The Problem of Thor Bridge, Part 1

Sherlock Holmes Bedtime Stories

Dr. Watson recounts the beginning of a high-stakes investigation into the murder of Mrs. Neil Gibson, wife of an American mining magnate. Th

Key takeaways

• Neil Gibson, known as the 'Gold King,' is a powerful American mining magnative residing in England.
• The victim, Mrs. Neil Gibson, was found dead near Thor Bridge with a fatal gunshot wound to the brain.

Main topics

• The death of Mrs. Neil Gibson
• The investigation of Miss Dunbar

Notable quotes

I can discover facts, Watson, but I cannot change them.

Conclusion

The episode establishes a tense atmosphere of mystery and personal con

Transcript preview

Speaker 1 (0:03) Hello and welcome to the Sherlock Holmes Bedtime Stories podcast. Each episode is a section from a classic Sherlock Holmes story with relaxing music to help you fall asleep. If you love the podcast and never miss an episode, please follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a five-star rating. If our podcast has become a part of your bedtime routine, please consider supporting the show by clicking the link in the show notes. Our show is completely free. In part, thanks to support from listeners like you. There are options to give one time or on a monthly basis. So sleep easier by clicking the support this podcast link in the show notes and become a supporter today. And as always, if you're enjoying the pod, please spread the word. Sharing with friends and family really does help. Thank you for joining us this evening. Now it's time to relax. Let your body fall into a comfortable position in your bed and drift gently into a state of total relaxation with tonight's story. The Problem of Thorbridge Part 1 Somewhere in the vaults of the Bank of Cox and Co. at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered-tin dispatch box with my name, John H. Watson, M.D., Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid. It is crammed with papers, nearly all of which are records of cases to illustrate the curious problems which Mr. Sherlock Holmes had at various times to examine. Some, and not the least interesting, were complete failures, and as such will hardly bear narrating, since no final explanation is forthcoming. A problem without a solution may interest the student, but can hardly fail to annoy the casual reader. Speaker 1 (2:09) Among these unfinished tales is that of Mr. James Fillimore, who, stepping back into his own house to get his umbrella, was never more seen in this world. No less remarkable is that of the cutter Alicia, which sailed one spring morning into a small patch of mist from where she never again emerged, nor was anything further ever heard of herself and her crew. Speaker 1 (2:33) A third case worthy of note is that of Isadora Persano, the well-known journalist and dualist who was found stark staring mad with a matchbox in front of him, which contained a remarkable worm said to be unknown to science. Apart from these unfathomed cases, there are some which involve the secrets of private families, to an extent which would mean consternation in many exalted quarters if it were thought possible that they might find their way into print. Speaker 1 (3:03) I need not say that such a breach of confidence is unthinkable, and that these records will be separated and destroyed now that my friend has time to turn his energies to the matter. There remain a considerable residue of cases of greater or less interest, which I might have edited before had I not feared to give the public a surfeit which might react upon the reputation of the man whom above all others I revere. Speaker 1 (3:30) In some I was myself concerned and can speak as an eyewitness, while in others I was either not present or played so small a part that they could only be told as by a third person. The following narrative is drawn from my own experience. It was a wild morning in October, and I observed as I was dressing how the last remaining leaves were being whirled from the solitary plane tree which graces the yard behind our house. Speaker 1 (4:01) I descended to breakfast prepared to find my companion in depressed spirits, for like all great artists, he was easily impressed by his surroundings. On the contrary, I found that he had nearly finished his meal, and that his mood was particularly bright and joyous with that somewhat sinister cheerfulness which was characteristic of his lighter moments. You have a case, Holmes, I remarked. Speaker 1 (4:31) The faculty of deduction is certainly contagious, Watson, he answered. It has enabled you to probe my secret. Yes, I have a case. After a month of trivialities and stagnation, the wheels move once more. Might I share it? Speaker 1 (4:52) There is little to share, but we may discuss it when you have consumed the two hard-boiled eggs with which our new cook has favoured us. Their condition may not be unconnected with the copy of the family herald which I observed yesterday upon the hall table. Even so, trivial a matter as cooking an egg demands an attention which is conscious of the passage of time, and incompatible with the love romance in that excellent periodical. A