:58):
It's a pity he didn't write. And I rejoiced to
perceive that that he wrote it with a double pointed
quill pen. And I can hardly doubt that we will
find some impression upon his blocking paper. I think the
time has come for us to visit our between gentlemen's room. Yes,
I can say this is what they're looking for. Hold
it up to the mill and mister oh, that's unnecessary
(05:19):
to open. The paper is thin and the reverse will
give the message you see, stand bios for God's sake.
So these six words are the tail end of the
telegram which God Pristaunton dispatched for a few hours before
he disappeared.
Speaker 3 (05:34):
Stand Biers for God's Sake sounds pretty desperate.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
Home.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Evidently he saw a formidable danger approaching from which someone
else could protect him, as he says, stand by us, yes, Watson,
So another person is involved, man with a bear. Then
what is the connection between God Pristaunton and the bearded man?
And what is the third source from which they sought
help against that pressing danger.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
We'll always have to find as to whom the telegram
was addressed exactly, My dear Watson.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Your reflection, though profound, head, already crossed my mind. But
I dare say it may have come to your notice
that if you walk into a post office and demand
to see the counterfoil of another man's message, there may
be some disintination on the part of the officials to
oblige you. Really. Meanwhile, I should like you your presence,
mister Overton, to go through those papers which had been
(06:26):
left upon the table, certainly.
Speaker 9 (06:29):
M letters from Bill's mostly no nothing.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Here by the way, Yeah, I suppose your friend was
a healthy young fellow. Nothing of this with him some
bell m Hepsey was not so strong as you suppose.
With your assent, I have a foot on or two
of these papers in my pocket in case they should
pay upon our future. Enquire one moment, Well, moment, who
(06:58):
are you, sir by? What right do you touch this
gentleman's papers? I am a private detective and I'm endeavoring
to extend his disappearance. No you are, are you then?
Who is strucked you this gentleman? Mister Thompson's friend was
referred to it by scottland Yard. Then who are you?
I am so overton Sa. Then it was you who
(07:20):
sent me a tilligram.
Speaker 9 (07:22):
My name is Lord Mount James.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
I came around the quickly.
Speaker 9 (07:26):
Is that there is water bush would bring me?
Speaker 4 (07:29):
So you have been strucked and detective, yes?
Speaker 10 (07:33):
And are you prepared to beat the costs?
Speaker 4 (07:36):
I have no doubt, sir. My friend Godfrey, when we
find him, will.
Speaker 9 (07:39):
Be prepared to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
But if he's never found it, who answered me?
Speaker 7 (07:43):
There?
Speaker 4 (07:44):
That is no that is happening.
Speaker 10 (07:45):
If that of the shorts happened, don't look to me
for a penny. No, not a penny. I am all
the remedy that this young man has gone, and I
tell you that I am not responsible. If you understand that, mister.
Speaker 4 (07:59):
Detective, I quite understand your position. Perhaps you don't quite
understand mine. God Pristonson appears to have been a poor man.
If he's been kidnapped, it could not have been for
anything which he himself possesses. The fame of your wealth
has got a broad Lord Man James, and it is
entirely possible that again thieves has secured your neview in
(08:19):
order to gain from him some information as to your houses,
your heabits, and your treasure. Don't what an hydia. I
never thought of such a.
Speaker 10 (08:29):
Brillionnaire working human rogues there are in the world. But
Godfrey is a fine head, a stanch levender. Nothing would
induce him to give his old auncle away. I'll have
the bit moved over to the belt, and in the meantime,
to spare no pains, mister distive to bring him safely
(08:50):
back if he has to many a little.
Speaker 4 (08:54):
So far as a fiver of evil tenor goes, you
can always look to me. A good day to you,
generous well Hans. What's next? I'm afraid we must plead
you now, Miss sahn't hear from you before the met
(09:17):
I'm sorry, I very much doubt you. There's the lug anyway,
Thank you doctor.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
Now, isn't there anything we can do about that telegram homes?
Speaker 4 (09:28):
It's worth trying, wasn't of course? With a warrant we
could demand to see the counterfoil, But we did not
reached that stage yet. I don't suppose they remember faces
and so busy a places at post office? Yet's venture?
It can I help yourself. Oh, I'm so sorry to
trouble you. There's some small mistake about a telegram I
(09:51):
sent yesterday. I had no answer, and I very much
fear that I'm not so permitted to put my name
at the end. Could you tell me with this? So?
What time was it? A little after six?
Speaker 9 (10:04):
And whom was it to?
Speaker 7 (10:07):
The last words in it were For God's sake, I'm
pretty anxious at getting no answers.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Oh, let me see here it is. Oh, there is
no name at the end. Then there's a cross accounts
from my getting no answer. Oh.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Well, good morning miss and Liddie, thanks for having relieve
my vine.
Speaker 8 (10:32):
Good morning, well homes we progress, my dear Watson, we progress.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
I had certain different schemes for getting a glimpse of
that telegram, but I could hardly help to succeed the
very first time.
Speaker 9 (10:51):
And what are your gainst it?
Speaker 4 (10:53):
Tell it? What have I gained? A starting point for
our investigation? Pace that day? Wat a team's cross station.
We are a journey then, yes, I think we must
run down the game bridge together.
Speaker 9 (11:17):
Doctor Leslie Armstrong.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
I have heard your names to Sherlock Holmes.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I am also aware of.
Speaker 11 (11:22):
Your profession one of which I by no means approved.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
In that doc way, you will find yourself in agreement
with every criminal and the conflict. And may I introduce
my friend, doctor Watson. How do you do so?
Speaker 9 (11:33):
Of course I am delighted to meet one of the heads.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Of our Professor Holmes.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
So, father, your efforts are directed towards the suppression of crime,
they must have the support of every reasonable member of
the community.
Speaker 11 (11:44):
That I cannot doubt if the official machinery.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
Is ample suppresion for the purpose. Where your calling is
more open to criticism is when you pry into the
secrets of private individuals, when you break up family matters
which are better hidden, and when, incidentally you wish what's
the time of men who are.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
More busy than yourself, no doubt, doctor, But I may
tell you that we are doing the reverse of what
you better just say play, and that we're endeavoring to
prevent public exposure of private matter, which must follow when
once the cases in the hands of the official police.
I've come to ask you about mister Godfrespont. What about him?
You know him, do you not? He is an intimate
(12:21):
friend of mine. You're aware that he has disappeared. Indeed,
he left his hotel last night. He has not been
heard of since.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
No doudge she will return tomorrow. Is a vast dead
football match. I have no sympathy with these childish games.
The young man's fate interests me deeply, since.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
I know him and like him.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
The football match does not come within my horizon at all.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
I claim your sympathy, then, in my investigation of missus
Thornton's faith, do you know where he is? Certainly not?
Was mister Thornton a healthy man? Absolutely? Did you ever
know him?
Speaker 7 (12:54):
Ill?
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Never? And perhaps you will explain this receiated bill for
thirteen paid by mister Godfris Thornton last month to doctor
Leslie Armstrong's Cambridge I picked it up from among the
papers on his desk. I do not feel there is
any reason why I should.
Speaker 6 (13:11):
Render an explanation to you who mister Holmes very well,
if you prefer public explanation, it must come sooner or later.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
You would really be wiser to take me into your
complete confidence. I know nothing about it. Did you hear
from mister Thornton in London? Certainly not? Dear me, dear
me the first office again, I must agent telegram has
dispassed to you from London by God Chris Thornton at
six fifteen yesterday evening, And yet you will not head it.
I shall certainly go down to the office here and
(13:41):
registered campaign.
Speaker 6 (13:42):
I will trouble you to walk out of my house,
and you can tell your empire Lord Bud James, that
I do not wish to have anything to do either
with him or with his agents.
Speaker 12 (13:54):
Doctor Leslie Armstrong has set me a man of energy,
wasn't I have not seen a man who he turned
his tell hims that way was more calculated to fill
the gap left by the illustrious Mariarty.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
From what happens now? Oh, my poor ones, But if
you would engage a room in that little inn just
opposite Armstrong's house, I may have time to make a
few inquiries. Home is where have you been all the time? Oh?
Here on there, here on there?
Speaker 7 (14:28):
Ah?
Speaker 4 (14:29):
What's death that be seen?
Speaker 7 (14:31):
Now?
Speaker 4 (14:32):
Carried on a pair of graves outside the doctor's door.
It's been out three hours starting a halp us six and.
Speaker 9 (14:38):
Guaranteed back again. That gives a radius of ten o'
pounds miles. And he does it once or sometimes.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Quite a day, not handing on you're over a doctor
in practice. But Armstrong is not really a doctor in practice.
He's a lecturer and consultant. Why then, does he make
these long journeys? And who is it that he visited?
But how am I trying his church? My dear? What
can you doubt that I have already done there? I
don't know whether it came from his own innated cavity
(15:05):
or from the promptings of his master, but he was
rude enough to set a dog at me. All that
I have learned I got from a friend in naked
in the yard of our own inn. It was he
who told me of the doctor's headed to these daily journeys.
While he was speaking, the doctor's carriage came round to
the door. Couldn't you follow them? Excellent fashion? You are
scintillating this evening. The idea that did cross my mind
(15:28):
there is, as you may have observed, a bicycle shop
next to our inn. Yes, into this, I rushed, engaged
the bicycle and was able to get started before the
carriage was out of sight, and he had got well
out on the country road when a somewhat mortifying incident occurred.
The carriage stopped the doctor alighted, walked swift the deck
where I had also halted, and told me in an
(15:49):
excellent sardonic fashion that he cleared the road was narrow,
and that he hoped his carriage did not impede the
passage of my bicycle. Found cheek, Oh, nothing could have
been more admirable than he way of putting in. I
once rode past the carriage and went on for a
few miles. Then I halted in a convenient place to
see if it would passed me.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
There was no sign of it gone off down the
side road. Evidently you think he knows where Staunton is homes.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
I'll spare it, and if he knows, then it will
be our own thought. If we cannot manage to know,
alcer No, I shall not be satisfied untilized made the
matter clear, Ippcy, A good new may depend upon what
the morning will bring or coffee homes.
Speaker 7 (16:38):
No, thank you, wasn't.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
I've had a note from the doctor. Okay, listen, sir,
I can assure you that you are wasting your time
in dogging my movements. No spying upon me can in
any way help mister Godfreys Thornson, and I am convinced
that the best service you can do to that gentleman
is to return at once to London and to report
to your employer that you are unable to place him.
(17:03):
Yours Faifthly Leslie Armstrong. That man has the cheek of
the devil, an outspoken on his antagonists. The doctor. Oh well,
he excites my curiosity, and there's really no more before
I leave him, I said, carriage is his door? Now? Huh?
There he is stepping into it. Yes, our window. Now
(17:26):
supposing I try my luck on a bike phone? No, no, no, no,
my dear, what with all respect to your natural acumen,
I do not think that you're quite a mess for
the worthy doctor. I think that possibly I can attain
and by some independent explorations of my own.
Speaker 9 (17:40):
You're not going to leave me triddling my thumbs in
his place again?
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Are you hanging? I'm afraid so, But I have to
bring back a more favorable report to you before nightfall.
Very well, Homed, I only hope you do.
Speaker 9 (17:57):
Blame I'm afraid Watson. Oh, I don't know it.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Where have you been? Having got the doctor's general direction,
I visited all the villages upon that side of Cambridge,
I covered some ground I can tell you Chesterton Hists
and water Beach Oakins and oh wondering comparing notes for
publicans and other local news agencies. Nothing well. By the way,
(18:22):
is there a telegram for me? Oh? Yes, ah, I
opened it.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
I didn't understand it though it says asked for Pompey
from Jeremy Dickson.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
Trinity College.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
Mean any of you?
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Oh, it's clear enough. It's from our friend Overton. In
answer to a question from me, I'll just sent random
note to mister Jeremy Dixon, and then I have no
doubt that our luck will turn. Oh, by the way,
the news of a match, Oh, yes, yes, see the
local paper has an excellent a country's last edition.
Speaker 9 (18:57):
Oxford won.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
I've gone two trials. Do you want to hear anything
of it? M I'll just read you the last sentence.
Speaker 9 (19:05):
The defeat of the.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Light Blues may be entirely attributed to the unfortunate absence
of the crack international god Chriss Thaunton, whose one prosculitivey
instant of the games.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Then I'll tend to Overton spot birdis have been justified. Personally,
I'm in agreement with doctor Armstrong and football does not
come within my horizon. More's the pity for you home
at inner it. Let us follow the example of a
footballer and take an early night and death. I perceive
that tomorrow may be an eventful day. Homes, where have
(19:37):
you been this time? And what are you doing with
that hypodermic syringe? Don't come you don't don't tell, my
dear fellow. There's no course for now. It is not
the instrument of evil, of pontess occasions on this syringe.
I base all my hopes. I've just returned from a
small scutting expedition, and everything is favorable. Eat a good
(19:59):
breakfast pot. I propose to get up on doctor Armstrong's
trail today, and once on it, I will not stop
for rest or food until I run into his brother.
In that case, you must carry off breakfast with us.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
He's making an earlier stuff. The carriages at the door already.
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Never mind, let him go. He'll be clever as you
can drive what I cannot follow him. Or when you've finished,
come downstairs with me and I'll introduce you to a
detective who is a deady eminent specialist and the worst
that lies before. What didn't he introduce you to Pumpy
(20:37):
the love of drag hounds. No very great flyer is
his bills will show but a staunch hound on the scent. Well, Pumpty,
you may not be fast that I speck. You will
be too fast for a couple of middle aged London gentlemen.
So I'll just take the liberty of passing this letter.
Leash to your power. Aby, come along and show what
(20:58):
you can do. He'll run us off our legs. This race,
what have you done? Homes a threadbare and venerable device,
but useful on occasion. I walked into the doctor's your
heart this morning and shot my syringe full of any
seed over the hind with of his carriage. A draghund
(21:19):
will follow any seed from here that John mcgirts, he's
turning off into the lane home. It goes back amost
in the dress of the oh, the cunning rascal. This
is how he gave it to slip the other night.
This day to her has been entirely for our denited tendon.
No wonder my quaries among these diligence led to nothing.
(21:39):
I very much like to know the reason why all
this elaborate deception. This should be the village of Trumpington
to the rightness. Quite true, here's the prom coming around
the corner.
Speaker 13 (21:49):
Thick what and Chris Wop are done into the fielding.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Did you get a glimpse of Armstrong?
Speaker 7 (22:02):
And I did it? Sunk on his hands the image
of distress.
Speaker 14 (22:07):
I'd say, I feel there is some dark ending to
our quest. Thumb Publy, he's making for the cottage and
the fun.
Speaker 4 (22:27):
Now we shall see what we shall see. Listen, what's fair?
The doctor is coming back home that we must see
what it means before he comes.
Speaker 7 (22:54):
Who are you?
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Are you mister god Wisconsin, Yes, as I am, But
you're too late. She's then.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
You can see for yourselves. She was very beautiful and
very consumption home without a doubt. We did our best
to keep it from everyone.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
As a whisper gets about. So, gentlemen, you have attained
your end. You have certainly chosen a delicate moment for
your intuition, not rare in the presence of death. But
I can assure you that if I were a younger man,
(23:54):
excuse me, doctor Armstrong, I think.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
We have a little of cross purposes.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
If you could step into the next room with us,
we might each be able to give some life to
the other upon.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
This miserable affair, very will well, Sir, I wish you.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
To understand, in the first place, that I am not
employed by Lord mount James, and that my sympathies in
this matter are entirely against that nobleman. When a man
is lost, it is my duty to assert in his fate.
But having done so, the matter in so far as
I am concerned, If, as I imagine, there is no
breach of the law in this matter, you can absolutely
(24:45):
depend upon my discretion and my co operation in keeping
the facts out of the papers.
Speaker 6 (24:52):
Mister Holmes, you are a good fellow. I had mistrutched you,
and my apologies to you too, sir.
Speaker 7 (25:02):
Not at all, Doctor Alstom.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
A yard ago, Godfrey Staunton married his landlady's daughter.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
She was good, beautiful and intelligent.
Speaker 7 (25:15):
No man need be ashamed of such a wife.
Speaker 6 (25:18):
But Godfrey was the heir to this crabbed old nobleman,
and it was certain that the news would have meant.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
The end of his inheritance.
Speaker 11 (25:27):
I did all I could to have him to keep
things straight.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
Thanks to this learner cottage in his own discretion, Godfrey
has up to now succeeded, but at last there.
Speaker 7 (25:40):
Came the terrible blow of this virulent illness.
Speaker 6 (25:44):
The poor boy had took her for London to play
this match, but he could not get out of it
without explanations which would expose the secrets.
Speaker 7 (25:53):
He sent me a.
Speaker 11 (25:54):
Wire, imparing me to do all I could.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
This was the telegram which you would bear to have seen.
Speaker 11 (26:01):
I did not tell him how urgent the danger was.
But I sent the truth to the girl's father, and
he very.
Speaker 6 (26:09):
Injudiciously communicated it to Godfrey. The result was that he
came straight away and has remained kneeling at the end
of her bed until this morning. Death put an end
to her sufferings.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
That is all, mister Holmes.
Speaker 11 (26:29):
I am sure that I can rely upon your discretion
and let of your friend.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
Yes, yes, in needs.
Speaker 7 (26:40):
Come Watson, let us be on our way.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
That was The Missing three Quarter by Michael Hardwick, based
on the short story by Sir Arthur Kernham, Royal
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Sherlock Holmes was play by Carton Hobbs.
It capital, My dear Wasson, let us return to humble
abod to two one d Baker ain't his cane.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
From London. We present The Missing three Quarter, a play
for radio by Michael Hardwick, based on the short story
by Sir Arthur Kernan Doyle. The Missing three Quarter.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Things had indeed been very slow with us. I had
learned to dread such periods of inactions. I knew by
experience that Charlotte Holmes's brain was so abnormally active that
it was dangerous to leave.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
It without material upon which to work.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
For years, I had gradually weaned him from that drug media,
which had threatened once to check his remarkable career.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
But he was well aware that.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
The fiend was not dead, but only sleeping. Therefore I
blessed the hour on a gloomy if every morning, some
seven or eight years ago, that a telegram arrived at
Baker Street with an enigmatic message to break that dangerous
calm which brought more peril to my friend than all
the storms of his tempestuous life. It says he's awake
(01:28):
there terrible misfortune right wing free quart A missing indispensable tomorrow, signed.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Overton, let me see thank you plan first mark and
despatch ten thirty six. I don't know a doubt. The
telegram was sorted, the hollowed by the sender renounce proper yard.
Mister Hams inspected Stanley Hopkins had died with the can't
see you, and he said, so far as he could see,
(01:56):
the case is more in your line than that. Regular
police then placed it down. Mister Everton, and tell miss
slowly and quietly, exactly what it is that has occurred,
and how you desire that I should help you. This
is way, mister Holmes. I'm the skipper of the Cambridge
fifteen and godfrist Staunton is our best man. Mollow. We
play Offsford. Yesterday we all came up and we settled
(02:18):
at Bence's private hotel. At ten o'clock. I went round
and saw that all the fellows had gone to roost.
This morning, the porter comes to me in a great
state of agitation. Sir, good heaven man, what on earth
is mister Thornton, Sir, he's golden God. This room's empty,
his bed has not been slept in. I don't follow
(02:38):
you ie things here, Oh, here's the sill in his room.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
But we went off to last night, sir, is it
towards us strand with another fellow?
Speaker 6 (02:45):
I see him?
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Girl? What other fellow? Roughlegan chat with a beard? He
called him with an oe from mister Salton. I took
it up to him. I thought he was going to
find after he's ready. Hey, yes, it fell back in
his chairs. If you've been poor x, I'll give a
drink of water. And then he said it was all right,
and he come down here where the fellow was. Then
made a few words and also went to war to
Sclam how much running they were? And what did you
(03:08):
do when you heard this disturbiton? Why to Cambridge to
find out if anything I'd been heard of him? That?
Could he have got that to Cambridge? Yes there's a
late friend, but no one has seen him. Incredible just
before the barsady match? What did you do next to him?
I wired Lord Man James. Quite to Lord Man James,
god is morphan Lord Man James his nearest relative, his
(03:29):
uncle I Wiliam. Indeed, was this frost new light upon
the matter. Lord Mount James is one of the richest
men in England. So Godfreys is there and the old
boys nearly ate it. Cram Full of God too. They
say he could talk his billiard cue it is not
called forthroll. He is an absolute miser. Have you heard
from Lord mount Jane? Now? Oh, well, I have a
(03:50):
clear day and I shall be happy to look into
the matter. Now let us step round together to this
hotel and see if the portrait can throw any fresh
light upon him. Can you describe the man with a
beard for me? Well? He was about fifty. What a gentleman,
but not a worthy man? If you see what I mean?
Speaker 7 (04:08):
Sir?
Speaker 4 (04:10):
What sacred you say? This bearded man was in calm, excited.
He's very pale, very pale, indeed, And though I did
notice when I'll give him the note to take up,
his hand was shaking something terrible. Did you take any
other message to mister Thornton? Yes, sir telegraph ah what
time was this?
Speaker 7 (04:28):
About?
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Six? I took it to him in his room? Were
you present? But he opened it? I waited while he
were at the answer. Did you take the reply?
Speaker 7 (04:35):
No, sir?
Speaker 4 (04:35):
He said, all right, porter, I'll take this myself. What
did he write it with a penza? Have you buy
any chance a pair of telegraphic forms on which you
wrote this meant? Yes? Sir here they are, sir good,
they haven't been used since Tha cure. Now, then if
I hold this form up to the window, hmmm, hear me.
(04:58):
It's a pity he didn't write. And I rejoiced to
perceive that that he wrote it with a double pointed
quill pen. And I can hardly doubt that we will
find some impression upon his blocking paper. I think the
time has come for us to visit our between gentlemen's room. Yes,
I can say this is what they're looking for. Hold
it up to the mill and mister oh, that's unnecessary
(05:19):
to open. The paper is thin and the reverse will
give the message you see, stand bios for God's sake.
So these six words are the tail end of the
telegram which God Pristaunton dispatched for a few hours before
he disappeared.
Speaker 3 (05:34):
Stand Biers for God's Sake sounds pretty desperate.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
Home.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Evidently he saw a formidable danger approaching from which someone
else could protect him, as he says, stand by us, yes, Watson,
So another person is involved, man with a bear. Then
what is the connection between God Pristaunton and the bearded man?
And what is the third source from which they sought
help against that pressing danger.
Speaker 5 (06:00):
We'll always have to find as to whom the telegram
was addressed exactly, My dear Watson.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Your reflection, though profound, head, already crossed my mind. But
I dare say it may have come to your notice
that if you walk into a post office and demand
to see the counterfoil of another man's message, there may
be some disintination on the part of the officials to
oblige you. Really. Meanwhile, I should like you your presence,
mister Overton, to go through those papers which had been
(06:26):
left upon the table, certainly.
Speaker 9 (06:29):
M letters from Bill's mostly no nothing.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Here by the way, Yeah, I suppose your friend was
a healthy young fellow. Nothing of this with him some
bell m Hepsey was not so strong as you suppose.
With your assent, I have a foot on or two
of these papers in my pocket in case they should
pay upon our future. Enquire one moment, Well, moment, who
(06:58):
are you, sir by? What right do you touch this
gentleman's papers? I am a private detective and I'm endeavoring
to extend his disappearance. No you are, are you then?
Who is strucked you this gentleman? Mister Thompson's friend was
referred to it by scottland Yard. Then who are you?
I am so overton Sa. Then it was you who
(07:20):
sent me a tilligram.
Speaker 9 (07:22):
My name is Lord Mount James.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
I came around the quickly.
Speaker 9 (07:26):
Is that there is water bush would bring me?
Speaker 4 (07:29):
So you have been strucked and detective, yes?
Speaker 10 (07:33):
And are you prepared to beat the costs?
Speaker 4 (07:36):
I have no doubt, sir. My friend Godfrey, when we
find him, will.
Speaker 9 (07:39):
Be prepared to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
But if he's never found it, who answered me?
Speaker 7 (07:43):
There?
Speaker 4 (07:44):
That is no that is happening.
Speaker 10 (07:45):
If that of the shorts happened, don't look to me
for a penny. No, not a penny. I am all
the remedy that this young man has gone, and I
tell you that I am not responsible. If you understand that, mister.
Speaker 4 (07:59):
Detective, I quite understand your position. Perhaps you don't quite
understand mine. God Pristonson appears to have been a poor man.
If he's been kidnapped, it could not have been for
anything which he himself possesses. The fame of your wealth
has got a broad Lord Man James, and it is
entirely possible that again thieves has secured your neview in
(08:19):
order to gain from him some information as to your houses,
your heabits, and your treasure. Don't what an hydia. I
never thought of such a.
Speaker 10 (08:29):
Brillionnaire working human rogues there are in the world. But
Godfrey is a fine head, a stanch levender. Nothing would
induce him to give his old auncle away. I'll have
the bit moved over to the belt, and in the meantime,
to spare no pains, mister distive to bring him safely
(08:50):
back if he has to many a little.
Speaker 4 (08:54):
So far as a fiver of evil tenor goes, you
can always look to me. A good day to you,
generous well Hans. What's next? I'm afraid we must plead
you now, Miss sahn't hear from you before the met
(09:17):
I'm sorry, I very much doubt you. There's the lug anyway,
Thank you doctor.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
Now, isn't there anything we can do about that telegram homes?
Speaker 4 (09:28):
It's worth trying, wasn't of course? With a warrant we
could demand to see the counterfoil, But we did not
reached that stage yet. I don't suppose they remember faces
and so busy a places at post office? Yet's venture?
It can I help yourself. Oh, I'm so sorry to
trouble you. There's some small mistake about a telegram I
(09:51):
sent yesterday. I had no answer, and I very much
fear that I'm not so permitted to put my name
at the end. Could you tell me with this? So?
What time was it? A little after six?
Speaker 9 (10:04):
And whom was it to?
Speaker 7 (10:07):
The last words in it were For God's sake, I'm
pretty anxious at getting no answers.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Oh, let me see here it is. Oh, there is
no name at the end. Then there's a cross accounts
from my getting no answer. Oh.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Well, good morning miss and Liddie, thanks for having relieve
my vine.
Speaker 8 (10:32):
Good morning, well homes we progress, my dear Watson, we progress.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
I had certain different schemes for getting a glimpse of
that telegram, but I could hardly help to succeed the
very first time.
Speaker 9 (10:51):
And what are your gainst it?
Speaker 4 (10:53):
Tell it? What have I gained? A starting point for
our investigation? Pace that day? Wat a team's cross station.
We are a journey then, yes, I think we must
run down the game bridge together.
Speaker 9 (11:17):
Doctor Leslie Armstrong.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
I have heard your names to Sherlock Holmes.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I am also aware of.
Speaker 11 (11:22):
Your profession one of which I by no means approved.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
In that doc way, you will find yourself in agreement
with every criminal and the conflict. And may I introduce
my friend, doctor Watson. How do you do so?
Speaker 9 (11:33):
Of course I am delighted to meet one of the heads.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Of our Professor Holmes.
Speaker 6 (11:36):
So, father, your efforts are directed towards the suppression of crime,
they must have the support of every reasonable member of
the community.
Speaker 11 (11:44):
That I cannot doubt if the official machinery.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
Is ample suppresion for the purpose. Where your calling is
more open to criticism is when you pry into the
secrets of private individuals, when you break up family matters
which are better hidden, and when, incidentally you wish what's
the time of men who are.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
More busy than yourself, no doubt, doctor, But I may
tell you that we are doing the reverse of what
you better just say play, and that we're endeavoring to
prevent public exposure of private matter, which must follow when
once the cases in the hands of the official police.
I've come to ask you about mister Godfrespont. What about him?
You know him, do you not? He is an intimate
(12:21):
friend of mine. You're aware that he has disappeared. Indeed,
he left his hotel last night. He has not been
heard of since.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
No doudge she will return tomorrow. Is a vast dead
football match. I have no sympathy with these childish games.
The young man's fate interests me deeply, since.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
I know him and like him.
Speaker 6 (12:38):
The football match does not come within my horizon at all.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
I claim your sympathy, then, in my investigation of missus
Thornton's faith, do you know where he is? Certainly not?
Was mister Thornton a healthy man? Absolutely? Did you ever
know him?
Speaker 7 (12:54):
Ill?
Speaker 4 (12:55):
Never? And perhaps you will explain this receiated bill for
thirteen paid by mister Godfris Thornton last month to doctor
Leslie Armstrong's Cambridge I picked it up from among the
papers on his desk. I do not feel there is
any reason why I should.
Speaker 6 (13:11):
Render an explanation to you who mister Holmes very well,
if you prefer public explanation, it must come sooner or later.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
You would really be wiser to take me into your
complete confidence. I know nothing about it. Did you hear
from mister Thornton in London? Certainly not? Dear me, dear
me the first office again, I must agent telegram has
dispassed to you from London by God Chris Thornton at
six fifteen yesterday evening, And yet you will not head it.
I shall certainly go down to the office here and
(13:41):
registered campaign.
Speaker 6 (13:42):
I will trouble you to walk out of my house,
and you can tell your empire Lord Bud James, that
I do not wish to have anything to do either
with him or with his agents.
Speaker 12 (13:54):
Doctor Leslie Armstrong has set me a man of energy,
wasn't I have not seen a man who he turned
his tell hims that way was more calculated to fill
the gap left by the illustrious Mariarty.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
From what happens now? Oh, my poor ones, But if
you would engage a room in that little inn just
opposite Armstrong's house, I may have time to make a
few inquiries. Home is where have you been all the time? Oh?
Here on there, here on there?
Speaker 7 (14:28):
Ah?
Speaker 4 (14:29):
What's death that be seen?
Speaker 7 (14:31):
Now?
Speaker 4 (14:32):
Carried on a pair of graves outside the doctor's door.
It's been out three hours starting a halp us six and.
Speaker 9 (14:38):
Guaranteed back again. That gives a radius of ten o'
pounds miles. And he does it once or sometimes.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Quite a day, not handing on you're over a doctor
in practice. But Armstrong is not really a doctor in practice.
He's a lecturer and consultant. Why then, does he make
these long journeys? And who is it that he visited?
But how am I trying his church? My dear? What
can you doubt that I have already done there? I
don't know whether it came from his own innated cavity
(15:05):
or from the promptings of his master, but he was
rude enough to set a dog at me. All that
I have learned I got from a friend in naked
in the yard of our own inn. It was he
who told me of the doctor's headed to these daily journeys.
While he was speaking, the doctor's carriage came round to
the door. Couldn't you follow them? Excellent fashion? You are
scintillating this evening. The idea that did cross my mind
(15:28):
there is, as you may have observed, a bicycle shop
next to our inn. Yes, into this, I rushed, engaged
the bicycle and was able to get started before the
carriage was out of sight, and he had got well
out on the country road when a somewhat mortifying incident occurred.
The carriage stopped the doctor alighted, walked swift the deck
where I had also halted, and told me in an
(15:49):
excellent sardonic fashion that he cleared the road was narrow,
and that he hoped his carriage did not impede the
passage of my bicycle. Found cheek, Oh, nothing could have
been more admirable than he way of putting in. I
once rode past the carriage and went on for a
few miles. Then I halted in a convenient place to
see if it would passed me.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
There was no sign of it gone off down the
side road. Evidently you think he knows where Staunton is homes.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
I'll spare it, and if he knows, then it will
be our own thought. If we cannot manage to know,
alcer No, I shall not be satisfied untilized made the
matter clear, Ippcy, A good new may depend upon what
the morning will bring or coffee homes.
Speaker 7 (16:38):
No, thank you, wasn't.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
I've had a note from the doctor. Okay, listen, sir,
I can assure you that you are wasting your time
in dogging my movements. No spying upon me can in
any way help mister Godfreys Thornson, and I am convinced
that the best service you can do to that gentleman
is to return at once to London and to report
to your employer that you are unable to place him.
(17:03):
Yours Faifthly Leslie Armstrong. That man has the cheek of
the devil, an outspoken on his antagonists. The doctor. Oh well,
he excites my curiosity, and there's really no more before
I leave him, I said, carriage is his door? Now? Huh?
There he is stepping into it. Yes, our window. Now
(17:26):
supposing I try my luck on a bike phone? No, no, no, no,
my dear, what with all respect to your natural acumen,
I do not think that you're quite a mess for
the worthy doctor. I think that possibly I can attain
and by some independent explorations of my own.
Speaker 9 (17:40):
You're not going to leave me triddling my thumbs in
his place again?
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Are you hanging? I'm afraid so, But I have to
bring back a more favorable report to you before nightfall.
Very well, Homed, I only hope you do.
Speaker 9 (17:57):
Blame I'm afraid Watson. Oh, I don't know it.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Where have you been? Having got the doctor's general direction,
I visited all the villages upon that side of Cambridge,
I covered some ground I can tell you Chesterton Hists
and water Beach Oakins and oh wondering comparing notes for
publicans and other local news agencies. Nothing well. By the way,
(18:22):
is there a telegram for me? Oh? Yes, ah, I
opened it.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
I didn't understand it though it says asked for Pompey
from Jeremy Dickson.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
Trinity College.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
Mean any of you?
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Oh, it's clear enough. It's from our friend Overton. In
answer to a question from me, I'll just sent random
note to mister Jeremy Dixon, and then I have no
doubt that our luck will turn. Oh, by the way,
the news of a match, Oh, yes, yes, see the
local paper has an excellent a country's last edition.
Speaker 9 (18:57):
Oxford won.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
I've gone two trials. Do you want to hear anything
of it? M I'll just read you the last sentence.
Speaker 9 (19:05):
The defeat of the.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
Light Blues may be entirely attributed to the unfortunate absence
of the crack international god Chriss Thaunton, whose one prosculitivey
instant of the games.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Then I'll tend to Overton spot birdis have been justified. Personally,
I'm in agreement with doctor Armstrong and football does not
come within my horizon. More's the pity for you home
at inner it. Let us follow the example of a
footballer and take an early night and death. I perceive
that tomorrow may be an eventful day. Homes, where have
(19:37):
you been this time? And what are you doing with
that hypodermic syringe? Don't come you don't don't tell, my
dear fellow. There's no course for now. It is not
the instrument of evil, of pontess occasions on this syringe.
I base all my hopes. I've just returned from a
small scutting expedition, and everything is favorable. Eat a good
(19:59):
breakfast pot. I propose to get up on doctor Armstrong's
trail today, and once on it, I will not stop
for rest or food until I run into his brother.
In that case, you must carry off breakfast with us.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
He's making an earlier stuff. The carriages at the door already.
Speaker 4 (20:15):
Never mind, let him go. He'll be clever as you
can drive what I cannot follow him. Or when you've finished,
come downstairs with me and I'll introduce you to a
detective who is a deady eminent specialist and the worst
that lies before. What didn't he introduce you to Pumpy
(20:37):
the love of drag hounds. No very great flyer is
his bills will show but a staunch hound on the scent. Well, Pumpty,
you may not be fast that I speck. You will
be too fast for a couple of middle aged London gentlemen.
So I'll just take the liberty of passing this letter.
Leash to your power. Aby, come along and show what
(20:58):
you can do. He'll run us off our legs. This race,
what have you done? Homes a threadbare and venerable device,
but useful on occasion. I walked into the doctor's your
heart this morning and shot my syringe full of any
seed over the hind with of his carriage. A draghund
(21:19):
will follow any seed from here that John mcgirts, he's
turning off into the lane home. It goes back amost
in the dress of the oh, the cunning rascal. This
is how he gave it to slip the other night.
This day to her has been entirely for our denited tendon.
No wonder my quaries among these diligence led to nothing.
(21:39):
I very much like to know the reason why all
this elaborate deception. This should be the village of Trumpington
to the rightness. Quite true, here's the prom coming around
the corner.
Speaker 13 (21:49):
Thick what and Chris Wop are done into the fielding.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Did you get a glimpse of Armstrong?
Speaker 7 (22:02):
And I did it? Sunk on his hands the image
of distress.
Speaker 14 (22:07):
I'd say, I feel there is some dark ending to
our quest. Thumb Publy, he's making for the cottage and
the fun.
Speaker 4 (22:27):
Now we shall see what we shall see. Listen, what's fair?
The doctor is coming back home that we must see
what it means before he comes.
Speaker 7 (22:54):
Who are you?
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Are you mister god Wisconsin, Yes, as I am, But
you're too late. She's then.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
You can see for yourselves. She was very beautiful and
very consumption home without a doubt. We did our best
to keep it from everyone.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
As a whisper gets about. So, gentlemen, you have attained
your end. You have certainly chosen a delicate moment for
your intuition, not rare in the presence of death. But
I can assure you that if I were a younger man,
(23:54):
excuse me, doctor Armstrong, I think.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
We have a little of cross purposes.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
If you could step into the next room with us,
we might each be able to give some life to
the other upon.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
This miserable affair, very will well, Sir, I wish you.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
To understand, in the first place, that I am not
employed by Lord mount James, and that my sympathies in
this matter are entirely against that nobleman. When a man
is lost, it is my duty to assert in his fate.
But having done so, the matter in so far as
I am concerned, If, as I imagine, there is no
breach of the law in this matter, you can absolutely
(24:45):
depend upon my discretion and my co operation in keeping
the facts out of the papers.
Speaker 6 (24:52):
Mister Holmes, you are a good fellow. I had mistrutched you,
and my apologies to you too, sir.
Speaker 7 (25:02):
Not at all, Doctor Alstom.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
A yard ago, Godfrey Staunton married his landlady's daughter.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
She was good, beautiful and intelligent.
Speaker 7 (25:15):
No man need be ashamed of such a wife.
Speaker 6 (25:18):
But Godfrey was the heir to this crabbed old nobleman,
and it was certain that the news would have meant.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
The end of his inheritance.
Speaker 11 (25:27):
I did all I could to have him to keep
things straight.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
Thanks to this learner cottage in his own discretion, Godfrey
has up to now succeeded, but at last there.
Speaker 7 (25:40):
Came the terrible blow of this virulent illness.
Speaker 6 (25:44):
The poor boy had took her for London to play
this match, but he could not get out of it
without explanations which would expose the secrets.
Speaker 7 (25:53):
He sent me a.
Speaker 11 (25:54):
Wire, imparing me to do all I could.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
This was the telegram which you would bear to have seen.
Speaker 11 (26:01):
I did not tell him how urgent the danger was.
But I sent the truth to the girl's father, and
he very.
Speaker 6 (26:09):
Injudiciously communicated it to Godfrey. The result was that he
came straight away and has remained kneeling at the end
of her bed until this morning. Death put an end
to her sufferings.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
That is all, mister Holmes.
Speaker 11 (26:29):
I am sure that I can rely upon your discretion
and let of your friend.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
Yes, yes, in needs.
Speaker 7 (26:40):
Come Watson, let us be on our way.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
That was The Missing three Quarter by Michael Hardwick, based
on the short story by Sir Arthur Kernham, Royal
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Sherlock Holmes was play by Carton Hobbs.
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