(gentle music) (orchestral music) (quick, jaunty music) >> Narrator: The Star of Rhodesia is one of the most famous of the Earth's treasures.

First touched by the fingers of the humble Kaffir, it would've been better had it never been found.

For all those who possessed it came to sudden and violent death.

Our story opens in London, within the sound of Bow Bells.

In the shadow of Tower Bridge is the carpenter shop of Mock & Son.

Coffin makers.

>> A beautiful job if I may say so.

>> You'll be sure to have it at the undertaker's in time?

>> Of course.

>> The Scotch Express leaves Euston Station at 7:30 tonight, that leaves very little time for the arrangement of the body.

>> Your mother, is it not?

>> Yes.

>> You are taking her to Scotland?

>> Yes, Edinborough, her home.

Thank you.

Rather a nuisance traveling by train.

Ain't it?

>> Stop it, you!

Go on, get on about your business!

(orchestral music) >> I'm terribly sorry.

Mr. Holmes?

>> Hello.

>> I was afraid you wouldn't get here in time.

>> I was studying the faces of our fellow passengers.

Fascinating hobby.

Sometimes most enlightening.

Lady Margaret is aboard the train I presume?

>> Oh yes, mother's expecting you.

I reserved a compartment for you and your friend Doctor Watson.

As a matter of fact it's in this coach here just ahead of the luggage van.

>> Day coach?

>> Yes, the sleepers are all taken.

Mother wasn't interested in a bed so much as she was in getting to Edinborough.

>> So naturally it wasn't very difficult to persuade her to travel in a day coach.

>> Exactly.

It'll be open to take on additional passengers.

>> So I observed.

>> I say, it was awfully decent of you to come considering the fact that I was so secretive about it all.

>> My dear Mr. Carstairs, there was no need for secrecy, I already knew.

>> You knew that mother insisted on bringing the Star of Rhodesia with her to London?

>> And that while here an attempt has been made to steal it.

>> Did Scotland Yard tell you that?

>> (laughs) Oh no, my dear Mr. Carstairs.

But the fact that your mother owns the famous diamond is common knowledge.

She came down to London to attend the reception at Buckingham Palace and quite naturally wore the Star of Rhodesia.

You want me to accompany you back to your home in Edinborough, therefore an attempt must have been made to steal the Star of Rhodesia while you were here in London.

>> It seems simple the way you explain it, Mr. Holmes.

>> Thank you, if you don't mind I'll wait here for my friend Doctor Watson, I can't think what's keeping him.

>> Mother and I will be expecting you.

Oh, and could I take this for you?

>> Oh I'd be much obliged, thank you.

>> We'll be in Compartment E. >> Yes.

>> Ticket please.

Here's your carriage, sir.

>> Well well well, look who's here!

Inspector Lestrade.

>> Why Mr. Holmes!

>> Figure a trip, Inspector?

Fishing, eh?

>> Bit of a holiday.

>> That's very nice.

Trout?

>> Huh?

Oh, yes, yes.

>> Rather large rods for trout, aren't they?

Salmon perhaps.

>> Well as a matter of fact I'm going mostly for the rest.

>> As a matter of fact, you're on a job for Scotland Yard, aren't you?

>> I trust this is the right carriage.

>> This is where we take care of the overflow, sir.

>> I see.

>> Porter will take your bags.

>> I'll carry this myself if you don't mind.

(train whistles) >> Ready to go, sir.

>> Half past seven, eh?

>> We always leave on time.

(train whistles) Mind your head, sir.

>> Watson!

>> Coming, Holmes!

>> Watson!

>> All right, Holmes, I'm coming!

I beg your pardon!

>> I beg yours!

>> Thank you for your timely assistance.

>> Really Watson, aren't you a little stuffed for this sort of thing?

>> Rubbish, I feel great for a man of my age.

Ran into an old friend of mine, Duncan-Bleek.

(indistinct) is all, Major Duncan-Bleek, this is Sherlock Holmes.

>> How do you do, sir?

>> Delightful, I've heard quite a lot about you.

>> India, eh?

>> Retired 15 years ago.

>> As a matter of fact, we were reminiscing about India.

Didn't realize how late it was.

Stays light so long these days we almost missed the train.

>> Yes, so I observed.

>> In here, sir.

>> Thank you.

Doctor, would you care to join me in a glass of whiskey and a dash of soda before dinner?

>> Sure, man, good idea!

What's this all about, Holmes?

>> Did you ever hear of Lady Margaret Carstair's famous diamond the Star of Rodesia?

>> There was something in last week's (indistinct) about the old girl being in London with a bauble wasn't there, Holmes?

>> Yes there was.

She's on this train.

That's why we're here.

To see that this "bauble" as you call it gets safely back to France.

>> Sounds to me...

Pardon me.

Sounds to me like a police routine job.

>> That's where you're wrong, old fellow.

An attempt to make away with in London was unsuccessful.

The second attempt will in all probability be made on this train.

>> What makes you say that?

>> Well it seems more than likely that the people who planned the first attempt will not be discouraged by one failure and will stop at nothing to ensure success the second time.

>> Sounds like Lestrade's cup of tea to me.

>> Lestrade, he's on this train.

>> Oh is he?

>> Giving an excellent imitation of Izaak Walton.

>> Beg your pardon, gents.

>> Come in, Mr. Holmes.

>> Holmes: My friend and colleague Doctor Watson.

>> Watson: How do you do?

>> I thought it better to engage Mr. Holmes after what happened in London.

>> No doubt you're an efficient person.

But I don't think there's any need for a policeman.

>> Policeman?

>> How long have you been in possession of the Star of Rhodesia, Lady Margaret?

>> 25 years.

>> You know, it may seem strange to you, but I've never actually seen it.

>> I suppose there's no harm since we're paying you to guard it.

>> Mother!

>> Yes?

>> May I?

>> Do by all means.

>> Thank you.

>> Great scott!

>> What a remarkable stone.

>> My husband gave it to me on our fifth wedding anniversary.

>> 420 karats, isn't it?

>> The original diamond was over 700 karats.

Your father had it cut.

Less ostentatious.

>> Ostentatious, it's bigger than a duck's egg.

>> Watson, please.

>> Sorry.

>> Thank you, Lady Margaret.

We'll be as unobtrusive as possible.

>> That will be a novelty for a policeman.

>> Now if you wouldn't mind telling us where our compartment is?

>> Oh I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes.

>> Thank you.

Lady Margaret.

>> Goodnight.

>> Goodnight.

>> Impertinence.

She called us policemen.

>> Lestrade: And what's wrong with being a policeman?

>> Oh, hello Lestrade.

Where are you going?

>> The inspector's going to Scotland to fish for salmon.

>> Oh really?

The season doesn't start for another month.

But you wouldn't know that, would you?

>> Who says I'm going to fish for salmon?

>> Who?

Him.

>> Excuse me please.

>> Police.

>> Police?

Here?

On the train?

>> Scotland Yard, I heard.

I warned you.

>> Oh, Mr. Holmes?

>> Yes.

>> This way please.

>> Watson: Oh there you are, Holmes.

Try some of this curry, it's excellent.

>> Streak kidney pudding please.

>> Of course the Bangor curry doesn't compare with that of (indistinct).

It was the quality of the mutton that makes the difference, don't you think?

>> Watson: The meat's unimportant.

>> It's the spices that make the difference.

Don't you agree with me, Holmes?

>> What?

>> I said we were discussing curry.

>> Oh yes, curry, horrible stuff.

>> One man's meat is another man's poison.

>> There will be two of us, steward.

My son will be here directly.

(suspenseful music) (dramatic music) >> But my dear fellow, I still insist the unpolished wild rice does make a considerable difference to a good curry.

>> Watson: Well I still can't agree with you.

>> Take care of this for me, will you, Watson?

>> Right you are, Holmes.

>> That was one of them.

>> Was young Carstairs in the dining cart with you?

>> No, Lady Margaret came in alone.

>> Well I was in my compartment just now having a bite to eat and I heard a crash in here.

>> A crash?

>> It's locked.

I knocked and there was no answer.

>> So you just stood here twiddling your thumbs, brilliant.

Attendant, will you please unlock this door?

>> I'm sorry, sir- >> This is Inspector Lastrade of Scotland Yard.

>> That's all right, you can open it.

>> Very good, sir.

(dramatic music) >> Well!

Dead.

>> Murdered.

>> That's a bit quick, isn't it, even for you.

Is this the... >> Yes.

The Star of Rhodesia was in this box not 45 minutes ago.

>> How do you know?

>> I saw it.

>> Might be here somewhere.

>> No, looking will do no good, Lestrade.

Killer's got it.

>> Ah, there you are, Holmes.

How about joining us in the- >> Look at this body, will you, Watson?

>> Body?

Great scott.

>> How do you know it's murder, Mr. Holmes?

>> Murder?

Oh I say!

>> Who are you?

>> Major Duncan-Bleek, a friend of Doctor Watson's.

>> Oh, well what makes you so sure it's murder, Mr. Holmes?

The door was locked!

>> Every attendant has a key.

>> Did you open this door for anyone during the last hour?

>> No, sir.

>> Has the key been out of your possession?

>> Never is, sir, it's on a chain.

>> Looks to me like heart failure.

>> Any marks of violence on the body?

>> None that I can see.

>> Seemed to have missed it this time, didn't you, Mr. Holmes?

>> Possibly.

Still, if it was a natural death it came at a very convenient time, didn't it?

>> What does this mean?

Star of Rhodesia!

It's gone!

You were supposed to guard it!

My son employed you!

That's why I left it with him.

Where is he?

>> I'm sorry, Lady Margaret.

It was thoughtless of us to let you come in like this.

Do you have an empty compartment?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Then I think we better...

If you don't mind, Lady Margaret, please.

>> Poor chap's mother, I presume.

>> Yeah.

>> Well let's get to the bottom of this.

Excuse me, Doctor.

>> Poor chap, he was so young, it's such a pity.

>> I've sent for the conductor, Lestrade, you want to talk to him and I've ask that no one be allowed to leave this coach.

>> Oh, thank you Mr. Holmes, shall we use my compartment?

>> Thanks.

>> Attendant, lock that door and let no one go in without my permission, you understand?

>> Very good, sir.

>> All right.

>> Sorry, old man, official police business.

>> That's all right, I'll catch up with you later.

>> Are you looking for the Scotland Yard Inspector, sir?

>> Why yes.

>> Right in there, sir.

>> Thank you.

(knocking) >> Lestrade: Come in.

>> Sorry sir, no one's allowed to leave the carriage.

>> Can't leave the carriage?

Whose ridiculous idea was that?

>> Scotland Yard.

>> Scotland... >> You say we don't stop until we reach Rugby?

>> That's right, sir.

>> Good, we'll have a thorough search of the train made before that time.

>> Find the murderer, Inspector, and you'll find the diamond.

>> But we don't know it was murder!

>> Consider the facts, Lestrade.

Young Carstairs was dead when the jewel was taken.

Otherwise he'd have put up a struggle and there were no marks of violence on the body.

If, however, he died a natural death, we must assume that the thief happened to be on hand just at the right moment which is outside the realm of probability.

No, Lastrade, in this case nothing was left to chance.

That's why I said find the murderer and you'll find the diamond.

>> How do we know the thief didn't leave the carriage before we discovered the body?

>> The attendant was in the corridor the entire time and he said that no one passed him to the dining car.

The door at the other end leads into the luggage van.

>> Which is always locked.

>> Oh.

(train whistle) >> You found no marks of any kind on the body, Watson?

>> No, not of any significance.

>> Not even a scratch?

>> Well there was a small spot of blood on his neck, just a mere speck.

>> That's what I was referring to.

>> You mean that scratch killed him?

>> It's possible the poison that went into the wound did.

>> Poison?

>> We can't tell that without an autopsy.

>> Have you got a list of the passengers in this carriage?

>> Yes, sir.

Here you are, sir.

>> Thank you.

Major Duncan-Bleek, that would be your friend, Doctor.

The next compartment's empty.

>> Where we took Lady Margaret after the murder.

You remember, Lestrade.

Go on.

Vivian Vedder and Inspector Les- That's this one.

Lady Margaret Carstairs and the Honorable Roland Carstairs.

Professor William Kilbane, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Shallcross, Mr. Holmes and Doctor Watson.

That would be you two.

Well, I think I shall ask a few questions.

Vivian Vedder, we'll start with her whoever she is.

Vedder, compartment C. Ah, here we are.

Empty.

>> Say Holmes, are you gonna let Lestrade handle this thing by himself?

>> Well after all, he does represent the official police, you know.

>> With him doing the questioning and looking under the seat cushions for diamonds, whatever shall we do now?

Could do it better myself.

>> Why don't you, old fellow?

>> Huh?

By jove, I think I will!

Probably find out just as much as Lestrade would anyway.

I'll do it at once.

We just came from.

Locked.

Oh, the body.

Let's start with this one.

(clears throat) >> Yes?

>> My name's Watson, Doctor Watson.

>> Oh?

To what am I indebted to this intrusion?

>> I'm afraid I've gotta ask you one or two questions, what are you doing on the train, where you're going, things like that you know.

>> Why?

>> Customary.

There's been a murder committed.

Scotland Yard, Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes and I... >> What about Sherlock Holmes?

>> We are cross-examining suspects.

>> Suspects?

Of what am I suspected?

>> Fellow's dead.

Murdered, you know.

>> Now let me get this straight.

You say a murder has been committed on this train?

>> Next compartment.

>> And because a perfect stranger to me got himself murdered, you come to question me?

>> Well we've gotta question everybody.

>> Are you a policeman?

>> No.

>> Then by what right do you force your way into my compartment?

>> Well I- >> What are you doing on this train?

Where are you going?

>> Not going anywhere.

Holmes and I are on the train to watch the- >> I know, it's a diamond or a pearl or something of fabulous value.

This fellow Holmes is always chasing after missing jewels or mysterious females.

>> What is the meaning of this?

>> I'm sorry, Ms. Vedder, but it was necessary for us to search your compartment.

>> Indeed, may I ask what you expected to find?

>> A valuable jewel has been stolen.

>> And a man has been murdered.

>> We are making a routine search of the entire carriage and asking a few questions.

>> Go right ahead.

>> I understand your journey's rather a sad one.

Your mother... >> Yes.

>> Perhaps we'd better not question Ms. Vedder just now, Lestrade.

>> Eh?

>> Excuse us, will you?

>> (whispers) What's the idea, Mr. Holmes?

>> It's not of taste, Lestrade.

The young lady's taking her mother to Scotland for burial.

>> In a coffin?

>> That is the customary method I believe.

Lestrade, I think we'll take a look at that coffin, might prove interesting.

>> I was about to suggest that very thing myself, Mr. Holmes.

Conductor, I'll have a look in the luggage van.

>> This way, sir.

>> But I am Doctor Watson!

Doctor John H. Watson of B Baker Street, retired!

My friend Sherlock Holmes can vouch for me!

>> Your alibi isn't worth a starch farthing!

Just told me that this fellow Holmes is a chronie of yours, naturally he'd lie!

>> I resent that, sir!

Sherlock Holmes is the very font of integrity!

>> Kilbane: Might even be an accomplice!

Why if I were a policeman I'd take you in charge this very moment!

>> I didn't do it, sir, I swear I didn't do it!

I can prove it to you!

>> Prove what, old chap?

>> Oh there you are, Holmes!

>> Now get out of here and join your silly friend!

>> Did you discover anything, Watson?

>> Yes, he's a very suspicious character.

He tried to put me off the scent.

>> From the little I heard, he seemed reasonably successful.

Look here, you're not going to let a noble like Professor Killbane discourage you, are you?

Why don't you try this one?

>> You think I'd better?

>> Yes, of course.

>> All right.

Do you mind if I come in?

>> You may.

>> Thank you.

I'm sorry to bother you, but I represent the police.

>> I knew it.

Alfred, I told you.

>> Told him what?

Well?

>> It's quite all right, inspector.

I'll confess.

>> Confess?

You mean you stole it?

You got it in there?

>> Yes.

>> No no no, leave it where it is.

I'll go and fetch Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard.

And don't either of you attempt to run away!

>> Oh no, Inspector.

>> Is this door always kept locked, conductor?

>> Yes sir, only the guard and myself have keys.

>> Got him, Holmes!

>> Who?

>> The thieves.

>> Thieves?

Where, come on, speak up, man!

>> That married couple down there.

>> Mr. and Mrs. Shallcross?

>> Yes, they confessed.

>> Confessed?

>> Broke 'em down.

Gave 'em the third degree.

>> And you left them unguarded?

>> I told them not to run away.

>> Well better have a talk with 'em.

>> Oh, it's you again.

>> It might interest you to know that I've just caught the thieves.

>> Excuse me, madam.

>> You're the police, I know.

I warned him, but no, he had to take it.

>> I must warn you that anything you say may be used against you.

>> Anything they say?

They've already admitted everything.

>> Everything?

>> Yes, they've got it in there.

>> I would glad to pay double what it's worth if only they won't prosecute.

It's my first offense.

>> You chaps always say the same thing.

Come on, hand it over, where is it?

>> I stole it, I took it from a hotel in London.

>> Come on, come on!

>> In my small way, I'm a collector... Of teapots.

>> Teapots?

Doctor Watson, does this look like a diamond?

>> Not very much now that you mention it.

>> What's all that about a confession?

>> Well when I came in here before they said they they took it.

>> Well you'll please oblige yourself by not meddling in police business.

>> This time wasn't entirely wasted, Lestrade.

At least you've recovered the teapot.

>> Thank you, Holmes.

>> Teapot!

>> Fella tries his best, and what's he get?

Humiliation and abuse.

From Lestrade of all people.

Good man would chuck up the whole case.

>> Might be a good idea to let the police do their own work.

>> You mind your own business.

>> Oh there are you, Watson.

How about a spot in my compartment?

>> Thanks, old man.

Serves 'em right about (indistinct).

>> I suppose you realize you'll be turned over to the police as soon as we reach Edinborough.

Doctor Watson, teapots.

>> I beg your pardon, Professor Killbane.

You're in the next compartment, aren't you?

>> I am.

>> I'm afraid we'll have to ask you a few questions.

>> Now don't tell me that you're going to start!

>> You mind?

>> Why of course I mind!

>> Come on, in you go.

>> A brilliant mind, but there have been times when... >> When your scientist mind has shown him the way.

>> Exactly.

You take the death of young Carstairs for instance.

I knew from the first it was poison.

>> The scientific approach, of course.

>> The murderer used a hypodermic.

Some rare poison from South America probably.

>> Or India.

>> Yes, yes, India.

>> I've been to India.

So have you.

>> Yes.

Yes, of course.

(laughing) You've been to India.

>> I don't like your attitude, Professor Killbane, I don't like it at all!

>> Perhaps not, but I'm on this train for legitimate reasons.

I've neither the time nor the inclination to assist you with your work.

>> You're perfectly within your right, sir, and I'm sure that Inspector Lastrade appreciates that.

>> Thank you, sir.

Now if you've no objection, I have some work to do which requires concentration.

>> Mathematics?

>> Yes.

>> Interesting study.

>> If you don't mind.

>> Holmes: Looking for something, Lady Margaret?

>> I came to get my bag.

The door's locked.

>> Naturally.

Perhaps I can help you.

>> Thank you.

Mr. Holmes, I must talk to you about the diamond.

>> Oh don't you worry about that, Lady Margaret.

>> 50,000 pounds and you tell me not to worry?

My son employed this man to guard it and it was stolen right under his very nose.

I warn you, I intend to take this matter up with your superiors.

>> I'm a private agent, Lady Margaret.

>> Good.

I shall report you both to Scotland Yard.

>> But I am Scotland Yard!

>> Lady Carstairs ate at the dining car alone.

You and I were already there.

Holmes came in later and I understand that Inspector Lestrade remained in his compartment with the curtains opened so that if anyone had got in or out he would have seen them.

>> I see, you've got something there.

>> Let's look at this thing objectively.

Lady Carstairs seemed more concerned, was more concerned of the loss of the diamond than of the death of her son.

>> By jove, you're right!

So she was!

(knocking) >> Come in.

>> Oh, there you are, Watson.

>> Sit down.

Have a drink?

>> No thanks, you mind if I... >> Not at all.

>> I've been thinking about this case, Holmes, that is Duncan-Bleek and I have.

>> Yes, so I see.

>> The way we figure it out, the old trout is the only one without an alibi.

>> Yes, we feel that you're approaching the whole thing from the wrong angle.

>> Really, Watson?

What's your theory?

>> Insurance.

A lot of people insure jewelry and then try and collect on it.

>> Interesting suggestion, suppose you go and ask Lady Margaret just how much insurance she carries on the Star of Rhodesia.

>> No thank you.

I've already had two tries, why don't you ask her yourself?

>> Holmes: Very simple reason, I already know.

You're quite a doodler, sir.

>> If you know, why'd you ask me?

Try to make a fool of me.

(train whistles) >> Mr. and Mrs. Shellcross.

Teapots.

Well we can eliminate them.

Professor William Killbane, I've sent a telegram to the Edinborough police to check up on that mathematics professor.

>> Interesting.

>> Now what?

>> Or just a coincidence.

>> What's a coincidence?

>> The fact that this fellow Killbane happens to be a professor of mathematics.

>> Oh.

Come again, Mr. Holmes?

>> Lestrade, did you ever hear of Colonel Sebastian Moran?

>> Of course I did, what about him?

>> Well then as you know, Colonel Sebastian Moran was the most sinister, ruthless and diabolically clever henchman of our late but unlamented friend Professor Moriarty.

I've never seen him, but I've been unpleasantly conscious of his presence more than once.

As a matter of fact he was directly responsible for what very nearly turned out to be my premature death on three separate occasions.

>> Very pretty, Mr. Holmes, what's all that got to do with all this?

>> Possibly nothing.

However, his specialty was spectacular jewel robberies.

For relaxation he was addicted to the study of mathematics.

>> Are you inferring that this Professor Killbane is Colonel Sebastian Moran?

That he murdered young Carstairs and stole the diamond?

Well what about this woman, this Vivian Vedder, what about her?

No one's above suspicion.

And Lady Margaret.

She might have a motive for wanting the Star of Rhodesia stolen.

She wasn't very concerned over the death of her son.

And this friend of Doctor Watson's, this Major Duncan-Bleek.

Might be just as sensible to suspect him.

Now as far as we know, only four persons knew the Star of Rhodesia was on this train.

Yourself, Doctor Watson, the murdered...

The dead lad and myself.

>> And Lady Margaret.

>> And Lady Margaret.

I'll have another talk with her ladyship.

(knocking) Lady Margaret, do you mind if I come in?

>> Well Holmes.

>> Leave it open, will you?

>> Lucky beggar.

>> Who's a lucky beggar?

>> Duncan-Bleek.

I've been playing cards with him.

He went all the way across, I believe the expression is.

>> Have you been with him all this time?

>> Yeah, just left him.

He introduced me to a newfangled game.

Gin rummy, he called it.

American, I believe.

A lot of bookkeeping connected with it.

You ever hear of it?

(dramatic music) >> Still looking for the murderer, Inspector?

>> Impossible fellow.

Strange.

(dramatic music) (glass shattering) Vanished into thin air.

Oh there you are.

Where have you been?

I asked you where you'd been.

Well?

What's happened?

>> I'd been observing the landscape from the door at the end of the corridor.

>> I'd just been along there, didn't see you, the door was shut.

>> Naturally.

I was on the outside.

>> The outside?

>> Yes.

You must try it sometime.

Let's go take a look at that coffin.

If you remember, I was interrupted the last time.

>> Sorry.

(knocking) >> I'm Sherlock Holmes, do you mind if I inspect a coffin you're carrying to Scotland?

>> No one is allowed in here, Mr. Holmes.

>> I'll take the responsibility, excuse me.

Does it occur to you, Watson, that this is a very unusual coffin?

>> I don't know, a trifle ornate perhaps.

>> I wasn't thinking of a fitting as it's a... Do you mind if we open it?

>> It's forbidden, sir.

>> Sorry, go on, Watson.

>> But you can't do that, sir!

>> We'll have to.

>> Excuse me please.

>> No lady.

>> As I thought, shallow.

Body only comes down to about here.

>> You think there's a secret compartment underneath?

>> There has to be.

>> Watson: Empty.

>> Yes, but it's been recently occupied.

Will you ask Lestrade to come in here, he's with Lady Margaret.

>> Right sure, Holmes.

>> Have you let anyone else in here?

>> No.

>> (indistinct), eh?

>> It gives me something to do.

>> Come quick.

>> What is it?

>> It's the coffin.

Holmes found a false bottom in it with enough room for the murderer to hide in.

>> Huh?

>> What is all this, Mr. Holmes?

>> There's where your murderer's been hiding, Lestrade.

>> It's just a question of finding him, isn't it, Mr. Holmes?

>> Not him, them.

>> Eh?

>> This (indistinct) is obviously the work of two men, the one who planned it and the other who hid in the coffin and at a prearranged time emerged to commit the murder and affect the robbery.

>> What are you talking about?

>> Colonel Sebastian Moran.

>> You've got that man on the brain, Mr. Holmes.

>> My dear Lestrade, I accepted this case because I was virtually certain that Colonel Sebastian Moran could not resist such a tempting morsel as the Star of Rhodesia.

I'm convinced that he's the brains behind this case and that he's on this train.

>> Oh, and how would you go about finding out which one of the passengers is this Colonel Sebastian Moran?

>> If he is one of the passengers.

I suggest that you start by questioning Ms. Vedder, it might prove interesting.

>> Eh?

Oh!

(train whistles) >> Ms. Vedder, I want to ask you a few questions and I must warn you anything you say may be used against you.

>> Oh?

>> Now about your mother.

>> This isn't your mother after all, is it?

>> Perhaps if you explain?

>> That coffin, we've examined it.

>> Found a secret compartment.

>> Well come on, let's have it!

>> Have what?

>> The whole story!

>> If you insist.

A man approached me and asked me to take a coffin to Scotland.

He offered me 100 pounds.

>> Were you aware that the coffin had a secret compartment?

>> I was.

>> What story did this person tell you to account for a man being concealed in the coffin?

>> That someone had to leave London, foreign agents were watching the trains.

>> Foreign agents?

>> All right, maybe I didn't believe that foreign agents story.

>> You realize of course this makes you an accomplice.

>> What was the name of the man who approached you?

>> I don't remember.

>> Ms. Vedder, the man who engaged you to take this coffin to Scotland, was it by any chance this man here?

>> I say old man, aren't you making a mistake?

>> My dear Watson, just what do you know about Major Duncan-Bleek?

>> I've known him for years, he's a member of my club!

>> I say, is this a joke?

>> Does the name Colonel Moran mean anything to you, sir?

>> Colonel Moran?

>> Yes, Colonel Sebastian Moran.

>> I'm afraid it doesn't.

Good heavens, you don't think that I- >> Oh no no, of course not, you have the perfect alibi, Doctor Watson.

>> Oh yes, of course, course.

>> Good heavens, gentlemen, you're at perfect liberty to search my compartment, to search me.

If you find the diamond, I- >> That won't be necessary.

The Star of Rhodesia has not been stolen.

>> What's that, Mr. Holmes?

>> An imitation was stolen and I have the real one.

>> You've got it?

>> My dear Lestrade, surely you didn't think I would allow Lady Margaret to retain the genuine diamond when I felt reasonably certain that an attempt would be made to steal it.

I have had it in my possession almost from the moment I boarded the train.

>> Confound it, Mr. Holmes, you had no right to do that!

This is a police matter!

Come on, let me have it.

>> My job was to see that it wasn't stolen, it wasn't.

>> I don't know what this is all about, but I do know that I never seen this gentleman before in my life.

>> I shall have to ask you to remain in your compartment until we reach Edinborough.

>> Inspector Lestrade.

>> Huh, oh.

>> Telegram for you, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> I'm sorry old man, I'm afraid my friend owes you an apology.

>> Oh that's all right, Watson, in a case like this naturally everyone is suspected.

>> We all make mistakes, even Holmes is not infallible.

After all, the killer is still at large you know.

>> Yes he is, isn't he?

Well goodnight.

>> Goodnight, old boy, don't worry.

>> I think I'll have another little chat with that professor fellow.

>> Something important, Lestrade?

>> You have your secrets, Mr. Holmes, I have mine.

This is Inspector Lestrade.

>> Look here, is this racket going to continue all night?

>> Professor Killbane, you told me you were on the staff at the University of Edinborough.

>> I said nothing of the kind!

>> You most certainly did, I heard you, Mr. Holmes here heard you.

Oh.

>> I merely said that I was a professor of mathematics and that I was returning to my home in Edinborough.

>> Well it might be necessary to talk to you again later.

>> You come pounding on this door again and I'll have the law on you.

>> I am the law!

>> And stop barging in and out of my room like a chambermaid!

>> What?

Where is everybody?

(dramatic music) >> Sir, the chap doesn't want to open the door probably.

>> This should help us.

(door slams) >> Hello?

Who shut that door?

Great scott, the guard!

>> The murderer came back to the scene.

>> Hypodermic.

>> Look again, old fellow.

A scratch, just a scratch.

Like the one on Roland Carstairs.

>> A small dart.

Apparently made of some soluble substance.

>> Probably a gelatin preparation that melts in the wound.

That's why you couldn't see anything on Carstairs.

The murderer was about to get rid of the body and he heard the knock and became frightened, here, let me have that, will you?

(dramatic music) (train whistles) >> Come away from that door.

Were you seen coming in here?

>> No.

Sherlock Holmes and the fat bloke are in the luggage van now.

>> How about the guard in the corridor?

>> He didn't see me.

I fixed him temporarily.

Guard in the van dead.

I had to kill him.

Here, you'd better take this.

>> This isn't the Star of Rhodesia.

>> You wouldn't be trying to double cross me, would you?

>> Sherlock Holmes got the diamond and replaced it with this imitation.

Now that Scotland Yard inspector has the real Star of Rhodesia.

Was he with Holmes and Watson in the luggage van?

>> No.

>> Good, then he's probably in his compartment.

But you'll have to hurry.

>> I don't like it.

>> Neither do I.

All you have to do is to relieve him of the diamond.

>> Scotland Yard Inspector, why, that's something different.

>> Naturally, it will be more money for you.

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Come on.

He's in there.

>> He's got the diamond.

>> You use this.

(train whistles) (groaning) >> No, no, don't shoot!

Shoot!

No, don't shoot!

(gunshot pops) >> Hello.

That fellow you put on guard isn't there.

>> So I observed.

That's strange.

>> What is?

Lestrade!

>> Here, help me to get him up onto the seat.

>> He's coming to.

Hand me that water, will you?

It's nothing very serious.

I'll tend to him properly later on.

>> Poisoned like the others.

>> It's gone.

The diamond's gone.

>> Gone?

And we better search for murder at once?

>> No use, old fellow.

The man who killed him has the Star of Rhodesia.

>> What's that?

>> It's an air pistol, Lestrade, it fires a poison dart.

It's quite an unusaul design.

You were attacked because you had the diamond.

Fortunately this wasn't used on you.

Hello, we're coming to a stop.

Police.

Scottish police.

>> I don't feel up to it, Mr. Holmes.

Would you be good enough to talk to them?

>> Certainly.

>> Thank you.

>> You keep quiet now, boy.

Be back in a minute.

>> Mr. Holmes, this is Inspector McDonald of the Edinborough police.

>> How do you do?

>> I happened to be in this district on another case and I received this telegram from headquarters.

>> You'll wanna talk to Inspector Lestrade.

>> In due time, but I'm in charge here.

This is Scotland, you've crossed the border.

>> We've had a spot of trouble here, Inspector.

>> That's why I'm here.

Who are you, might I ask?

>> Sherlock Holmes.

>> The private inquiry agent, eh?

I've heard of you.

>> Heard of him?

Mr. Holes has practically solved this case already.

>> Watson.

>> Will you clear the dining cart, I want to ask a few questions.

>> Yes, sir.

>> And see that no one leaves his compartment until I need him for questioning.

>> Very good, sir.

>> Inspector Lestrade asked me to sit in with you.

>> It's a bit unusual, but- >> Scotland Yard thinks a great deal of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

They frequently ask his advice.

>> Scotland Yard, eh?

Where is this Inspector Lestrade?

>> Watson, would you see if Inspector Lestrade is sufficiently recovered to come into the dining car?

>> Right you are.

>> Ms. Vedder, I know all about you and frankly you're in for it.

>> All I did was buy a coffin and bring it on the train.

>> In my opinion, this is a matter for Scotland Yard.

>> Scotland Yard's jurisdiction ended when you crossed the border, Inspector.

>> So you say.

>> That's a matter of opinion.

Ms. Vedder is unquestionably in the plot.

>> But you may not know Colonel Moran however.

>> I don't.

>> Colonel Sebastian Moran?

Is he in this?

>> You know him?

>> Unfortunately I do.

You may return to your compartment.

>> You said unfortunately.

>> Aye, I once had an encounter with Colonel Moran.

The only time in my entire career I've been bested.

The cleverest criminal since the late Professor Moriarty.

>> That I concur.

>> Where is this Sebastian Moran?

>> He's traveling on this train under the name of Major Duncan-Bleek.

>> What on Earth are you talking about?

>> Lestrade: Are you serious, Mr. Holmes?

>> Constable, bring in Duncan-Bleek.

>> Aye, sir.

>> Watson: Duncan-Bleek?

But he played for the gentlemen at laud.

(knocking) >> Come in.

>> Duncan-Bleek?

>> Yes?

>> Inspector McDonald would like to see you.

>> All right.

>> McDonald: Colonel Sebastian Moran, eh?

It will give me great pleasure, Mr. Holmes, to meet up with that scoundrel again.

>> You wanted to see me?

>> Yes, Colonel Moran.

You're under arrest.

>> Oh, so you've managed to convince him that I'm the mythical Colonel Moran.

>> Not mythical, Colonel.

Have you forgotten that incident in Inverness three years ago?

>> I've never been in Inverness in my life.

>> You mind if I search you?

>> Go ahead.

(dramatic music) For an innocent man, you carry strange things in your pockets.

>> A retired army officer, India.

>> But you're in Scotland now and there's a law against carrying firearms.

>> Well are you satisfied?

>> Not quite, Colonel.

Now I am satisfied.

This clears things up pretty well.

We'll be coming into Topham in a few minutes.

>> Train doesn't stop at Topham, I'm afraid.

>> I'm afraid you're wrong this time, Holmes.

This train will stop at Topham.

(train whistles) >> You're only delaying the inevitable, Colonel Moran.

You can't get away.

(groaning) (suspenseful music) >> Out of the way, Inspector!

>> All right, Inspector McDonald, here's your man.

>> Who pulled that cord?

>> It's all right, conductor, we get off here with our prisoner.

Constables, take him off.

>> Quite a struggle, Mr. McDonald.

>> Good work, Mr. Holmes.

Perhaps I underestimated you.

Was it you who hit me?

>> Oh I'm terribly sorry.

You must accept my apologies.

(train whistles) (dramatic music) Well that's that.

>> Where's Lestrade?

>> Look under that table over there.

>> That's not Lestrade.

Great scott, it's Duncan-Bleek!

>> You mean Colonel Sebastian Moran, come on old fellow, give me a hand.

>> What's all this about?

Where's Inspector McDonald?

>> He's just got off the train.

>> He couldn't have, he couldn't!

>> Oh but he has.

A very clever plot, Colonel Moran.

Your henchmen masquerading as policemen come aboard the train, arrest you, stop the train and take you off.

>> But this is fantastic!

>> Yes it is, isn't it?

And it's a scheme worthy of Colonel Sebastian Moran, he planned the whole thing including the coffin with a secret compartment and in case anything went wrong, the pseudo policemen to come aboard and take him off the train before he reached Edinborough.

>> Then where is Lestrade?

>> Well I imagine at the moment he's pretty well occupied.

>> Just a minute, McDonald!

Get over there, all of you, you're under arrest.

Now put up your hands!

>> Driver, take us to the nearest police station.

Come on, get over here.

>> Then the poke in the eye I received from Sherlock Holmes wasn't an accident after all.

>> That is a matter of opinion.

Come on, get in.

>> Send that off as soon as possible, will you?

>> Very good, sir.

It's a telegram to the police to meet us when we arrive.

>> But how did you know this fellow wasn't the real Inspector McDonald?

>> Elementary, my dear Watson.

In the first place, he didn't put handcuffs on Colonel Moran, so I had to do it myself.

In the second place, Inspector McDonald during the fight was more hindrance than help which is not characteristic of a real policeman.

>> Watson: Amazing, Holmes.

(indistinct) >> Holmes: Yes, I forgot to mention that I also happen to know the real Inspector McDonald of the Edinborough police.

>> Watson: Was Lastrade in on all this?

>> Holmes: Yes, and surprisingly enough he grasped the situation immediately.

>> That's very unusual, least we know who done it.

>> Moran: Very clever, Holmes.

You've got me, but you haven't got the Star of Rhodesia.

>> Holmes: Oh but I have.

Even the substitution a big hulk like Lestrade for you, Colonel Moran, it's no very great feat to switch a little thing like a diamond.

(orchestral music)