Welcome to Sherlock Holmes short stories. I'm Hugh Bonneville and from the Noiser Podcast Network.

This is The Adventure of the Ryegate Squire, Part 2. Last time we found homes in a state of physical and mental exhaustion, following a particularly trying case.

Dr. Watson took his friend to recuperate at the Surrey home of his old army friend Colonel Hater,

hoping for a peaceful country retreat.

Their rest was quickly interrupted, however, when the colonel shared news of a puzzling burglary

at the home of local squire Acton, where the

thieves took an odd assortment of items, a volume of Homer, two candlesticks, a paperweight,

a barometer, and a ball of twine. Despite Watson's protests, Holmes couldn't help showing interest

in this curious case.

The situation became more serious the following morning when they learned that a second

break-in had occurred at the neighboring estate of the Cunningham's, this time resulting

in murder.

William Kerwin, the coachman, was shot dead after apparently disturbing the intruder.

Inspector Forrester arrived, seeking Holmes' assistance and revealed a critical piece of evidence.

A torn scrap of paper found clutched in the dead man's hand, apparently bearing the time of an

appointment.

Both old Mr. Cunningham and his son Alec claimed to have witnessed parts

of the crime, with the elder Cunningham seeing the murderer flee over the hedge. Holmes,

suddenly energized by the case, went to investigate the crime scene. Upon his return, he insisted

that all four men, Holmes, Watson, the Colonel and

the Inspector, visit the Cunningham estate together. There they encountered the dismissive

Cunningham's father and son, who seemed skeptical of Holmes' abilities. But just as Holmes

...