BOB CAMPBELL (Announcer):

Petri Wine brings you...

MUSIC:

THEME. FADE ON CUE:

CAMPBELL:

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

MUSIC:

THEME ... FULL FINISH

CAMPBELL:

The Petri family--the family that took the time to bring you good wine--invites you to listen to Doctor Watson as he tells us about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, Holmes. You know, I have an adventure to tell you about too... only it's a different kind of adventure--an adventure in good eating. And to experience it, all you do is serve a Petri Wine with your dinner--either a Petri California Burgundy or a Petri California Sauterne, I'm telling you, you have no idea how much a glass of that good Petri Wine can do for even the simplest war time meal. Take that Petri Burgundy for instance. Try it with a good home made pot roast or Swiss steak. A slice of that tender beef and a glass of that good Petri Burgundy make a flavour combination that spells delicious in any man's language. That hearty, full-bodied burgundy is a red wine really worth trying. And every bit as full flavoured is that swell Petri Sauterne. Petri Sauterne is a delicate white wine that can help make a simple seafood dinner a feast. And wait'll you try a glass of that Petri Sauterne with Southern fried chicken--Oh boy! Yes sir, with food, nothing can take the place of that good Petri Wine.

MUSIC:

"SCOTCH POEM" by Edward MacDowell

CAMPBELL:

Well, that's enough from me... how about you, Doctor Watson? I hope you have something very special for us in the way of stories tonight.

WATSON:

(OFF A LITTLE) Good evening, Mr. Campbell. Don't stand there in the doorway as though you weren't sure of your welcome. Close the door and come and sit down and make yourself comfortable. You know I always look forward to these Monday evenings.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR CLOSING

CAMPBELL:

So do I, Doctor.

WATSON:

(CHUCKLING) Yes, I think I can promise to make your hair stand on end with tonight's story. I call it "The Weird Case of the Giant Rat of Sumatra".

CAMPBELL:

Sumatra--that's an island in the Far East, isn't it? Somewhere near Java?

WATSON:

That's right, but the setting of my story tonight is India--India the exotic and mysterious. Holmes and I were in Calcutta waiting for a ship to take us back to England. The great man had just solved the strange mystery of "The Sacred White Elephant of Parbutipur".

CAMPBELL:

"The Sacred White Elephant of Parbutipur"? That sounds intriguing. What happened there?

WATSON:

(TESTILY) Really, Mr. Campbell. I can only tell you one story at a time. That adventure will have to wait for another of your visits.

CAMPBELL:

I'm sorry, Doctor. Go on with your story of "The Giant Rat of Sumatra". You and Sherlock Holmes were in Calcutta waiting for a boat back to England, and that's where things started happening, I suppose?

WATSON:

They did indeed, Mr. Campbell, though the whole adventure started casually enough. Holmes and I were staying at the Great Eastern Hotel, an imposing and colourful edifice overlooking Chowringee--the fashionable section of Calcutta. I'd been in India, you know, for quite a few years when I was in the Army and I rather flattered myself I could teach Holmes a thing or two about the country and its customs. But, somewhat to my chagrin, I soon discovered that Holmes was just as much as home in the country as I was. Perhaps even a little more so. On the night my story begins, Holmes and I had just finished an excellent dish of curried shrimps. We were sitting at our table and I was inhaling the bouquet of a pony of Napoleon Brandy *. A native orchestra was playing soft Oriental music and I was feeling completely relaxed and at peace as we sat there. Suddenly Holmes spoke.

MUSIC:

* SNEAK IN ON CUE. UP STRONG ON WATSON'S LAST LINE, THEN DOWN AND UNDER

HOLMES:

(LAUGHING) Watson, d'you know my most treasured memory of our recent encounter with the white elephant of Parbutipur?

WATSON:

I imagine it was when the Maharajah gave you that check for ten-thousand pounds.

HOLMES:

On the contrary, Watson. It was the night you came into the palace in a great state of excitement after you'd shot at a tiger cub. You told us how a shotgun had come on to your veranda and that you had fired a double-barrelled tiger cub at it.

WATSON:

(LAUGHING) Yes, I'm inclined to get a little incoherent when I get excited! Holmes--you remember in The Sign of Four how I got so flustered with Mr. Sholto that I cautioned him against the great danger of taking more than two drops of castor oil and then recommended strychnine in large doses as a sedative!

HOLMES:

Strychnine can be a very efficient sedative. Well, let's get the bill. I'd like to take a walk through the native markets before we retire. See if you can attract the attention of our waiter.

WATSON:

(CALLING) Waiter--Hey, Waiter!

WAITER:

(THIS IS HINDUSTANI, BUT IS SPELLED PHONETICALLY) (FADING IN) Bought atcha, hasoor.

WATSON:

We want the bill--(LABORIOUSLY) The--bill. BILL!

WAITER:

(PUZZLED) Kia munta, hasoor?

WATSON:

(GETTING ANGRY) The bill. Goodness gracious, they can't even speak English.

HOLMES:

(DRYLY) Why should they? (TO WAITER) Sahib-ke hissab dough.

WAITER:

(DELIGHTEDLY) Hissab! (FADING) Bought atcha, hasoor.

HOLMES:

Watson, you're a perfect example of the insular Englishman. I'm surprised at you. I should have thought you've lived in India long enough to have a smattering of the language.

WATSON:

(GRUMPILY) I do know the language--but up in the Northwest we spoke a different lingo. And where did you learn to speak Hindustani I'd like to know?

HOLMES:

Three months in Parbutipur has given me a working knowledge, at least.

WATSON:

Well, I must say...

HOLMES:

(INTERRUPTING) Look, Watson. Here comes the manager in a great state of excitement and he's making a bee-line for our table.

MANAGER:

(FADING IN, EXCITEDLY. HE SPEAKS WITH CULTURED ACCENT) Excuse me, Mr. Holmes, but I understand your friend is a doctor?

WATSON:

Yes, I am a doctor. What's the matter?

MANAGER:

Could you please come to Room 106 at once? One of our servants has been bitten by a rat--a giant rat--and he's lying up there having convulsions.

HOLMES:

Convulsions from a rat bite? Of course my friend will come up. Come on, Watson! Never mind your brandy!

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND EFFECT:

GROANING AND HEAVY BREATHING, OFF

MANAGER:

Is he going to live, Doctor?

WATSON:

Yes, he's going to live, but the poor fellow'll be very sick for a few days. Better take him to his quarters. I'll come and see him later.

MANAGER:

Very well, Doctor. (FADING) Addmee ko layjow...

SOUND EFFECT:

SCUFFLE OF FEET... GROANS OF BODY BEING LIFTED IN BACKGROUND

HOLMES:

(CALLING) Before you go, where is this... er, giant rat now? And where is its owner?

MANAGER:

(FADING BACK) The rat is in the bathroom, there. We tried to get it back in its cage, but we were afraid to handle it. Mr. Jackson is its owner, but he hasn't come back yet. I'm afraid he... Oh, here he is now.

JACKSON:

(FADING IN EXCITEDLY. HE IS AMERICAN, ABOUT FORTY-FIVE) What the devil's going on in my room? Who are all these people and why's that man being carried out?

MANAGER:

I am afraid, Mr. Jackson, that your rat escaped and bit him.

JACKSON:

(FURIOUS) Escaped? What d'you mean it escaped? It must be found. Why the blazes don't you train your servants to mind their own business?

HOLMES:

May I suggest you calm yourself, Mr. Jackson. Your rat--so I have just been told--is trapped in the bathroom there.

WATSON:

Mr. Manager, I suggest you don't stand there in the doorway. See that poor fellow gets to his bed immediately. He's very sick.

MANAGER:

(OFF) Very well, sir. Addmee ko layjow.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR CLOSES OFF

JACKSON:

And who are you, may I ask?

HOLMES:

My name is Holmes. Sherlock Holmes, and this is my friend Doctor Watson.

JACKSON:

Sherlock Holmes! I've heard of you. Aren't you the English detective?

HOLMES:

I am flattered that my fame has spread so far afield. But don't look worried, Mr. Jackson, I'm not in your room in any professional capacity. My friend Doctor Watson was called in to attend the bitten man. I am here because I was very curious to see how a rat bite could produce convulsions.

JACKSON:

(RELAXING) Of course. I'm sorry, gentlemen, that I was so abrupt with you. The servant is going to live, isn't he, Doctor?

WATSON:

Yes, but it was touch and go there for a while.

JACKSON:

Thank heavens he's all right. And now if you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll place my rat back in his cage. He's a little hard to handle so I suggest you don't come with me into the bathroom.

WATSON:

Good Lord no. Wouldn't dream of it.

JACKSON:

But please don't go. (FADING) I'd like to have a chat with you.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE QUICKLY (OFF)

HOLMES:

(LOW) Watson, that bitten man had all the symptoms of poisoning, didn't he?

WATSON:

(LOW) Yes, he did. I can't understand it.

HOLMES:

No. Rat bites might cause an infection, but never the symptoms that poor fellow exhibited. Hmm. Very curious. Why does our friend in there keep a rat in his hotel room?

WATSON:

Heaven alone knows. Disgusting things, rats. Horrible to look at and they carry germs. I can remember once when I was...

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR OPEN (OFF)

JACKSON:

(FADING IN) Well, gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the Giant Rat of Sumatra. Isn't he a splendid specimen?

WATSON:

(NERVOUSLY) Are you sure that cage is properly fastened?

JACKSON:

Don't worry, Doctor. He can't get out. What'd you think of him, Mr. Holmes?

HOLMES:

I can't say I'm exactly a rat fancier, Mr. Jackson. But he certainly is a giant. The thing that puzzles me is that his bite has produced the symptoms of acute poisoning in that unfortunate man that was just carried out. How do you account for that?

JACKSON:

If you gentlemen have a few moments, I'd like to tell you the story of that rat. I think it will help you to understand what's just happened.

HOLMES:

I should be very interested to hear the story, Mr. Jackson.

WATSON:

Yes... yes indeed.

JACKSON:

Do either of you gentlemen care for a "chota peg"?

WATSON:

Thank you. I think a scotch-and-soda would be very acceptable.

JACKSON:

(OFF A LITTLE) How about you, Mr. Holmes?

HOLMES:

Thank you, no. Alcohol is one of the few vices I don't indulge in.

SOUND EFFECT:

CLICKING OF GLASS AND BOTTLE

JACKSON:

Say when, Doctor.

SOUND EFFECT:

FIZZING OF SIPHON

WATSON:

Whoa! That's splendid.

JACKSON:

Ice?

WATSON:

(OUTRAGED) Ice? Good heavens, no! Filthy habit.

JACKSON:

Here you are.

WATSON:

Thank you.

JACKSON:

Well, to begin. I am a zoologist. For years now I've been roaming the world in search of rare and valuable animals to add to my collection (WITH A LAUGH). I have a miniature zoo at my farm in Connecticut in the States and, without wishing to brag, I may say my collection is quite unique. A year or so ago, I heard of an obscure tribe of Pygmies in the jungles of Sumatra who worshipped rats--rats that were reputed to be gigantic. Naturally I was determined to try and capture one for my collection and so, last September, I sailed to Sumatra. To cut a very long story short, I lived with the tribe for some months and learned many strange things--one of them being the reason for the rat's giant size. It's rather a horrible one, Mr. Holmes. They feed the animals human blood.

WATSON:

Good heavens! What a shocking thing.

HOLMES:

Human sacrifices for a rodent, eh? Go on, Mr. Jackson.

JACKSON:

I managed to gain the confidence of one of the tribesman and, with the aid of a considerable sum of money, bribed him to steal the rat you see there. I had no compunction in doing this, for their worship of the animals is barbaric and disgusting.

WATSON:

Downright disgusting.

HOLMES:

Quiet, Watson.

JACKSON:

My interest was purely that of the collector. And so I slipped away from the village with my prize in a cage and caught the next boat for Calcutta. I wanted to talk to the curator of the Calcutta Zoo about buying a specimen of their Himalayan tree bear whilst I was there. But my erstwhile friends in Sumatra have not been idle. I've been followed. Two attempts have been made to take the rat back. One attempt has been made on my life already. I think what happened just now was a third attempt to steal the rat.

HOLMES:

Very possibly, Mr. Jackson, but I still don't understand the symptoms of poisoning.

JACKSON:

I think that what undoubtedly happened was that the man just carried out was attempting to drug or poison the rat so that he could handle it. Even a dead Sumatra rat is an object of veneration amongst the tribe. Probably he opened the cage and tried to feed the poison to the rat. Possibly the rat got some on his fangs and then bit him.

HOLMES:

(LAUGHING) You should have been a detective, Mr. Jackson. That's an ingenious deduction... though I can't say I find it an entirely convincing one.

JACKSON:

(SUDDENLY) Mr. Holmes, you're a famous detective. Would you undertake to guard me and the rat until I'm safely on the boat for America? I'd pay you a handsome fee.

WATSON:

Why not, Holmes? It's a most interesting case.

HOLMES:

(LAZILY) I'm afraid not, Mr. Jackson. I'm on a holiday now and I want to relax.

WATSON:

Well, 'pon my soul. I've never heard you turn down a case like this before.

HOLMES:

However, we shall be here for a couple of days yet. And Doctor Watson and myself are neighbors of yours. We are in Suite 109... just down the corridor from you, so please feel free to call on us if you have any more trouble. And now, Watson, let's take that stroll. I want to observe the night life of Calcutta.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND EFFECT:

INDIAN FLUTE PLAYING SNAKE-CHARMING THEME. BAZAAR AD-LIBS IN BACKGROUND

HOLMES:

(KEENLY) Watson, observe the trance-like condition of that snake. See... the glazed eyes... the immobile body... Fascinating. Quite fascinating. The powers of music are often more potent in the animal kingdom than in the human.

WATSON:

(IMPATIENTLY) Yes... yes... it's very interesting. You know, Holmes, I still don't understand why you turned down that Jackson case. A scared rat... a man poisoned... it's just the kind of case that's always fascinated you.

SOUND EFFECT:

INDIAN FLUTE CEASES

HOLMES:

Give that fellow a rupee. He's given us a fine performance.

WATSON:

(MUTTERING) A rupee. That's rather a lot, isn't it? Here you are.

SOUND EFFECT:

COIN BEING TOSSED ON STONE

COOLIE:

(OFF) Salaam, Sahib. Burra Salaam.

HOLMES:

Let's explore the Bazaar a little further.

SOUND EFFECT:

FOOTSTEPS ON STONE. INDIAN FLUTE STARTS IN BACKGROUND AGAIN AND FADES AWAY

HOLMES:

So you're worried, my dear fellow because I didn't accept Mr. Jackson's commission?

WATSON:

I'm not worried, Holmes. I'm just surprised.

HOLMES:

Well, don't be, old fellow. I'm very much interested in the case. But sometimes one has a greater... ah, latitude of behaviour in a case when one is observing it from the outside. If Mr. Jackson thinks he needs protection, he should apply to the official police.

WATSON:

But if you are interested in the case, why are we wandering through this bazaar? Why aren't we back at the hotel keeping an eye on Jackson and his wretched rat?

HOLMES:

We are going back to the hotel, Watson. But first of all I have a visit to make. This apparently aimless stroll is taking us to the Calcutta Zoo. I want to have a little chat with the curator there. You know Watson, I have a feeling that before this night is out, the giant rat of Sumatra will bite again!

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND EFFECT:

VIOLIN IN BACKGROUND IMPROVISING THE THEME WE HEARD FROM THE SNAKE CHARMER IN PRECEEDING SCENE

WATSON:

It's nearly one o'clock in the morning. D'you think you ought to keep scraping away at that violin? There are people trying to sleep, y'know.

HOLMES:

Nonsense.

SOUND EFFECT:

VIOLIN BREAKS OFF MELODY

HOLMES:

Confound it! What can't I capture that snake-charming melody?

SOUND EFFECT:

VIOLIN PLAYS AGAIN

WATSON:

Holmes, did you learn anything from the curator tonight? I listened to your discussion, but I'll be hanged if I could understand a word either of you were talking about.

HOLMES:

You're a medical man. You should at least have found it as understandable as I did.

WATSON:

I'm a simple General Practitioner. When you stray off into the subtleties of Oriental poisons and the anatomy of rodents, I'm out of my field and I don't mind confessing it.

SOUND EFFECT:

VIOLIN COMPLETES THEME, THEN FINISHES WITH A LITTLE FLOURISH

HOLMES:

(EXCITEDLY) That's it! At last I've got it.

SOUND EFFECT:

VIOLIN BEING PLACED ON TABLE

HOLMES:

Now I can go to bed.

WATSON:

Well, thank heavens for that. (YAWNING) I must say I'm ready to turn in myself. You still haven't answered my question, Holmes.

HOLMES:

Hmm... question? What question?

WATSON:

I asked whether you learnt anything from your discussion over at the zoo tonight?

HOLMES:

Oh yes. I learnt a great deal. A very great deal. In fact I may say that--

SOUND EFFECT:

PIERCING MALE SCREAM (OFF)

WATSON:

Good Heavens! D'you hear that? That came from Jackson's room!

HOLMES:

Quick, Watson!

SOUND EFFECT:

RUNNING FOOTSTEPS. DOOR OPEN. FOOTSTEPS ON SLIGHT ECHO

HOLMES:

(BREATHLESSLY) Have you got your revolver with you?

WATSON:

(PANTING) No... shall I go back for it?

HOLMES:

Never mind, I have mine. Here we are--

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR WRENCHED OPEN, ANOTHER PIERCING SCREAM. FOOTSTEPS CEASE. SCRABBLING AND YELPING OF RAT

JACKSON:

(HYSTERICALLY) Back! Get back there!

HOLMES:

Watson! See what you can do for that poor fellow there. I'll take care of the rat.

JACKSON:

(VIOLENTLY) No, Mr. Holmes! Put that revolver away! I'll get the rat back in the cage, but don't shoot it! It's too valuable.

HOLMES:

(GRIMLY) You'd better hurry then. Here... throw this bedspread over it!

SOUND EFFECT:

AGONISED DEATH RATTLE OF DYING MAN

WATSON:

Holmes... the man's done for.

SOUND EFFECT:

YELPING OF RAT SUDDENLY STIFLED. THE CLANG OF A CAGE DOOR CLOSING

JACKSON:

There! The rat's back in the cage!

HOLMES:

Just in time, Mr. Jackson. I was about to bring your pet's career to an abrupt end.

SOUND EFFECT:

LAST SPASMS OF DYING MAN

WATSON:

The man's dead, Holmes. Poor devil... look at that expression on his face... the contorted features... the staring eyeballs... the arched back.

HOLMES:

Exactly. All the symptoms of strychnine poisoning! Mr. Jackson, I'm afraid your chances of taking the rat back to America are very slight. I think you'll find the police will insist on killing him and performing an autopsy.

MUSIC:

CURTAIN

CAMPBELL:

Well... so Holmes is now turning the case over to the Indian police. We'll find his motive for doing so in just a few seconds when our story continues. Meanwhile, I'd like to remind you that the best time to begin a good dinner is before the beginning. While you're waiting for dinner to be ready, try a glass of Petri California Sherry. Petri Sherry is one of the most famous of all sherry wines... and rightly so. Because Petri Sherry has a perfect color, a wonderful aroma--"bouquet" the experts call it--and as for its flavour--well, Petri Sherry has a flavour that comes right from the heart of luscious California grapes. And say--if like most men--you like your sherry dry... well, you certainly ought to try a Petri pale dry sherry. That is something! And remember--you can serve Petri sherry proudly... because the name "Petri" is the proudest name in the history of American wines.

MUSIC:

"SCOTCH POEM"

CAMPBELL:

And now back to tonight's new adventure of Sherlock Holmes. Doctor Watson and his famous friend are in Calcutta awaiting a boat to take them back to England. Whilst staying at the Great Eastern Hotel, they have become involved in the strange case of the Giant Rat of Sumatra--a rat whose bite is sudden death. As we rejoin our story, Holmes and Watson are seated in the bedroom of Mr. Jackson, the owner of the rat (FADE) awaiting the arrival of the police...

WATSON:

Two-thirty in the morning and still the police haven't arrived.

HOLMES:

Patience, Watson. They'll be here.

JACKSON:

This is terrible. Mr. Holmes, you really think they'll kill my rat?

HOLMES:

It's hard for me to predict what the police will do, but personally I can see no alternative. The rat has bitten and killed one man, and severely poisoned another. The cause of death looks like strychnine poisoning. It seems obvious that if the rat bite did kill the man, the first thing to do is to dissect the rat and discover how it was able to deliver this lethal bite.

WATSON:

What d'you mean "if" the rat bite killed him? We know it did.

HOLMES:

We know it bit him.

JACKSON:

What is your theory, Mr. Holmes?

HOLMES:

I never theorize. By the way, Mr. Jackson--being a zoologist you are naturally familiar with the Tamana... the Tamana... the Darjeeling snow bird?

JACKSON:

Oh, yes... Yes, of course.

HOLMES:

There's an excellent specimen that's just arrived at the zoo. We saw it earlier on today.

WATSON:

Darjeeling snow bird? I don't remember any--

HOLMES:

(INTERRUPTING) You never remember anything, my dear fellow. Mr. Jackson: The man who was killed here in this room tonight. Have you ever seen him before?

JACKSON:

Never.

HOLMES:

Are you still of the opinion that he was employed by the tribe in Sumatra to recapture the sacred animal?

JACKSON:

I can't think of any other motive.

SOUND EFFECT:

KNOCK ON DOOR

HOLMES:

Ah... that must be the police now.

JACKSON:

(CALLING) Come in.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR OPEN

SINGH:

(OFF. CULTURED, SLIGHT ACCENT) Mr. Jackson?

JACKSON:

Yes... that's right.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR CLOSE

SINGH:

(FADING IN) I am Inspector Singh of the Bengal Police.

JACKSON:

Sit down, Inspector. These two gentlemen are Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.

SINGH:

Mr. Sherlock Holmes? I am very honored to meet you, Mr. Holmes. We in the Indian Police service are very familiar with your brilliant work in Europe.

HOLMES:

Thank you.

SINGH:

Also your recent handling of the case of the white elephant for the Maharajah of Parbutipur. I am flattered to be associated with you in this case.

HOLMES:

I'm merely a spectator, Inspector. Pray proceed as though I were not present.

SINGH:

Thank you. Mr. Jackson, we have just performed an autopsy on the man bitten in this room tonight. He died of strychnine poisoning. Naturally, we shall have to kill the rat and perform an autopsy on it too.

JACKSON:

This is dreadful! The rat is worth thousands of dollars to me.

SINGH:

(STERNLY) Undoubtedly the dead man's life was worth even more to him. No, Mr. Jackson, your rat will have to die. I shall return within the hour with the necessary authority to take the rat for dissection. Before I leave, I'd like the exact facts as to the tragedy tonight.

HOLMES:

(YAWNING) I think if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I'll turn in. Are you coming Watson? It's a quarter-to-three in the morning.

WATSON:

(SURPRISED) Yes, I suppose so, though I must say I'm surprised at your leaving...

HOLMES:

There is nothing further we can do. Inspector Singh is in efficient command. Good night, Inspector. Good night, Mr. Jackson.

SOUND EFFECT:

FOOTSTEPS

WATSON, SINGH, AND JACKSON AD LIB "GOOD NIGHTS"

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR CLOSE. FOOTSTEPS ON SLIGHT ECHO

WATSON:

(CUE) Holmes, I just don't understand your handling of this case. Walking out just as the police walk in.

HOLMES:

Don't you, Watson? There was nothing more to be learned in there--merely a recapitulation of what we already know. Come into the room and I'll tell you my plans.

SOUND EFFECT:

DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE. FOOTSTEPS STOP

WATSON:

(MUTTERING) I'll never get any sleep tonight.

HOLMES:

Perhaps not. But think of the satisfied sleep you can have on the boat--when the case of the Giant Rat is solved.

WATSON:

Good Lord, Holmes. You think you've solved it?

HOLMES:

Almost, my dear fellow. Almost. There is just one more thing to be done... and it's a job for you.

WATSON:

Of course, Holmes. What is it?

HOLMES:

I must examine that rat before it is taken away. You must get Jackson out as soon as Singh leaves. I don't care what excuse you make, but get him out of the hotel for half-an-hour.

WATSON:

Of course I'll do it. But I say, Holmes... be careful when you get near that rat.

HOLMES:

Don't worry, old fellow. I've learnt quite a bit about the behaviour of rats from our visit to the zoo today. Also, you will observe that pair of leather gloves lying on the table there. No, I'm taking no chances. Within an hour from now, I think I can promise you the solution to the case!

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

WATSON:

Well, Holmes, I got our friend Jackson to come out and have a drink with me. He's gone back to his room now. Did I give you enough time?

HOLMES:

You've done splendidly Watson. Splendidly. I have completed my examination of the rat and laid all my plans, and there's no time to waste. Better bring your revolver.

WATSON:

Revolver? What do I--?

HOLMES:

Don't argue. Do as I say. This is a matter of life and death.

WATSON:

Oh, all right. Here it is on the table.

HOLMES:

Now follow me...

SOUND EFFECT:

FOOTSTEPS... DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE. FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE

HOLMES:

Quickly, Watson... in here...

WATSON:

But this isn't Jackson's room... this is 104.

HOLMES:

This is the room next to his. It's empty and I have obtained the key. Come in.

SOUND EFFECT:

KEY TURNING IN LOCK. DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE

WATSON:

What on earth are you up to, Holmes?

HOLMES:

You'll soon see. We open those French windows...

SOUND EFFECT:

WINDOW BEING OPENED

HOLMES:

So... and what do we find?

WATSON:

By Jove! A balcony!

HOLMES:

Exactly. A balcony that extends under Mr. Jackson's window. Now slip off your shoes, Watson, and keep your voice down. Come on. We'll have a grandstand seat. And keep your revolver handy... Here we go...

SOUND EFFECT:

FAINT SHUFFLE OF FEET. SOUNDS OF EXERTION

HOLMES:

(AFTER A PAUSE, WHISPERING) Here we are, Watson. This gives us a view of the whole room.

WATSON:

(WHISPERING) Yes. There's Jackson sitting facing the door... and the rat's beside him on the table. I hope that cage is securely fastened.

HOLMES:

Shh... Here comes Inspector Singh now. We've timed this perfectly... keep your eyes peeled...

WATSON:

(AFTER A MOMENT) Singh's got the warrant. They seem to be arguing about it... Singh's moving towards the cage... (EXCITEDLY) Look! Jackson's opening the cage Great heavens! He's thrown it on the floor! The rat's loose!

HOLMES:

(GRIMLY) Exactly! And here comes Jackson now! Grab him, Watson! He's trying to get out this way. I'll get the rat!

SOUND EFFECT:

WINDOW OPENED VIOLENTLY. SOUND OF RUNNING FOOTSTEPS. HOARSE SHOUTING. YELPING OF RAT

WATSON:

(FADING A LITTLE) No you don't, Jackson!

SOUND EFFECT:

STRUGGLE

JACKSON:

(OFF A LITTLE) Let me go!

HOLMES:

Look out, Singh! Move away from there!

SOUND EFFECT:

REVOLVER SHOT. YELP OF RAT (OFF)

HOLMES:

(FADE IN) And that, I think, is the end of the rat. (CALLING) Watson, bring Mr. Jackson back in here.

WATSON:

(OFF) Come along.

JACKSON:

(FADING IN) This is all a ridiculous mistake!

HOLMES:

Inspector Singh, I don't know whether a pair of handcuffs is part of your regular equipment?

SINGH:

Yes, Mr. Holmes.

HOLMES:

Then I suggest you slip them on our friend Mr. Jackson here. He's your murderer.

SOUND EFFECT:

CLICK OF HANDCUFFS

JACKSON:

I'll get you for this, Holmes! You see if I don't!

HOLMES:

Hardly. The gallows will get you first.

SINGH:

But, Mr. Holmes, I don't understand how you solved this case.

WATSON:

Nor do I. Will you stop keeping us in the dark any longer, Holmes, and tell us how the devil you know that Jackson is the murderer?

HOLMES:

With pleasure. Let me first slip on these leather gloves. Even in death our rat can still be extremely lethal. Now, gentlemen, to be technical, here is the weapon that was used to commit the murder. This rat. First of all let me point out the fang here. It's really an extremely clever piece of dental work. The center of the tooth has been drilled hollow and in the cavity has been inserted a tiny hypodermic needle--a needle containing strychnine. On biting anything--a natural impulse in a rat--the needle would puncture the skin, injecting strychnine, and so producing immediate death. Ingenious isn't it?

WATSON:

But why should he have done that? I say, Jackson, did you go to all that trouble just to protect the rat from the vengeful Sumatra tribe who were trying to recapture him?

SINGH:

Mr. Jackson, I must warn you that anything you say will be taken down and may be used in evidence against you.

JACKSON:

I'll tell you nothing. Ask Mr. Sherlock Holmes. He seems to know everything.

HOLMES:

Certainly I'll tell you. Your guess isn't a bad one, Watson. The rat was equipped with a device for protecting itself from capture--but not from a Pygmy Tribe in Sumatra who worship rats. That was a colourful story invented by Mr. Jackson. There are no Pygmies in Sumatra, but there are Pygmies in the Andaman Islands some three-hundred miles away. If you read your papers thoroughly, you will recall that some five weeks ago, the famous Hapang diamond was stolen from the head of the idol worshipped by the Andaman Islanders.

WATSON:

Good heavens! But where is the diamond now?

HOLMES:

If you will observe the underside of the belly of this rat, you will notice this large bulge. When you perform your autopsy, Mr. Singh, you will find the Hapang diamond cleverly inserted between the skin and the flesh of the dead rat. A very ingenious safe for your treasure, Mr. Jackson--a safe that defends itself with a bite of death. But I'm afraid you reckoned without meeting Sherlock Holmes.

WATSON:

Look out! He's going for the window!

JACKSON:

(FADING HYSTERICALLY) You'll never get me! Never!

SOUND EFFECT:

CRASH OF GLASS, FOLLOWED BY FADING SCREAM

WATSON:

Great heavens! He's gone. Through the window and over the balcony. Poor devil!

HOLMES:

(STERNLY) I should save your sympathy, Watson. A man who kills with a rat must expect to die like one!

MUSIC:

UP TO STRONG FINISH

CAMPBELL:

Well, Doctor Watson, you promised to make my hair stand on end and you've certainly succeeded! That's quite a story. But I still don't understand when Holmes first became suspicious of Mr. Jackson.

WATSON:

(CHUCKLING) Nor did I. But coming home on the boat, the great man told me a lot of illuminating facts. For instance, d'you remember his asking Jackson if he was familiar with the Tamana--the Darjeeling snow bird?

CAMPBELL:

Yes, I do. And Mr. Jackson said that he was familiar with it.

WATSON:

Exactly. (LAUGHING) There is no such bird! Holmes invented it! So of course he knew at once that the man was no zoologist.

CAMPBELL:

(LAUGHING) Well Doctor, to tell the truth, I didn't know that Holmes had invented the Darjeeling Snow Bird, so I guess that proves I'm no zoologist either.

WATSON:

Well, you don't profess to be--you're a wine expert.

CAMPBELL:

Now wait a minute, Doctor--don't get me wrong. I never said I was a wine expert. I judge wine just like anybody else does. I taste it... and if the wine tastes good--well, then I say it's a good wine.

WATSON:

That sounds like good common sense.

CAMPBELL:

And I say that Petri Wine is good because the Petri family knows how to make wine that's really delicious. That's because the Petri family has been making wine for generations. And ever since they started their business, back in the last century, they've kept it in the family. Therefore they've been able to hand down from father to son, from father to son, all they've ever learned about the art of wine-making--that fine art of turning plump, sun-ripened grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine. And because the making of Petri wine is a family affair--naturally the family takes a great deal of pride in every bottle of wine that bears their name. That's why--even today--when the demand for Petri wine is so great, Petri Wine is still made in the same, old-fashioned, unhurried way. So if you want a wine to serve with your meals, or a wine to make a refreshing wine and soda--no matter what type of wine you wish--you can't go wrong with a Petri Wine, because Petri took time to bring you good wine. And now...

WATSON:

I know. You want me to give you a hint about next week's story. Next week, Mr. Campbell, I have a strange story for you. It takes place on a lonely island off the Cornish coast--an island containing a lighthouse--a strange bird, and a... an extremely frightened politician...

MUSIC:

UP TO CLOSING

MUSIC:

"SCOTCH POEM"

CAMPBELL:

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Denis Green and Bruce Taylor and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story The Sign of Four. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series.

MUSIC:

THEME UP AND DOWN UNDER

CAMPBELL:

(OUT) The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.

MUSIC:

HIT JINGLE

SINGERS:
Clink, click, clink
An icy drink
A drink for summer time
Is wine and soda, half-and-half
Made with Petri Wine!

CAMPBELL:

Yes, Petri Wine made by the Petri Wine Company, San Francisco, California...

SINGERS:

Pet--Pet--Petri Wine

CAMPBELL: This is Bob Campbell saying goodnight for the Petri family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from the Don Lee Studios in Hollywood. (CUE) This is MUTUAL!